Idol Headlines for 01/04/08

Glad to hear Taylor is getting away from the idol ties (if true). After earlier hints and speculation, I am not surprised. I expected something to happen. I feel this is really what Taylor wanted. What a story it would be if he could tell all…but, he has been a true gentleman about it. Good luck to him in his future endeavors.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Taylor is going to record his next album on his own,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said a label rep.

Does Taylor have Clay’s lawyers? Because I can think of no other way he could have wheedled out of that contract before fulfilling his record quota — even Clay couldn’t do that. Taylor makes much better music on his own than with all of “J Records” help, so I’m excited about this news.

What does this mean for the latest winner, Jordin Sparks? Or, with season 7 kicking off on January 15, the franchise’s star-making power?

Finally, someone in the press points out the obvious. Maybe this will motivate TPTB to focus a little more on the winners.

I believe it was Taylor’s idea to leave the label in the first place. At least that’s what most of the people on the Taylor Hicks board are saying.

The story I’ve been reading is that it was around the time that Taylor was performing at Pearl River that he had bought out his contract. I think maybe this was when Taylor negotiated a deal to buy out but continue on until the end of the year.

In fact one of the Google alerts a Soul Patroler received and shared said this :

“Taylor Hicks HAS BEEN RELEASED from his recording contract with J Records“.

From the looks of it, it looks like a mutual parting of ways.

AHEM… For the nosey ones among you who are interested in Taylor’s personal life, the article above talking about Taylor’s Asian Tour plans in 2008 also talks about his personal life.

After his appearances in Asia, Hicks headed to Milwaukee before heading back down South.

Regarding where he now lives, he says this :

“For now, if I’m in one place for two weeks, then that’s where I live,” he says. “Milwaukee is one of those places.”

‘Nuff said.

I don’t get the “buying out the contract” thing. I think the record company has the option to release more albums or drop you. However, it’s obvious Taylor and his label were a mismatch. Taylor always wanted to do his own thing and now he can.

In the Morning’s Non-Britwreck News …
Posted Jan 4th 2008 6:00AM by TMZ Staff

“It’s a great song, and probably could have been a good marketing tool, but when we put it up with the movie, it just felt wrong,” says Disney music chief Mitchell Leib. The song was supposed to run over the end credits.

http://www.tmz.com/

Katharine McPhee should be dumped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also due Tuesday: ‘Elvis: Viva Las Vegas’ soundtrack featuring Daughtry, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Perry.

…Also on the menu for this week is the soundtrack to “Elvis: Viva Las Vegas,” an ABC special that aired in September as part of the 30th anniversary of Presley’s death. The disc pits recently remastered songs sung by the King à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  “Mystery Train,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me),” etc. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  alongside tribute cover versions performed during the TV special. Included are Daughtry’s take on “Suspicious Minds”; Bruce Springsteen’s cover of the title track; Chris Isaak and newcomer Brandi Carlile’s “Love Me Tender” duet; Toby Keith and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s rendition of “Mystery Train”; as well as additional cuts by Patti Scialfa, Faith Hill and Miranda Lambert.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1578714/20071228/id_0.jhtml

Available on iTunes under; Elvis: Viva Las Vegas(Soundtrack)

I will hold my breath on whether or not Taylor being dumped/leaving/whatever is a good thing. On the one hand, I don’t think the last album we got was what Taylor really wanted to make, and I want to see him in a place where he’ll have more artistic freedom. I hope he can sign to a smaller label, record CDs, and continue to make his living touring just like most of my favorite musicians do.

On the other hand, Bo Bice is giving drunk Internet concerts from his living room, so I’m not naive enough to think that this is the greatest move for Taylor ever. I need to see it play out.

I can understand the label keeping McPhee at least for now, though. True, she did sell half of what Taylor did, but it’s possible that someone at RCA is hoping that her acting career will take off. If by chance it does, they can easily have her record an extra song or two and rerelease her album. There’s more of a waiting game with her, and probably more of a general reluctance to admit that the Crack Marketing Team couldn’t sell what should have been the easiest sell in the world–a beautiful girl with a nice voice and big boobies. I bet that still smarts.

