Last night's American Idol finale was all about the surprise apperance of Prince.
Taylor Hicks is just a memory in what was yet another bad American Idol closer. When Taylor and Katherine sang "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," I felt like I was listening to someone scratch nails on a chalkboard. I was totally disappointed, but more than that, I don't even care who won American Idol this season because last night was all about PRINCE!!…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - MANDY HICKS
I LOVED THE WHOLE SHOW! TAYLOR YOU ROCK.
27 - Greasy Guide
with that greay hair, out of shape body, and old man walk he could be someones grandpa...
28 - Hicks4President
I love the GRAY hair, and you can always loose weight. You can't learn talent. The fact that he looks the way he does, just means that he won on talent.
29 - Andrew
Prince rocked as always!
He had that hollyweird/idol audience going nuts-o
as only he can do!
A real musician that can sign like no other
3121
30 - Zaldor
The fact that Taylor won also shows that Americans are brainwashed lemmings. They put out more votes for AI than they do for their own president, and they are more passionate about who the winner is or is not than they are about a war that we should not be involved in... what is the country coming to.
For the record, Taylor is a horrible singer, he'll never have a hit, will never be played on radio past this summer, and he'll be forgotten, just like Fantasia, Ruben, and that sideshow bob look alike... what was his name?? LOL
31 - StefiG
I just want to say I am proud of the American public for not letting Taylor's gray hair and not so mainstream looks get in the way of becoming the American Idol. It gives me hope that people in this country are becoming more open minded and accepting of people regardless of their looks. Taylor made me smile every time he performed. I love him. He has passion, and love for music. I believe that is why he won.
32 - Me
Well only time will tell who has the "real talent" when Kat is on the Billboard Charts at #1 and Taylor is in the $2 sale bin of CD's as a no hit wonder.
33 - Hicks4President
Wow, that sounds like a great idea for a movie... oh wait... Talk about brainwashed. It's a singing competition. Taylor won. He's not marketable, fine. But anyone who says he can't sing or doesn't have talent either wants to exaggerate or belinger the marketability point or has the musical aptitude of a field mice. And that would be a compliment.
34 - Me
R u getting a kickback from Taylor? I never said he didn't have talent. He does...as a Karaoke singer.
35 - Bliffle
I didn't watch Idol, as usual, but maybe I'll catch a reprise with Prince. FWIW, the best music video I've ever seen is "Kiss".
36 - THE DON
I WANNA START BY ADDRESSING THE COMMENT MADE BY MIGUEL TOWARDS FANTASIA, “TALENTLESS” I THINK NOT! SHE WAS ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMERS THE IDOL HAS SEEN. SELLING MILLIONS! KEEP SILLY ASS COMMENTS LIKE THAT TO YOURSELF, NOONE BELIEVES THAT! AND FOR MR. “F-OFF” WHO PAST THE COMMENT AND BOUT PRINCE BEING A FREAK AND DISGRACE TO HUMANITY’ YOU NEED TO APPLY YOUR NAME TO WHAT U NEED TO DO, F*** OFF!!!! PRINCE IS A HELL OF A PERFORMER, HE MAY NOT DRESS OR LOOK LIKE WHAT THE STEROTYPICAL HETEROSEXUAL MALE SHOULD LOOK LIKE BUT HE MAKES DAMN GOOD MUSIC AND HE CAN DANCE HIS ASS OFF! YOU JUST HOPE YOU LOOK THAT GOOD AT 47! SOMETIMES YOU PEOPLE JUST DON’T NEED TO POST PERIOD! I THINK THE GREY HAIR BAMA BOI DESERVES TO WIN! SURE I THINK OTHERS ON IDOL THIS YEAR “VOCALLY” SOUNDED BETTER BUT IN THE END WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO MCPHEE AND HICKS, MY VOTE WAS FOR HICKS..
37 - troy
I am not sure who the the reporter or writter of this article is or do i care,Prince was a joke he is a has been and he should have stayed where he was,maybe if he paid his state taxes in minnesota he would not have fallen off the map,he had 1 good song his movie sucked,and if taylor got lucky or whatever he worked his ass off to get that win,he stuck to his guns and you cant blame a guy for that,i agree i thought chris should have won also,but to say this show was all about Prince is a bullshit response from someone who maybe should go back to BET and come into the year 2006,your article is a letter that maybe you should have wrote to someone who gives a shit what you say,because i know if you had 63 million people reading your acticles maybe your dumb @ss would not be writting on line.
