American Idol Rewind, Featuring Season 5 Premieres 9/26

OMG they really do get to re-write history! LOL. Aw, this was still my favorite season. And my first season at MJ’s, too!

Jersey, you are OLD SKEWL. :).

Well, I’m glad they are going to “feature” the winner along w/ other finalists. I saw some online ads for it and every single one had Daughtry as the focus of the ad. One of them even had Kat far larger than Taylor. I get that Idol doesn’t like the winner, but c’mon. He DID win the season. Chris has a great career, so how about let rewind reflect the actual season? And the look on Chris’ face on final four night – THAT was priceless!

My favorite season thus far. :) Also, it was when I first discovered mjsbigblog when I was searching for Hollywood spoilers. Yay mjs!

what a fab season! almost everyone in the top 12 is awesome in some way or another, either in talent, career, or both.

Elliott!!!!!!! One of the sweetest Idols ever!

I’ll have to DVR this and fast-forward through the Chris pimping. I don’t think I could stand to watch that again; season 5 was the year I totally soured on the AI PTB. I love Taylor and the soul patrol for thwarting them, and I love Elliott for defying the odds and lasting all the way to third place.

Oh cool, I’ll have to try and catch this whenever I can. S5 of AI seems to be the crazy season that AI fans reference all the time ;).

It’s the season that grabbed my attention. I’ve been wrapped up in it ever since. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?

Hope they feature the winner, Taylor Hicks, as much as they should. He’s the one that roped me into all this Idol lunacy.

As much as I loved Season 5, I won’t be watching rewind. Been there and done that. But it was a great season!

I don’t think it’s AI rewriting history so much as the FANS rewrote it through their cd and concert ticket purchases. It would be silly not to acknowledge the enormous success that has come Chris Daughtry’s way just to avoid upseting a few Taylor and Kat fans.

I admit to watching it on occasion. Because I didn’t know the contestants, however, I didn’t really care (except I did tune into Bo and Carrie’s finale this past week–didn’t know they were such good friends; reminded me of Kris and Adam and maybe the David’s). I did start watching S5 as well (didn’t know who mj was until this past year, tho ;), so this should be interesting, tho I dislike the TV Guide channel (the scroll really bugs me, since you only get to see 2/3 of the people, and Kim and Justin are so annoying with their pre-results show!).

Taylor’s cd sales haven’t been that great, but, I certainly wouldn’t call him unsuccessful. As far as concerts, I think his numbers rank right up there with Chris. Not too shabby, but, it was a shame the way they treated him. Maybe there was more going on behind the scenes that we knew, but, they shouldn’t have promoted Chris above their winner. Taylor is keeping his name out there, so it isn’t like he has crawled in a hole and covered the dirt over his head.

Taylor entertained me that entire season. He was such a talented, unintentional goof. There was a real joy to his performances. For all of Chris’ success and I’m sure he’s a nice man, I was not sad to see him go. No matter what the song, he always seemed to sing in the same way and he never looked like he was happy to be there.

Taylor entertained me that entire season. He was such a talented, unintentional goof. There was a real joy to his performances. For all of Chris’ success and I’m sure he’s a nice man, I was not sad to see him go. No matter what the song, he always seemed to sing in the same way and he never looked like he was happy to be there.

ITA with this ^^^^^. I almost lost a finger or two voting for Taylor and Chris has never done anything for me. Just too full of himself.

Please tell me Kim Caldwell won’t be on there. I cannot stand her voice, speaking or singing.

Don’t know if I’ll be able to catch this, but I would LOVE to see Season 5 in rewind. This was my first season watching AI, and like so many it seems, I’ve been hooked every since. I was, and still am, a huge Elliott fan, with Chris as my second fave. I also love Katherine’s voice and hope she finds her place with her next album.

Awwww. I love Elliott. I’ll be watching.

My fave season! I flove Chris and Elliott!

Yes, this is where the madness began for me.

I hope they have new interviews with the entire top 12 but I’ll be paying extra attention to Elliott (and Chris) of course. And while Chris doesn’t really need the promo (or the extra hour long episode), Elliott could really use it. That being an indie thing is hurting him the second time around.

Needless to say, my fave season ever because every contestant was different. Lots of genres – country, rock, pop, jazz. If you’ve never seen this season, you’re in for a treat.

I’m hoping they show Elliott’s full audition.

Once was enough.