My gut feeling is that Kat will be dropped as well if she already hasn’t been and we just don’t know it. There’s no way they made any money on her album. I don’t see how any future success she has as an actress will help her sell albums. It doesn’t seem to work that way. If I’m wrong and she gets another shot, I’ll have underestimated the power of a pretty girl with big boobies and a nice voice. But I’ll stick with my prediction that she’s the next one to go.

On the other hand, Bo Bice is giving drunk Internet concerts from his living room

Oh, don’t worry. That won’t happen to Taylor. He doesn’t even own a living room.

Drunken Internet concerts from Clive’s parking garage are a possibility (or was that a package deal? Did he also lose that job when Arista dropped him? Well, an experienced car parker is never without work).

Seriously, I do agree that this could turn out okay for him or very, very badly. We’ll just have to wait and see.

I’m not a Katherine fan, but I watch her sing the NA last night before the Orange Bowl. They introduced her as “recording artist and actress”, NOT RCA recording artist. Maybe a clue, maybe not. She did well and was well received.

I, personally, (and I’m kinda weird) would love a drunk concert coming from Tay’s living room ! (everyone…stop rolling your eyes !!! I’m just joking :rolleyes_wp: :rolleyes_ee:)

I do not know about record contracts but realy think it was the label that let him go. I am sure others have sold less but it was not a happy situation for both . Yes American Idol wants you to play thier game and they do manipulate the show but publicly stating about the winner was low. To me treating some shabily in 5 than kissing those in 6 butt of how great they is like putting a spotlight and saing”what contestnts should be like”. Yes I am in the minority on this one.

Season 7 has those with expearince something a producer said was not a good thing.I also was joking about the clones of professional singers guys ..(to ai producers.

Taylor has a clear cut business plan and the exposure AI has given him is his ticket to success. That is Taylor’s view of success, not AI’s.

His goals for 2008 are exciting but I hope he doesn’t lag in releasing all of his creations. I thought his DVD was too be released in late 2007 and now its planned for “sometime” in 2008. Too much delay may hurt rather than help him.

I also have a “wait and see” outlook on the news that Taylor is no longer with J Records. I doubt that he “bought out his contract” and tend to think he was probably simply unceremoniously dumped for lack of units. I’m sure he’s at least relieved that no more Dianne Warren and faux pop/soul dreck are coming his way and he doesn’t have to worry about Clive forcing him to record a cover album of the worst songs of the 70s and 80s like Clay. I’m glad that there’s not too much hand-wringing among the fans, but I’m not sure getting dropped from a 3-record deal with a major label is necessarily cause to celebrate.

If there’s any truth to a connection between him and Stax, I will be cautiously optimistic. The label was just re-launched less than a year ago, and who knows, it could turn out really well. I really hope he lands with a smaller label and a real distribution deal. The completely independent route is just too much of an uphill battle. Hopefully some more details will leak from Taylor’s camp soon.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a Katherine fan, but I watch her sing the NA last night before the Orange Bowl. They introduced her as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“recording artist and actressà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , NOT RCA recording artist. Maybe a clue, maybe not. She did well and was well received.

They have been introducing her as “recording artist and actress Katharine Mcphee” for some time now, her last 2 or 3 performances over the last few months have not included “RCA” recording artist. I could actually care less though. She starts recording album #2 this month, personally I can’t wait, and I don’t care about sales, I’m just glad to get new Kat music. I can’t wait. :jittery_tb:

She was awesome singing the NA, it was gorgeous actually, not one bad note. I loved it. :wub_tb:

If the DJ’s and radio didn’t take Taylor seriously last time around, I can’t imagine them helping him out without any type of label backing. The way things have turned out for him makes me not be able to enjoy the show as much.

I’m less bothered by the actual dropping than I am knowing that there are people who are actually clapping that Taylor has been dropped (assume this report is true, of course). As much as I loathe Katharine, I wouldn’t cheer if she were dropped–she has fans who want to hear her music. “I dislike Artist X; therefore, all those who enjoy Artist X should be deprived of his music” has never seemed like cromulent logic to me, although I realize that cromulent logic doesn’t exactly come into play when you’re talking about people who derive happiness from the failure of complete strangers.

