Maybe Ruben is content with merely selling 500,000 copies of a good gospel album that he loves as opposed to selling 3 million copies of some oversung generic melisma-d out Christmas album (cough, Clay Aiken, cough).
At the end of the day, neither of these two (Kat and Taylor) will be lining up for food stamps anytime soon. My prediction is they'll both have success. Katharine's will be on a bigger scale because her style and image are more mainstream, but they'll both be successful in the different ways they are meant to be.
Taylor, just hope your album is better than that horrid The Real Thing (sorry Bo).
American Idol, please find some better contestants next year. And try to make sure those ones actually make it to the finale. In other finales, where my favorite didn't necessarily win, I was at least entertained. Tuesday night was a pathetic snore fest.
Best Vocal Performance: Katharine McPhee ("Over the Rainbow")
Most Original Performance: Taylor Hicks ("Proud")
Best Overall Performance: Tie
Winner of American Idol 5: Taylor Hicks.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - NR Davis
I agree with what you say about McPhee. For once, the guy was favored over the girl. About time.
Last night, I enjoyed Taylor's first and final songs ("Levon," not so much this time around), but Kat put me to sleep (did she morph into pre-personality Elliott?). Is she a decent technical singer? Oh yeah. Has she heart? I can't tell from all the icicles that form around her. And what you all saw in her "Over the Rainbow" continues to elude me, but then, I've heard people with talent and the ability to communicate a song's meaning (something Kat lacks) sing it... rendering McPhee's version of the classic - both times - nothing more than a foul assault upon my ears. Her "moment"? I don't get it.
I will agree: There was no "moment" this year... But let's see what happens tonight. I understand surprises are in store.
The best thing about Taylor is that he isn't cookie-cutter pop material. Thank God! His win (if dialidol's results bear out) is a slap in the face to a vile and vicious music industry and a clueless, superficial, worthless mainstream music scene and shallow fans who know diddly about music.
My favorite all-around Idols are Bo and (if he wins) Taylor. They don't fit the mainstream pop mold, and I am so grateful for that. I don't need for Taylor to sell millions of records. His goal was to be heard, and now, for sure, he will be. That means more to me - seeing this guy beat all these mainstreamers - than you could possibly know. Can you imagine this fucking with the minds of the evil people who run the starmaker machinery? As for Tay being given an edge, be real. The AI PTB worked to sabotage him for the first eight weeks of the final round; they only had an attitude adjustment when they realized that the Soul Patrol - people with money to spend on endless Cingular cell calls just to help their "unique" singer - was growing in size and increasingly upset about the mistreatment and disrespect Hicks received (from, for example, Cowell).
(Oh, Mr. Evans, if you had flipped directly from Idol to the CMA awards, you would have heard Carrie Underwood sing "Jesus at the Wheel" - and shortly thereafter pick up an award. No, I'm not a Carrie fan AT ALL... but she did a good job on that song.)
As for The Real Thing, I sdly must agree. But we all knew going in that Clive Davis would make him put out something crappy, and Davis lived down to expectations. I give Bo a bye on this one, because right now the AI masters own him. But when he gets the shot to do his OWN stuff, watch out. Same for Taylor. I have little hope for the first record (but then, if AI is now embracing him, perhaps it will market him *appropriately*, unlike to disservice forced upon Bo Bice, his band, and the Bice Squad). I've heard Taylor's original stuff. Kicks ass. Can't wait 'til he's permitted to do his own stuff.
A theory: It may not take long. Take the two crappy originals from last night. Usually, the top 2 are given one song that both contestants sing. The song is usually tailored for one of the finalists but is just awful for the other. (See seasons one, three and four.) That was going to be the deal this year. The PTB presented Hicks with the same song (apparently some Nick Lachey-Tamyra Gray-penned mainstream pop power ballad drivel with the now-ubiquitous big theme "moment" moment) given McPhee and the singer STOOD HIS GROUND, firmly requesting his own song for fairness' sake. AI, amazingly, complied. The result you saw last night: McPhee's "destiny" wasn't a good one and Taylor Hicks made me proud.
Did some of the 12 have better technical voices? Absolutely. But IMO *none* of them were the total package that Taylor is - and he is a real musician who approaches his music as art. For me, he's the only choice and certainly the only one of the 12 whose records I would purchase. Much of America may be unimpressed, but given I don't give a fig about the mainstream... screw 'em.
Go Taylor!
2 - Jewels
Chris, I just can't disagree more. Of course, I am biased. I thoroughly enjoyed Tay's performances last night. Taylor Hicks is where he is because of fan support. His fans have been overruling any and all of this season's 19E and AI attempts at setting you know who they wanted in the driver's seat. Remember all the Ford commercials? Who got to drive the car usually? Not Hicks. Well their original pick was in the audience and Taylor owned the stage.
As Taylor demonstrated in his finale song choice, the folks with Idol are going to find this Alabama boy no push over. Taylor you made me Proud.
