Taylor Hicks on Live With Regis and Kelly – VIDEO

IMHO, Taylor sounded awful. *ducks*

I’ve only heard the song sung in the movie and Taylor was not even close to being as good as I remember from the movie. *ducks, hides and runs*

He sounded amazing-perfect! Singing in that softer, less raspy style reminds me what a great voice he has. OMG He looks and moves like a movie star now.

*fans self with a Jonas Brothers sign* I loved that! I honestly wasn’t expecting to because to me he looks more like Elvis with the hair and the suit but his personality always pulls through.

Can’t see the video but I did see the lousy youtube of it the other day, and I thought he sounded good. He has a completely different voice/spin on it than from the movie, of course. I have heard some different versions by others who have played the roles and Taylor’s was comparable. But I can’t see THIS particular one, so I can’t comment…

He did a great job with not only the song, but the little nuances and actually being the character! I’m glad they were all in costume. It was terrific. Obviously, Regis and Kelly thought so.

Oh, and not one of them remembered Simon’s name at first! That was hysterical!

BTW, yesterday they erected a 40ft. billboard of Taylor in Times Square! I don’t care if you love him or hate him, it’s an awesome tribute to him. The best thing is it doesn’t mention American Idol winner. It just refers to him as a star!

Now, I wonder if Simon could climb a ladder and reach up to put his gum on Taylor’s face in this picture? Nah. Don’t think so. It’s way too high!

40′ billboard in Times Square? That’s pretty cool! I still think it’s funny that Taylor beat McPhee to Broadway. I think she’d love to do musical theatre.

I totally enjoyed that — Taylor-ized…

He’s terrific.

They spoke more after they came back from the break. Taylor IS working on his next album while in NY and will be released in the fall. He wants to be an all-around entertainer (Musician & Actor) and is loving his role & NYC .

If you enjoyed this performance, go and see the show “LIVE” on Broadway. You will be blown away. This was an abbreviated version, without the rest of the dancing and harmonica playing. Also during the live show, Taylor descends down onto the stage in an icecream cone! And leaves the same way. YES…….its true.

When I saw the show, Taylor had the loudest and longest crowd response.

GOOD FOR HIM!

Well, that was fun – totally enjoyed it and his voice sounds great!

Thanks for posting it, MJ.

Here’s a link to see a picture of Taylor’s Times Square Billboard.

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I loved it. Soul Patrol

Is this the same Grease show that they had the reality competition for last summer?

I just posted the interview

Yes, stardust. The 2 leads (Danny & Sandy) were the winners.

What a perfect role for Taylor and what a great job he does with it!

One small correction – that poster is at least 80 feet tall.

That was cute that he got the mouth organ in there. Nice job Taylor!

Mouth organ? that’s the Teen Angel’s “harp”!

Thanks for the correction on the billboard size. I was just repeating what I heard! I’ll take 80 over 40 though! It’s just hard to imagine how huge this is – and I mean both the billboard and the publicity aspect for Taylor!

He’s also appearing on the televised Capitol 4th celebration on the Fourth of July in Washington (not “Grease” related, but three other songs.) This is a big promotion of Taylor – and it’s great that it’s happening while he’s writing and recording his next album. By the time it’s ready, his name will be back in the public consciousness, and hopefully that will translate into good “numbers” – so that the nay sayers may finally give it a rest. All in all, this Grease gig has been a fantastic decision for him. It must be giving his self-confidence a boost. (The hand print ceremony at Planet Hollywood NY, alone, must have thrilled him.)

So funny that Regis couldn’t think of Simon’s name, and Kelly thought he was talking about Frankie Avalon, yet called him Frankie Valley. Kelly – Frankie V. is right over the bridge in Jersey, and he’s coming to kick your ass right now. For future reference: Frankie Valley is the talented one. Frankie Avalon is the skeevy hack who needed his movie version of that tune worked over a few times with the 1970′s version of ProTools.

I must say that I think Taylor sounded fantastic doing that song, and it really is nice to see him get such a warm reception in NYC. I wish I could go see the show (and the humongous billboard!). I’m very much looking forward to that CD in the fall.

Yay! I think Taylor sounded great! I love Taylor but not “Grease” – I don’t think I can make the sacrifice and sit through the whole show for 5 minutes of Taylor. :down_tb:

Spenser -

Did you get to see “Jersey Boys” (aka the Frankie Valley and Four Seasons story?)

I saw it in October, on a visit to the city with a few close girlfriends. The show was the main purpose of the trip, and it was wonderful! (I’d see it again in a heartbeat!) We had a blast, doing many of the typical visitor “must do’s” – as well as a few “off-the-beaten-path” types of attractions.

I’ll be seeing “Grease” at the end of July, and staying in NY for a couple of days with different friends this time. If the show is half as good as JB, it will be awesome. The fact Taylor will be on the stage will make up for any short comings theatrically – should there be any! And I’m totally looking forward to the city again!

klp – I got to see Jersey Boys here in Tampa in April. I’m assuming the traveling show probably has a different cast than the Broadway version – but it was still fantastic. I took my mom, who is about to turn 60, so she of course was absolutely ecstatic. It was a really great show.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be seeing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Greaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  at the end of July, and staying in NY for a couple of days with different friends this time.

I’m jealous. Although, on my last trip to NYC, I did get to see a Taylor concert with some MJ peeps (whatup Jersey) so I can’t complain.

He sounds great…although honestly, I don’t know why they have people come and sing on that show if the only backing they have is a piano that sounds like it’s being played by a fifth-grader at her first recital.

That was a fun clip of Taylor on R&K. I’ll be in the Bway area on Tuesday nght and I’ll have to look for the billboard.
The Planet Hollywood footprint thing is just PR. It’s not a honor or anything. I’m not trying to be a downer just keeping things real.
This version of Grease is the one cast via reality TV. I wouldn’t say Taylor is taking Broadway by storm but this is a nice gig. It keeps his name out there in a good way.

(Just a little correction, it’s Frankie Valli)

I liked TH on Idol but if I’m gonna be honest, I have to say this performance was servicable at best. If I were arranging the music, I’d slow down the tempo to what it was in the original; check out Frankie Avalon on you tube. He was able to put a lot more personality into it. Which is what this song needs. And a slower tempo woulda helped. TH sounds tense, like he’s busy trying to stay in key and remember the lyrics, very little charm and he’s kinda disengaged from the cast. Maybe he’ll get better as time goes on. And the southern blues harmonica riff was totally out of sync with the flavor of the song as well.

Oh, well. At least he’s getting some practice on a real Broadway show. That is big time. And it’s good publicity. This show hadn’t gotten the best reviews when it first came back and I am hoping TH’s presence will help ticket sales. I grew up around NY and love Broadway. Almost all of the shows struggle to stay afloat. A big name like TH for the summer run has got to help.

I am curious to see what kind of an album he’ll do next. I am rooting for it to be good. Good luck to him.

Taylor looks soooo sexy!!! Skeeter – what happened to your photobucket pics from last week? I’m still waiting for them!!! LOL

KELLY IS A MORON!

Sorry catdog

I got a little sidetracked. I tried to post my photobucket album on here but it didn’t work. Let me see what I can figure out.

Taylor looked amazing after the show and at Planet Hollywood, and SO HAPPY.

OK – skeeter, will wait for them.

Who did Taylor sign with? Anyone know?

While there was none of that fabulous falseto that is audible on the first (or one of the first) You Tube clips that surfaced after the opening night, I thought Taylor sounded fine on Live w/R & K…Perhaps he’s finally learned to proactively conserve his voice – for the 8 or shows per week he’s doing in “Grease.”

As for the Frankie Valee comment when no one could remember Simon’s name, ROFLOL!

Bon in ‘Bama

Here are some of my pictures, I hope they came through.

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Song wise, this isn’t exactly a fantastic song no matter who has sung it previously heh heh…and remember in the movie, it’s not done live as in broadway, or guest tv appearance..it is recorded for the movie in a STUDIO and can be done over and over until get what they want. I don’t think any version I’ve seen/heard has been thrilling heh heh…but hey, I think this is fun and he sounds great.

I still can’t quite wrap my mind around Taylor in Grease, even with the visual and audio evidence right in front of me. The whole thing still seems surreal, but he seems to be having a great time, so I’m happy for him.

I’m going to be in NY in a couple of weeks, but I can definitely pass on Grease (not a big musical fan, and definitely not a fan of this one) and wait for the CD.

I got a little sidetracked. I tried to post my photobucket album on here but it didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work. Let me see what I can figure out.

Did you send me an email?

ETA: Nevermind. Your post went into moderation because it had too many links. I just released it. Look upthread for it.

Great job Taylor. This is going to really be good for him….and for the ones in the audience. I can just imagine how wonderful it would be in live theater with the good sound and props. I wish him only good things now that he is his own person.

Considering this was a shortened version for TV, it’s still nice to hear Taylor just sing a song without the frills now & then. I thought he sounded fine and looked dandy!

As far as comparing his version to any others, why bother? It’s not better or worse, just Taylor’s; some will like it, some won’t.

jpfan -

Every damn time I write Frankie Valli, I spell it differently, because I see everyone else spelling it different ways! LOL. I had been going with Vallie last week! All I really knew for sure was that it wasn’t like the word “valley.” And I know I could have looked it up, but was just being lazy. Now I’ll be sure to get it right. Thank you.

Oh, and I realize the Planet Hollywood affair wasn’t so much an honor in the “real” sense of acting – but IMO, it’s still an honor for Taylor to be recognized by any establishment connected to Broadway and entertainment. And if nothing else, with all the paparazzi calling out his name so he’d look in their direction, and hundreds of bulbs continuously flashing in his face, he must have felt honored and grateful to be there (and as always, I felt honored to be his fan!)

Taylor embracing the cheese, gotta love it. I thought he did very well on the vocals. He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the boy can sure sing!

He also still embraces the Soul Patrol, heh. Yeah I remember why I was a member.

Well, personally, I LOVED this! Then again, as a big fan, I’d be happy hearing Taylor singing “the phone book” as Randy says, lol. He looked really nice in the suit (costume), he sang well, he was happy. It’s all good! I was pleased to hear him talking about seasoning himself in various areas of entertainment, and I anxiously await his CD in the fall. GO TAYLOR! :clap_tb:

With the high collared costume and combed back hair, Taylor’s Elvis vibe is really strong! He really looks the part!

That was great. I was out this morning so I missed it, but I tivo’d it. Yaay me. His voice sounded great. He looked good too. I love Taylor embracing the cheese, that is the only way to do Grease, right? Kelly Ripa is great! She’s a fan of Taylor’s. Maybe he will cohost one day. I think he would be great.

Say what you will, but, Taylor Hicks was born to be on a stage. I think he did a great job with the song. Sure, I’m biased, but, if I didn’t like it, then I would say so. He looks awesome too.

I thought Taylor sang well, but I felt the tempo was too fast. Perhaps time constraints dictated the faster tempo. I certainly do not know anything about performing on Broadway, but in every college / community / regional theatre production I have been in, the musical director dictates the tempo, and you deal with it – with very little latitude.

Just have to point out that Frenchie is a WV gal – Kirsten Wyatt is from Clarksburg, WV. We were in Nunsense together when she was just 16. She is a great, multi-talented gal – and what you hear in the video is really how she talks normally! She has taken over roles in the Broadway casts of Assassins and Urinetown, but this role is her first as an original cast member – and she got good reviews even though the leads did not!

Thank you skeeter – those are great pics! I would love to go see him but I spent a fortune on Clay for Spamalot! LOL

Who is that cute guy with Taylor?

This was wonderful and makes you want to go see the show. Those that have followed and listened to it on youtube will realize that this is a condensed and shorter version than what he does on stage. It does slow down some it seems on stage and there is time for more interaction between him and Frenchy and his falsetto is so good it only adds to the whole performance. But still, this was beautiful….Way to go Taylor.

I wonder if Dingo watched it? She could have a heart attack if she does. I doubt she is a big fan of Taylor on Broadway. I think he’s great given that he has had very little time to prepare and no prior experience. Taylor is a natural on any stage!

skylight you’re not from the South are you? I think you love Taylor as much as me.

I so enjoyed this! I agree with whomever said that Taylor was born to be on stage. It is his cathedral, his home. LOVE him and am so happy for him! Can’t wait for the CD!!
Oh, yeah, totally agree MJ…Taylor looks REALLY young in person. It’s the first thing I noticed when I met him. That along with the fact that he is so zexy!

MJ – thanks a million for posting the videos. Taylor sounded and looked great. Soul Patrol!