I found MJ’s from the old Bolt boards that season. Someone provided a link where they were talking about Taylor, who I adore, so I lurked for the better part of the season, but couldn’t help myself!

I do understand the need to highlight Daughtry, he was the first ‘rock’ dude, and also the first legitimate male breakout star from idol, I just wish they didn’t have to make Taylor some horrible failure in the process. It’s unfair, and wrong.

I will always remember season 5 as one of my favorite seasons and most successful.

I remember being sooo sad top 3 night. Elliott sang his little heart out, but I knew that was as far as he was going to go. On top of that, seeing his adorable mom in the audience? *sob* I don’t know if I can go through that again.

This was the apex of the Idol phenomenon, because of all the talented contestant of season 5 but also because Kelly was at the top of her popularity after Breakaway and Carrie was a breakthrough country star.
It went all downhill after that, starting with Taylor winning (IMO anyway).

This was not my favorite season but I remember watching it. If I remember it was the season I was most disappointed in. I really really liked Elliott and Katherine McPhee. Chris Daughtry during that period of time I thought was the most talented but if I remember correctly put me off with his attitude. (he has since then won me over) Don’t know if I could watch it again, maybe up until top 3.

Oh my, the fanwars will begin again! It is what it is. Chris is the biggest success of that season.

That being an indie thing is hurting him the second time around.

I know!

His first album sold so well because of his dedicated fanbase and good word-of-mouth. His sophomore album, while a lot more commercial, didn’t do nearly as well. Hindsight is 20/20…maybe he DID need a major label.

And just like you, season 5 was my fav as well. The variety of talent was what made it so memorable.

I agree it was the apex. I think before S5, just winning Idol was enough to sell a million albums. After Taylor, it became obvious that
you also needed to have music that was radio friendly and could work on Top 40.

Already got my DVR on season pass!! There were lots of great moments from that season. As a Daughtry fan I’m freakin ecstatic that there’ll be an hour long special….I can care less if it’s fair or not, I just love the idea of an entire hour talking to him or about him and hopefully the band gets featured as well.

The main lesson learned from season 5 was that it’s a waste of time to spend extra time and money on things like go phones because once the show is over it’s the buying public that’s going to make or break any of them regardless of what place they came in. Sure Chris got lots of promotion but so did Taylor in the first few weeks after his release….his sales weren’t as worthwhile as Daughtry’s so as with any business they put the money where there was more money to be made. And look at how well Kellie and Bucky have done for themselves….the title of American Idol is equivalent to a flash in the pan if you don’t have what it takes to make it…

Also want to add that I’m pretty excited to see Elliott again, I agree that he could use this as promo for his Indie stuff, I’ve always liked him. Oh and Kellie’s Bohemian Rhapsody was a fun one…and all of her banter with Simon!! It really was an awesome season, I haven’t gotten involved in any other like I did that one.

For those unfamiliar, Rewind is on Fox, not TV Guide channel (at least in my area), so there’s no split screen and no Caldwell (yay!) The interviews tend to be really interesting, offering insight and hindsight we weren’t privy to in the original broadcasts.

I’m really happy they’re continuing the series. I’d missed the first two original seasons so Rewind “caught me up” to some degree. And it showed just enough of 3 and 4 for me to reminisce (and fast-forward as needed.)

I remember a season where Simon hated Bucky and Ace……Chris (who was expected to win) got voted off in 4th place and his fans blamed Kat. I remember that Chris, Elliott and Taylor’s fans joined together to give Taylor the win to spite Kat. They hated Kat for staying longer than Chris and Elliott. I remember the :Soul Patrol” dominated the American Idol website. I remember how cruel those fans were to Kat. Was it a good season….I guess.
I remember a fantastic finale. I remember Taylor winning and then his fans not buying his cds.

I was at odds with popular (internet) opinion during season 5. I liked Katharine, and couldn’t stand Taylor or Chris. I never got the Elliot love either. His vibrato was out of control.

I might watch Chris get voted off again because that was pretty damn funny. Paula’s reaction, Kat’s face, Chris’ face. All of it was hilarious.

Yeah!! That was my first year at MJ’s also. I have always been pretty much of a lurker, but big reader. I was, and still am, a Daughtry fan…which was one of the reasons I lurked. Lots of Taylor love could be found. But, that’s ok, MJ’s is always worth it. Didn’t really care for season 6 but got more into season 7 (love David Cook). Season 8 was awesome. I love both Kris and Adam, and most of the others.

