Idol Headlines for 1/07/08

This is from the NY Post this morning and is the entire article. I was pleased to see that they stated Taylor’s sales were “awfully good” for a “first-timer”. Of course, we all know it wasn’t his first, but I know what they meant. I’m pleasantly surprised they didn’t spin this much more negatively.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01072008/tv/j_records_kicks_hicks_142967.htm

J RECORDS KICKS HICKS
Post staff writer

January 7, 2008 — FIRST, “American Idol 2″ winner Ruben Studdard lost his record deal – and now “Idol 5″ guy Taylor Hicks has reportedly split with J Records.
Hicks sold 650,000 copies of his debut album last year – awfully good for a first-timer, but not up to the expectations of an “Idol” winner.

Now comes word that J Records – the label owned by RCA and run by music mogul Clive Davis – has quietly released Hicks from his deal.

Hicks had only about seven months between winning the TV talent show and his first album release.

Studdard was dropped by J Records last month after three CDs.

I’m intrigued that the writer states that Taylor “split” with J Records — not that he was dropped by the label. hmmmmmmm Sorta like a divorce or separation.

This was also in the NY Post, Page Six too….very impressive.

I can’t get the link to work so here is the article…..

Oh Yeah, She Actually Can Sing

While watching Katharine McPhee perform the National Anthem during the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, a wave of realization washed over me: I totally caught the McPheever à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  again!

The middling CD Katharine released in January last year may not have capitalized on her vocal talents or sold well, but halfway through her performance, I was reminded that Kat is not only one of the strongest singers American Idol has ever had, but that Taylor Hicks triumph in season five was due to his personality not his vocal stylings.

Case in point: Taylor was recently dropped from his J Records contract. “Taylor is going to record his next album on his own,” a spokesperson for the label said. Meanwhile, in addition to working on her second album, Kat has a role in I Know What Boys Like, a highly anticipated comedy hitting theaters later this year starring Anna Farris.

So let this be a lesson to this season’s crop of potential Idols. While being cute or quirky might get you far in the competition, if you don’t have the pipes to back it up, you’ll tumble faster than Paula Abdul after a night of “relaxation.”

I don’t agree with the part about her not showcasing her vocals on this last album, some of the songs on there are just beautiful. Her voice sounds great on that album.

Here’s how I imagine the scene with Clive Davis going:

CD: Taylor, you did OK with the CD but I have some writers and collaborators lined up for your next release. For example, I can see you working with the following people:

o Barry Manalow — after all you did good when you met him singing “Mandy”; I’m thinking something “The Copacabana”!!! This is exciting, Taylor!!!

o David Foster — David wants to help you prepare a cover of Besa me Mucho — that kid Sanjaya performed it on Latin night and the crowd loved it. In fact, why don’t you record that song!!!

o I want you to record “Wind Beneath My Wings”! This will be your video!!! I can just see you in a wind tunnel with the wind machine blowing your jacket back and you reaching for the missing woman; birds in the background, clouds rushing overhead!!!

o I also have a picture in my mind of you working with Gwen Stafani — she’s cool and has been able to perform some edge cutting — or is it called cutting edge — music.

o Oh, and since you like to wear boots, what do you think about a re-do of this song by Nancy Sinatra — “These Boots Are Made for Walking”.

o Oh, and Wayne Newton — he has some cool songs I really like.

Finishing with a smile, Clive says “Well, Taylor, these are just some things I’m doodling with — what do you say?

While this conversation has been going on, Taylor has been quietly holding his harmonica in his hand.

Taylor thanks Clive for his time and stands to leave saying — my lawyer will be in touch with you. As Taylor walks out the door the notes from “Take this job and shove” float in the air.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=574Ciys7bIY

The Kat article was not actually in the NY Post. I think the Post is trying to do a TMZ blog. Page Six is purely gossip. The article is very nice though.
(I’m a Page 6 addict and read it every day, shameful I know.)

Julie, :lol_tb: !! Wouldn’t be surprised! :wink_ee:

Page six is in the NY post, is it not? Anyway, I really wish I could get the link to work, there is a great picture of her while she’s singing the NA. It is a great article, makes me proud. :happy_tb:

Nanny, That’s not a Page Six kind of article. Page Six is nasty gossip and blind items like “What grey haired singer was handed his walking papers by his label.” That might be from the Page Six blog not the paper itself. The comments are way too kind for Page Six itself. Typical headlines from P 6 – Auto-erotic, Bimbo future, Lohan’s latest. You get the drift.