A note about Frankie Valli – my DH and I saw him in concert last fall and he is still superb. He gave us a good two hour show and was quite the showman himself. Very charming and energetic on the stage. His voice is still in good shape and he was very entertaining. Strangely enough we saw him in a venue where Taylor performed about six months later! Karma strikes again.

Oh yeah, I love Taylor, and, can honestly say that I don’t like everything he has sung, but, he did great with this song.

Not too far from the south? Hmmm, I’m in southeastern Ohio, if that counts. I have lots of relatives in Nashville though, so, I’m a southerner at heart.

I think he’s having a good time because he’s getting attention. (Yeah ok he likes the Jonas brothers. Uh huh. Sure.) But frankly, this is some of the CHEESIEST shit I’ve ever seen. I really wish he did not choose this. I’m all for diversity and doing different things, but it doesn’t change the reality which is: this is so damn lame.

Who is that cute guy with Taylor?

You do mean “Who is that guy with cute Taylor, dontcha?
(Sawry, couldn’t resist)
That’s Cody, the winner of Bravo’s “Step It Up and Dance” or whatever it was called. I’m embarassed to say I watched it. He’s part of the “Grease” cast now.

Aww, that was fun to watch and hear. Taylor looked and sounded great. I might have to catch Grease next time I’m in the Big Apple.

I still can’t believe Taylor is in a Broadway production. The song really does suck, and the tempo does seem too fast, but Taylor does a great job with it and totally sells the character of Teen Angel. Like him or not, he’s got charisma and command of the stage. This experience will def broaden his musical horizons and I’m really happy for him. Cautiously optimistic on the upcoming album . . . good luck Taylor!

watch this………..

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Never mind……I just cant seem to figure out how to post most things here……….

TAYLOR “LIVE” IS FANTASTIC! Go see the show if you can, you wont be disappointed!

I’d file this under brilliant career move. And that was a terrific vocal performance.

Um, is that his role? just that one part? i thought he had a bigger role…i wasnt very impressed with his vocal either.

Well, I found this performance tilting toward the lame side, sorry guys. I felt an awkwardness there and didn’t feel like Taylor was owning the character or the song. The only reason Taylor’s there is because of AI and the mega fanbase that will swoon at nearly anything the man does. No other novice with Taylor’s sklll set would get anywhere near the Broadway stage.

This might be good experience for Taylor but I’m not at all sure it’s a net positive for him to be associated with this performance. Time will tell.

This just reminds me that even though people come out of AI with big name recognition and fanbases does not mean you can get away with any project that comes your way. At least not for long. I think Broadway is a great fit for alot of AI grads, but not necessarily Taylor. Maybe he’ll grow into it, but then again…

It was nice to see Taylor back on Regis and Kelly. You can’t totally judge his Broadway performance based on this appearance. The song was shortened and sped up, and they were in a totally different setting.

It would be kind of weird to have to perform it completely out of context.

I still thought he sounded good though. That particular song was always my least favorite of all the Grease songs, but it’s part of the show, and he does a good job with it.

Let’s see, Tamyra Gray, Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia, Constantine, Clay Aiken, LaKisha Jones, Anthony Fedorov, and Ruben is going to be touring, or may be already, with Frenchie Davis in “Ain’t Misbehavin.” A lot of AI alumni are doing Broadway. Nothing wrong with it. Though I’m a Taylor fan, I do not love or swoon over everything he does or has done. I think this role is wonderful for him, and, a good fit.

This is a very smart career move and looks good on Taylor’s resume. Since Grease is my favorite movie and Broadway production, I just love seeing Taylor having some fun. Sherry, you summed it up quite nicely.

Hi. This is my first post at this fantastic site. I’ve been lurking for well over a year, and finally decided to register.

I’m not a member of Soul Patrol, but I love Taylor the performer. My daughter and I also love Grease the stage show; we saw it on Broadway in its last iteration and have been to numerous local and regional productions. We have tickets for Taylor’s next-to-last performance in September and are really looking forward to it.

I thought he sounded and looked great in the video MJ posted. However, I do agree that his interaction with Frenchie seemed a little forced, but it could have been the environment or the fact that he is still new to the role and acting in general. I have no doubt that with a little more time, he will appear much more natural.

The only reason Taylor’s there is because of AI and the mega fanbase that will swoon at nearly anything the man does.

Could we please just STOP making generalizations like this? Fanbases are made up of all kinds of people. It’s unfair to make blanket statements. It’s highly insulting to your fellow readers who happen to be Taylor fans.

I just got done modding this sort of thing in the Cook Tonight show thread, and I’m starting to feel like a broken record.

PS: Welcome c-lyn. I’m not always this crabby. .

Having watched the movie Grease a gazillion times, I can honestly say that the Teen Angel scene is probably my least favorite. However – Taylor rocks it! Yes, it’s on the cheesey side but Taylor is campy and fun. I love the harp too! I hope Taylor is enjoying this and that he has much success on his next album. He continues to prove to me that he is an amazing live performer.

I enjoyed the clip of Taylor, even though I hate Grease with a passion, having unfortunately participated in a very lame production in High school. I swore after the umpteenth millionst time of doing the hand jive thing, I would lose my freaking mind, and strangle our bombastic theater directer who yelled at us constantly. luckily I survived, but swore off Grease forever
Glad to see Taylor back in the news, was never much of a fan, but the guy seems cool about this role and enjoys making his music. The acting thing will improve with time

Just to unconfuse the confused, wanted to add that Frankie Valli sang the title song Grease and Frankie Avalon sang Beauty School Dropout. Not that anybody cares but me!

The last time “Grease” was revived, under producers Fran and Barry Weissler, the show was kind of notorious for stunt-casting strange choices like Rosie O’Donnell (her first Broadway role), Brooke Shields, Linda Blair (from the Exorcist), Sally Struthers, Debbie Boone, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Dolenz, Sheena Easton, Marcia from the Brady Bunch, Lucy Lawless, Joanne Worley (from Laugh In) and it got to be kind of a joke show. Everybody from Chubby Checker to Jennifer Holliday and Darlene Love (and a lot of people you’ve never heard of) played the Teen Angel in that production. Because of that (and the reality show that cast the leads in this new revival, which does have way better people behind it than Fran and Barry Weissler) “Grease” has kind of a bad rep.

For that reason, I don’t honestly think playing the Teen Angel in “Grease” is a great career move for Taylor. It’s a small role, it’s in a show which is still considered a bit of a joke because of the Weisslers and the last revival, and the current production has leads who were unknowns and cast from a TV show. I know that sounds a little snobby and it probably is, but that’s Broadway for you. I’m just trying to say that there’s Patti Lupone and Laura Benanti in “Gypsy” or Kelli O’Hara in “South Pacific” or even Cheyenne Jackson in “Xanadu,” compared to “Grease” starring Max Crum and Laura Osnes, aren’t exactly the same kind of deal.

Clay and Fantasia played lead roles, Diana had a nice featured role, and a one-song drop-in like the Teen Angel isn’t the same thing as those roles, either, even if “Grease” were a show like “Spamalot,” “The Color Purple” or “Hairspray,” all Tony winners for Best Show. “Grease” IS nominated for a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, but it doesn’t have a prayer of winning against a stunning new “Sunday in the Park,” a well-regarded “Gypsy” and the favorite “South Pacific,” which has gotten raves from the press for reimagining and reviving a kind of tired show.

For that reason, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t honestly think playing the Teen Angel in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Greaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is a great career move for Taylor.

Well, when you consider the fact that he’s already in NYC to record his cd, and this allows him to collect a steady paycheck while he completes that, I think it’s a great business move, if not maybe a huge net gain career-wise.

Not that anybody cares but me!

I care Bluegreen Oh, and my apologies to Mr. Valli for spelling his name incorrectly on the previous page (thanks for the heads up jpfan).

I know that sounds a little snobby and it probably is, but thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Broadway for you.

I agree that there are probably numerous musical theater purists who feel exactly that way. And, no doubt that the shows you listed, and the broadway veterans who star in them are at a much higher level than Grease and it’s two unknown reality star leads. But, Broadway as a whole, has experienced a lot of revenue problems over the last decade. In order to stay alive, the venues need to fill the seats. To facilitate that, they often hire someone for a cameo that they foresee will bring in ticket buyers not ordinarilly prone to see Broadway shows. Sometimes business trumps art.

And – WELCOME c-lyn

I don’t know enough about Broadway to agree or disagree with you but I think Taylor was presented an opportunity to do a little work, make a little money, and work on his cd.
At the same time he can learn something new. I’m sure there are those that will make fun of Taylor because of his role as Teen Angel but it just makes me think more of him if he is willing to try something new.

Other than Patti Lupone, the names you mentioned from the other shows aren’t household names either unless you are Broadway savvy. In fact, Taylor has much more name recognition than many huge Broadway stars simply because they don’t get the exposure that AI provides. NY summer tourists are going to be much more likely to know Taylor and want to see him than Kelli O’Hara or Cheyenne Jackson. Particularly during the summer, Broadway thrives on the dollars of out-of-towners. They also aren’t likely to know the history of the show “Grease” in the kind of detail outlined.

Most people, in my opinion, that are going to see the show because Taylor is in it, are going to be his fans or fans of the show that want to see what he does with it.

I don’t think he saw this as some huge forward career step. It provides him a steady paycheck while he’s finishing his album; gets his name out in public again and gives him a little taste of what being on the stage in this capacity means. It is fun and gives him a little bit of different experience. Not everything has to be a career defining move.

I don’t know about a career move, but it’s a change of pace for Taylor, steady work, and something to do while he records his second album. It’s an easy gig, gets his name back out there, and pleases his many fans who will no doubt flock to NYC to see the show just because he’s in it.

Yeah, the song is cheesy and the R&K performance not terribly inspired, but they only had a piano and it was a truncated version. He really is an oddball!

OK, I cant keep my big fat mouth shut any longer…..

I saw Taylor on Regis and I was horrified. OMG, are you KIDDING me? Listen, I love the boy, I will still give him another chance with his forthcoming CD (Which by the way had better rock my world or he goes out with Sanjaya’s Bathwater) but I just think this is a bad, bad move. He looks like a has been and he hasnt even BEEN yet!

Im still shaking my head, still not recovered from that horrific (IMHO) performance. The harmonica only made me throw up in my mouth even more.

Yeah, it provides him a steady paycheck thats true but i think Id rather take my chances in a dive bar playing the music I want to play than be made a laughing stock of. I’ll collect tin cans for gawdsake before I do that shit.

I love Taylor Hicks for the joy he provided me at a time in my life when I needed it most and I think he is really gifted in that he has the ability to make people feel what he is singing and I also believe him to be very talented when he is able to do what he does best. I have said it a million times, songs like ANS and the Rehearsals take of Hollywood Nights (which by the way I’ll donate an old bunny slipper if anyone can tell me how to get my paws on that again) and Hope She’ll Be Happier etc are where he shines and where he can do what he does like nobody’s business but this Grease thing? I’ll pass.

I think it’s a great career move for Taylor. I wasn’t sure when I first heard about it but the reviews have been positive, he’s having fun, he has time to work on his CD, and his name’s out there! Sounds like a good move to me!

What time was Taylor on R&K yesterday? Or was it yesterday?

Just got back from vacation. We had R&K on yesterday and they had on some country singer (can’t remember who). So I’m just wondering, was it the same R&K? I was watching a Miami station, although I was in the Bahamas.

Also…does Taylor do all performances in a week? And if so, how easy is it to get tickets for a Tuesday night? I might be in NYC on July 8-9, and if tickets aren’t unreasonable, I might try for tickets. However, I don’t want to buy tickets if I’m going on Taylor’s off night. I’ve already seen Grease on stage several years ago (Broadway series appearance in Cincinnati…Chubby Checker played Teen Angel).

I was kind of surprised that Taylor took the “Grease” gig. I had this whole other scenario in my head for him when he seemed to drop completely off the radar and was only doing charity golf tournaments. I imagined that he was deliberately staying out of the public eye and avoiding the cheap “Idol has-been’ gigs while working on a new album of all original material that would be a total departure from his “modern womp” album, something raw, bluesy, and with very minimal production. I imagined that after he had laid low for a sufficient period of time, he would give a long, in depth interview to a writer for the New York Times or Rolling Stone that would reveal the real story of how he went from adored Idol to punchline and whipping boy for 19E. There would be a groundswell of sympathy for him and he would parlay his anti-idol status by playing small, hip venues.

I can see that the “Grease” gig is a good move financially and a way of keeping his name out there, but I like my scenario better.

Dingo

Did you see my post a day or so ago when I said you would have a heart attack if you see him on Grease. I had a feeling you wouldn’t be lovin’ it.