Mj – you are great! I didn’t realize that Season 5 was your first year also. This place always keeps me well informed and has such great people!

Love you guys!

Just want to throw in some Elliott love. I think this economy has been a nightmare for Indies. Matt G. get yourself signed by a major– it seems the only way to get yourself on these preprogramed radio shows that seem to be taking over the airwaves. No staff needed.

I didn’t care enough either way whether Chris was voted off at top 4 or not. However, I am the kind of person who finds it hard to watch people during uncomfortable moments. I feel bad for them. So, I have to kind of look away a little. I’m a wuss that way.

Be that as it may, I was entertained that season and especially by Taylor. I voted for him but did not buy his CD. Until season 7, I didn’t buy any Idol’s music. I just saw it as a TV show and just didn’t make that leap from seeing the contestants as TV characters to seeing them as actual artists until 2008.

Also wanted to add that I don’t think Chris is as arrogant as some might think. Whatever I’ve seen him in/on since he was very down to earth and seemed like a regular guy and a family man.

This is what I remember:

I couldn’t believe Kellie made it all the way to Top 5, but I’m really happy for her success now.

I was absolutely, jaw-dropping shocked when Chris was voted off (just like he was!). I thought Top 2 for sure. I kept watching, but I had been voting for him, so I was sad.

I was even sadder when Elliott was voted off Top 3.

I voted for Taylor (I considered myself a member of the Soul Patrol, tho I haven’t followed Taylor since then, I’ll admit.

I think Kat has a beautiful voice but I’ve never been excited about her and still am not.

I can’t really remember Top 10-6.

Since this was the 1st season I actually watched Idol throughout most of the season and actually voted (tho only a little bit), I’ll be interested to see this again. I am a big Daughtry fan and bought both of his albums and like them; the 2nd one is growing on me. I have read his tweets, seen him in interviews, and watched him nearly break down on Idol this season when Kris gave him his 5 million albums sold plaque, so I am not of the opinion that he is arrogant (tho one of my sister’s is).

If there are fan wars about a season from four years ago, we’re in trouble. ;)

Season 5 was the first season I had a DVR and that along with a great top 10 got me addicted as opposed to casual watching. I didn’t find the online sites until after the finale – started out at Taylor sites and found my way to Mj’s. Even though I definately have favorites each year, I enjoy the diverse opinions here and like reading all the idol news.

It will be fun for me to rewatch S5 as I had no idea the show had an agenda of who they wanted to advance etc. I would innocently vote each week, often voting one time for each person I thought had performed well. I didn’t know there were fansites and organized voting efforts going on, or think about where the votes of the voted-off person would go.

I remember being so surprisedthe next season when Taylor was not given the same treatment as previous winners. I even emailed mj a few times about it – SORRY MJ. I was such a fairness freak.

Anyway I am a fan of all S5 except McPhee and will enjoy rewatching.

ETA: I have seen Taylor 3 times and he is excellent live. I went by myself to see Bucky (at a bar in a bad part of town and my adult kids were horrified) and he was so fun and much better than on the show. Also have seen Daughtry, Kelly C, Carrie and S8 idol tour in big venues and enjoyed them all.

? And the look on Chris’ face on final four night ‘“ THAT was priceless!

It was CLASSIC. One of my favourite gifs is of all the things that Chris is denied. Can’t do .gifs here, but here are the photos in it Bwah!

I might watch Chris get voted off again because that was pretty damn funny. Paula’s reaction, Kat’s face, Chris’ face. All of it was hilarious.

Ditto. I remember thinking that this is the way it should be. Oh dear, I must admit I was shocked that Chris has become a success. Having said that, there are two of his songs I really like. The screaming and attiude on the show was a turn-off for me. Glad he’s made some changes.

I was so happy Taylor Hicks did win. This was a great season for me too.

I found MJ’s blog during Season 5, and finally posted a few weeks later. It’s been fun, MJ!

Dante I’m with you. I had no idea there was an agenda either. I think that the diversity is the drawing card here. And the fact that MJ runs a pretty tight blog (thinking tight ship). I appreciate the fact that we don’t talk politics here for the most part; that could turn ugly fast.