Nanny, is that in today’s Post? Because I can’t find it on their website. I read the Post this morning and didn’t see it on Page Six or PageSix.com. Just curious.

http://www.pagesix.com/story/oh yeah she actually can sing

This is the actual article, but I can’t get it to copy and paste correctly, there are plus signs between oh yeah she actually can sing, but the plus signs aren’t showing up, so I can’t get it to be a direct link.

I don’t know what the problem is.

I’d prefer that peeps not post articles without a link. Thank you.

ETA: I found the link:

Page Six Blog

Nanny, when a link doesn’t work directly because of characters the blogging software doesn’t like, use the Link button at the bottom.

Katharine on Page Six

Ok…..think I’ve got it. It is from a couple of pages back and is on their online blog – not in the paper.

http://www.pagesix.com/story/oh yeah she actually can sing

ETA: Nope, it won’t post the link right. If you go to pagesix.com and hit read more a couple of times at the bottom of the page, you can read it and see the pic. Sorry! Just trying to help.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t agree with the part about her not showcasing her vocals on this last album, some of the songs on there are just beautiful. Her voice sounds great on that album.

I don’t agree with the part about “I Know What Boys Like” being a “highly anticipated” comedy. :lol_tb:

But that just goes to show you (as does the very nice Taylor article) how anything can be spun in the press. For instance, for every glowing piece Kat gets on one of this highly reputable, conscience-minding journalism blogs like TMZ*, wouldn’t it be just as easy to write something nasty about her using the exact same facts? I mean, here’s what’s usually written about Kat:

“The gorgeous Idol stunner, who’s hit song “Over It” was one of the year’s hottest tunes, can be seen in various magazine spreads and even has two movies coming out–a starring role in “The Last Caller” and a part in the ensemble comedy “I Know What Boys Like.”

But here is another spin–also true:

“McPhee, who only sold half as many albums as Taylor Hicks, has now taken to posing in various stages of undress for men’s magazines. As for her ‘acting’ career, she has two films coming out. First is a bit part in “I Know What Boys Like,” in which even Kat herself admits she doesn’t do a lot of talking. The second film is the low-budget “The Last Caller.” Sure, Kat’s got the starring role in this one, but a leading role isn’t that hard to snatch when you’re dating the producer–yep, the movie’s being produced by Kat’s much older boyfriend, Nick Cokas.”

See? Anyone can play! :lol_tb:

*For those who just woke up this morning, this is sarcasm.

Thanks Kristen sorry about that, I didn’t know what to do. Sorry MJ, I really wanted to post the article, but didn’t know what to do without the link.

Anyway Kristen posted it, so everyone who’s interested can just click there. :bye_tb:

If Kat wants to make Page Six for real, she should pose naked for Playboy. That’s the kind of gossip they live for. The Post article on Taylor is pretty restrained for them.

I watched the Orange Bowl as I am a KU alumi – I agree Kat did a good job singing and surprisingly was not in a too revealing outfit. While I don’t wish her to fail, I still can’t stand her and what makes me sad is that if Melinda looked like her, she wouldn’t be doing ice cream jingles. JMO of course. Kat is still the only idol that I strongly dislike because of her actions and verbals and she is no role model in any form IMO.

Kat…LOL

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wish her to fail, I still canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand her and what makes me sad is that if Melinda looked like her, she wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be doing ice cream jingles.

AMEN. I know a lot of people like Kat and that’s fantastic, it really is, and the girl is good to her fans. But I’m sorry, in my opinion Katharine is not where she is because of her talent.

Oh I’m so glad I started this!!! YaY!!! Anyway I’m super proud of Kat and she is fantastic to her fans, and really quite a nice girl, who is always appropriatly dressed when she sings the NA, but anyway I can’t wait for “I Know What Boys Like” and it is getting TONS of press already. Proud Kat fan here, the girl can’t help how she looks, nobody can.