Hollywood nights (audio only) on soulthing.blogspot.com I believe.

Sorry day or so ago

I like Taylor, but he looks so old as Teen Angel. I have a friend who used to adore Taylor, and when she found out he was doing this, she dropped him like a hot potato and announced that she was switching her allegiance to David Cook. I’m not sure why. I got the impression she thinks this gig is lame. But it’s kind of weird to me that she stuck with him this long and then can suddenly dump him.

Beesims, hilarious post. The fantasy is a lot more interesting than the truth. And I agree with Dingo, wholeheartedly. Grease is the worst of the worst.

But, the reality is, Taylor is out of options, it was either Broadway or Golf Tournies. I don’t think it’s a great career move, it’s a stupid move because there is NO respect involved in um, “Grease.” And it just makes him look even worse. Cheesy play, cheesy role, cheesy image. While everyone thought he would move out of the lame AI rap, he just keeps it going and his image gets worse daily. He seems desperate for press. The Jonas Bros thing pretty much confirmed that. It’s not “about the music” anymore, it’s about staying famous. Very typical of reality show contestants, only I thought he was a musician. But that’s right, this “seasons” him.

Yes, I think he has a great talent, but I don’t think he’s going to be able to “succeed” because he clearly doesn’t have the right business savvy. Yeah bro, keep saying “Soul Patrol” and “Wooing” it’s really ingratiating. Not. His fan base is tiny, no one I know wants to be apart of the Soul Patrol either. The Soul Patrol’s rep isn’t exactly sexy or enticing, so why would anyone want to join in on the fun? There’s no reality within his fan base either and that stems from the man himself. His fans call a gig on a cruise ship singing for a Corporate Retreat a “tour in Europe” and 3 gigs in Asia in a Mall “a tour in Asia.” And when the press and the public don’t care about him and have completely forgotten he even exists, it’s just that he’s “staying out of the public eye.” Taylor could get a job at Jack in the Box and some of his fans would say it’s “brilliant” because he can interact with new potential fans through the drive thru window.

I’m wondering when people will start realizing that he’s a lot more talk than he is action. He’s a salesman, point blank. “Sure” he’s recording his album in NYC, “sure” the DVD is coming out…(I think that was due like 1 year ago, right?). He’s a good talker. But fails to deliver on promises, time and time again.

The bottom line is, Hicks didn’t deliver. Now he’s on Broadway. Whoopee. I’m sure he’ll be getting a Grammy because of it. Ya think? Um, I don’t.

>>hicksaholic
Jun 14th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Dingo

Did you see my post a day or so ago when I said you would have a heart attack if you see him on Grease. I had a feeling you wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be lovinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ it.

Hollywood nights (audio only) on soulthing.blogspot.com I believe.>>

Thanks Hicks for the audio of HN. Id give anything to have that video but I’ll settle for the audio. Thanks again. I’ll go there now and try to get it.

I havent been ta church in a very long time.

I also would like the video. Taylor is definitely a visual performer.

I know you’re not happy with his Grease gig because you thought his album was pop cheese and this probably goes past that but I give Taylor credit for trying something new and hopefully learning something that will help him be a better performer.

Hicks, I cant get past it. Maybe its cause I have always hated the ’50′s. Maybe its cause no matter who sings those crap songs from Grease I hate it but coming from Taylor its completely out of place and, IMHO, completely wrong. I dont think he carries it off well at all. Its not him. Least not for me anyway.

I cant give him credit, its not like he was taking a risk, he was on the fast track to absolutely nowhere. In a way he had to sell his soul to take that gig and thats what he did. Its not like he was wildly successful and decided to take a chance, then I could dish out the kudos for him. He had nowhere to go.

I wish him well. I hope it all works out for him. I see nothing but a black hole for him regarding this and his next CD had better be nothing short of raw, unleashed Hicks. he has no room for anything less IMO.

Thanks for the link.

You’re welcome Dingo.

I hope his next cd is more representative of his earlier performances but I don’t hold it much hope for it being a big commercial success. I’ll be happy if it makes his fans happy and makes him enough money to keep singing for a living.

I can see your point on the Grease gig but I’m optimistic it will get his name back out there before his new cd comes out. I guess it remains to be seen if it was a wise move or not.

I guess you won’t be traveling to the city to catch Taylor in Grease though.

Yes, Grease is cheesy and Taylor’s performance is cheesy. But hey, we’re talking about a guy who won one of the cheesiest shows on TV.

Remember Taylor’s pre-audition video bit? He said something to the effect that his life was all about entertaining people. I don’t think he was fully sure of what he meant by that other than that he wanted to be “on stage.” Well, Grease puts him on stage in a way he probably hadn’t considered before Idol. I think a number of things have happened in his career so far that he probably never expected. I don’t think he expected to be the most vilified Idol: by TPTB, by the media, by others’ fans. I don’t think he expected to be the lowest selling Idol so far. I don’t think he expected so many of the other negatives that have happened to him since his Idol win. ( I don’t think he expected some of the perks that have come his way either.)

Where am I going with this? Well, what we expected was one thing; what he expected was another. Reality is something else again. I think the man is doing what he needs/wants to do for himself at this point. Does he still want to be a successful musician? Of course. When Regis asked what he wanted, Taylor said to be a musician before he said anything else.

I, too, don’t see the next CD as being a major hit. But I think he’ll create the music that means something to him. Some fans will be satisfied; some won’t. This is what I care about: that Taylor is happy with it. If all he ever gets out of his Idol win is self-respect and the respect of his peers in the music industry, then I will be happy also.

The next CD- that brings up a question I have. Does anyone know when we might hear anything from it? Will it not be til it is released in the fall or will a track or two be released earlier as a single?

>>This is what I care about: that Taylor is happy with it.>>

Hi Chews.

Well call me selfish and narcissistic cause I dont really care if he is happy. I have supported him through thick and thin, I (meaning one of his many fans) have weathered constant ridicule and have remained steadfast in my opinion that he is talented as hell and has a large reserve of yet untapped talent. I have done my part and then some and now its time for him to do his.

If he doesnt have Idol standing in his path or Clive or any other of those obstacles then I expect him to deliver the real Taylor Hicks without excuses on the new CD.

I will not tolerate anything less. I’ll cross him off my Easter list faster than you can say carrot.

I think it is awesome that Taylor is doing Broadway and having fun at it. Do you know how many people would die to be on Broadway, to even just be in the chorus let alone a bit part and your face plastered on a huge poster? Taylor was all about entertaining to me when he was on AI. I didnt LOVE his voice at all I loved the way he presented it, the happiness and joy I saw in him. I thought Elliot had the voice and Daughtry that year was my favorite but Taylor was extremely enjoyable to watch and have fun with.

Back in the day when I did “modern” dance and sang with “madrigal choir” in highschool I would have given my left arm to even be on off off Broadway. Ha, now that really really dates me, I dont know who would remember the singing and dancing being called either, anyone I ask in this day and age has not heard of it.

Dingo, here is sendspace link to download Hollywood Nights video. ENJOY!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/q2u17j

OK Smitty, I think I love you and here’s my left over bunny slipper from back in the day. A little Dr Scholl’s foot powder and she’s good to go!

Thanks a million.

sumidol – Just dropping in to say you are not alone
‘modern” dance was a huge part of my life for several years – I just loved it! One of the most rewarding things I ever had a chance to do was take a few classes at the Martha Graham Studio during a stay in NYC.

That’s all, back to lurkdom…

Smitty thanks for the link too. He is definitely in a zone on that performance. It is quite a contrast to BSD. I would guess Taylor prefers HN but is willing to try new things. Hopefully his next cd will be of the HN caliber but people will have also seen a different side in Grease.

I’m curious. I didn’t avidly follow the progression of Taylor’s career post-Idol, so I feel like I really was left out of the loop as to why he became the laughing stock of the Idol franchise. Was it because TPTB really never wanted him to win? Or was it because he was difficult to work with post-Idol? What caused the ridicule?

I, too, think he is enormously talented, and wonder what happened to his playing gigs like the Mountain Jam, the small clubs like various HOBs?

His album was meh, but I just chalked that up to it being an Idol franchise album. Was there more to the mediocre quality of the album than that?

Please someone enlighten me. I was one of those who saw Taylor as bringing back a sense of history to popular music, the real soul and blues foundation of it. I’d love to see him have success along those lines. I, too, though cringe at the Soul Patrol shout outs. At some point you have to quit playing to a “fan base” and just work on your music, and let people become fans.

Rita

I think Taylor loves all his fans. I’m sure he is smart enough to know he can’t please all of them all the time. But I bet Taylor (and any other serious entertainer for that matter) would not want all of their fans to love everything they do. If I were the entertainer I would think they couldn’t think for themselves. I bet Taylor likes feedback good and bad.

I think Taylor loves all his fans. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure he is smart enough to know he canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t please all of them all the time. But I bet Taylor (and any other serious entertainer for that matter) would not want all of their fans to love everything they do. If I were the entertainer I would think they couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think for themselves. I bet Taylor likes feedback good and bad.

Thank you hicksaholic. The rude post you are responding to is deleted and that user banned, but I love your sentiment, I couldn’t delete your response!

I have to say, I have really enjoyed reading the rest of this thread. So many different opinions, but you all have kept the discussion lively and respectful! Awesome.

Rita
Excellent post and questions! I think a lot of Taylor’s fans would love to know what all happened. There were rumors that Taylor and TPTB clashed both during and post Idol. Also I feel pretty comfortable saying they really did not want him to win because his style of music is certainly not as popular as country or rock. There were other rumors that TPTB refused to promote his post Idol career some of which have to be true. There is a $5 million penalty for any idol who divulges Idols methods but I’d certainly contribute a modest amount to be able to hear the story from both sides.

I have to agree with you and Dingo to a degree also that Taylor’s post Idol career has not gone the way he expected. That being said I think Taylor is a fighter and I fully expect him to come back stronger and achieve whatever his definition of success is.

I went to a couple of those HOB venues. Taylor is absolutely incredible in them and they were very well attended. I just hope he will be back there in the fall with lots of fans.

I have been reading, seems like Taylor is the only one whose feelings , hopes, and dreams are not taken into consideration by some of his fans.
I do hope he is happy, I think that is important, and with that voice, I can enjoy listening to him sing almost anything. I think he is doing a remarkable job of BSD, it seems important to him to do anything that he does well, whether its a favorite thing to do or not. I can always give him kudos for doing a good job. And not being privy to his innermost dealings , I would have no idea his reasons for doing anything. I have an idea that a more diverse fan base may be important.
What are the words to that one song I have heard him tag? “Why do you always have to give me a fight”
He is a great talent and IMO he always will be. I always enjoy his voice and he will do things I love and other things not so much. Why is that so important anyway? Hes free to do whatever he wants, I do believe. For myself, I don’t believe I have any right to be trying to tell him what he should and shouldn’t do.

I am not about to count Taylor out just yet. Why do you think he is on Broadway, cause he’s a quitter? Absolutely not, he does have to keep himself in fugly shirts and hot ass boots until his next cd drops and he tours again. So Broadway it is. He certainly is getting better press than he ever got post idol. I don’t think this is career suicide that is for sure. Taylor is a live/visual performer, and this is as visual as it gets.

Dingo, I sorta figured you’d hate the idea of Grease, but hang in there, I think he’s got a couple of HN moments for us all. It just takes time. That kinda passion has to erupt now and again!

I like his Broadway singing voice. Not a member of the SP, but still a fan. Gonna go check out that HN video, maybe Dingo will reserve me a seat in the pew. Yeah!

Smitty, thank you wholeheartedly for that download. I have SO missed seeing that man just sing!

Susan11, I agree with you. Thinking about the whole conversation in this thread, I really think it is a function of the AI phenomenon. I have been a fan of many artists over the years and never have I felt that I had the right or the responsibility to personally guide or approve their career path. Everyone of them have satisfied me to varying degrees with different projects and I have simply decided based on the finished item whether or not I wanted to buy or support that product.

Because people feel so vested in giving these “Idols” their careers, we all seem to fall into the trap of trying to micromanage their choices and demand they do what we want them to do. Obviously, that’s not possible. I doubt if more than ten people in any particular idol’s fan group would agree on what their idol should do anyway.

So, I’ve just decided to follow the ones I like, buy their products and go to their shows if I like what they’re doing and hope they meet their own definitions of success. It is much less stressful that way!

Dingo you’re quite welcome. I remember back in the day how much you enjoyed that video.