Kellie went out 6th. Paris was 5. ;-)

I enjoyed this season a lot. I was a big Taylor fan (though I don’t like any of the music he’s put out since) Never did care for Daughtry, but I don’t see anything wrong with featuring him or anyone else on this thing. As long as the winners get what the contract promised, I’m good. They are not owed undying respect from either the fans or the producers, IMO

I might watch Chris get voted off again because that was pretty damn funny.

It was and now he’s laughing all the way to the bank.

I don’t know why Taylor entered or what he expected if he did win. It’s just my opinion, after being enchanted with Taylor for the whole season and many months after, that he never wanted to do anything other than what he was doing before Idol. Well, with the exception of having more money.

He was a pretty good musician, had an interesting voice, gave one hellava show and he wrote a few great songs.

On one hand it’s pretty sad that all of that is gone now, on the other hand, at least he’s got a job in music even if it is just one little song in a traveling play.

I think some of the responsibility lies in the soul patrol itself. The OTT actions of the Soul Patrol was enough to scare the bejesus out of anyone. Stalking that meets the legal definition, buying him personal gifts like a sofa, destroying the reputation of the women he dates, stalking the women he dates and lots more. If it terrified him, I wouldn’t be surprised.

I just watched the auditions and the finale that year, I do remember not understanding how Taylor won after he absolutely destroyed “Something”.

‘Something’ .

I loved that! The only song he destroyed was Country Roads, that was a disaster. ETA: IMHO!, lol, don’t want to be fanwaring!

He was a pretty good musician, had an interesting voice, gave one hellava show and he wrote a few great songs.

On one hand it’s pretty sad that all of that is gone now, on the other hand, at least he’s got a job in music even if it is just one little song in a traveling play.

He’s still a pretty good musician, still has an interesting voice, and probably has a few more great songs left in him. He also has a job in this economy doing what he loves. I don’t think there were alot of losers that season. Certainly not Taylor, I ain’t cryin’ in my beer for him, that’s for sure.

I don’t think it was the SP to blame for Taylor’s career problems though. He just made music that was too old school. OTT fanbases never help, though. And that buying expensive presents,bad mouthing and stalking lovers etc stuff is still going on. Just with different Idols. Nothing ever changes in Idol world.

Another Taylor fan here. He was the first person I ever voted for on Idol. He does put on a helluva show and I love his voice. He’s just fun to watch. I think that’s part of his problem. His tunes are very old school, as jpfan said, plus, Taylor is a very visual entertainer. You can’t see him on the radio. I do think there was also probably some truth to the rumors of him being difficult to work with.

I would go see him in concert again, though. It’s a great time.

I loved S5 – still the best of all seasons to me. The total talent and entertainment value of that top 10 has been unmatched. I, too, found mjs that season but only lurked. I have loved idols since then, but they were best top 10 ever. I think that’s why S6 seemed so lackluster in comparison. Just too much to follow.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!

Season 5 was the first time that AI grabbed my attention and it was all due to Elliott Yamin’s “Moody’s Mood for Love”. There were so many great “moments” in that season, not to mention so many interesting and well-loved personalities. I actually cried when Elliott was voted off. I loved Season 7 in a different way but no other season has come close to season 5. So far, isn’t it the most overall successful season of contestants?

Elliott!…Elliott!…Elliott!

Oh Season 5 still goes down as my absolute favorite season. Yes, very nostalgic for me too. I found MJ that first year of her blog and have been hooked ever since. Elliott was and remains the only idol I ever voted the full 2 hours for every week. It was the only year I’ve ever attended an AI concert. And finally, Elliott is the only contestant I’ve ever gone to see on a solo tour.

Sooo many highlights of that season, and I still have conversations with people who have opinions about it. I don’t think Season 5 fan wars will ever go away. Can’t wait to go down memory lane again! Thanks for starting your blog MJ. Idol coverage wouldn’t be the same without you!

OMG! One of my FAVORITE Taylor songs was “SOMETHING!!!” WOW!!! Just sayin’… And I’d have to agree with what someon said above, that the ONLY song I didn’t like was “Country Road” ~ but even that one wasn’t bad! Taylor is quite the entertainer ~ and he’s still doing that as we speak! GO TAYLOR!