38 - troy
Well i wrote what i felt and they of curse would not print it,becasue they dont want me to hurt the writter of this articles feelings,but prince was awful coud not understand a word he said then you never could anyway,the writter of this article knows even less about talent,Taylor worked hard he deserved to win,i also liked chris i thought he should have won but i am glad for taylor,Idol did Prince a favor even letting him perform we all thought he was dead,and with his songs he sang last night he should have remaned there.I guess BET knew what they were doing for once.
39 - Joan
It was a terrific show. Thoroughly entertaining. If Elliott Yamin could not win, then I'm glad Taylor did! He's great. And what a treat to see and hear Clay Aiken. That was a special moment, and funny. No one was terrible as I've reading in some of these posts; that's ludicrous - all talented young people. Just a few thoughts from an appreciative Canadian.
40 - Greasy Guide
Troy: Grow Up! I've been in the music industry for over a long time and I make a hell of a lot more writing and doing video online then the 30-35K they'd offer you at some magazine. You need to step into 2006 and learn the reach of the internet. The music industry is dead and so is BET.
As for Taylor Hicks I'll hold my comments until his album comes out but I've never been wrong about who will sale and who won't. If he sells a million that would be only on the strength of him being on national TV. He's no Kelly Clarkson!
41 - DrPat
Anyone catch the total spoiler report by MSNBC radio yesterday during drive-time of Taylor Hicks as the American Idol winner? The local host in the SF Bay area came on right afterward with an apology for the spoiler, which was part of the network news feed they are required to play.
He speculated that NBC was trying to steal audience from the popular program by letting out the results early. (And maybe Prince defeated that attempt by being, however hot or not, THERE.)
42 - Gretchen Mora
It amazes me how many of you are SOOO judgemental and yet funny I never saw any of you on national tv trying to fullfill your dreams...grey-haired....chunky...this would desrcibed how many millions of americans who will never get any farther than a dead end job.. HHmmmm..... Way to go Taylor!.....love a good underdog & great guy come out on top....
43 - SteveS
It amazes me how many of you are SOOO judgemental
that's the 'critics' part of blogcritics.
People rationalize Mandisa leaving because America won't accept her weight. If you look at some of the talented singers during the initial rounds who don't make the cut because they are effeminate men or lumpy women, you're told that it's because an Idol is a whole package, looks, personality and voice.
Taylor Hicks does not look like an American Idol. But neither did Clay or Reuben.
So the 'looks' criteria only applies to some and not to everybody.
44 - troy
grease guy i dont know what the hell they pay you or do i care,but if youmake remarks like Taylor Hicks sounds like someone scrathing their nales on a chalk board or that Prince stole the show then you are paid way to much,Prince sounded like crap Taylor worked his butt of whether he sells a million records or not he earned what he got,and for some no name idiot to say what you said you deserve my remarks,I beleive Prince album will be in the $2.00 bins where it belongs.I also seemed to remember a guy named Michael Bolton who i thought, sucked made millions singing the same way when no one said he would make a buck,so before you put someone down for trying to live out a dream,try to remmeber what it was like when you needed someone to give your (AWESOME WRITTING) a chance.And i am sorry you might be a big Prince fan but he sounded like crap.
45 - Mike
What song did Chris sing with Live?
46 - troy
wow never been wrong you must lead a hell of a life to have never been wrong,damn i am so sorry grease i will put a call into Russell Simmons right now because he has to hire you,damn if you never been wrong he has to have you,can save him millions alone in auditions,he can just ask your advice since you have never been wrong,and if he dont call you i will put a call into P DiDDY for you,and as far as $30k i spend more than that a year in sports memorablia,i may not know alot about music talent per say,but i ben in the Bar Business for 21 years and for them 21 years i have heard them all,and i know what people like,and it is all diffrent,what makes one man happy doesnt always make another,but as longas someone likes it,who cares,and 63 million votes seems like someone like it.
47 - Brett
Prince WAS talented, back in the day, but his recent stuff is just a shadow of his former work. No one ever accused A.I. of producing talented singer/songwriters, so comparing Prince to either Hicks or McPhee, each of whom probably have the potential for more broad-based appeal than Prince ever did in his panty-wearing days, is a ridiculous waste of time.