Bobbi, I agree 100% with what you said. We should cut the man some slack, and let him find his way, as I’m sure he will. It has to be one of the most difficult businesses to try to succeed in, and Taylor will figure out exactly were he fits in, it just takes time. I think he has a great attitude about everything he does, and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Im just pissed is all. I want what I want when I want it. I love Taylor and since season 5 I have been waiting……..waiting for a “T” moment like the many I had during that season. I have yet to get it. Not once. The closest I got was the HN from rehearsals which Smitty was kind enough to point me to. God I just love that version. I hate the Broadway thing, I think I mentioned that? lol.

>>seems like Taylor is the only one whose feelings , hopes, and dreams are not taken into consideration by some of his fans.>>

That would be me Susan, Im selfish that way.

Taylor, call me.

OK, gotta go now. Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers and all of you mothers who substitute as fathers. Have a great day.

Dingo
Please come back often- it’s so much more fun when you are here.

Dingo, I understand. Don’t agree, but I truly understand. You will get that moment. I totally believe that.

MJ, you are correct, these are interesting comments. Shows we really can discuss and disagree respectfully. Who would’a thunk it, when the subject is Taylor? A change, gonna come?

Because this is a Taylor thread Im hoping that MJ will indulge me one more time.

First of all thank you to Smitty who so graciously led me to the place where I could download probably my favorite Taylor video of all time, Hollywood Nights. I got a new computer and I lost some precious things, that was one.

My neighbor died a week ago from lung cancer. I had been caring for her for about 6 months, its been a tough time for us both and it seems that I find myself in these music blogs and especially in a thread that involves Taylor whenever my life is falling apart. Those of you who are familiar with me understand what Im saying.

In any event, since Smitty showed me the way to the church, I watched that vid 4 times and every single time I would up with a big fat smile on my face. If I had forgotten the magic (a much over used word) that was in taylor I found it again today.

Forget every rotten word I said earlier, he is fabulous in Grease, when he sings BSD he’s awesome, it was a perfect fit for him, he’s gonna get a Tony and be a megastar.

OK, thats all bullshit but for a few brief moments today, it was 2006 all over again.

I think Taylor has a problem that a lot of reality show winners would love to have. He has fans that really really care about him. This can be a good and a bad thing depending on the circumstances. But his fans stick with him even if they don’t agree just because he apparently connected with them at some point. I ask you what other past idol gets the interest of this board both positive and negative like Taylor does?

LOL! I understand and agree with you about the Hollywood Nights video, Dingo. I too lost my download of it and was thrilled when Smitty offered it to you today. I’ve missed seeing Taylor like that so much!

I just think Grease is a means to an end for Taylor and is giving him some ready cash. He seems to be enjoying it and that’s a good thing. I am really looking forward to his next cd – but then, I didn’t hate his last one the way you did.

I’m very sorry about your friend. If it is the same neighbor, I remember you speaking about her back then. May she rest in peace.

Bobbi, its a different neighbor. The one your thinking of passed away last year. Im a nurse and when your a nurse you see a lot of illness and death. Comes with the territory even if your retired.

Thank you for asking. Its all ok now. Life goes on as you well know and its a beautiful day in Upstate NY.

In NW NJ too, Dingo!

You’re a stronger woman than I. I couldn’t handle that profession in any way.

I just re read what I said about being a nurse and I realized how pompous I sounded. Everyone confronts death not just nurses. Sheesh.

As a new “fanatic” fan this year of Jason Castro, I KNOW that whatever he does and wherever he goes with his music I will be right behind him (by 1000′s of miles) but backing him in no matter what direction he goes in. I will look for the best in any of his worst performances because I fell in love with the person behind the performer too. I think that is what most Taylor fans will most likely do,. I ALWAYS looked forward to seeing Taylors joy on stage, he could really really get that whole audience going. If I was a Taylor fan I would be so happy for him and for me because now you all get to see him and see him having fun with that goofy role of his. I have noticied him out there more and more and even the smallest part or a charity gig is better than most could ever ever dream of . I sure wish him all the best

Sorry for bringing up Jason in here but I was just thinking how much I miss seeing and hearing that joyful boy and I get so happy for any bit of info or video on him and I think that most Taylor fans might feel the same way?

I LOVE Jason Castro. I have his version of Hallelujia on my iPod and I have his icon in my political forum lolol.

I think he has a unique voice. Unfortunately he wasnt ready for prime time just yet. No one has a right to be that pretty.

Hollywood Nights, great video. Great performance. Sky was the limit at that point. Maybe if things had gone well, Taylor Hicks would be doing things differently right now. Fame changes people, losing fame once you had it changes people even more (often for the worse).

Now I’m not so sure how much of what he is doing is truly making his heart happy versus an intense fear of being completely forgotten. Do people really think he is loving and adoring singing “Beauty School Fucking Dropout” every single day for 3 months? His ego might be loving the attention and the exposure, but I am highly skeptical that his artistic soul is thrilled.

Maybe not, blue, but I do think he’s happy being in NY, completing his album and earning a bit of money for an easy gig. What’s not to like? As I said pages earlier on this thread, not everything has to be a career defining move.

I KNOW that whatever he does and wherever he goes with his music I will be right behind him (by 1000′s of miles) but backing him in no matter what direction he goes in.

First and foremost, I’m a fan of music, not of personalities. I don’t fall for the person, I fall for his/her music. If they make music that pleases me I will buy their CD and go to their concerts. If they don’t, I won’t. Sometimes, if I’ve been a fan of an artist for a very long time, I’ll buy their album sight unseen. If I don’t like the album, I don’t feel cheated, I just chalk it up to one of those things, and look forward to the next CD. But if the trend continues, if the artist continues to go in a direction I don’t care for–particularly if they rest on their laurels and start making mediocre records–I wish them well, but I stop buying.

I don’t think this attitude makes me any less of a fan. In fact, I would think a fan base full of discerning fans might keep an artist on his/her toes, knowing the peeps who buy his records won’t accept just any old thing. That’s why some talented, and creative artists turn into HACKS, eventually–it happens when they realize that a large portion of the fanbase will buy anything no matter what.

I hope Taylor doesn’t turn into a hack. It would be so easy for him just to turn inward, pander to his fanbase and not put effort into making music that will stretch him as an artist, and maybe even win new fans. Pandering is the easy thing to do, so I understand how it could happen. I’ll wish him well if he takes that route, but I won’t follow.

I don’t care for Grease, and I didn’t care for Taylor’s performance on R&K, but as a fan, I look forward to the album he’s working on. He says it’s going to be great, so for now, I’ll take his word for it and wait.

When the Idols leave the show and make records, they are no longer reality show contestants to me, but musical artists in their own right. I judge them just as I do all the other artists whose CDs and LPs line my bookcases. And I think, that’s the highest compliment I could possibly pay them. Much better than just blindly following wherever they lead me, IMHO.

Much better than just blindly following wherever they lead me. IMHO.

Exactly mj I really wish some of the other Taylor blogs realized this Nobody can love everything somebody does It is not rational.

It would be so easy for him just to turn inward, pander to his fanbase and not put effort into making music that will stretch him as an artist, and maybe even win new fans.

So true. I like musicians and singers to listen to that interior voice coaxing them into new directions. I don’t really want to hear the same thing all the time. I really enjoy hearing people go in completely different directions. I remember when Linda Ronstadt did that and people made some fuss. Then she went and did some Gilbert & Sullivan! Takes guts to step out of the comfort zone like that. Dylan really got thrashed when he went from acoustic to electric. The folkies almost ran him outa town.

It is really so much like politics to me Those that blindly follow someone never questioning anything they do are so much less patriotic IMO then those who challenge it I know one is not as important as the other but it’s a comparison.

I’ll be completely honest. I’ve bought my share of AI albums because I want to see the kids succeed (that includes Taylor and Elliott). In fact, the albums that I have liked are pretty few and far between. I don’t buy multiple copies or anything like that, but I see Idol as a combination of a personality contest and a music contest. I never expect THE NEXT MUSICAL GENIUS to grace the Idol stage. So, I can see why the cult of personality may influence peeps to buy an Idol album.

Based purely on the music, I would never have purchased the following first albums: Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin, or Daughtry. I’ll keep JPL (my fave), Blake, Carrie, Kellie, and Bucky (I have a weakness for twang). Will I buy second efforts of the ones I didn’t like blindly? Probably not. I’ll have to like the music. But I’m not above purchasing an AI album to help them out after the show.

I never expect THE NEXT MUSICAL GENIUS to grace the Idol stage. So, I can see why the cult of personality may influence peeps to buy an Idol album.

I agree, AI is not going to produce the next the Beatles or Nirvana. It’s unlikely going to even produce the next Jack White, REM or Beck. But it’s totally capable of producing artists whose music I enjoy. I’m willing to give all of them a chance, once they leave the show.

I’ll also give them a pass for a first sucky 19 produced rush job CD. I didn’t love Taylor’s first major label album, but based on the music he produced as an indie, I’m willing to give this next CD he’s producing on his own, a listen.

I’ve bought music postIdol from people I didn’t like on the show (Carrie) and passed on music from some I did like (Daughtry.) I’m a fan of Archie but if I don’t like his album I’m not buying it. The only Idol I can say I have really supported in that super fan way is Elliott. But I can’t see anyone sustaining a real career based on these kinds of super fans. They have to keep making new fans as their Idol fan base just withers away with each new season. Their careers are kind of like sharks and must continually move forward.

Taylor just hasn’t been able to move past the Idol fans to make new fans yet. Maybe the 2nd album will do it for him.

Hello all! As a local (suburban)New Yorker, I had my own NYC experience today. For a father’s day experience the boys and I decided to take DOD to the central park, strolling around as it is in our backyard. Not only did we see the gigantic Taylor board, but I actually saw Meryll Streep and her daughter stroll by on Park ave and 63rd, well Laaaa Dee Dah…Anyway, I’ve always been an avid Taylor fan and always into alternative, punk rock, or anything that was truly from the gut,,,have to tell you,…..I’m hatin the whole Grease deal…I have to say that I used to wake up in a cold sweat as a baby to the voice of Franke Valli, et al. with those very SCARY falsettos… that’s what I remember about 50′s music… anyway.. I thought T sounded as good as any legit performer could sound sing such a Lame ass song…and believe me, I love Taylor…Hopefully the CD will be further “seasoned” by his experience in NYC, Love reading all your very humorous posts!

The thing is, if they’d done a revival of “Bye, Bye, Birdie” and cast Taylor (wigged) as Conrad Birdie, he would’ve been perfect and maybe had a lot of fun. My problem is that “Grease” is not the world’s best show, the role isn’t that great, and I don’t see that doing it gets him anywhere.

But don’t mind me. I’m really picky about Broadway. Which is why I’m writing this as I watch the Tonys. Stephen Sondheim lifetime achievement award! WOO HOO! His written comments (delivered by Mandy Patinkin) included something about it being hard living up to the praise you get, and I wonder if Taylor has that problem, too.

Anyway, the “Grease” number earlier looked and sounded good, it was introduced by Barry Bostwick, reminding me that someone I like started out in that show, and the Playbill blogger said, “The revival of Grease has taken a lot of raps, but I though their number came off quite well.” So there you have it, even from Playbill. (“Sunday in the Park with George” is coming off REALLY awesome, though. I mean… Sondheim!)

I wont follow my favorites blindly but I didnt vote for them or become so passionate in them as I did because of just their personality, it had to do with a combination of the two. The music they made or their performances sucked me into exploring their personality and what they were all about in the first place. Once I love what a person or a group does I am very loyal and will always wish them the best no matter what they do in this very demanding and cynical industry. If that means I have to revert back to listening to their older stuff once in awhile in hopes that someday something better will appear, my life will sure move on as I find new and more interesting stuff in the meantime. I just know that once I make a connection and become passionate about someone I will always back that person in some way. Good choices and bad are always bound to be made along the way but I wont forget what got me interested in the first place. My Pumpkins for instance were a long time gone and I now love their newest stuff and so on. I will always have hope that those who created such a passion in me will somehow bring back the spark and if not I am grateful to the many times they did bring me joy, if only for that short time on Idol or where ever I discovered them. I just cant see myself ever saying to a singer that I loved at one time, wow you really suck you dummy, why did you do that? I will wait as they explore and then hopefully come to their damn senses but I cant ever bad mouth someone who brought me such joy, cant do it – nope just cant

MJ, I don’t think Taylor is pandering to his fanbase at all. It’s seemed to me he’s been almost running away from it since Idol. He seems focused on “growing” his fanbase, as he likes to say. But his fanbase has shrunk. From visiting the boards, I get the sense that he has maybe a few hundred very intense fans, at least in the US, and a lot of folks in wait and see mode. So pandering would be an awful idea, if that’s what he’s doing. He needs to stop shouting, Soul Patrol. It just sounds weird at this point, esp. with the mugging and sideways tilt. Doesn’t he have a manager to tell him these things?