If the DJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and radio didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t take Taylor seriously last time around, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t imagine them helping him out without any type of label backing. The way things have turned out for him makes me not be able to enjoy the show as much.

It might have been different for him and radio play if he had HAD any label backing with J Records. It might not have, but that’s something we’ll never know. I know many don’t like his cd – I still do, and I play it all the time. I just love his voice, period, and he sings the heck out of every song on it. (I do prefer his original “Soul Thing” better though)

You know, I was just wondering what impact this will have on the new Season 7 contestants. Last year there seemed to be this attitude that just make it to the top 12 and you were guaranteed some type of big reward. (Frankly, it breaks my heart that Melinda is singing lame jingles for the icecream company….she is such a wonderful talent!)

If all the hype on the new season is true, I wonder if some of these *professional* singers wish they could back out. Looks like the TPTB could be sending a BIG message that we don’t have to give you anything unless you create BIG bucks for us. I do understand that this is a business though. Seems to me that they have forgotten that Taylor brought them the biggest voting season to date. That is gratitude for ya!
*sigh* Pix….
…and by the way….I am not celebrating about this for Taylor like so many are on other boards…..the spin cannot be good for him!

Desdemona, It doesn’t look like he had much backing. He got good promotion for tv it seems but not for radio. Frankly, I think that Just To Feel That Way would have done ok on pop had it been played over and over. I know in my area, teens are still in the “sheep” mode and if it’s played on the radio a lot then it is cool. Of course we still have the artists who have their songs played and sell less than what he did so it’s all just a speculation game.

Pixie, I agree with you too.. and with you Kat.. heck I agree with everyone! IGetCranked = sheep Lol

I said from the beginning that I didn’t think Taylor was after the whole super-star route – that he just wanted a contract, to get his music out, to get a fan base, and have the freedom to continue writing, recording, and touring. I think he wanted to make a living on his music, but not necessarily be a major pop sensation. I thought an indy sort of career suited him – something like Ray LaMontaygne. Of course, people thought I was nuts because the fact that he went on Idol “proved” he wanted it all. I don’t care if he got out of the contract, if they dumped him, or if it was mutual – while I like Taylor’s CD I didn’t like it nearly was well as what he put out on his own, and the way they didn’t handle the single, etc., told me he was a mismatch for this label anyway. So long as he can keep putting out music & touring, I’m happy & I be he’s happy. Most of who I listen to anymore is never on the radio either, but I still manage to find their CDs…Good luck to Taylor! And Reuben too for that matter.

I think radio play may be difficult for Taylor, unless he can somehow tap into the AAA market. My AAA station plays lots of rootsy stuff. They’ve never played an Idol, though, so that might be the catch 22.

On the other hand, Bo Bice is giving drunk Internet concerts from his living room

He is? Where does one watch? LOL.

“Break Another” made the Blender Bible this month.

17. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Break Another,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Blake Lewis (Arista)
The argyle-lovinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Idol calls out hit-and-run scuzzbags on his percolating funk-hop debut.

So did Leona Lewis, but they called her song “Keep Bleeding.” LOL.

Here’s a new Blake interview with mp3.com.

Lewis spoke with MP3.com about his wild ride on Idol, reaping the rewards of national television exposure, and taking A.D.D. on tour.

ETA: I forgot to mention (for interested parties) that Blake and his band will be on Leno tonight. There’s a slight change he will get to do two songs.

Hey, pj…I went to a local record store today and saw that Blake’s ADD is already on sale. Hee. I also heard Break Anotha on the local (biggest) pop station here on New Year’s…it was played right after the year-end countdown show.

On Taylor…You might have noticed I have recently become, err, “Taylorized” (heh) and this news saddens me a little. I just hope that, whatever the real story behind it may be, Taylor makes the best of it.

Re: Bo’s drunken living room internet concerts…if it really means what I think (but do not hope) it might, that’s very sad. This business is very, very tough. I hope Bo makes it.