Since this topic has brought out alot of the Elliott fans, if you live in the NYC area, he’ll be performing this Saturday, 9/26:

Here’s the info:
http://www.rocksoffcalendar.com

I never buy that blame the fanbase stuff when idols underperform. Or self-destruct. If Taylor, and Clay, both known for notoriously OTT fanbases, had put out really good music, then their fans would just be a side story as the claymates were at first. Once Clay started churning out the crap, and Taylor never did take off, then the fans became a factor. Most people outside of obsessed fans know anything about the weird Taylor related board with the doppleganger girlfriend talk. I am a fan, and I had to go looking for that stuff when I heard rumors here! Clay’s fans gave me a personal tutorial on how not be behave during season 2, and I will ever be grateful to them for not allowing myself to ever get so invested in a celebrity to ever want to harm someone who didn’t agree.

For the record MJ, if you only started blogging during season 5, why do the Claymates hate you so much? I mean three seasons removed isn’t enough to give you absolution?

Another Taylor fan here, I was then and still am. I’ve bought all his music, his book and been to a concert. He entertains and makes me smile. Chris really does have the radio friendly voice but was so bland on the show, even Simon said he lacked personality. I think having a band really saved him as there’s no way he’d be great solo. I have had favorites every season, but really became more of a fan due to the Internet in season 5. Season 6 was just blah. I loved Cook last year, but Adam may become my number 1 (sorry Taylor). Thanks MJ as season 5 was the year I wandered here.

LOL, abby. Once over invested, always over invested I guess. I imagine some still don’t want to hear anything negative about Clay.

Good Lord, you would think that Daughtry would almost be embarrassed about this. But of course he won’t be. I am not and never was an AI fan, just happened to stumble across Hicks and knew that AI had stumbled across a real talent.
Daughtry is nothing special, he was just willing to be a puppet. Anyone with a modicum of talent and a willingness to brownnose can be made to be a success with enough promotion from people with a lot of power and money and expecailly when they are wanting to teach everyone a lesson about what happens when you have a plan of your own like Hicks. But I’m happy, Taylors doing fine IMOand D is bought and paid for, they should get their moneys worth.

The best season. Loved Chris on the show, and love the music he has since put out. I also liked Kat, Kellie, and Bucky from season 5, but Chris grabbed my attention and has kept it like no other musician has ever before in my life. Very proud of many of the idols from this particular season. They all have worked very hard, and have seen so much success because of idol. Should be fun to watch it all again. This season had such a wide range of styles and genres. There was literally something for every one. I can’t say I disliked any one from this season. I may not care for their genre or style, but they all have a lot of talent.

abbysee says

If Taylor, had put out really good music, then their fans would just be a side story and Taylor never did take off,

He did put out really good music and Taylor DID take off.

I agree season 5 was the best ever of the seasons I’ve watched starting w/ S4. Something for everyone. Taylor and his love of soul & blues with that charisma and interaction with the band made for a captivating season. So many of his diehard fans including me were disillusioned with the first album, many of who used to post here. I remember a few of us who constantly toggled between MJ’s and the Gray Charles blog…those were the days.

What is so ironic is that I enjoyed so much more the post idol efforts of Daughtry and Yamin than Hicks. Regardless of how it all went down I do think Taylor will have longevity and will always be a fan.

He did put out really good music and Taylor DID take off

Well I am a fan, and that’s debatable. I didn’t love his debut cd, and he sorta had a real good start, and sorta fizzled. I love The Distance, it’s everything the first cd was not. Eclectic, fun, gritty…. Anywho, taste is subjective. I don’t find Taylor a failure in the least, but I did expect more initially. Now I am just glad he’s still working and seems happy. That’s enough for me. If he ever wants to do a cool set in The Village, or B.B. King’s in Times Square, I am there! I wouldn’t pay a thin dime to see Daughtry…

^^^^

Yep, I was one of those fans who toggled between MJ’s and GC’s. Those were the days, lol.

If this is Taylor Hicks’ year. Bleh. The only bright spot was Katharine McPhee singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. I would love to see that episode again.

So I think this season was the best. I just watched my itunes video downloads. This season was exciting!!!! Not sure how they will measure up next season. But I will watch. Cause I love AI!!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Katharine McPhee (AI5 Finale)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAg9C0OQr8c

My screen name indicates who my loyalty lies with obviously. I will be watching, just hoping they show Taylor a lot. Season 5 was for me the best AI year, partially due to Taylor but the whole top ten were interesting to me.
Taylor is currently in Birmingham playing Grease to an adoring hometown audience with two concerts scheduled this weekend at Workplay. A couple of weeks ago he played a sold out(1500 seat) Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi and had several hundred around his merchandise table afterward waiting on him to sign. I know he is not the commercial success Daughtry is but I’m not sure Taylor won’t have the career with the most longevity. In any case I doubt he’s worried or crying. Life appears to be pretty good for Taylor. He seems to be moving toward acting which might be good for such a charismatic live performer.