I too think Melinda Doolittle is very, very talented, she should be doing more than hocking ice cream, or whatever she is doing, but the fact that she isn’t is not Katharine’s fault, if it is because of her look than it’s society’s fault.

Katharine is very beautiful IMO, but she is also very talented.

Nobody said it was Katharine’s fault, Nanny. You’re right, she can’t help who she looks, and I certainly don’t think she should have to dress down or hide the fact that she’s a beautiful girl. She has talent, but IMO she has more beauty than she has talent. And we’ll have to agree to disagree on whether or not she is a “nice” girl. But it’s just speculation on both our ends; I certainly don’t know her personally, and I assume you don’t either.

I don’t know her personally, I just know her as a fan, and the things she has done for her fans are just above and beyond what anyone has to do. IMO of course. The video blogs, and the messages on myspace. She actually writes her fans back personally. She just really makes them happy. The stuff she does for children is amazing, and not just children, but various charities. There is just so much this girl has done, but no one can look past the fact that she goofed on Meatloaf 2 years ago, or said Pickler was getting by on her personality, (which was totally true) but whatever you are right I am all for agreeing to disagree, because you are never going to like Kat, most of you won’t actually, and I am never going to not like her. I will always be a fan. So to each their own I suppose.

Other idols have made stupid statements and said idiotic things too, but they don’t get crap for it, it’s just a Kat thing I guess.

Anyway this is old, I’m sure it’s driving MJ insane, so on to Season 7 then.

Hate to interrupt the daily season five talk fest but Phil Stacey’s new song. “If you didn’t love me,” was released to the country stations today. Does anybody know of a link where I can hear it on the web?

Oh, yeah, I second that…I’d love to hear Phil’s new song

Anyway this is old, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s driving MJ insane, so on to Season 7 then.

Yes it is. Let’s move on.

If Taylor’s 650K was a disappointment to RCA, how are they going to react to Jordin’s numbers, which could be even lower? Will she get another shot? More promotion? Or, will she be dropped as well? I think the days of Idols selling millions their first time out may be over. Of course, we need to wait and see this season’s crop.

Taylor Hicks rocks Manila!

“American Idol Taylor Hicks did make Filipinos proud when he recently flew in to Manila for a threeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’venue tour, thanks to Ayala Malls which continues to bring worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’class and topnotch acts in the country.

The muchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’anticipated tour packed to capacity which started in Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, and finally at the TriNoma Activity Center.

About a thousand of fans turned out to watch him sing…”

The Manila Bulletin Online

The Taylor “dropping” news is on Rolling Stone.

Best and Worst Of 2007: What The Charts Liked

Here they are folks- these are the records that set cash registers aringing throughout 2007. You might feel like cringing now, but imagine how much worse it’ll be in 20 years when they dig the singles out for retro disco nights.

And that makes it five for five for albums selling the most in the USA in 2007 despite being released in a prior year. Does that mean 2007 was a weak year for commercial juggernauts or that in an age where less people head down to the record shop impulsively what with their MP3s, you need a run of hits over a period of months rather than just the one big single and a large poster in the shop window like the old days? Well whatever it is, American Idol season 5 runner-up and his triple platinum record are laughing all the way to the bank…

varsity.co.nz

I can’t wait to hear Phil’s song …..

I am reserving judgement for Season 7 – not looking forward to the hours of awful auditions – will probably tape and forward through – but hopefully the show will be good! I won’t be voting but I will enjoy the music and voices hopefully!

Is anyone going to watch “Dance War: Bruno vs Carrie Ann” tonight? I am hoping it will be good but who knows?

Since I am such a music lover now, I am going to be disappointed if AI and Dance War aren’t shows I enjoy – especially once I buy a treadmill to go in front of my tv – I have to lose the 5 pounds I gained over the holidays :wallbash_tb: – if only I had been able to make myself exercise…… oh and I wish it was only 5 pounds TOTAL I needed to lose…..

Year in Review 2007: Staff Picks

Most Annoying Album of the Year: Daughtry. There was nowhere in the entire US you could go to escape the crap-rock of “American Idol” loser Chris Daughtry. Hell, even “American Idol” picked up on the album, and each week you’d have to hear “Home” during the montage of the latest axed participant. I can stand pop and I can stand pop-rock, but don’t try to pretend you’re an amazing Modern Rock act when all you are is a lukewarm fifth generation Creed clone.