48 - karl
when 60 millions people vote for an event, more than 20 millions more watched and didn't vote. you're talking about 100 millions for something people judge as ridiculous. i wished that my loved show on tv drained that many people. stop guys, i'm talking about people who only criticize and don't do nothing to make a change. taylor won, he was good or not is not important. he'll have a better life even if his cd will end up in the $2 rack, he doesn't care. he did what he was supposed to be doing and people like him. out of 60 millions he surely got more than 50% i let you do the math. if this guy can't sing I don't know who can sing
49 - forever_unique06
This was bond to happen, i knew from the very beginning a white man was going to win. to me it seems as though they are following a pattern, white woman, black man, black woman, white woman, white man, watch next year another black woman is going to win wheter she good or not that's just how it is with AI
50 - KB
I have to say...I've watched AI as a guilty pleasure for two years. I watched last year because of Bo Bice. I continued to watch this year because of Taylor Hicks. It was nice to see someone I like actually win something. Taylor has the talent to go far, whether or not he sells millions of albums. In fact, most of the artists I like don't sell boat loads of cd's and top Billboard. I'd rather listen to an artist of substance and passion than an image, which is why Taylor is a TRUE American Idol. He doesn't fit the cookie cutter design that Cowell and his cronies would like. Still, he'd better not drop the ball with this one. Taylor's voice deserves to be heard. He's the only winner on this show with a true sense of self...uncompromising and clear headed. It's the mark of a true MUSICIAN, something none of the others can claim.
51 - forever_unique06
This was bond to happen, i knew from the very beginning a white man was going to win. to me it seems as though they are following a pattern, white woman, black man, black woman, white woman, white man, watch next year another black woman is going to win wheter she good or not that's just how it is with AI and fantasia is not talentless, and for those who think she is are crazy, because kelly clarkson is good but i have heard better, when fantasia sings you want to listen, kelly is just another singer that has some hits has some nots so don't put her on some kind of pedastool above all the other idols, because if you remember that season tamyra grey had more talent then kelly yet she was voted off, like some of you have said it's a popularity contest
52 - Teri
Just heard that Katherine was asked by Tom Cruise to sing at his wedding. Since Katherine is practically next door to 'Hollywood,'their already calling her. She'll probably be like another Clay Aiken who is next successful after Clarkson.
53 - Amazing1672
So you don't like Taylor Hicks or the whole cheesy American Idol franchise/ movement? The first question that comes to mind is - why do you care to watch and then post your views online. Is it that in some way, AI is giving you some guilty pleasure that you hate to admit you enjoy?
As for Taylor Hicks - he deserves every bit of the AI title he got. He came in like a breath of fresh air unlike the I-am-so-bad-I-am-going-to-scream-throw-the-mic-around-Kid Rock wannabe or the Barbie-Brittany-Whitney wannabes that America is full of. He may look old, he may not have the body of a Hollywood hunk - but man does he know how to have a good time. The passion for music oozes out of him as he performs and I will be honest with you - I'd rather see that than anything else on TV.
54 - girlfriend
Chris would not have won because 'mainstream' America do not go for 'hard rockers.' Also, he did auditioned for CBS's "Rock Star" and never even made it past the audition. Now, if he was like Bo Bice, it would be a completely different story. Chris will be a star no matter what. I hope he stays with 'Absent Element,' because its close to home n family.
55 - Josh
Everybody basing Hicks on his looks: Come off it you pretentious asses. Who says you have to look young? The guy can sing, that's all that counts. Besides, the gray hair is actually kind of cool, admit it.
Everybody bashing Hicks on his voice: Just because he doesn't sing with that nasally man-boy N'Sync style voice you love so much, don't trash him. His voice is great and unique, and he's got soul, which is the most important thing. If he can get the emotion across and hit the notes. what's the problem?
I hate music snobs.
56 - hannah smolkin
The final song is never supposed to be performed well. Hasn't it occured to people that winners are TIRED and they have been working brutally? Even Kelly Clarkson did terrible when it was announced that she was the winner, and we all know that she can sing amazing. Announcing the winner just puts closure to all the work everyone has had to put up with: numerous auditions, lack of support from people around them, and scrutiny when what they needed was praise..It is all over now and it must be a huge relief!..So forgive people for taking a much deserved break after they probably have to go straight back to work again. Plus no one knows the emotion that goes behind winning the American idol; it is more about the fans and disbelief by this point. Im sorry but all that matters is the work leading up to gaining the title and taylor did the most fantastic job to that very song the night before which, without out a doubt, earned him the American idol.
etta
57 - Someone
I personally don't care who one the only CD that I will buy from American Idol is from the person who should have won and that was Chris
58 - Lady "T"
Taylor is a talented man and feels each song he sings through his soul. Get over it those of you who choose to be negative about a person who fullfilled his dream and made it a reality. He truly is BLESSED!!!!!!!!!
59 - lillie
I love the show and Taylor deserve to win.Prince did great as usual.Fantasia is a great singer.God Bless Ruben,Fantasia,Kelly,the winner last year and Taylor!
