Taylor Hicks had been in New Orleans the night before Hurricane Katrina hit, he encountered problems trying to evacuate the city, but he succeeded. Handling matters in a diplomatic manner, the airline responded in kind, providing him a free ticket anywhere in the country.
He had planned to attend the Memphis September 5th, American Idol auditions, but they were cancelled; Memphis could not take in the American Idol crowds with incoming victims from Katrina requiring shelter. Instead of forfeiting his efforts to try out for this show, Taylor later used that free ticket to attend the Las Vegas auditions.
In the Vegas audition, he performed accappella, Sam Cooke's classic, "A Change is Gonna Come". This performance awarded another ticket for Hicks, the 'golden ticket' to Hollywood. (Thanks to support from judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul who overruled judge Cowell.) This song has been adopted by Hicks' fanbase as an anthem, perhaps the first karmatically selected song choice
The Soulman performed; the audition and song stand as the defining moment the silver-haired young man attracted the attention of his now currently burgeoning fanbase. Previously casual American Idol watchers as well as folks who have never watched this show have morphed into devoted viewers - and voters. A change is gonna come, indeed.
"Will it Go 'round in Circles" was a song Taylor Hicks performed while on his hometown visit in Alabama. This song is included in Hicks' regular repertoire he and his band perform. Mr. Hicks has been unabashedly upfront with the media and his fanbase in his desire to win this talent show.
Considering how fans of this insanely popular show spend much of their time and personal funds to promote their favorite, it is rewarding to see and hear Taylor Hicks declare consistantly, heartily and passionately, his desire to win. His 'shout outs' of "Soul Patrol", the repeated expressions of thanks to that fanbase, following every televised performance, including all of his recent Alabama appearances are truly indicative of a man as devoted to his fans as they are apparently devoted to him.
Taylor Hicks uniquely demonstrates gratefullness vociferously, in a way not often seen in the world of celebrity. But 'will it go 'round in circles'? Will all the love and affection deliver Taylor Hicks the Idol win?
Taylor has performed memorable songs such as Elton John's "Levon", he gave his heart and soul to The Doobie Brothers' "Taking it to the Streets," demonstrating fierce energy, "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne showcased brilliant vocal attributes, as well as did "Something," by George Harrison. His performance, "In the Ghetto" by Elvis Presley artfully breathed new life into an old song.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Tom Wilson
You and Nora have both hit home runs in the last two days with your articles on Taylor. And once again, I agree with every word.
I think their USA Today interviews brought it all home. Katharine talked about meeting with a management company, how she wanted to put broadway on her resume, and become the next Kelly Clarkson. Taylor was most excited about getting a bus to travel in. Even now, his entire focus is on bringing his music to as many people as he can -- while riding in a little more comfort than the van he's been travelling in.
I hope he wins. I do have a somewhat lengthy explanation for why the AI voting system GUARANTEES micro-thin percentages when it gets down to the top two or three contestants, even if one contestant has a far greater number of people trying to vote for them. I'd be glad to add it in another comment, if you're interested.
Tom
2 - Melanie
I see a pure love of the music in Taylor. He is going to be making music somewhere, whether or not he wins the American Idol contest. All I see out of Katharine is someone looking out only for herself. I don't see ANY of the sheer love of music that should be in someone who is an American Idol. Lord, I hope Taylor wins. You can be sure that I will be voting...and I have NEVER voted before.
3 - NR Davis
Ms. Richardson, great job! Go TAYLOR!
4 - Jewels
Tom, I would be very interested in hearing your theory as would others. Please do share in this blog. Thanks for your input. Regarding his desire for a tour bus and going on the road, how very Taylor is that? He is bursting to share his music. I read the USA Interviews and you're right, completely sizes up the motivation and heart of each of them. Could they be more polar opposites?
Melanie, I am so glad to hear you'll be voting like never before, as will I and many others.