411Mania

* deleted because Kat beat me to it by a minute.

Actually the number is closer to 700,000. And that’s with very little support from his label.

Actually, Jordin’s sold a little over 400K already, so IF she continues to sell at a steady pace, she could catch up to Taylor’s numbers, especially if her second single with Chris Brown takes off. Besides, she’s with Jive. They may have different expectations than Arista.

I just posted an update to the Jessica Sierra Court date at the top of the thread…

you don’t suppose…. that Jessica S. would “put herself out there” just to score publicity for this show? No one would go thatfar, would they ? Was this show is the works before she got arrested the 2nd time? hmmmm ? :ponder_tb:

I don’t think so, sarahinwv. The show had already been filmed. It doesn’t sound like this second chance at rehab will be televised, which is probably a good thing.

I tried doing a google search for Phil’s song – no luck to a stream so far.

I finally saw the Taylor article in the NY Post. It’s the smallest article buried on the bottom of the page. No picture, very easy to overlook. That’s probably better for Taylor. Maybe, they think most people have already forgotten about him and just assume Daughtry won S5. Ruben got a much bigger story in the Post with a picture. How is Ruben’s dropping a bigger story? I find it all odd.

Nice to see Jessica S getting some help.

Anyone who has spent any time at all on the Taylor Hicks boards will know that Clive Davis, the guy who pulls most of the record label strings for the American Idol winners, is not very well liked. Many of the Soul Patrol felt from day 1 that Clive never had any faith in Taylor and, as a result, refused to properly promote Taylor’s album. Taylor Hicks was certified platinum a scant three weeks after it was released, but did so with no single playing on the radio, no video in rotation anywhere, and almost no print promotion (though Taylor did do the talk show circuit). Only two singles were released from the album, and neither of them were properly promoted to radio stations. This lack of promotion was despite the fact that Taylor’s AI single, Do I Make You Proud was certified as the highest selling single in all of 2006.

BTW, Taylor’s original official Website, http://www.taylorhicks.com, which is run by J Records, now redirects people to his MySpace page. This all but confirms the news of the separation between Taylor and J Records.

Reaction to the news of Taylor’s parting of ways with J Records has, at least on the Taylor boards, been mostly well received. As I already stated, Clive Davis hasn’t been well-liked by the Soul Patrol for quite some time. The thought of Taylor doing his next CD with an independent label (no word on what label that might be) has his fans salivating at the thought of how much better his next CD will be. It is believed that Taylor will write most of his songs this time around, unlike the last album where the only songs he wrote were the two he imported from his independent album Under the Radar.

By the way, there is something wrong with one of Taylor’s major fan board — the BOOGIE BOARD. The site is totally down and when you type the usual link on your web browser, you get the following message :

Dear Members, Due to a few managerial issues, the board will be down until futher notice. I am working to resolve the issues in a timely and effective manner. Thanks for your patience.

I want to hear Phil’s song!!!!!!!

“gimmics”goodlooking”"personality” Should of ” or “not aboout singing” I read it all over and over again with statements in papers with how goodor bad they really are. So and so sold this many or comparing why not compare how many days Jimmy Hendrics and Kieth Richards new what day it was? It got ridiculous about the top 4 of season 5 . Good singers allot of them are out thier and yes allot of times you need something to stick out of the crowd. . Some artists including indie bands have done better sales wise in the past but does not mean thier better.(the Shins,Josh Groban)The problem is the contestants themselves it is not thier fautl they just keep trucking making music or taking adivce to get moving.

By the way, there is something wrong with one of Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s major fan board à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  the BOOGIE BOARD. The site is totally down and when you type the usual link on your web browser, you get the following message :

Dear Members, Due to a few managerial issues, the board will be down until futher notice. I am working to resolve the issues in a timely and effective manner. Thanks for your patience.