Worse to me, he seems freaked out, mentally, which is silly and extreme of me to say as I’m just someone who catches him on the telly, but there ya go. Or maybe not freaked out but…something. He doesn’t seem sincere. For months now, some of his interview comments give me the impression he is managing his ascension to greatness instead of just making music. I think maybe he has taken positive thinking to some weird plain. To me, it’s not cool.

I used to think he was some kind of pure musical soul who would save us crass consumers from ourselves. At this point, I’m just confused.

His career has taken some curious turns, that corny book included.

His talent is strong only in his niche and people are forgetting how good he can be because he hasn’t been in his niche for a good long while now.

Still, I don’t mind that he’s doing Grease, it’s an experience. I did go and look at the Broadway opening on you tube and happily, the tempo of the song was a lot slower and he did much better there than on R&K. I think his outfit is ugly and his hair, too. Actually, dyed black hair would have been a great idea; since it’s a role, it would have been an acceptable change and fun to see a younger side. At least it would have been a surprise. This way, he just kinda reminds me of Liberace (please don’t kill me, I’m really a nice person.)

I think the producers of his CD are from Nashville? That would be kind of cool and interesting, if he did country. I wouldn’t mind. As long as it’s good. And a rootsy blues/soul album down the road, still waiting on that one. Mainly, I just hope he has a crackerjack production team that he will listen to with humility and that is geared to his talents, that will make all the difference.

Sorry for the long post, I will now roll on like a rolling stone.

What PJ said above – I second that COMPLETELY. This wonderful blog would not have so many people come to it each day if they were not looking to find their fav’s music for the most part and then also a tidbit or two that helped them look into and find out about that person as well. Isnt that what has been said over and over about an Idol contestant? It has been said when a particular Idol did not do as well that it was because they just didnt connect with the audience. I believe that to mean their personality as well as their music on this type of show is what helped them to succeed and keep us all interested and voting for them on the show and keeping us interested after the show?

So true. I like musicians and singers to listen to that interior voice coaxing them into new directions. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really want to hear the same thing all the time. I really enjoy hearing people go in completely different directions.

Neil Young, one of my all time favorite artists, deserves the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in not pandering to his fans. He has made rockabilly, country, grunge, hard rock, bluegrass, folk, blues and even metal feedback records. He is the master of changing directions.

I too am happy that the subject of Taylor has provided so much thoughtful and intelligent discussion. We who have weathered the fanwars of Season 5 have much to teach the Cooktards :cool1_tb:

It has been said when a particular Idol did not do as well that it was because they just didnt connect with the audience. I believe that to mean their personality as well as their music on this type of show is what helped them to succeed and keep us all interested and voting for them on the show and keeping us interested after the show?

I guess I just separate what they are on they show from what happens after. Idols need a good personality to advance on the show, but I think after the show, when they become musical artists, the music should speak for itself, and perhaps the personality stuff should fall by the wayside. It does for me. But, really, that’s just me and my little opinion.

Anyway, I think I sometimes get a little defensive on this subject, because of all the times I’ve been called a “bad” fan, so don’t mind me. . There is room for all of us, I hope.

He needs to stop shouting, Soul Patrol. It just sounds weird at this point, esp. with the mugging and sideways tilt. Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t he have a manager to tell him these things?

I know! That’s the kind of stuff that feels like pandering to me. But you know, he kinda dropped out of sight. I can’t even begin to imagine what’s really going on with him. I hope that once this Grease thing is over, he plays some dates, even if they are little acoustic dates here and there. It would nice to know what he’s been up to musically, these past few months. If anything…

“But, really, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just me and my little opinion”

I understand that and thats cool but for me after investing so much in both it is hard to “cut the cord” so to speak on it all I guess. The personality still tends to flavor my opinion and I still seek out anything this blog can provide me on both. Give me a few years or so and maybe I will think differently – I will let you know because I am sure I will still be here going on and on – and on and on

I find it SO INTERESTING…that this conversation is still going on about Taylor. I mean…its NOT EASY to find, way down on the page now, and his picture is always x’ed out for some reason.

Taylor has invited controversy from day one on AI. he just DID NOT fit in, and was not going to let them tell him what to do. And for some reason, there are people who just love to hate him. And thats okay. I welcome anyone who has a “real” gripe about him and/or his music or performing abilities to state their case.

I have seen him in concert several times (nope…..wont say HOW many.. ………..He puts on a show unlike anyone I have every seen. He is an “entertainer” and THAT HE DOES………..and it doesn’t hurt that he knows how to put a fantastic band together. I have probably seen hundreds of concerts over the last 20 years or so. NOTHING compares to the show he puts on. I would only ask of the people who are trying so hard to put him down: Have you seen him, LIVE? If you can say you have, and still hold the same opinion, more power to you. I don’t expect people to always feel the same way as I do. But if you are judging him on what you remember from AI and just didnt like him, good! THAT IS HONEST. But talking about how horrible it is for him to do GREASE (IF you have not seen it) and what a bad choice..is just UNFAIR.

I have seen the GREASE show a couple of times so far……..and believe me, he brings the house down. Its really a SHOW STOPPER in the true sense of the word. If you watch the video (they are ALL OVER by now), and LISTEN to the audience response to his song……and also the curtain call, there is no doubt!

Anyone can call it cheesy, over the top, whatever…………….but when he came out, and all during his performance, beginning, during, and after………the SOUND was thunderous! And when he came out at the curtain call and sang Grease is The Word and played the harp………..the screaming was ear piercing. And those were not RABID, old lady, Taylor fans from AI. They were regular theater-goers and they got WHOMPED!

I will be curious to look back on this blog in a couple of weeks or so, and read some reviews of people who have actually seen Taylor on Broadway. The Regis and Kelley thing was good PR for him but was very far removed from what I saw. Just a “tease” I guess.

It would be GREAT if this thread could somehow be brought to the TOP………There are obviously many people who have very strong opinions about Taylor, one way or the other.

Its a WIN/WIN situation for everyone. LOTS of hits on the blog, and some very interesting conversations going on.

MJ??????????? maybe that is not possible. I realize you are doing the dancing thing, etc………….but looking at the number of comments, I would love to see Taylor upfront for people to see and comment on.

Also…..I notice how LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG the posts are. People are definitely stating their opinions and I LOVE that! MJ……if you are interested in putting something out front on Taylor, I have plenty of recent pictures, video…etc…………if not………..carry on……….with the dancing show stuff (sorry…. dont remember the name of the show) I still like reading here though. There are allot of “interesting characters here”………..

When Taylor, like any other Idol alumni, makes news, I’ll post it. Otherwise, I’ll continue to move on to the next thing–The Season 7 tour, Season 8 auditions, SYTYCD, Canadian Idol 6 and Nashville Star, then on to Cookie and Archie’s fall releases…

The blog is like a shark. It’s got to keep moving or it dies. .

Screaming Soul Patrol is pandering. Telling people what they want to hear and not following through is pandering. Yes, he panders. But I also agree he is not thrilled with his fan base, which is why it’s strange that he panders to them. If you want to gain new fans, screaming Soul Patrol (a gimmick you used to win a show) is not exactly a brilliant idea. That’s like a politician screaming his old campaign slogan long after he’s in office. Whatever he is doing is not working, his fan base has shrunk instead of expanded and people are quickly losing interest.

I also agree that he comes across as very insincere. There was a time when I believed him to be sincere, but he no longer strikes me as a “sincere” person. He just says what he thinks he should say. The same replies over and over… Don’t want to step on any toes now. Is it polite or is it fake? I think it’s kinda fake. I guess I am more drawn to real types who are just real and don’t care. I’m no big Daughtry fan, but at least the guy says what’s on his mind and isn’t scared to make sure everyone approves of it.

This is going to sound odd, I know, but my feelings regarding Taylor are somewhat maternal. I support him and try to find the good in him in pretty much every situatioin. It’s sort of like when you follow your kids in little league, peeWee football, or basketball, then watch their career choices, dating preferences, wife choice, lol, etc. Even when in your heart you know they are not in their niche and you get disappointed, you still support, encourage, listen and advise. Now, of course, Taylor has no idea who I am, LOL, but I do find myself “mothering” him from afar. And mothers are sensitive, lol.

The things that concern me about Taylor are the continued soul patrol shout outs, the Ray Charles bend, mixed messages, modern whomp being a bust, never did understand that term nor thought he delivered whatever it was that sound was supposed to be. I’m further concerned about his next album. I thought he was going back to his “roots” if you will, but now find him saying it will have some country influence. I wonder sometimes if Taylor even knows where he wants to go musically. The one constant is that he IS an entertainer, and that is his element. Whether he can find his niche in entertainment is another thing. It’s like he’s on a treadmill. Too many irons in the fire. I’m finding I’m writing random thoughts, so I’ll end this now. Just giving some input. Thanks for listening.

:smile1_tb:

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s on a treadmill. Too many irons in the fire.

Judy you might be right. I wonder sometime if there was any truth to TPTB trying to sabotage his success(and I have no idea that there was or not)and if Taylor is trying desperately to find his footing again. He enjoyed so much success on the show. He is just as talented as he was then.

I really hope the new cd is not going country because country is “in” .

Taylor may need to do what he did PTFMWB week and tell everybody to F off.

his outfit is ugly and his hair, too. Actually, dyed black hair would have been a great idea; since ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a role, it would have been an acceptable change and fun to see a younger side. At least it would have been a surprise. This way, he just kinda reminds me of Liberace

You know as much as I love Taylor and I do love Taylor I have to kind of agree with you on this. I see that huge poster of Taylor in the light colored suit with his hair normal and the halo around his head and he really looks great. The costume and the hair during the show not so much. It definitely ages him- something he doesn’t need given perceptions about him already. Now perhaps Taylor had no input into costuming and hairstyles and if so then he has to go with the flow. But I do wonder if he could change his appearance during the show’s run to a more youthful look.

I love Taylor’s shout outs to the Soul Patrol. It makes us feel connected to him.

Taylor as an entertainer won American Idol. Last year on his concert tour, Taylor
showed us he is a serious musician. He can be both and in time, he will become
known for both. We expect too much too soon from our Idols. Because of Kelly,
Carrie, and Chris who excelled beyond anyone’s expectations, that bar is set for all Idol
contestants after their Season. However, what those three’s success has shown us is where the money is in the music industry….. Country, Pop, and Rock. But it’s not all about instant Superstardom. Taylor wants to entertain live audiences and if he can continue to perform in front of packed rooms, he will be happy. If we are true fans,
we will be too !! Some of you seem to only want the serious musician side of Taylor.
Would you tell your best friend you only love her legs and not her face?? Why can’t we just sit back and enjoy everything he gives us??

Like many Taylor fans, I prefer his pre-Idol songs over what he had on his Idol CD. I am by no means a fan of country music, but I see the country bend in those songs. West Texas Sky would fit in any country album, if you ask me. And those versions of The Fall/Son of a Carpenter from that producer Taylor sued definately had a country feel to them as well. So long as he doesn’t go all twangy on me, I think it could be fine. I’m counting on this CD to be a big improvement.

My husband thought the Regis performance was rather lame. I thought it was OK but I also knew it was an abbreviated version without all the extras that would be on the real stage. I think he will improve as the show goes on, but he didn’t hit a bad note. I’m in the “if he’s having fun, making some money, and learning something new, it’s fine by me” camp. I do want this next CD to be good tho. I don’t care if it’s a commercial success – just good.

MJ, I agree with everything you said at 8:03 last night. I am as big a Taylor Hick’s music fan as the next guy. I saw him countless times last summer as MaryS_NJ will confirm. But what I want from Taylor now is more music. More music like his pre-idol stuff – or music that shows him moving forward. I did buy the last cd to support him. I do like some of the songs on it and listened to it a lot. I will probably buy the next cd without listening first. But he needs to bring it on that cd.

I don’t think this makes me less of a fan. I went to see James Taylor at the Borgata this past weekend. The show was fantastic – and it wasn’t even what I expected. I expected 90 minutes of James Taylor classics. What I got was 2 1/2 hours of James Taylor classics interspersed with some great covers. He had a rocking band with 2 percussionists, a piano player, a horn player, a sax player, bassist, 4 back up singers, fiddle player and an outstanding guitar player besides himself. The show was surprising and familiar at the same time. It was amazing.

This is the kind of feeling I want to have when I go to a Taylor concert. He provided it last summer, I hope he can continue to do so. If he can, he keeps me as a fan.

I just know that once I make a connection and become passionate about someone I will always back that person in some way. Good choices and bad are always bound to be made along the way but I wont forget what got me interested in the first place.