On last quick comment, I'm begging the FOX producers, fervently, "Please don't put McFather's big crying face on the tube tonight. It filled the entire screen, not once, but twice. ghastly.
3 - Julie J
I think America is way too wrapped up in this show. This show does not guarantee super stardom. Look at Rubin Studdard, his career has been a huge flop. I wanted Chris to win. McPhee knew her last song was bad, she was fighting back the tears.
Taylor will win...I didn't care for Levon...If you are lucky enough to be one of the top two..YOU HAVE TO PICK SONGS THAT WILL BRING DOWN THE HOUSE! Not songs that make you fall asleep.
Taylor will be the first white male to win Idol.
Whatev.
4 - Christy
I totally disagree. I felt that Katherine was hidious last night, especially the last song! The only song she sang decent was "Somewhere over the rainbow." She is definently not an american idol, she belongs on broadway if anything.
5 - chantal stone
Chris is right...last night's show sucked, and I have no vested interest in who wins. The final should have been Chris and Elliott, which Chris would have easily won, but at least it would have been an entertaining show, not the snore-fest of last night.
Thanks for a good night's rest, AI.
6 - jack
well i think mcphee will be winner
7 - Music Fan
A lttile weird. True. This year it seems, Idol is not being so up front in its support of which flavor it wants the american public to buy.
The contest was more even this year, and for the most part, the field was wide open. Hopefuly, so are the chances for the finalist.
I almost didn't watch this year, being a bit tired of the "Shoe in" aproach the finals took. Granted, Taylor is being hailed before the votes are in, but not with the same over the top reverence as a few past idol winners.
The question is, would Taylor be better off NOT wining? Look at Clay and Bo. Diana Degarmo and Justin Guarini aside, Although they may both be victims of the same manuver that made "The Real Thing" so flat. Fear that America got it wrong?
Is Chris Daughtry actualy the REAL winner? The whole A.I. process reminds me of how music was in the 50' and early 60'. Imagine a A.I with Ricky Nelson, Fabian,Brenda Lee...each of them geared to apeal to what America wanted at the time. Heck, even Idol itself touts Elvis as the "First American Idol"
But what made Elvis was his uniqueness. None of the big "winners" seem to have that. In fact, I've heard several statments of how Katherine is the "new Kelly", and even KATHERINE has alluded to it in interviews. In a negitive way.
I hope Taylor does win and is able to remain Taylor. I hope he puts out a CD of soulful hits with his hometown band and not some over produced pap that the record companies seem to think, sells.
If not, then I guess in about 6 to 8 months, you'll hear Katherine singing...what? "Yet another moment in time?" or a soulful release of "Over the Rainbow"?
Does the industry need that?
8 - amoreDio
The best finale was AI2.....with Clay and Ruben (although it should have been Clay and Kimberley Locke...whose version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow was far superior to Kat's). Kelly was a shoe-in during Season 1. Fantasia was a shoe-in during Season 3. Carrie was a shoe-in during Season 4. This year, Season 5, I really don't care who wins...because I don't think either are going to fill large venues.
The most exciting (well season 1 was exciting because it was the first season) season was, and remains, Season 2 by a landslide! I will never forget the amazing rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Clay Aiken. The gospel-like rendition was only enhanced by the gospel choir. Last night, when the choir came out during Kat's song, I started laughing (I'm sorry Kat, but it didn't fit in with the song...nor was the choir necessary for Taylor's song...but as we know...AI chooses these things...not the contestants!). I do agree with other's that Kat was given a less exciting song than Taylor had...although neither were great. Well, I shall look forward to seeing both of them perform out in Branson or on one of my next cruises. Taylor is funny and goofy with a B voice. Katharine is pretty and seems sweet...but also has a B voice. I like my B-rated movies on free television and I don't like paying good money for B-rated performances. Having said that, I wish them both much happiness in life. They seem like very nice people....just not the finalists of arguably the most watched reality show on television!
9 - Scott
"American Idol" wasn't up against the CMA Awards last night. It was up against the Academy of Country Music Awards - a totally different show and different organization.
10 - Kelly
I personally prefer Katharine... she is the total package in terms of voice and looks which will withstand years in the music business. Taylor's voice and style (and dancing), in my opinion, will eventually wear themselves out and he will lose all appeal. Plus, let's face it, the guy looks like he is an out-of-shape 50-year-old with a tick who can't dance. So, even though Kat deserves to take the title, I believe Taylor will be the winner.
In terms of the last night's final competition, did it appear to anyone that Kat looked like she had been crying and that she was about to cry at any second throughout her songs. I think this really affected her singing. It was definitely not her best night of performances. Maybe she let her nerves get the best of her or maybe her uphill battle against judges' bias finally got the best of her??? I was just wondering if anyone else noticed???