Ms. Davis, thank you. Took me long enough to muddle through. (Being Sunday I did not want to pull on your editing expertise.) I am so pumped about Tuesday!
5 - NR Davis
Check out this weeTV Guide (at a discount price - only 49 cents): GREAT feature on AI with a really nice segment on each of the top 3 and even a bit on Chris. The Taylor stuff... whoo! And he looks like a star in that buttoned-down white shirt with the rolled sleeves.
6 - Tom Wilson
Okay, here goes on why the AI voting system guarantees a micro-thin voting margin when it's down to the last two or three. I'll try to be as brief as I can.
The problem is that for any given second during the voting period, there are only "x" number of phone lines available to accept votes. (As any of us who have tried to vote, we know that all lines are busy the vast majority of the time.)
Okay, for example purposes, let's say that for any given second, there are 1000 available lines to register a vote for each contestant. During that second, if Contestant A has 1100 people calling in to vote for them, and Contestant B has 2500 people calling in to vote for them, each contestant will be credited with exactly 1000 votes, since that's the max available. And that 1000 total votes per second will apply to each second during the voting period where each contestant has more than 1000 voters calling in, even if one, again, has 1100 per second and the other has 2500 per second.
Other than text message votes, the ONLY way one contestant can pick up votes over the other is in the limited number of seconds when less than 1000 votes are cast in a second for one contestant. In this example, say Contestant A receives 950 votes in one second, and Contestant B receives 2000 votes, Contestant B will gain exactly 50 votes over Contestant A (since 1000 is the max).
I hope this makes sense to everyone. The bottom line is that, with the voting system in place, it is almost impossible for one contestant to gain huge numbers of votes over another contestant, even if there is a huge difference in the number of people voting for each contestant.
The only variable is text messaging, which apparently does not have a per-second limitation. For that reason, my wife and I will both be text messaging a lot of votes tomorrow night. For Taylor, of course.
Tom
7 - Mark Bellinghaus
Ho come on--did you see SNL last night? It started out with a long American Idol joke, performed by two time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and then in the news update who came to visit? A parody of Taylor Hicks and I thought that is it--he's gonna make it, cause people like to laugh not only about him, but more important WITH him.
If I had the chance to vote and I may will just do that--I will for the grey ghost! The chick is cool, but she blends in like a Pepsi commercial at the Super Bowl.
Sorry, that is just my opinion and I saw him in the first shows and he seemed a bit embarrassed because of his hair, age etc. but now he is going to be the big surprise! Hollywood: anything goes, as long as it is unique. And he definetely is. He found his niche and he will be successful with it.
Good Luck Taylor, not only your name has star qualities--to me you sticked out of the crowd from the beginning and with some singing lessons you may be on Elvis' foot prints, or maybe just Joe Cocker's and Ray Charles'
8 - Mark Bellinghaus
I meant to say Oh come on! Sorry. lol
9 - NR Davis
Just Joe Cocker's and Ray Charles'? Wow, I'd settle for that.
10 - Mark Bellinghaus
I was lucky to saw Ray Charles live on tour and he was blowing you away. I know that is a long way for that Idol guy Taylor; I meant to say that Ray Charles is one of his obvious role models and yeah--Cooker as well. What do you think of Taylor, NR?
11 - Jewels
Mark, SNL has been great for him, such a great compliment in their wacky way. Statement, he is distinct, original - qualities that help pave the way in the entertainment business. I had heard along the grapevine, there's a possibility for him to make an actual appearance on SNL in the future. They would love to have him. Sort of a which is the real Taylor, or the duelling Taylors!
I agree, in the audition phase in Las Vegas and first several shows he did seem shy, but I could see in his eyes determination, fire and desire.
12 - NR Davis
This sums up my feelings about Taylor Hicks.
13 - Mark Bellinghaus
Jewels! You are right and I would prefer Taylor Hicks than seeing that Paris Bimbo Hilton for sure at any given Saturday night anyhow. And I bet that if he will win the contest that he will maybe even open the new season--he would bring some freshness into that same ol same ol business that is called fighting wanna be Divas and paparazi escaping but paparazi addicted crap shooters.