Oh how I have enjoyed this thread! Sumidol, you not only spoke my mind with your entire post at 11:27 but my heart as well. Bless you.

those versions of The Fall/Son of a Carpenter from that producer Taylor sued definately had a country feel to them

I don’t know if that version of The Fall had a country feel to it or not but I LOVE that version so much better than the one on IN YOUR TIME. I love the way Taylor builds it during the song to that great ending.

I am not crazy about the shout outs to the SP. That really seems desperate and he really has no need to be. He had one mainstream cd out. It went “platinum”. He toured successfully with it. He is in an off cycle. If this was anyone else that had nothing to do with the show, nobody would be blinking an eye about him doing Grease in his spare time. It is because many expected him to become the next hot thing and he underperfromed instead. I think he is more relaxed and confident about his future than his fans are.

Taylor has a great opportunity to do something awesome that America loves, he can reinvent himself. I don’t care if he does his brand of soul, or country. I just want him to do it right. I wasn’t one of those who was all about his personality, because I never met the man. Now his music, that is another story.

I guess I will also have a soft spot for Taylor cause his music got me through a tough time personally. In January of 2006, I suffered a cerebral aneurysm. I was in an out of the hospital for several weeks. During that time I watched this guy take over my teevee set like nobody else had on the idol stage. It was joyous to watch and kept me from deep depression as I battled back. By the time he won, I had pretty much gotten to as good as I am ever going to be, not 100 percent, pretty damn near.

That doesn’t mean I am posting on message boards about him daily, I have moved on. I do check every now and then because his music matters to me. I think he has it in him to be a good working musician way into the future. Will he get that doing BSD? Nah, will it kill his career? Nah. So while I have decided not to spend a couple hundred dollars to see him on Broadway, I will spend that much when he gives me some new music. At least he ain’t dating Kim Caldwell, lol. That is a joke Cookies, a JOKE!

Would you tell your best friend you only love her legs and not her face??

No. But I might tell her the honest truth, even if it was negative, if I thought it would help.

But that’s a moot point. Taylor isn’t my best friend. I don’t even know the guy!

mj that’s why I love your blog- as long as posters are not disrespectful to each other they are free to say whatever they feel without being made to feel bad doing it. Different opinions are GOOD. It makes people look at things differently and sometimes improvements are made as a result.

Is anyone else getting a Gray Charles vibe with this thread? Intelligent discussion with a nice mix of opinions from fans, fanatics (yes, there is a difference), and casual observers. Thanks, mj for all you do and to those who have contributed to a captivating read.

nice mix of opinions from fans, fanatics (yes, there is a difference), and casual observers

Uh oh- I’m scared to think what category I fall into.

As a casual observer I thought Taylor was unwise to cater so much to his fan base after Idol. I guess he thought he’d have a Jimmy Buffet type of career. Maybe he will. But there is a disconnect between the real man and the public image so to me his persona always comes off as a bit weird and almost schizophrenic. I don’t have any career advice at all. I think they have high priced managers to do that kind of thing but maybe Taylor doesn’t listen or is just an unusual artist and is hard to market.

Jimmy Buffet type career takes a Jimmy Buffet type artist. Perhaps perceptions that Hicks persona being weird and schizo largely stems from the lack of consistency in communications with the fans. His biggest challenge I’m thinking is to somehow step down a notch and communicate with the fans. That would be my 2 cents in career advice.

I don’t think he’s that unusual an artist look at some of the performers out there now who are getting air time, making it big on the radio waves and concert circuits. Not all are cookie cutter pop anymore, or solid Country or Rock performers. Check out Paolo Nutini for one. He possesses an unusual, unique voice and sound, yet making a sizable mark.

MN Sue, regarding the Gray vibe, perhaps that is because several on here were once regulars on Gray’s. The open lines of communication are good too.

I thought Taylor was unwise to cater so much to his fan base after Idol.

Interesting jpfan. The cd did nothing to capture new fans. I agree with you on that. However, the concert tours Taylor masterfully created included crazy skilled musicians who helped him turn his overproduced cd into what fans expected and what new listeners could grab onto. It was a major step in the right direction to further his career and establish himself as more than just a quirky Idol winner. I think Taylor knows he walks a fine line between pleasing his fans and developing a respected artist cred. If that is viewed as a disconnect (great word BTW) I prefer growing pains.

nice mix of opinions from fans, fanatics (yes, there is a difference), and casual observers

Uh oh- Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m scared to think what category I fall into.

I like to think I fall into each category…when the time is right.

Good point MN Sue I think if getting on the boards every day to check out any Taylor news is fanatical I qualify but if it means thinking every choice Taylor makes or everything he does is perfect I am back to just being a fan. And if it is info about his personal life I hope I am only a casual observer if that.

The Soul Patrol shout outs aren’t going away. If you have a fanbase as famous as that, then you best hang on to it. I don’t think he has any intention of altering his personna so someone might potentially become a fan. His performances continue to speak for themselves. I became a fan of the man DESPITE his goofy behavior. Five seasons (now seven) of watching the show and no one ever had command of the stage like he did.

I’m not looking for Taylor as the next great songwriter. This new album to me is just means to and end, which is: to get him back on the road, where he rules.

Five seasons (now seven) of watching the show and no one ever had command of the stage like he did.

You got that right!

“I like to think I fall into each categoryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦when the time is right.”

Me too MN Sue – I know that I will never see my fav’s up close in a “personal” way and I wont try, maybe a pic with them at a random concert sometime but thats as far as I would think to go in a singers personal life. I wont ever like all they do, on most cd’s I buy there are one or two songs that I love, a couple I just like and some I can do without. I would say that I have not seen anyone “fanatical” on here, not really and MY little opinion of fanatical is my dearest friend, love her but her whole life has become Journey Journey Journey. She spends all her money and time on going to every single concert and after party and event. She even has created a persona on this thing called Second Life – Journey Island and somehow believes that she is actually personally partying with the guys on there. The ONLY music she listens to is Journey. So, if you all only listen to Taylor, only see Taylor and only like to find out about Taylor than I would call you a fanatic. On here what I have seen is people that have enjoyed him in the past and have hopes to enjoy him more in the future and by enjoy him – I mean his music not him him. (heh heh as prime says)

if you all only listen to Taylor, only see Taylor and only like to find out about Taylor than I would call you a fanatic.

UH OH!!! JK

Ha Hicksaholic – I know I called myself a “fanatic” a time or two but I was being facicious (awww I dont have time to check my spelling but that does not look right)I dont think I am? Not really – anyhow this thread has been fun and interesting to me for the past couple of days

I loved Season 5 of American Idol and although I really liked many of the top 10, Taylor drew me in – besides being fun to watch, having a great voice, and the anticipation of never knowing what he might do on stage -I felt musically connected in a way I had never experienced before and I rediscovered my love for music. I searched out information about him online and found Gray Charles (this was after he won) and that led me here to mj’s which is where I call my home. Music is now a important part of my life again – I am even loving country which I hated before – but I think I am a rocker at heart.

I have seen Taylor live 3 times and he is fantastic. I don’t know what went wrong with his career – but I do think he is the “joke” of AI which I am sad about. I wish they would embrace all their winners (and finalists) for their individual talents and journeys. It took me a good year to get over the fact that they treated him so badly by mostly ignoring his existance as a past winner. I think he has tremedous talent and I hope he can continue to make music – I know I will go see him anytime he is around here. We will probably never know if TPTB made sure he failed or if he made bad decisions or both.
Hopefully this next CD will be fantastic.

Although Taylor will always have a spot in my heart, I have moved on. I think he made a mistake by not communicating with his fans more. It is hard to keep engaged when someone disappears.

I didn’t think I could ever connect again with someone on AI, but I did this year with both Jason and David Cook. That is how I know I have moved on. And I love the cheesy show even with it’s manipulations.

Wow! This is still going on!

I’m of the opinion that Taylor’s call outs to the Soul Patrol are partially a result of his shyness. He most often does it at the end of interviews (lately), and it sometimes seems to me that he’s feeling insecure/nervous enough to fall back on something that worked before. As a shy person myself, I can understand some of the goofiness, too. Insecurities can make a person do and say things that others might look askance at. I don’t know; I just often get that insecure vibe when I see him. ( I met him briefly at a Meet and Greet and, between the two of us, the air almost crackled with awkwardness, LOL.) I personally know a musician very much like Taylor. He’s very shy and rather awkward – unless he’s on stage. Then he becomes a performer and his insecurities seem to disappear. That’s what I see in Taylor.

I also think that he has made some mistakes with his career so far, but then, who hasn’t? And, though I don’t know him, I suspect that he can be difficult to direct or manage, at times. Ultimately, I’d be (pleasantly) surprised if the media and current non-fans ever change their perception of him. I’d be (pleasantly) surprised if he ever grows a huge fan base or ever sells millions of CDs. I think he’ll always be performing in one way or another but, to use what has become a somewhat trite expression in regard to Taylor, it will likely be more “under the radar” than what the Soul Patrol – and perhaps he – would prefer.

Again, I just hope that he finds a niche that makes him happy, provides him a secure income, and earns him the respect of his peers.

I just hope that he finds a niche that makes him happy, provides him a secure income, and earns him the respect of his peers.

Chewsday
I think you expressed the hopes of all his fans. I think a lot of us wanted (and still do to a degree) an affirmation of his talent as an artist but at this point I don’t know that we will get it(at least not by the masses). I can’t imagine that Taylor did anything to deserve the treatment he has received from the media and TPTB at AI but I don’t know that for a fact.

I’m at the point now that I am tired of trying to convince everyone how good Taylor is. God knows my poor friends have heard it enough. If people don’t want to go see Taylor perform or won’t even give him a chance it’s their loss. As long as I can go see Taylor perform I’ll be happy. Maybe Taylor will have a smaller more devoted fanbase whether he likes it or not.

Taylor’s music is not that unusual or hard to market. It’s not like he’s singing hip hop classical music or something no one has ever heard of. He has gray hair. That’s the only “odd” thing about him.

Being great in concert is not enough to draw people in. Everything else must be in order as well. Having a small (overly) devoted fanbase is not going to take you anywhere. If the guy didn’t want to succeed on a grand scale, he wouldn’t have done AI. I don’t believe all the AI sabotage stories. Not for a minute. There’s enough critique on this thread alone which would explain why things did not work out for him. I don’t blame anyone but him for his lack of success. Poor choices, poor management. Lack of communication.

Oh no, I am back and Taylor wasnt even my favorite that year, it was Elliot and Chris but I thought he sure put on a great show. I just have to add to the poor Taylor remarks – poor Taylor he is on Broadway, poor Taylor his 80 ft poster is hanging in NY, poor Taylor he works Charity events, poor Taylor just got off the morning talk show circuit, poor Taylor he has devoted fans. Poor Taylor probably isnt as poor as you and I. Oh I just wish him luck

Great post Sumi ROFL particularly the poor Taylor probably isn’t as poor as you and me. I think somebody saw him a few weeks ago driving a Mercedes in Bham. I damn sure don’t have a Mercedes and I am not 31 years old.

You put stuff in perspective very well.

I kind of see Taylor like a friend of mine growing up. All his life he loved animals, and all he wanted to do was to be a Vet. His 3rd year of college he took an advertising / marketing course and fell in love with advertising. He changed his major, graduated, got a job in advertising and HATED it. He bounced around from job to job for 20 yrs, before going to back to school and becoming a Vet Tech. He now loves his job!

I guess what I’m trying to say is I think anyone can get sidetracked or interested in things they may never have imagined during their life, but eventually, if you’re lucky, you will realize your true calling. I don’t think there is any doubt that Taylor’s true calling is as a live performer, but if he takes a few side trips to test the waters good for him. I think it will only help him to realize that he belongs on the stage singing (whether he writes them or not)kick ass blues and soul, with an equally kiss ass band. Sometimes the hardest questions are really the easiest to answer.

LMAO
Bread and wine in Portifino, A show on Broadway, a mercedes, Ha
I wish I could live “poor Taylors” life.

Just thought I’d put in my two cents. I’m not a devoted fan of anyone but was a big fan of Season 5. It was very entertaining to watch Taylor “work the system” so to speak. He did it masterfully and it paid off for him. I really don’t believe Taylor ever thought that his genre or niche or whatever you want to call it would ever sell millions of albums. I have to respectfully disagree with blueisyou in that a small devoted fanbase may be exactly what he needs to be successful. Success is not always defined in how famous one becomes or how many units they can sell. I know of many regional bands and artists that make VERY good livings and will never be well known. Many of their CD’s are self-produced and they get to keep a major portion of the money. I’m not sure that the “worst idol ever” label that bothers many of Taylor’s fans makes a hill of beans of difference to him. He is infinitely more successful than he was before Idol and if he can hold on to his small devoted fanbase, will be able to make a good living doing what he loves to do. In ten years, AI will be gone, the competition among fanbases will be over, and it will be interesting to see who of the AI contestants are still around in any capacity.