Book Review: Chicken Soup For The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Soul by Various

…It is hard to pick a favorite story, several stood out in my mind. Mandisa was a contestant that made it to the top 10 finalist list in season 5. Mandisa is overjoyed to to have made it through the audition phase, and her performance is so good that the producers opt to include it in one of the TV episodes. She is gathered with her friends to watch the great event air. Her world is destroyed when what is actually shown on TV includes a snide remark from judge Simon Cowell about her weight. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Are we going to get a bigger stage this year?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  he inquires of co-judge Paula Abdul.

Mandisa is crushed. But she gets her revenge. In what could have been a career ending move, when next she meets Mr. Cowell under the glare of the lights and scrutiny of the cameras rolling she does what I am sure many contestants that have been on the receiving end of Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s barbed remarks would love to do, she gives it to him with both barrels! A deflated Simon Cowellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only response is to ask her to come and give him a kiss…

Blogger News Network

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Promises, promises: Star-studded goals name-check Jill Scott, Jessica Simpson, ‘American Idol’

Maybe fans will become frenzied again, if another unknown from the 205 area code becomes a key player on the show. Still, none of our instant celebs — Ruben Studdard, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice or Taylor Hicks — has rocketed into the permanent stratosphere of mega-stardom.

They’ve done well, make no mistake about it. All four have achieved national recognition, recorded major-label albums, increased their bank accounts and added big-league credits to their resumes. But enduring stardom of the A-list variety? That remains elusive.

al.com

Even when I saw Taylor this past July he made some off-handed remark about Clive and JTFTW…. I think he wanted out and I think they wanted him out. So, good luck Taylor!!! I hope this workd out for the best for you.

Hey, pjà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦I went to a local record store today and saw that Blakeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ADD is already on sale. Hee. I also heard Break Anotha on the local (biggest) pop station here on New Yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢sà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦it was played right after the year-end countdown show.

Cool! It’s still not being played on my local pop station.

I had read ADD might be released in Europe with a couple of new tracks. Good to know it’s already being sold in the Philippines!

I don’t think Taylor “wanted out” and I think the treatment by TPTB/Clive bothered him very much (or at least that is what his Dad said.) I think he wanted the support he earned–and certainly deserved–from winning Idol. He was shunned, period. Radio stations play what they are PAID to play.

I know Taylor is enjoying the freedom from those who really don’t have his best interests at heart. I will hope and pray he can persevere, survive and thrive! I just LOVE HIM! My love affair with Idol was wearing thin during Season 5. With the treatment of Taylor–and Kelly, etc., the love affair has finally died…and Idol killed it all by themselves.

As for Bo, I have long suspected his problems with his record company could very well have been linked to drugs. I don’t think he was very dependable and felt like it could be related to drug use. (He was busted and on probation when he auditioned. Hard for these folks to kick the habit when they live in the environment.)

Speaking of drug habits….

DESDEMONA..don’t know if you saw my response but ABB is the Allman Bros. Band. They wrote a song, Desdemona, for an ex-girlfriend that was a pretty big hit of theirs. That’s why I thought you were a fan. (And the speaking of drug habits pertains to them, especially Gregg, not you!)

Very sad news on Taylor Hicks. I thought he’d at least get a 2nd shot at it.

Hopefully he can continue to make music for a long time. That’s all I want.

As for Bo, I have long suspected his problems with his record company could very well have been linked to drugs. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he was very dependable and felt like it could be related to drug use. (He was busted and on probation when he auditioned. Hard for these folks to kick the habit when they live in the environment.)

That was Simons thinking when he didnt want Bo on Idol, but did reverse himself on tv and tell Bo how glad he was that Bo was on. I hope Bo is still drug free and have no reason to think otherwise. Such speculation does no one any good and gets some people to thinking it is so just because they read it somewhere. I have Bo’s new cd and love it and wish he could get his music out. He, like Taylor, did not get good material or support from the label. Its a shame such talent was squandered.