11 - steve b
The problem you're not getting is that NONE of these people are great singers. Great singers don't need to come on American Idol to get discovered. Their talent gets them discovered. Of course the hype machine of AI makes 'stars' of some of these people, while great singers can languish in relative obscurity. As an example, Renee Olstead, a teenager who sings mostly old jazz standards,and got a record contract without the help of a talent show, can sing rings around Kat or Carrie or any of these girls, but because she is in a subgenre and has no hype behind her, her talent remains relatively hidden, while much less talented cut outs such as Kat and Taylor get 'fame'.
12 - Chris Evans
Sorry about that error Scott, I'll try to get that fixed in a second.
13 - Michael J. West
Sigh...I don't like Taylor Hicks. I think he's cheesy, obnoxious, plastic. But it's damned obvious he's going to win. I'm resigned to it. I accept it. That said, I swear to Almighty God that I will shoot my TV set every time he yells out "SOUL PATROL!!!" tomorrow night.
14 - Chris Evans
Michael...if I hear Soul Patrol again, I will honestly decapitate myself with my toenails and shove it into my own ass.
15 - Mark Saleski
Soul Patrol!!
(sorry, i just thought that decapitation via toenails might be sort of entertaining....well, except for the blood & all)
16 - Kelly
Also, whoever works with the Idols on their style and wardrobe needs to be fired. Kellie Pickler was so cute when the show began UNTIL the stylist began doing her hair and makeup and choosing her clothes. He hair almost resembled a mullet by the end of her reign on the show. Also, Kat's dresses seem to always be too tight on her... causing a lot of pulling, bulging and even a wardrobe malfunction. The cut of her dress last night was not flattering on her body type at all.. and once again, it was too tight. What do you all think?
17 - Chris Evans
I know what you're saying Kelly...Kat's last dress..I was like--oh, honey. Bulge, bulge. The dress was just TOO tight.
18 - chantal stone
even Ryan Seacrest made a comment about how tight her dress was. LOL
19 - Music Fan
Given Kats Dress and Taylors jacket..we should all be glad this isn't American FASHION Idol...
20 - DJRadiohead
Well, I did it. I succumbed to the hype and watched AI for the first time last night. Well, that's not entirely true. I made it through 10 minutes.
I have run out of derogatory terms for it all. I think I will be able to resist future temptations.
21 - rene
Chris, I don't think you meant "All By Myself" either. It was "Without You" unless you're referring to a performance I'm not aware of. In season one Kelly's performance of "Stuff Like That There" was the show stopper of the season.
22 - ann
I know I come from a different era of music but what makes a voice hasn't changed.
Katherine has the best voice - with definite limitations. Personal opinion "Black Horse & Cherry Tree" worked with those. She didn't have to leave her range or attempt to project. When she does, she consistently goes off key and gets screechy. Most recent case in point "My Destiny". It started too low, was in the right place at times and, when it needed to build, she wasn't equipped to do it. Not a great song but it hilited both her strength and weaknesses. She does not exhibit the overall quality I would expect for an American Idol.
Taylor isn't my style. He is fun to watch and has an adequate voice for the music he loves to perform. If the price was right I might even go see him because he does have so much fun and that's contagious. He should win tonight but, again, I don't see him as American Idol.
My opinion once more - the final 2 should have been Chris and Elliott. Chris's isn't my kind of music but he does it extremely well, very consistently and there is a large market for it.
Isn't that what the program is looking for?
Elliott was my personal favorite. His heart isn't in the major market product. Unlike the other 3, he's untested and unschooled. But he's got the voice, the raw talent, the growth potential and, under there, there the personality to have a lasting career. In a head to head with Chris, he wouldn't win but he is the one whose CDs I will be buying.
23 - Jake
I think Taylor will win but won't be a mainstream artist and Kat will end up doing musical theater at best. This was a very bland season.
Chris, you really ought to listen to Clay's Christmas CD. There isn't a hint of melisma on it. The whole CD is very traditional and not at all how you describe it. That's how I know you haven't actually heard it.
24 - rene
Clay Aiken is so overrated by his fans the "Claymates" it's unreal. I mean the guy can't even record original material always resorting to covers. And still, the Claymates think he's the Second Coming or something.
25 - Hugo Sanchhez
I AILSO THINK TAYLOR WILL WIN ITS TRUE , THOUGH, I DONT SEE HIM AS HAVING A HIT SONG. HIS POPULARITY WILL FADE AWAY JUST LIKE RUBENS. KATHARINE WILL BE MORE FAMOUS SO I DONT CARE IF TAYLOR WINS HE WONT BE A KELLIE OR CARRIE UNDERWOOD. EVERYONE LOVES HIM BECAUSE OF HIS DANCING BUT WILL HIS CD HAVE VIDEOS TO SEE HIS DANCING IN . NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! PEOPLE KNOW HE HAS A GREAT VOICE, I DO TOO, BUT HES A GOOD PERFORMER , BUT HIS KIND OF MUSICWILL NOT MAKE IT BIG Y. IM RIGHT AND ITS TRUE KAT HAS THE WHOLE PACKAGE.