So LA Pat ( is that Lower Alabama) are you telling me within ten years I as a huge Taylor fan will be vindicated because trust me, I can hold out for that! i only hope mj’s is here so the Taylor fans can gloat.

Yes, hicksaholic I think you will be able to gloat. I do really believe that Taylor will be doing what he’s doing now many years into the future. Will he ever be at the level of Carrie or Daughtry? Probably not, but AI gave him the opportunity to live his dream of entertaining people who appreciate his music which is what he tried to do pre-Idol. Like MJ, I like his pre-Idol music better anyway and hope he goes in that direction with his new CD. I have not had the pleasure of seeing him in concert, but hope that I get a chance in the future. And no, it’s now Lower Alabama – it’s Louisiana but there’s not much difference!

LA Pat I am just kidding about gloating I believe I will follow Taylor for quite a while. I have had the pleasure(and boy was it a pleasure) to see Taylor live and I can’t miss it if he is anywhere close or possibly even if he is not close. If you are in Louisiana and he gets back to HOB in New Orleans you should run not walk to see him. And by the way my youngest just graduated from LSU so I’ve spent a little time in Loiusiana. It is quite a bit different than Lower Alabama.

mj What is the record for the longest running thread? Just curious

Just wanted to add that even though I have moved on………I haven’t deleted the “hundreds” of audios and videos and pictures of Taylor on my computer and I still have his pre-idol cd in my car – and I did buy his American Idol stamps. LOL.

But instead of listening to him on a daily basis, it is Cookie and Jason that I listen to, mixed in with lots of other music I have discovered or rediscovered in the last 2 years.

Today, I came across Bob Parsons’ 16 rules to live by. Bob Parsons, a self-made millionaire, is CEO of GoDaddy.com, the world’s number 1 registrar of domain names for the Web. He had a couple of hugely successful businesses prior to GoDaddy that he sold for millions.

Reading through the great comments in this thread and knowing what I know of Taylor after following his career for the last 2 years, he seems to live by many of Bob Parsons’ rules. There’s wisdom here for all of us, too!
1. Get and stay out of your comfort zone.
2. Never give up.
3. When you are ready to quit, you’re closer than you think.
4. Accept the worst possible outcome.
5. Focus on what you want to have happen.
6. Take things a day at a time.
7. Always be moving forward.
8. Be quick to decide.
9. Measure everything of significance.
10. Anything that is not managed will deteriorate.
11. Pay attention to your competitors, but pay more attention to what you’re doing.
12. Never let anybody push you around.
13. Never expect life to be fair.
14. Solve your own problems.
15. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
16. There’s always a reason to smile.

Saboo wow, the entire list is priceless, and watching Taylor’s career unfold, so appropriate. Maybe because these are just good solid life lessons that everyone can draw upon?

This discussion has kept me coming back all weekend scrooooooling down, just to see what’s new. If this thread is any indication, Taylor is not quite finished making us interested in what he does in the future. That’s a good sign to me.

mj What is the record for the longest running thread? Just curious

I’ve got a Jason Castro thread that’s been going on for days.

That Bob Parson’s thing is a little off topic. Let’s not get too off track here, OK? Thank you!

And I love reading that thread (Jason’s) too MJ. I’m becoming a regular bookmarking fool, lol….as a matter of fact, I think I’ll bookmark this Taylor one just in case it continues on……for awhile at least.

Comparing Taylor Hicks to everyday commoners as proof of his success? That’s kind of a no-brainer, isn’t it? Do we really think that’s what he set out to do? Be better off than the average American? Is he financially better off in 2005 in comparison to today? Sure is. But respectfully, that’s a weak argument.

What about when we compare him to: A. other idol’s. B. other musicians in the music industry in similar genres. Usually when Idols do well they go UP. They get even bigger and more successful and possibly after a while they lose some heat. But that’s after they already had mega success. Other musicians, build their fanbase, slowly but surely. They get more and more fans and the fanbase expands.

In the case of Taylor Hicks, it has been a regression, not a progression. He started off HUGE. MEGA. BIG. Way bigger than Jordan Sparks or Ruben or Fantasia (the other idols which did not do so well). He got more publicity than all of them put together. All the stars were aligned for him to blow up right after Idol, (his all expenses paid big break) and instead of blowing up he fizzled. And somehow now he has a lot less fans than he started with. What’s that about? What went wrong? He was sabotaged? He was blackballed? Or….maybe he just didn’t deliver the goods? Maybe fans fell for potential which never materialized? Talent and charm does not insure success. It’s what you do with that talent and how you manage your career. Doing back to back tours singing the same songs… why is that smart? It’s a waste of time.

I don’t believe a person goes through the hell of idol so they can be kinda sorta successful with a tiny fanbase. I think they most likely have big dreams and aspirations. I do remember Taylor Hicks referring to legends and hoping to be legendary one day. So we’re supposed to believe he is completely content at where he’s at and this is supposed to be enough? He’s doing Grease. He’s doing Grease because it’s not enough. Only, I think I remember reading something about him wanting to follow the Van Morrison career model. Did Van Morrison do Grease? If he did, I must have missed it.

All the talk of Van the Man reminds me of the song Man Has to Struggle. Very poignant lyrics.

“Man keeps on moving ‘cos he can t keep still”
This sentence is the very definition of TH. Is Grease the greatest career move for TH? Probably not, but can’t blame him for trying to keep movin’. I don’t think in a million years he thought he was going to win AI. It was just another step to keep movin’.

“Man has to struggle all the live long day”
It’s kind of fitting that TH’s weakest CD resulted from the highest point in his life. I believe that great art is a result of the artitist’s struggle to create the art and having the world accept it. So will TH create a masterpiece? I believe it’s in him but only time will tell if he makes the right moves. Here’s hoping a great CD is down the road with a kickass tour right behind it.

About now would be a great time for Taylor to jump in and tell us his thoughts on all of this. Do you wonder sometime if he ever reads some of this stuff?

Let me give a shout-out to LAPat – from another Louisiana lady here! I’m in North Louisiana, and wanted to echo what you said about success. I’ve been friends with local musicians who have been successful regionally. They have done what Cook keeps saying was his goal: making a career out of music. Playing arena tours, platinum CDs? No. But for some folks, never having to have a day job is the dream.

“That being said”, I also agree that Taylor wanted more. It’s just not certain that he’ll ever fit the mold of a pop star a la Justin Timberlake. He’ll certainly never be a star like Ray Charles. I’m sure he remembers, though, what he said when he auditioned: “I just want my voice heard”.

To whomever said to catch Taylor at the HOB in New Orleans, well, wish I could, but I don’t make it down to New Orleans very often. However, Taylor did come to Vicksburg, MS back in August last year, and a close friend who lives there called for tickets about 5 minutes after they went on sale. They were gone in a flash. I couldn’t even get a ticket to see him at a casino, which, according to Simon, is lower than a cruise ship – LOL!

Good having Taylor to talk about again – now I can’t wait for his album. Count me among those who chalked up the first album to poor Idol production values. I do wish I knew what happened out there to him. All over the internet, there are innuendos of how TPTB tanked him, but no one really knows.

Cheers,

Rita

blueisyou, we share many of the same sentiments regarding Mr. Hicks. I was one of the fans watching Idol who thought he was about to just blow the roof through the music and entertainment zones. He was that dynamic during his time on the show.

Blame’s been levied at his post-Idol CD, how Clive and co. stymied him, locked his talent up and made him put out an album that wasn’t exactly what fans expected. The biggest thing that surprised me, as the album was being talked about – before release – all the press Taylor gave, he praised it and said it was what he wanted. He even coined that “Modern Whomp” phrase to cover the type of sound, to me there wasn’t much ‘Whomp’…lol

That CD while it did have some good moments certainly wasn’t what I expected nor what apparently most expected. Now, if he’d been more subdued about the album, perhaps said things to the effect, “Well, it was a compromise, afterall it is a first CD, after this show…” I could have understood the situation better. Overall it was confusing. Confusing because of what I as a fan, who hung out at Gray Charles, who hung out at WOOO Radio, the Gray Haired Dude’s site, were anticipating as an offering and perhaps an attitude.

Yes, he was poised blow like a nuke, but instead it was more of just a little “Pop”.

The good news ( at least I think so) for Taylor is so many people care one way or the other. The bad news is I’m not sure he can measure up to some people’s expectations regardless of what he does.

Rita 205, I’m in south LA and I too tried to get those Vicksburg tickets and was too late. Maybe next time.

I am so enjoying this discussion and this blog where we can agree to disagree without the nastiness of some of the other fan sites. Since I don’t know Taylor personally, I can’t say whether he is “happy” with how his career is going or whether he thought he’d be a bigger star. Something just tells me he is smart enough to know that he wasn’t going to be the next Justin Timberlake. That’s pretty much a no-brainer. As to whether AI will ever find that superstar with longevity remains to be seen. IMO they are not even looking for that. TPTB know they have a limited amount of time and are looking for the person who will make them the most money right now. As for Taylor’s role in Grease, if he’s having fun and he’s making money doing it, I say “go for it.” Maybe I have a different opinion than some others because most of the artists I enjoy are not superstars.

I am just curious about Taylor’s “tiny fanbase” and how anyone would presume to know the size of his fanbase. What statistics are out there to determine that? Is it a fact? Is it just an opinion?

I do know that whenever, whereever his name comes up, if there are comments allowed, he sure generates a lot of them! Some good, some bad – he seems to draw them all!

Ha, this is still going? Good for Taylor – like YOU said Desdemona.

Desdemona, you’re right. It’s hard to determine the size of his fanbase with any authority. I can just say that, checking his fansites, hits on videos here and there, etc., I get the impression there are maybe several hundred, and I’m being generous, who are very into him and have almost taken on the job of Taylor-promoters, and a whole lot of people, like me I think (again just my impression) who really liked him on the show and are hoping for lightning to strike again with some incredible albums down the road.

Hicksaholic, I doubt he reads these boards but I wish he would. He strikes me as someone incredibly insular, listening only to the voice inside his head. It’s all a bit odd. If he makes it big, I feel it will be despite that voice inside his head, not because of it.

I guess I can see your point, bluegreen. Well, in a way. LOL I’m not an authority on anyone’s fanbases; I do post on one Taylor board and scan this blog occasionally, but it’s been ages since I commented here. I get Taylor alerts, because I want to know what’s going on with him, but don’t have the time or inclination to go around checking out his other fansites. (I know – this is not a fansite!)

I consider myself a huge Taylor Hicks fan even so. I have an idea there are way more fans like I am than not.

sumidol
Jun 17th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Ha, this is still going? Good for Taylor – like YOU said Desdemona.

:bye_tb:

I’m a Taylor fan. Odds are good I’ll buy his upcoming cd. I’ll go see him live if he comes my way. I’ve got some Taylor songs in rotation on my iPod. I didn’t find his last cd all that objectionable.

I’m not angry or sad or disapointed or any other emotion toward Taylor. I think it’s okay for a guy to take a little siesta after touring non-stop for an extended period of time. I don’t need him to communicate with me (and I don’t know how he would – I don’t think he has my number).

I’ve only ever visited his web site a couple of times for concert info. I don’t even know the web addresses of his fan sites. And sadly, I haven’t googled him since 2006. I’m a very bad fan. But a fan none the less.

Hopefully, Amazon will tell me when his cd is available, just like they do for everyone else I like and all of my favorite authors’ new books. I don’t have the stamina to sustain a daily interest in anyone I don’t know personally, and I think there are a lot of people like me. That’s why, I think the fansites seem to dwindle to just a couple hundred people after a time. And mostly, they’re just there to talk to each other.

Kind of like MJ’s is for me. I can live without AI news. I can live with buying a favorite’s cd a little late because I didn’t know it had come out yet. But, I still come here all of the time because there are some really cool people here with whom I enjoy “hanging out”.

So, while you won’t find evidence of my fanness on the interenet, I am a cd & ticket buyer. And, I’m pretty certain that I’m not the only one.

Bluegreen, agreed. Also, Desdemona, you can an idea of how large a “fan base” is based on internet activity. Things like fan site memberships, but more importantly MySpace, etc. Most MS friends are not going to be fans that will buy music and go to concerts, and most are not compromised of the actual fan base, but if you compare the numbers you can get an idea of how much interest there is for the artist.