Apparently Amy H( one of the moderators) was banned and everyone was in an uproar so they shut it down to regroup I think

Lamen terms people get excited so do I but sometimes American Idol contestants the media or a small fraction goes overboard. Many will disagree but I get tired of the proof used to show how so and so did or the statement of how good or bad. The media is not stupid they used as a hook and mostly do get a bit except for a few spots coluist who snark about carrieu ,Taylor or Elliott . I just like the music, the concerts and stuff to do with the music. I just got fed up with the extra stuff because it is getting hard to tell the real contestant music from the one being protrayed……I guess I agree with a blogger abot AI contestant comparison next year a new batch is a comming the public changes focus..

HDD with about 28% in
– 14 CARRIE UNDERWOOD ARISTA/RMG 9,457
CARNIVAL RIDE
– 18 DAUGHTRY RCA/RMG 8,672
DAUGHTRY
– 30 JORDIN SPARKS 19/JIVE/ZLG 6,099
JORDIN SPARKS

I want to hear Philà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s song!!!!!!!

Ditto, someone please find it, please.

I, for one, am waiting patiently for Melinda’s CD. We all know it’s coming and I prefer it not be rushed. Very classy lady with a beautiful voice…

Speaking of beautiful voices, I cannot wait to hear Phil’s song either!!!! Love, love, love him!

GEAUX LSU TIGERS :exclaim_wp:

Yes, GO LSU!! Nola, Des, and I were the original Phil shippers.

I am interested in hearing Phil’s single but I have a hard time watching him perform,so radio is good. To me he looks like a skeleton…that boy needs a good meal.

GO, BUCKS!

6 hours and counting, Tony. This town has gone nutso!
Just for the record, I think Phil is adorable

GEAUX LSU TIGERS!

Anyone heard Phil’s single yet? I have been waiting to hear that big, beautiful voice all day. I am going to have to resort to listening the country station…

I tried Phil’s myspace, but he still has Jordin’s Tattoo up. Geesh, what this man won’t do for his friends.

Billboard article re Taylor Hicks separating from JRecords/Arista:

“Idol” Champ Splits with with Arista

2006 “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks has split with Arista, which released his self-titled major-label debut in late ’06. The set has sold 699,000 units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003693390

For those who know more about these things than I do — some of the articles are reporting that Taylor was “dropped,” while other say that he and Arista have “split” or “parted ways.” Is there a difference in information here, or does it just depend on the way the publication is spinning it? Thanks.

Thank you, Julie – that is a much better way of presenting it, IMO. But, oh no, it sounds much more fun to report that he was dropped by the label because he’s such a failure.

ETA: Kat, surely you know that it’s way more fun to put the negative spin on it for Taylor.

At this moment we all know the same thing ~~~ Taylor is no longer on the JRecords/Arista roster. IMO, if JRecords/Arista had dropped Taylor, the news would have similar to that associated to the release about Ruben Studdard’s being let go. However, its always a journalist’s assignment to write an enticing headline and use differing verbs to describe the details of a story. Otherwise, it looks like everyone is copying the original story and it is therefore “old news”. So for now, we wait and watch.

However,at Taylor’s recent concerts, appearances and interviews, IMO he had a positive attitude and seemed extremely happy about his station in life. Take that for what it’s worth.

Des — oh yeah, definitely, sensationalism is always better. I was just wondering if there’d been any sort of official confirmation regarding whether the split was mutual or more one-sided.

Kat,

I think ‘most’ of them are reporting it as Taylor being dropped though.

I also think that ‘most’ of us who have been keeping up with Taylor are more convinced that the whole thing is Taylor’s doing – but prolly the label is almost as happy as Taylor and fans are.

P.S. Julie, I loved your ‘conversation’ between Taylor and Clive about the next cd! LOL!

As far as I know, the label had the option for two more albums and Taylor couldn’t say no. If Taylor refused, the label could sue him. I don’t think if the label really wants you, you can leave that easily or I’m sure Kelly Clarkson would be gone by now. However, it seems that both sides here are happy with the split.

I think Nevada probably know the details of the idol contracts more than I do.

As far as I know, the label had the option for two more albums and Taylor couldn’t say no. If Taylor refused, the label could sue him.

Yeah, that sounds about right. I’d be more inclined to think that the label dropped him. But, maybe Taylor has got something else lined up.

It’s all speculation at this point.

ETA: Damn, that Billboard story really adds nothing…it just repeats the initial story, un-named sources and all…

ETA: Damn, that Billboard story really adds nothingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦it just repeats the initial story, un-named sources and allà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

“Taylor is going to record on his own for the next album,” said J Records publicist Liz Morentin, who did not give further details regarding Hicks.