I have often wondered about whether or not he was difficult to work with. His music style is certainly not popular but he seems pretty stubborn that it is his. So perhaps some of his difficulty is stubborness and refusal to change. But maybe he got the big head once he won. Who knows? To me the only idols with successful recording careers are those in a popular genre- rock, country. The genre they are in is more of a testament to their success than their talent(ie, Kellie, Bucky)

I really miss Gray Charles too. Those were the days. He occasionally shows up for a comment or two on a Taylor fan board. His dry witted sense of humor is still in place.

Daughtry is nothing special, he was just willing to be a puppet.

Are you kidding me? Nothing special? Daughtry is an amazing talent. Without him, Season 5 would have been a complete travesty. Do you not know that his first album sold quintuple platinum? I think his second album is even better so there’s no telling how far that one will go. I plan to rewatch just to see Chris, but I will be sure to fast forward through McPhee and Hicks.

I guess this is the nature of the AI/19 machine, but what a bummer that it takes THIS LONG to get just S5 onto tv in reruns :-( Geez, at this rate it’ll be 2020 before S8 makes it on.

S5 was the first season I got into Idol. My parents started watching it for Simon’s snark, and I made fun of them for it (what a stupid show, I’d say) Well, suffice it to say, I soon got completely sucked in, and have now officially graduated to become one of the biggest idol fantards out there – so that goes to show me, I guess ;-)

I LOVED Daughtry S5 – like Adam this year and David Cook last year, he stood out to me by a mile as the most current, charismatic performer on the stage – with killer pipes and great stage presence. I was absolutely in mourning when he got kicked off, and boycotted the rest of the season because of it (must admit, I was far less bitter over Adam’s loss this year, probably because he made it to the finals in the first place).

But I was so thrilled to see Daughtry take off as he has, and do so well in the biz. I knew he had it in him.

S5 was very strong in general. I remember Mandisa getting the surprise boot for country week, Elliot the underdog, gorgeous Kat McPhee, crazy Taylor. Plus: QUEEN WEEK! WOOT! (despite having to sit through Ace Young sing Queen – shudder).

It’ll be really interesting to watch again!

Are you kidding me? Nothing special? Daughtry is an amazing talent.

Only if one judges talent by records sold. I still think he sounds exactly like Nickelback and who needs 2? For me, he seems to have found a formula and it’s working. Good for him! I don’t dislike Crhis, he seems like a decent person. I just find all of his songs as more of the same.

I always liked Taylor and don’t think his fans were so ott. Nothing compared to Adam fans, seriously. Taylor gets put down all the time, his fans have to suck it up constantly. Nobody thinks twice about using him as a joke. It’s really easy for people to pile on him.

Kellie Pickler was another favorite of mine on season 5, so it will be fun to watch again, although I’ll probably cringe at some of her performances (suds in the bucket?). Maybe people will see now in retrospect that she had a special quality.

I’ll admit I didn’t like Chris D. on the show, and never expected him to be so successful. I really like his music now, though his hard-edged voice is still not my favorite kind of voice. He was so unfriendly and unsmiling on the show, I still don’t think he has a lot of personality, but I like his music and respect him now.

It was a tv show and on tv Taylor was a better entertainer. He was likable, warm, friendly, unlike Chris D. A majority of voters picked him and that’s why he won. I will enjoy watching him again, as he had a quality that comes across on tv. By the way there were some good songs on his 1st cd and I like his 2nd a lot too.

abbysee

Well I am a fan, and that’s debatable. I didn’t love his debut cd, and he sorta had a real good start, and sorta fizzled.
=====================================
I don’t think he fizzled. He is a fantastic entertainer. :)

Yep, I was one of those fans who toggled between MJ’s and GC’s. Those were the days, lol.
======================================
ROFL! Ahhh GC!!!! I haven’t seen him in years! Yes those were the days. :)

Who is GC? I wasn’t online then. I know, shock. ;)

I’ve been an AI fan since S2 but really don’t have the time to watch rewinds. I enjoyed S5 as I was a Taylor fan, as well as Eliot. I thought Kat had a lovely voice. For me, Chris D was ok and was shocked he was voted off early. I think Kellie has done pretty well for herself.