I guess the thing that bugs me is the treatement for instance the goofball Taylor and elliott were treated diferently exspecially after E got a hit. Why one liked the other not so much. I am sure it was not the first time either and I know it is human nature but it was soo obvious who thier faves were and who they liked. My knowledge I do not recall either Surviver or Amazing race dissing thier winner. Give them all a chance and if they really dislike them do not send them threw and spare them the hassel.(Like both of them ai not so much )

In another cite somestated taylor was not “himself” on the cd. How many ai contestants are? How many artists truelly have full control over whats on thier cd?

Hi pixie,lu and pj you knwo whats on tonight.

pss.Chris D would like off his pedistal the ai producers put him on..nature is a calling

Actually, winning American Idol has changed from Season 1 – A LOT. It used to be a big deal to win and get a recording contract and have 19 E or their designated label (J Records/RCA, etc.) promote the winning idol. AI was very fortunate to have such an excellent first winner in Ms. Kelly Clarkson and it was all fresh and new back in 2002, but the times have changed. AI and company didn’t quite know how to promote Taylor to radio and didn’t put the money behind him, and a few other past winners.

AI loves their golden children: Kelly, Carrie, and Chris and they’ll pimp them as long as the cash comes in. Although, Kelly isn’t too golden in their book, anymore, but will always go down in the history books as the first winner of American Idol and they’ll promote all her future successes and they’ll be able to claim her as an alumni, etc.

Taylor will go down as a niche-market winner. He was different and entertaining and the people spoke and won. Taylor will do just fine, the AI publicity helped a guy who was touring in a mini-van getting paid probably in drinks and gas money. He’s gotten great exposure and he’ll be happy doing things his way and touring, opening his own club in Alabama, etc. Success means different things to different people and he’ll be a successful man. Heck, he’s doing a lot better than a lot of us, and I wish him well.

One thing we all have to look forward to is the “Battle of the American Idol All-stars” on VH-1, Bravo or A&E in the future, as you know it’ll happen, some day.

Happy New Year MJ bloggers!

Why doesn’t this Taylor news bother me?
I guess I’m healed!!!!!

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Pop…….Hi there…..good to see you….I am at a loss….what is on tonight?????? Pix

I’m also in the wait and see camp. I think the news doesn’t bother me because I kind of expected it. Hopefully it will all work out for the best and Taylor will be able to put out a cd truer to his vision on a smaller label. If the Stax rumor is true, it could all turn out to be a good thing.

I am neither pro nor con for Taylor. I thought he had a nice voice but those whirling dervish gymnastics almost drove me up the wall. I do not feel like Taylor bought out his contract. I think that TPTB were dismayed that the general public didn’t embrace him and his musical style and thus released him from his contract. So, in essence, it was Taylor’s fans who actually betrayed him. It is much easier to power vote than to actually support your favorite by purchasing their CD at the local Walmart. Just my opinion.

So, in essence, it was Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans who actually betrayed him.

No offense but that seems a little overblown to me. It’s hardly a “betrayal” to vote for someone on a television show if you have no intention of buying their album. I think Taylor entertained a lot of people visually, but as many people I know have said, 90% of the fun of Taylor Hicks is getting to WATCH him sing. I don’t feel the same way, mainly because I heard most of his original stuff before the semifinals even started, but I can understand that opinion. So I wouldn’t call it a “betrayal” just because someone had a little fun with voting for an American Idol but then didn’t pony up the $18 in the end.

Chrissey58
Jan 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

DESDEMONA..donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if you saw my response but ABB is the Allman Bros. Band. They wrote a song, Desdemona, for an ex-girlfriend that was a pretty big hit of theirs. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why I thought you were a fan.

I saw it, Chrissey, and answered you on yesterday’s thread.

Ummmm …..Taylor sold – 700,000 cds. That does not sound like betrayal to me at all. Those are good, solid numbers…. Kat is right,IMO, that Taylor entertained the public and many, many loved it. Seeing him live is where he shines…..:)
Angelia, after seeing him in concert several times, I can say that he has toned down those *wild* moves! He did make me laugh a lot on the show tho! Pix

In defense of AI, they can’t really “make” someone a superstar. The public still has to buy the albums.They have been amazingly lucky in finding unknown artists that have hit it big (who knows for how long). Unlike America’s Next Top Model, The Bachelor, Survivor, etc, AI is one reality show that sometimes delivers what it promises. The fact that the winner of S5 didn’t become a best selling artist isn’t really anyone’s fault or even a terrible thing for him.