(emphasis added)

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/07/arts/People-Taylor-Hicks.php

I’m a Taylor fan and my take on this is that J Records was ready to let him go. If he was able to buy out his contract, I think it would only be possible if they wanted to split also. So either way, J Records was not that gung ho on a second CD.

But I think that Taylor was ready to go also, so hopefully it is the best for all. I hope he gets to put out a second CD that is what he wants, whether independent or with another label.

agree 100% Fran Orl – good to see you!

Dante, good to see you also. I am so glad to read you are going to a lot of concerts now.

I am going to watch Season 7. I actually enjoyed Season 6 as, while I had favorites, I was not as invested in them. Melinda was probably my favorite. I loved her from auditions on. I hope she has a nice career.

Nola, Des, and I were the original Phil shippers

You gotta add me to that list. It was Phil and Melinda for me!

Okay, I never post and this is why. I killed the thread.

So who is watching the game tonight?

Hey I want to be on the list too as my favs were Melinda, Blake and Phil.

Fran – I am a concert freak these days and loving every minute! Did you hear I got to stand up against the stage at Billy Joel and was seriously like 10 feet from him? Wow! Almost as good as standing against the stage at one of my Taylor concerts, but the BJ venue was 18,000 so it was a true test of my panic disorder. I am going to 3 concerts in the next 4 months – all involve Idols (Kelly C, Carrie and Chris) and I can’t wait!

Dante – been to see the Stereophonics yet? :lol_wp:

Nice to see more of the regulars on here today.

Dante, I’m glad you got close to Billy Joel. I would love to see him. Other than the two Taylor concerts, I haven’t been to any this year. But my husband loves opera so I have to go to opera with him since he comes to Taylor with me. I will admit on this site, I do not like opera (don’t tell my husband, I try to be supportive).

Citizen Cope bought out his Dreamworks contract using an advance from Arista. Mariah Carey’s contract was bought out by Virgin Records from I think Columbia Records. Of course an artist can buy out their contract – it’s just a matter of price. Record company executives are business men not artists. They assign an expected value to a contract and whether they get that money through a buyout or through record sales I think is of little consequence to them (IMHO). I am sure the value of Taylor’s contract was set quite a bit lower than say Kelly Clarkson’s so a buyout may be plausible. However, whether a buyout did occur – who knows – but they do happen.

I didn’t appreciate Phil until he was about to be voted off. I like him now and want to hear his single.

CarieB – I would go see them if they come to Kansas City as I am still quite the rock lover. I missed Van Halen here and I was sad. I am going to have to get a second job to pay for my tickets if I keep this up, but for now I am making up for not attending any concerts for so many years. I am having so much fun!

Oh Fran, I don’t like opera at all – wish I did though!

I am going to chatroom in case anyone is interested – taping Dance War so I can skip the commercials…

I am going to 3 concerts in the next 4 months – all involve Idols (Kelly C, Carrie and Chris) and I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wait!

Dante, I am so excited for you!! I can’t wait to hear all about them!

I’m taping the Dance War thing too, watching the football game. I’ve already lost in my pool at work, and I have a tendency to pull for LSU since they’re in the SEC. But truth be told, I really don’t have a preference who wins. As long as my Colts win next weekend (Baxter, where are you?!), I’m happy!

O.K. did ANYONE hear Phil’s single because dadgumit I can’t find it anywhere and it wasn’t on the country station I had on in the background. Oh yes, I’ll go to extreme measures to hear Phil’s first single.

And someone better add me to the Phil list because I might be the sole owner of all of Phil’s AI mp3′s.

I too was a Phil shipper from the start.

I’m so frustrated. I got up this morning so excited thinking I would hear Phil’s song today and I’ve had no luck no matter where I looked or what I listened to. I’d be interested in a report from someone who has heard it at this point

From Ken Barnes idol chatter http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/

Not content to co-headline a tour with country superstar Keith Urban, Carrie just had the first dates of her own Carnival Ride tour announced. She’ll be touring with special guest Josh Turner, a rising country star. Six dates have been announced thus far: Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Feb 18; Albany, N.Y., Feb. 19; Amherst, Mass., Feb. 20; Pittsburgh, Feb. 22; Providence, Feb. 24; and Bridgeport, Conn., Feb. 25, with more to come

On the Taylor/J Records split, perhaps more specifics will come out later on just who “dropped” who. All I know is that I am pretty much elated. Just hope the Stax Records deal is true.