60 - Amazing1672
Also to all those Chris fans - Bo Bice should have won last year but did not - big deal!! If it isn't in you to give him the votes, it isn't in him to become American Idol. Have you forgotten that people vote and make an American Idol - that is the whole premise behind the show. If you don't vote, and the other guy has fans who do - tell me who deserves to win the title?
61 - TW
You call yourself a journalist? Thank God you arent a music critique because you'd be fired. If you can put someone down then I cant see why we cant!!!!!
62 - heather
yeah, yeah, yeah, chris should have won, but he didn't. so, next in line was taylor. he's a great guy & great performer. it's not like katharine isn't going to have plenty of work lined up for her-- at playboy.
if your pissed about the winner, you probably should have voted and didn't. so get over it.
focus on the real idiot last night: toni braxton. was she drunk or on crack? i was completely and utter embarrassed watching that.
what an ass.
63 - troy
FOREVER UNIQUE WONDER IF YOU ARE A BLACK GUY ALWAYS SOMEONE HAS TO THROW RACE INTO EVERYTHING AND TAMYRA GRAY COULD NOT HAVE WON IF SHE WAS THE ONLY PEFORMER PICKED SHE WAS NO WHERE AS GOOD AS KELLY NOT IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS AND THATS WHY SHE WAS SENT HOME,AND IT IS A POPULARITY CONTEST YOU MORON THE MORE PEOPLE THAT LIKE YOU THE MORE VOTES YOU GET IS THAT NOT AMAZING THEY LIKE ME I WIN WHAT A CONCEPT,THIS SHOW IS ALL ABOUT GIVING SOMEONE A CHANCE WHO OTHER WISE WOULD NEVER GET ONE AND I AM GLAD TO SEE IT WEATHER THEY ARE BLACK OR WHITE OR YELLOW OR GREEN,THIS SHOW DOES HELP SOME PEOPLE BUT THIS SHOW HELPS ITSELF THE MONEY IT BRINGS IN IS AMAZING AND GIVING AWAY A RECORDING CONTRACT AND A COUPLE CARS THEY COULD GIVE AWAY 1 MILLION CARS AND STILL MAKE A YEARKY PROFIT,BUT LIKE I SAID IF IT ALSO HELPS SOME TALENTED PEOPLE REACH THEIR GOALS THEN I AM HAPPY FOR THEM,I AM JEOULOS I CANT SING WORTH A DARN,BUT GOOD LUCK TO YOU TAYLOR I WILL GET YOUR CD AS SOON AS IT HITS THE STAND,AND FOR YOU GREASY GUIDE RUSSELL SIMMONS SAID HE WILL PASS EVEN THOU YOU ARE NEVER WRONG. HAHAHAHAHA
64 - troy
DAMN I TYPE LIKE CRAP AND SPELL EVEN WORSE,AND YOU ARE RIGHT HEATHER BRAXTON LOOKED LIKE SHE WAS HIGH AS A KITE MAYBE HER AND PRINCE HAD A LITTLE FUN BEFORE THEY CAME OUT,AND TW THANK YOU HE WROTE HIS OPINION I GAVE MINE AND HE GETS MAD WHAT A JOKE,AND THEY WERE NOT EVEN SURE WHAT TO CALL HIM WHEN THEY INTRODUCED HIM HERE HE IS LADIES AND GEMTELMAN THE (SIGN) OR PRINCE OR WHAT EVER HE GOES BY NOW HOW ABOUT WASHED UP THATS HIS NEW NAME.AND GREASE NICE DESCRIPTION OF THE 2 GIRLS THAT DANCED WITH HIM HOT SEXY SPICY NEXT TIME YOU DESCIBE SOMEONE TRY AND PUT THE CHICKEN WINGS DOWN FIRST THEN WRITE,
65 - Mike
Let's be honest....America got Taylor Hicks there in the first place. Everyone of you morons who thought he had a stage performance and voted for him apparently don't mind seeing a "Jay Leno" look alike with a record deal.
The writer/editor was right....he sounded horrible singing that classic 80,s song. I was in the other room when my wife was watching it and I screamed" Oh my god who is that?" "That's horrible!" Way to go America!!! You picked a real gem!
66 - Matt D
Taylor Hicks will sell more records Prince, when all is said and done. Write it down, you heard it hear first. If you can't see that, you don't understand the industry.
67 - Jim
For me, that performance Chris had with the guy from Live was offputting. They looked just alike and Chris seemed to be aping all his mannerisms.
Elliott gave me chills in his duet with Mary J. Blige and his version of "A House is not a Home". How did he not win? I hope he has a lot of success after the show.
Katharine - glad she lost.