I’m still a little surprised they let Taylor go so quickly. Since it does hurt the credibility of the show my guess is that Taylor and his label just couldn’t work together on any level.

Desdemona–the ABB are from the early 70s and are known as the first “southern rock” band. God, they are the BEST band I have ever heard in my entire life–bar none! Still going strong today. (Just saw them August 2007)

They had great, great tragedies and managed to survive, revive and just play great music. Their “signature song” would probably be “Whippin’ Post”. But they did/do a lot of blues, etc. (Stormy Monday) “their” way. They have 2 lead guitars, 2 drummers, 1 bass and Gregg on keyboard/vocals. They have apparently garnered new fans during their career as many “youngsters” know of them and many are huge fans!

I did not say Bo went back on drugs. I said that I feared that he may have (as would explain his undependability and many illnesses.) I, too, hope he stayed clean. Just know it is so common in the world of music and very difficult to resist/avoid. I loved Bo so my opinion is certanly not a personal attack at all.

I said from the beginning that I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Taylor was after the whole super-star route – that he just wanted a contract, to get his music out, to get a fan base, and have the freedom to continue writing, recording, and touring. I think he wanted to make a living on his music, but not necessarily be a major pop sensation.

I ditto that. I think he was glad to get to the top 10 and when it seemed he might actually win, he just went along for the ride. But he self-produced a CD before AI, and when he won the self-CD went through the roof in sales and he kept the profits.

Now as to whether he will be on another label or not — has anybody seen Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings? They’re hot and I can see Taylor on their record label. Or Stax. Yep, that can happen.

But you don’t need a big push from a record label or traditional marketing to get a hit record. Exhibit #1 is Prince. They released his Planet Earth on the internet, the whole album, and I heard a couple of cuts and was sold, went out and bought it and it’s my fave Prince CD since Sign of the Times.

Taylor can do the same thing. Heck, all these artists can do the same. They just need a good team (like Prince) to make it happen.

As long as one or two more hit artists/stars come from the AI stable, people will continue to watch it. But, it’s a fallacy, and we see it now, that the winner comes with a built-in fan base.

Those that come off of AI are better reaching the “new-Non AI” fan vs. the loyal diehard Soul Patrolers, KatPackers, Claymates, etc. because that is the potential audience who is going to possibly purchase their CDs. The fanatics purchase their favorites’ CDs and call the radio stations, etc. to try to get them played, but the labels want the new fan to call in the requests and the diehards to not request as much; however, if the diehards don’t get their favorites played on the radio how is the casual fan ever going to hear them? It’s a Catch-22 situation and if the label hasn’t backed and ponied up the money to get a single played on radio, they’ll tell the diehards to back off with the requests. This has happened to the Claymates and KatPack.

So, bottom line – AI is a great place to get discovered. If you have that special charisma, voice and mass appeal – you’ll sell to the casual/new fan. Chris has it, as does Carrie and Kelly. Katharine has lots of mass appeal too, but RCA just didn’t want to put the money behind her, they did with “Over It,” but for some reason they didn’t with “Love Story,” and that probably had to do with the change in management. If these former AI contestants just get the chance to continue performing and can make a living at it – it’s all good.

Afterall, all of these contestants are our fellow Americans and we should try to wish them well in their future endeavors and stop the silly “my idol’s better than yours” nonsense; but I think we’ll find a cure for breast cancer first before that ceases to end. Everyone likes to prove their right and throw out the “na na na na nas so&so lost their record contract, I told you so,” which I think is a bit immature, but I guess it’s in our nature to be competitive. I liken it to sports rivalaries: Dodgers vs. Giants, Hicks vs. McPhee, etc. It’s all in good fun, and people should chill a bit and not take it so seriously because in the grand scheme of things how a former AI contestant does really has no effect on our lives unless you are their manager or something like that.

jpfan… now that’s logic !!! I like what you said “since it does hurt the credibility of the show….” it does !! and another thing….. what Nygil,Nigyl….whatever said about Taylor’s win..”America got that wrong..” NUTS TO YOU !! And NO I haven’t moved on. er…. Happy New Year..thank you and adios for today.