GC was gray charles – a sorta taylor blog. One of Taylor’s nicknames was Gray Charles. But it was more than just Taylor – lots of good music, lovely snark and fun sarcasm. I found mjs through a gray charles reference. And when he went away, she became my permanent idol-blog home! I can’t quit her!

This was also my first and most favorite season! All because of Mr. Taylor Hicks, hehe. But honestly, I pretty much loved or loved to hate everyone that year, which is why season 6 was such a letdown for me. I wish I got this station (or hell, maybe I do and just don’t know it), I’d probably watch it again. If only for Daughtry’s “WTFFF?!?!?!” face, tehehe.

Random thoughts:

1. Record sales and talent don’t necessarily coincide, a lot of the popular music these days proves that. That said, I liked the first half of Daughtry’s first CD. Now he is a Chad Kroeger doppelganger and no thanks.

2. Taylor seems happy, so I’m happy. I saw him when Grease came to town and that spark is most assuredly still there. I would looove for him to play a show in MI.

3. GC!! Wow, I loved that place so much, hehe. I’m glad to hear he’s still active on some boards, what a great guy. And for suebrody, Gray Charles was a fan blog started for Taylor basically the second his audition aired. GC is an excellent writer, he had all the info, and even worked with Taylor after the show was over as a way to reach the fans, until stuff kind of imploded (due in part to the crazy fantard sector, which was smaller than people realized, I think. Just more vocal.). Nothing but great memories of that place though. :D

suebrody, GreyCharles(GC) was a blog about Taylor, but also about the music style that Taylor loves. The gentleman that had the blog was very knowledgeable about music and he educated and informed his followers about music he loved and found fascinating. He turned his readers on to other artist’s music. There were great discussions and discoveries. He actually met Taylor and did some work for him, but eventually decided to fold the blog as he had a family and a day job.and wanted his normal life back. Doing all this he kept his identity secret. He had a very unique style. His blog was a daily necessity for many Taylor fans. It was fun and informative without being an OTT fan site.

Thanks for the heads-up, MJ! Season Five was my first season to watch. I started watching because a friend told me about Mandisa, and her interactions with Simon. So I had to tune in and see for myself.

Some might disagree, but I remember that season as alot of diverse personalities. Like them or not, everyone seemed to have an identity. Maybe moreso than recent seasons. But that may be just because it was my first season. idk

Season 5 was the first time that AI grabbed my attention and it was all due to Elliott Yamin’s ‘Moody’s Mood for Love’ .

Man, that was such a good performance. I had forgotten about it over the years, but last season, I was reviewing old seasons’ performances on youtube and came across it. Wow, he really knocked my socks off with that one.

Season 5 was one of my favorite seasons. Really fun to watch. In addition to the contestants mentioned above, Bucky was also on it, with his long girly hair that Simon hated, LOL.

I hope we can enjoy watching it and not get into defensive postures from past fan wars. :) Let’s have fun :)

OTT fanbases do a lot of damage to someone’s career, as in the case of Taylor Hicks. I got the feeling his career went completely downhill when the beach photos were shown all over the internet and the crazy comments from obsessed fans. People who had a casual interest in Taylor, completely lost interest after that incident.

Combined with mediocre reviews of his post-Idol cd and no radio airplay and OTT fans, that will just about kill anybody’s music career.

Ohmygosh — Bucky and his Jessica Simpson hairdo that one night!!!! I can’t think of the theme/show. Too funny, it’s all coming back to me now… Which reminds me of Kat McPhee and Meatloaf’s duet on the finale. OH, that provided snark and entertainment for dayssssss! (Back when Best Week Ever was good)

For me, Kellie Pickler was the highlight of the season. Her good and bad vocals, yes, but her personality and honesty made me fall in love with her. Was it Queen night when she told Simon she butchered the song??
Oh and Ace Young had me tuning in as well.