68 - Kate
This years AI reminds me a LOT of the ending of Reuben couldn't sing on key, and Clay Aiken who everyone knew should have won. He is now nipping at the heels of Kelly Clarkson in sales, and his tours have outsold hers and made tripple the money she has made. Can't believe the sex kitten comments made about Katherine McPhee - she has a gorgeous voice; G-d gave her those curves; and as for the just plain mean comments about her dad crying, doesn't anyone remember those famous words "daddy's little girl?" She was unbelievably gracious when Taylor received the title, as was Clay when he too was "robbed" as Ruben won the title "American Idol." The true mystery is the judges. America votes, but at some point for reasons only they understand, they change the "wow you walk on water" comments to the other guy and I have to think the voters are just stupid enough to figure they must be right, especially because Simon is sooooo brutally "not quite honest." Everyone should just wish all the performers well, and if you can't stand the transparency of the judges and the affect they have on the audience, then just stop watching as they keep raking in billions!
69 - NR Davis
Oh yeah, The duets of Ed and EdClone and Clay and ClayClone were just surreal. Very strange.
70 - iman
WAY TO GO PRINCE!!! TAYLOR WISHES HE COULD SELL AS MANY RECORDS AS PRINCE.THE MAN HAS REAL TALENT SOMETHING I HAVEN'T SEEN MUCH OF THESE DAYS!! HE COMPOSES,PRODUCES,DIRECTS HIS OWN MUSIC AND VIDEOS AND PLAYS LIKE 7 INSTRUMENTS!!! I WAS REALL LOOKING FOWARD TO A CHRIS AND ELLOIT FACE-OFF!!! BOTH OF THEM ARE SO MUCH MORE TALENTED THAN THE THESE TWO!!!
71 - Sad
The judges put on a great performance dont you think?Trying to sway the votes in Taylors corner.
Well I cant tell you enough how wrong you people
were for voting the way Simon,Paula and Randy ask to do.The momof4 was right(scam)the man was
not and still not good enough to have gone onto
round 2. Also, if you people dont know you can call more than once using the home phone and your cell.I just don`t beleive 60 million
people watched or called what a boost.I cant say I will be a fan after this,but maybe I should try out I cant do any worse I`m sure!
72 - malaysia
What a waste of time...we knew who the winner was 2 episodes ago! Taylor...man you can blow those bluesy harp. I loved it. Congrats.
73 - Beth
Funny...all the BOOOOOO's and hate towards Taylor comes from men/boys...???
Taylor had 'this something'.....guess, men/boys can jaloux at that.
Well, too much muzak can make you toneDeaf...don't even recognize a true soul when you meet one.
I went to Taylor's page. Message-page.
He had thousands of love-letters from women that just loved his song...some just loved HIM and wanted to marry him...;)
Taylor didn't appear as a smartAss-guy. Maybe it's his honesty you hate???
That special something is not for all to hear.
Especially when you work on a level that only care about hair-colour.
We live in a superficiel world.
Glitter and fake can really turn people on;)
and along came Taylor,
soulful and warm...with his gray hair.
And with a voice superMasculin, sexy, strong and warm.
And of course all these millions of voters must be wrong.
.................
SweetTaylorHicks. Don't ever change.
The world is overcrowded with smartAss-people.
and we can't fight hate and jalouxy.
Only ignore, knowing there's a limit for intelligence....but none for stupidity.
74 - Zaldor
Mike (#45) - the song w/Live was "Mystery" off their new CD - check it out at listentolive.com
75 - Jacki
This review is one of the most amusing I have read to date. Usually an author of an article will at the very least TRY to conceal their ignorance.
While I agree that Taylor and Kats duet was not at all good, it was the very FIRST time Taylor has missed a note all season. (can't say the same for Kat).
Plus, look at the other live performances that night. Tony Braxton....aweful. Meatloaf....aweful. Even the legendary Dionne hit a few sour notes. Maybe it was a sound system issue....who knows.
If you don't like Taylor Hicks, that is your own opinion. However, you apparently are in the VAST minority with the American Idol viewers. To avoid looking like an idiot in the future, it might be in your best interest not to try and predict the future in regards to Taylors CD sales. Even top record producers do not have that sort of insight. It will all depend on the material handed to him. If they try to mold him into a pop star like they have Bo Bice.....you could be right. On the other hand, if he is given the choice, I'm sure his CD will be full of that rich soul sound America fell in love with.
By the way, Prince did a decent job. It's just unfortunate that his "has-been" status has forced him to appear on a talent show. He must REALLY need to promote that CD, afterall, he Purple Rain was many many years ago.....before I had childen OR grandchildren. The buyers today will not remember him. Let's hope he made a good impression with the little girls who parents give them plastic.