CoBaby, you make a lot of sense. You have no business being an Idol fan!

Unless there’s some other reason there’s no longer a taylorhicks.com official page, it must be true and not just a rumor that Taylor Hicks and J Records have parted ways – typing that in your browswer now takes one to his “My Space” page instead. It used to be his official music site.

I just checked at J Records and Taylor is still on their artist list..but maybe they are slow in removing people. As far as Taylor leaving J Records ..it is what it is…and I love Taylors post Idol CD but my very favorite Taylor is pre-Idol Taylor so maybe he will be able to do more music like that now. YAY!!! As for Bo Bice I dont think he is undependable at all…and like so many other Idol contestants he had tried drugs and it got publicized and blown out of proportion imo. He has since Idol married…dealt with major surgery..had a son..and seems very grounded..to blast him for past mistakes is low imo..and he is a very talented guy who cant seem to get a break. Why would VH1 take him off of their top 20 countdown for instance when he was number one at the end of 2007?? That just really stinks imo. I sure hope this wonderful singer and man makes it ..he is imo one of the best talents to ever be on Idol.

later,

Ruben is still on J Records’ artist list, too.

I have seen all of Bo Bice’s chats and concerts and he has never been drunk or under the influence of drugs during them. Unfortunately, people saying things of this nature tends to start rumors flying. And, that is all these are…RUMORS!

Reminder: Please don’t tell other posters what to do or what to post.

Exactly! The biggest problem that Bo has had (aside from a crappy 1st album- but many Idols have had to deal with that) is the life threatening stomach issues. He was in the hospital the night before the Final 2 show and it was never mentioned. Then, he almost died during the tour with an intestinal blockage and the illnesses and surgeries went on and on during his album release and into the recent past. I think he could have done better if he were healthier and stronger. AND- I wish him and Taylor and Rueben and all of Idols luck. I hate to see anyone fail or be treated unfairly.

Wow, the comments finally got to page two and there were more than the few diehards and someone got spanked. Sad outcome to a formerly great website.

Yep, people get reminded to follow the guidelines when they don’t. That’s how I roll. No different than before.

If you have an issue, contact me personally, don’t talk about the blog on the blog. Thank you.

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Well I know some disagree with me but I still think Taylor wanted out. He and his label seemed like a bad marriage from the get go. They didn’t appear to give him much support. Now he can shop around and hopefully find a lable that will support him – or just go indie – although that’s a tough road.

Jessica Sierra’s episode of her on the Tyra Banks Show is airing this Wednesday januar 9th….it’s about the celeb. rehab show. I guess they’re still airing it!

http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/thisweek/index.html

I hate it when I miss an mj spanking :nono_tb:

I agree that Taylor wanted out and, if he was dropped, probably gave them good reason. Remember hisveryownself defined his a$$hole years in his book and yep, I’ve heard about them from other local musicians.

If Taylor knows anything he knows Taylor. I doubt anyone could persuade him to dump his 50 year plan.

And, in my very own opinion, which is worth nothing, I think Rueben and Taylor are nuts for opening a club in that area of Birmingham. We have a new Mayor — his plan is to trade (demolish) the BJCC (the civic center they played during the AI5 tour) in favor of a doomed stadium in another bad section. The BJCC area is borderline safe in daylight, bad news at dusk and dangerous at dark. If they were doing it in Southside I’d say, give it a go but that’s the north side. Bad news.

Well, Caro, I know little about Birmingham, really, except the airport has free wi fi. I do know that gentrifying poor neighborhoods has worked wonders for Mayor Daley in Chicago. Too bad for the peeps who are forced out b/c they can’t afford the rent anymore, but yay for everyone else, I guess.