Let's even cross our toes for him. But I think he will make it.
14 - Mark Bellinghaus
Oh wow--you do love him, yo really really do love him! lol Wonderful. So we three agree and we are stating the general public--sure thing! Votes are in--a clear win for the grey ghost Taylor Hicks! YEAH!
15 - Jewels
I love your article, Ms. Davis. A fabulous summation. I stopped by the A.I. boards briefly today and bumped your article up on top again today for the Soul Patrollers that missed it previously, so they could read it - it took off again. It's very heartfelt and sums up how a lot of fans feel about Taylor.
16 - NR Davis
The article is still being discussed over there? Shelf life over there is about 10 minutes. Interesting. I'm not wild about that board; much too crazy and too many meanspirited posters. Being a Taylor fan doesn't mean someone has to hate any other contestant and vice versa. There are some people there (a relative few, of course) that are taking this way too seriously and saying things I expect they'll regret when all the hoopla subsides.
17 - Cherie
I've text votes for Taylor from week 1. Taylor is one of a kind-he is a 'southern gentleman', is handsome (love that great smile), not at all arrogant, just confident and loves what he does.
I love his voice (I am a Ray Charles, Joe Cocker fan), I love his moves and I loved the latest sexy 'woos' he added in 'You are so Beautiful'-a lot is written about Taylor but women think he is very sexy..full of charisma, makes people forget the troubles in our screwed up world and smile..we love him!!! Taylor has so many fans worldwide (unfortunately not all can vote for him) that if Fox or anyone gave him his own TV show they would also have 'instant fans that go with Taylor - he would be an exciting and refreshing outlet (from all the trash on TV). Taylor needs to be on TV!!! Keep those text messages coming.
18 - mike
I think there is only one Taylor and many many Katharine's around. Therefore my vote goes to somebody who breathes music out of his very being.
19 - Azure
That shy guy, who at his audition, said "Just give me a chance", has almost come full circle.
Wouldn't it be awesome to see the confetti falling down on "the real deal" for a change! Not just an American Idol, but a real American Dream! A guy who wants to have a bus to tour the country making music, maybe get a little place by a lake where he can look at the water, and have a girl, who can among other things, cook turnip greens. A humble guy, who is overwhelmed by his fans' support - It doesn't get much better than this!
We've got your back, Taylor! We love you - no matter what the outcome this week. Congratulations for making it this far, and thank you for the renewed spirit you've given us!
Let's rally round folks! TH needs all of our votes. Your time and effort will be rewarded when you see his smile on Wednesday night!
20 - Jewels
Azure, love your post. I too adore his take on life and what he deems important. He's a real person with actual natural talent. Less than 48 hours.
21 - Barb
Bravo on hitting the nail on the head yet again!
Yes, Karms is an interesting thing, Taylor is a
winner in my book no matter what the outcome!
Love from Canada
22 - Jewels
Hi Barb! Thanks for stopping by; just over 24 hours for the last performance then on to the next challenge.
He was so cool in Alabama. Loved the turn-out everywhere.
23 - lily
Hey
Great post!! It says exactly how I feel about Taylor and more!!
I don't live in the US so I can't vote, but all I can say is VOTE LIKE MAD GUYS!!!!!! TEXT AND PHONE, IT DOESN'T MATTER!! JUST VOTE VOTE VOTE
24 - Karen
I really hope Taylor wins. You've got what it take to be the next American Idol... the one and only Soul Patrol!
Love ya!
25 - Lydia
Maybe Taylor should sing something by McDonald tonight. His voice is similar but Taylor is totally more exciting to watch. I can't wait until he has the whole stage to himself and can add his harmonica. Just a totally wonderful "real" man. Go Taylor! Let's not stop voting until the whole two hours are up.