I missed Van Halen here and I was sad.

I heard ‘lil Wolfgang is doing a great job on bass. Would love to see VH with Diamond Dave.

We’ve got a house full for the big game and are split evenly between Ohio State and LSU. To echo NOLA, GEAUX TIGERS!!!! :biggrin_wp:

Hey, I was another Phil fan from the get-go! Can’t wait to hear the single.

You can hear Phil’s song sung by the songwriter here:

http://www.myspace.com/jasonsellersband

However, whether a buyout did occur – who knows – but they do happen.

If there was a buyout, I can’t imagine why Taylor would buy out his own contract. That would be expensive and self-defeating. In the case of a buyout, another label would be involved, I would think.

I’m sure more will be revealed.

You can hear Philà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s song sung by the songwriter here:

http://www.myspace.com/jasonsellersband

Primeminister, thank you. At least that’s something. A big hunk of cheese… yes, that will do nicely thank you. Can’t wait to hear Phil’s voice wrapped around this song. Yum.

Not content to co-headline a tour with country superstar Keith Urban, Carrie just had the first dates of her own Carnival Ride tour announced. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be touring with special guest Josh Turner, a rising country star. Six dates have been announced thus far: Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Feb 18; Albany, N.Y., Feb. 19; Amherst, Mass., Feb. 20; Pittsburgh, Feb. 22; Providence, Feb. 24; and Bridgeport, Conn., Feb. 25, with more to come

Okay now THIS could make me want to go see Carrie.

Ok, Dance Wars.

Didn’t think I would watch, due to it being very close to SYTYCD, but Bruno & Drew make the show IMO.

Bonus, there are some good talent on there! I already have my picks & so it will be interesting.

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KTINTN – so glad you liked Dance Wars – I have it taped but haven’t watched it yet.

LU – I am a Josh Turner lover too – what a hunk! But I am looking forward to Keith Urban too.

Had quite a few chatroom peeps tonight – it was so fun – need to do it more often – guess with Idol coming up it will get busier in chat.

mj
If there was a buyout, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t imagine why Taylor would buy out his own contract. That would be expensive and self-defeating. In the case of a buyout, another label would be involved, I would think.

I wouldn’t put it past him. He is a bit of a maverick. However, my gut says it wasn’t a buyout but more of a mutual parting hence the vague wording of the statement.

As for Dance Wars, I loved it. Carrie Ann and Bruno were very respectful of all the contestants even the really bad ones. They laughed with the contestants not at them — huge difference! I really like this show so far and there are some really standout personalities already.

OK, Nola – I’m happy for you. But I think LSU might need an asterisk after this championship win wink.

Wooooooooo, what a night!!!!!!

I LIKED Dance Wars tonight – didn’t really think I would, but Bruno, Carrie Ann and Drew made it fun and entertaining, and as neonorange said above – they laughed with the contestants, not at them.

In another ‘take’ (sorta) on the Taylor/J Records story, though Mary Colurso of the Birmingham News has a bit of a soft spot for him, she did say he ‘almost’ revealed more in a recent interview:

Taylor Hicks and J Records call it quits

“Attempts to reach Hicks have been unsuccessful. During a recent interview with The Birmingham News, he stopped short of confirming that he’d left the label. However, Hicks said he looked forward to more creative freedom when recording his next disc. “I’ll also have the time now to create an album without the post-winning ‘Idol’ constrictions,” he said. “I have time for the album to breathe artistically.”

Breaking News…The Birmingham News

FOUND IT!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, Phil Stacey’s new song:

http://lsrpromo.com/artists/philstacey/music/If_You_Didnt_Love_Me-320kbps.mp3

Phil did a great job with the song! It’s better than the songwriter’s version

FOUND IT!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, Phil Staceyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new song

Nice, very nice!

Definitely the best first impression of a song, for me, from any of last year’s contestants. Makes me want to hear more.