Anyway, the mayor’s plan may work…

From Chicago-sally:

Now as to whether he will be on another label or not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  has anybody seen Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings? Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re hot and I can see Taylor on their record label. Or Stax. Yep, that can happen.

I LOVE Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings!!! :thumbup_tb:
Talk about a KICK-*** group! :clap_tb:
They are going to be playing at The Beacon Theater in NYC on 2/15, and am debating about getting tickets for that show…

Their video for their latest song, “100 Days, 100 Nights” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ouI5KcyHfE

Did you know that The Dap Kings are the back-up band for Amy Winehouse’s song “Rehab”, and that they are featured in the song’s video?

Oh, to have Taylor record in NYC at the Daptone Studios? SIMPLY HEAVEN!!!

Just a small video clip from CNN that I happened to (LITERALLY!)stumble upon about Sharon & the Dap Kings late last year… http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/10/17/velshi.life.after.work.cnn

STAX Records would be an EQUALLY COOL opportunity for Taylor, which I think would be a WONDERFUL match, if indeed that is what is to happen… (If that makes ANY sense, grammatically speaking :blink_tb: )

pj, it may work but, then again, it may not. Or it may work way down the road but not anytime soon.

You know, our new Mayor is the former Mayor of Bessemer. He started Visionland – I think Bo played there. It’s now an outlet mall that’s going bankrupt.

Our new mayor is full of *vision*. I like that but,… show me the money. Our sales tax is at 9% and will be raised again (9% on food too).

I heard this city will soon have a river flowing through it and gondola’s! Now, that’s special. :drunk_tb:

Birmingham’s new mayor was the mayor of Fairfield, not Bessemer. Yes, he started what is now Alabama Adventure and yes, Bo Bice has played there twice to very good crowds. The outlet mall is another enterprise entirely. The sales tax in Birmingham is now 10% due to the new mayor pushing it through, while other cities around Birmingham still have the 9% tax. By the time the new “entertainment” area of Birmingham is started, Ruben and Taylor may well change their minds. The one good thing about their plans is that they are at least trying to support their city, which imo is not entirely bad.

I am in the camp who believes that Taylor wanted out of his contract with J Records. If they have truly parted ways, this is the best news I’ve heard all year. Heh.

I too am trying not to get my hopes up on the Stax Records rumor, but it is very hard to contain my excitement at the possibility. This would be the best way to get Taylor’s brand of music to the masses. What an honor for him if true.

camille, correct, he was the Mayor of Fairfield. Bessemer and Fairfield run together in my mind.

Yes, Bham is now 10% (and free laptops for all inner city children!). I’m sure the suburbs will follow their lead shortly and we’ll all be paying 10%.

I like Langford but I do think he needs someone who can rein all that ‘vision’ in.

In the meantime I hope both Taylor and Rueben have escape clauses.

It was in the paper yesterday that Taylor had not signed anything yet concerning his club. And, yes, the mayor needs his “vision” reined in. Hoping that the suburbs do not follow his lead as far as this 10% tax goes. Taylor seems to be a pretty good businessman. He managed to get away from his label who has never done anything for him. I think that he will be fine.

Late to this, because I was snoozing. LOL. Anyway, I am not a fan of regressive taxes. We also have a high sales tax here… over 9%. Higher for some things. Gas is also really high, due to taxes.

Maybe they should raise property taxes and decrease sales tax? Just saying!

In MN, they do not tax necessities. I think that is fair.

Uh oh — go to Perezhilton.com

The first entry is a huge photo of Taylor – stating he’s been dropped from JRecords.

Of course, the spin is negative.

hey pj — we like to build all kinds of stuff into taxes.

My car tags are over $700.00 because they have education tax built in. doh. (buy a bigger house and a creepy car)

camille, Irondale has been kicking 10% around for about a year. I suspect that the outlying cities – Homewood, Mountain Brook, Jeffco and Shelby will be 10% before long if they’re not already.

Anyway, all I want is a free laptop.

WOW!! This is the best news for Taylor and Ruben that I have heard. Now they can write their own music.!!