I won’t debate whether Taylor is successful or not. I’m glad he’s still working and that should make him happy. I loved his performance on Season 7 (I think that was the year), a song from the Distance. I never “got it” while he was on is season. Didn’t see the appeal. But then again, I still love Clay Aiken…so where’s my judgement?? [And no, I was never a stanning Claymate. But I would've killed for Kelly. HA] :)

Here’s a link to a pic of Bucky’s hair. I think from the article, it suggests it was Stevie Wonder night. Click – you won’t be sorry. (unless you’re a Bucky fan)

http://idol-mania.com/american-idol-fan/2006/03/18/bucky-covington-american-idol-still-alive-and-kicking/

After some youtube video searching two weeks back, I saw an old Simon Cowell interview [on Leno??]. It was during Season 5. He was asked for predictions and he included Kellie P. and Chris and maybe 1 other as who would be his ideal or most likely top 3. WOOOOOOWWWWW. It certainly took me back.

And don’t forget Mandisa telling Simon off. And Chicken Little.
Just a fun season all the way around.

re: agendas, it was Rewind of Season 2 that made it obvious to me, as it may have been called the Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuben show. FWIW I wasn’t thrilled with anyone that season, so no matter who they pimped I would have been disgusted at the differential treatment. Anyway, another reason it’s interesting to Rewind. I wonder, when they get to Season 8, if we’ll see declarations of the final 2 back in the top 9 or 10…

He actually met Taylor and did some work for him, but eventually decided to fold the blog

He folded the blog because Taylor wouldn’t hire him full time, and there was a lot of bitterness going on in the blog then.

I just watched the auditions and the finale that year, I do remember not understanding how Taylor won after he absolutely destroyed ‘Something’ .

I hated his destroying one of my favorite Beatle songs. Ranks up there with KLC’s horrible version “8 days a week” for me.

I’m happy they’re going to have a Chris Daughtry special. He’s still my all time favorite idol. I never saw the arrogant vibe some of you mention. I love his sense of humor and that he’s such a family man. I liked season 5 until that painful day Chris was cut. Looking back it was probably for the best but wasn’t happy with the outcome that season.

Strange how peoples taste in music are different as Taylor’s “Something” was a favorite of mine and I’m a real Beatles fan. Even Simon said that night that Taylor despite his balminess, was a really good singer. Katherine McFee on the other hand sang it the next year on Idol with David Foster and I thought she destroyed it. Different strokes, for different folks. Even tho Simon at the end wanted Chris to win, he voted against advancing him to Hollywood at Chris’s audition, saying he lacked personality. I hope I can get the season 5 re-run on my cable network as It is still my favorite.

LOL I had forgotten about chicken little, and Mandisa telling Simon off. One highlight for me was Taylor and Ryan laying on the floor together, that was priceless. And Kellie with the eyelashes, the tarantula and the calamari. I wonder if we’ll see the finale again with the skit with Kellie and that famous chef. And my roommate was a huge Eliott fan. His mother was so supportive.

I wasn’t a Katherine fan, but some of her performances were great, like the Cherry Tree one, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She was beautiful, but her parents were a bit much. Oh and I forgot about Ace Young, he was fun to watch too. It was one of my favorite seasons. Just entertaining.

I remember liking when Taylor sang Something, but I liked most of his performances. I also liked being turned on to Ray L. (Trouble). I really wasn’t into the Gray Charles scene much. I wasn’t a rabid fan. But there was nothing wrong with photos of his date in Hawaii being posted on the internet. What’s wrong with that? It was an invasion of privacy but comes with the territory. Taylor may have had some rabid fans but really they were small in number compared to some other rabid fan groups.

When is this on? I need to record it.

I had my heart in my mouth all season 5, ever since spotting a guy with a bad haircut and a wonderful voice in the group rounds. Every week I worried whether it would be the last for Elliott, and then I would have to turn off Idol. I hope they have more footage of him!
A Chris/Elliott finale would have made this year in my top 2 Idol seasons IMO, the actual final two, not so much.

“Even tho Simon at the end wanted Chris to win, he voted against advancing him to Hollywood at Chris’s audition, saying he lacked personality.”

If only we could rewind back to that moment! Can you imagine what a huge star Taylor would be today if Chris was not advanced? I fear the same crap will happen for Season 8 crop – either Adam or Allison (or both) will be promoted unfairly above Kris Allen, and his career will tank as a result of TPTB.

I like these rewind shows, although I might skip season 6. I would love to see season 7 again. I’ve watched since season 1, but season 7 was the first year that I was an absolute lunatic about American Idol and it didn’t get better in sesason 8.