Taylor probably has a couple hundred “very devoted fans”, some that make their presence known all over the internet, and post everywhere they can. Then of course he has some casual fans. But in comparison to some of his peers, I would conclude that his actual fan base is quite small.

For example, even with all the publicity surrounding him at one point, Taylor Hicks has 54,218 friends on MS. Carrie Underwood 479,592. Kelly Clarkson 416,017, Daughtry has 626,000 and now David cook 90,000 (and he came in two years later).

Then, there are the non-Idol winners: John Mayer 397,280, Ray Lamontagne, 130,460. Taylor has half the amount of friends on myspace that Ray Lamontagne has and RL never did American Idol, nor did he receive a 100th of the publicity that Taylor Hicks received and RL is still considered a fairly unknown artist.

Obviously, these are not official statistics, but they do give a good idea of how popular the person is (at least online). On the other hand, if Taylor was selling an incredible amount of books and CD’s, even though the online activity was minimal, I would assume those were the casual fans and that the internet activity was irrelevent… But that’s not the case.

Well said, Spense.

Taylor did an interview with CW11:

CW11

He says he “comes from Alabama with a banjo on his knee”

He seems to be making it very clear in that interview that he will release an album in the fall. Hope he doesn’t backtrack on that. Good interview. The interviewer started with a reference to the soul patrol, so he of course has to react. It’s interesting that he mentions acting so much anymore. Wonder if he’s actually being considered by someone for a role in something in the future. Since Grease, he has spoken about acting in each interview. hmmm.
:smoke_tb:

I agree with Spenser J, while I didn’t find Taylor’s AI CD objectionable, it didn’t have the LIVE sound his pre idol CD’s did. I don’t think Taylor and his record company were a good fit, but I think Taylor & the studio musicians who worked on his album were a worse fit. While being technically good musicians, they brought no LIVE feel to the music. One of Taylor’s strengths is finding amazing musicians to play with and I wish he would have been allowed to bring those guys into the studio for his AI CD. Musicians that GET Taylor, like his tour band.

My hope is, he is allowed to pick you plays on his next album. And with any luck they won’t polish all the rough edges off the thing. Taylor and some rough edges are a GOOD thing.

Wow, the enduring Taylor Hicks section.

I don’t know the size of his fanbase. I don’t even know if comparing myspace friends or fan club members means much. I am a fan of Ray LaMontagne, but I don’t belong to his myspace, nor Taylor’s. Not a fanclub kinda girl. Does that make my concert attendance or record purchasing null and void? I don’t think so.

I think that Taylor has always had his eye since idol to do whatever he could to get his voice heard. I think considering all of this ‘hints’ that he has had some more acting offers. I don’t know what the future holds for Taylor, but I certainly believe that more than a few hundred people are interested.

Taylor and some rough edges are a GOOD thing.

You are exactly right about that. I didn’t hate his cd, play it quite often but it nowhere near as good as he is live without it all being perfect.

A possible explanation about Taylor’s lack of friends on My Space. I’m definitely one of those couple hundred huge Taylor fans but I’m not a friend of his on My Space. I doubt he wants me as a friend- I’m sure he’s got plenty. Is there something that helps Taylor that me and the rest of his fans that are My Space challenged should be doing?

Hicksaholic, I doubt he reads these boards but I wish he would. He strikes me as someone incredibly insular, listening only to the voice inside his head. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all a bit odd. If he makes it big, I feel it will be despite that voice inside his head, not because of it.

If that’s the case it’s a shame, not that he should be following the boards on a daily basis. But he should have someone who does and lets him know what his fanbase is thinking. He should follow any threads such as this one that exoress diverse opinions from diverse fans. That is, if he wants to have a long, happy career making music.

Well, heck, I’m not one of those MySpace friends, or Facebook either, nor do I belong to TH Headquarters, nor the Official Soul Patrol or so many other wonderful TH Fansites. I just don’t do all that. However, I am so in love with that voice of his, and I will continue to buy his music and go to his concerts, and introduce others to his music.

Thanks for explaining how you arrived at the numbers, blueisyou.

Same here….I don’t involve myself with MySpace, Facebook, HQ, but I DO buy and will no doubt continue to buy what he puts out there. He’s had quite a bit of exposure in the good ole’ U S of A, so i would imagine he has enough name recognition to sell his goods, lol. I think getting a handle on how many fans would be really, really a tough order.

Taylor did an interview with CW11:

CW11

He says he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“comes from Alabama with a banjo on his knewà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Dingo If you’re here get ready to throw up in your mouth again- I’m guessing the idea of a bluesy Teen Angel won’t appeal to you.

Sorry to all the T fans who can’t stand anyone challenging anything he says or does but this one was too good to pass up

Dingo you have to lisren to the interview to understand what I am saying

Plus YEAAAA! Taylor is over 200 posts! For whatever that means

Count me in as one who has never considered herself to be a bona fide member of the “Soul Patrol”. That ended with the show for me. I’m just like so many others – patiently waiting in the wings for some good new music. However, if peeps want to follow Taylor from show to show, that’s cool too. Who am I to begrudge someone – it’s their choice.

I don’t agree that the Grease thing is a desperate attempt by a fading idol to keep himself in the spotlight. YMMV.

Desdemona, thanks for asking what I was going to ask about the size of the fanbase. I agree there is no way to really know the true size of Taylor’s fanbase at this point. I do know three people in their 20′s who were big fans of Taylor on the show, and like so many, were disapointed in the TH cd. I think there are many fans like them, who would be more than willing to give the new CD a listen, which can only bode well for Taylor.

But, as has been alluded to earlier, the proof will be in the CD. Many like his pre-AI folksy stuff, while many prefer the bluesier stuff. Maybe he’ll be able do both. His raw southern-fried blues base, along with some great new material, with a tight band to back him up, gives me a lot of hope for the new album, in whatever genre(s) he decides to do.

ETA: All of the various perspectives have made for a very stimulating read. :0)

Taylor’s perceived number of fans is impossible to determine and, IMO, irrelevant. There is an ebb and flow of fans with all artists based on their current product or lack thereof. Just because his latest product happens to be a bit part on Broadway doesn’t mean he has abandoned his desire, and those of his hard core fans, to be a relevant recording artist. I am personally hoping for an edgier, darker, and more introspective Taylor to emerge from his next cd. Gimme the grit and the growl and I will join Dingo in church and not want for anything more. Until then I’m glad his name is out there. Do I need to express myself on MySpace or Facebook? Hell no. (Childish fan expressions of self worth, if you ask me.) I’ll happily spend my time lurking at mj’s, posting when I’m feeling brave, and supporting Taylor in everything does.

As far as the online demonstration of fan count – Taylor does attract a different demographic than Kelly, Carrie or John Mayer. I don’t think it is a demographic that is as likely to sign up on My Space or Facebook so I’m not sure that is a valid method of computing an estimated fan base for him. But, as evidenced by some of the testimonials here, we are fans that will buy cds and attend shows to support the music and performers we like. For me, Taylor is one of those people and I’ll be buying his next cd, without a doubt. So, yes, I’m a fan.

So now all these Taylor fans don’t use computers? If myspace and fan site memberships now don’t count as guesstimates for a rough idea of the size of an artists fan base…. what else would suffice? Our imaginations? If he’s got all these fans, wouldn’t it show up in the calculations somewhere? People on this site are claiming they don’t belong to his myspace, but surely you have signed up for a fansite so you could at least read… if so, that would mean you are being counted. When I refer to the term “fanbase” I don’t mean people who happen to like a song or two, really I mean people that actively follow that musician and buy their albums and go to their concerts. Taylor and big fan base doesn’t equate. Even the media refers to “Hicks’ small but rabid fan base.” Of course, not every fan is going to be online, but in 2008 most have at least checked it out.

Now, blue, that isn’t what I said! Things aren’t that black and white. I’m just saying that, generally speaking, I don’t think the majority of Taylor’s fan base are spending time tracking him down online. The rabid fans you talk about do, definitely.

But, I think there are a lot out there who enjoyed him on the show and who are open to buying more music from him once something comes out, that just wouldn’t even think of getting online and going to MySpace. He did sell 700,000 cds, right? So even allowing for multiple purchases and vastly overestimating people shoving it down their friend’s throats….very conservatively, imo, I would say at least 500,000 – 600,000 of those were purchased by people that wanted to buy them. (Talk about pulling numbers out of the air!) ) Those people didn’t evaporate and the vast majority of them don’t expect the first AI album to be the best thing the artist ever puts out.

Again, this is speculation as is what you are surmising, but I think if Taylor comes out with a good cd, gets good press and shows up on TV and other places so people know he’s alive and touring, I don’t see any reason why he can’t sell a decent number of a second cd. For any cd to be a hit these days is a fluke….he does have name recognition going for him!

I’m really interested in seeing where all of this side references he has made to acting is going. I just hope he can focus on this cd. It really needs to be good. Those that were disappointed in the first won’t likely give him a third chance.

Bobbi, I agree with you about the fan base. I think using MySpace and Facebook numbers is a fallacious argument. Taylor’s demographic does skew older than that of Mayer or Underwood. Many of those people don’t bother with MySpace.

That said, some of those older fans of his while he was on Idol probably will never buy a CD or go to a concert. Others may have been disappointed that his music after Idol wasn’t what they were expecting – crooning You Send Me or Something.

I think that his attempt to garner younger fans with the post-Idol CD didn’t work – mostly because the music wasn’t heard. So just who are his fans? It’s an interesting question that I don’t think anyone, including Taylor, can answer at this point. I do think that he has enough fans to continue to be a working musician. And I think a good new CD – if it gets the right promotion – can gain him new fans.

(Now, will I be the one to kill this thread? I hope not….)

I’m one of those people that was a big Taylor fan at one time, but gradually lost interest, since he appeared to fall off the face of the earth. I did buy his CD and was not impressed. Only managed to like one or two songs and the CD is currently collecting dust.

I think the CD was just very dated and not current enough. It reminded me of something you would buy in the 70′s or 80′s. I have a feeling it was rejected by radio, so that’s the reason it wasn’t heard. Taylor has to go edgier and up-to-date with his music, otherwise he doesn’t stand a chance. His older demographic cannot sustain him. I have no idea why his record label (or Taylor) thought that music would sell – I don’t think baby boomers are well known for buying music and I think even the majority of that demographic was not impressed by it and I also think that people below the age of 40 totally rejected it.

But anyway, just my 2 cents and here’s hoping that Taylor has more success with his next CD. I will check it out, but will only buy if it gets favorable reviews.

Oh, and as far as Grease – I think Taylor is doing whatever he can do to stay in the spotlight and keep working as an entertainer. Probably something he would never do if he had been successful with his music. But, you do what you have to do sometimes. It’s only three months of work and it looks like he’s having fun with the part and most likely getting paid well. So, good for him! Good move!

I’m certain I will buy Taylor’s next cd, reviews be damned. I can judge for myself whether or not it was worth my money. That said, if I’m unimpressed with cd number 2, I will listen to cd number 3 before purchasing. I can’t just blindly follow because he was my favorite during season 5. He’s not my friend, he’s a musician that I have greatly enjoyed in the past, on his pre-idol cd’s, some of his current cd, on tv and in concert. I hope to enjoy him in the future. I’m also certain that if he ever tours back in the New Jersey area, I will be attending his concert – because he is great live.

No chewsday you won’t

I still find it interesting to discuss what has happened with Taylor. I guess it is not one specific thing but looking back in the days right after AI Taylor was really huge just like someone mentioned before. Just think about People’s hottest bachelors that just came out- David Cook made the list but hell Taylor made the cover! Plus he was going to record in Ray Charles studio and he was going to do a song cowritten with John Mayer. If the Mayer thing worked out it didn’t make the album( I know it was said it might make this album)

So all of that was moving well for him then the AI tour started. That tour was certainly successful so I would have guessed TPTB would have given Taylor at least a little credit for that. He did do the shadow tour with LIMBO- perhaps that was a source of contention with TPTB. Then I had heard Taylor did not want to do the album while touring. Maybe that was something that he clashed with TPTB over. I know all of this is water under the bridge. I guess my only reason for discussing it is I hope whatever mistakes were made that if they were ones made by Taylor that he learns from them. All I want as a Taylor fan is for him to be making good music somewhere close to me. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I want some vindication of his talent in the immediate future.

It had to be a heady experience going from nowhere to being the hottest thing going if only for a few months. But it has had to have been a little disconcerting coming back down from that point(don’t get me wrong- I’m not suggesting Taylor has crashed and burned but there can be no denying he is nowhere near as hot as he was right after AI.

Sorry for the ramblings but the thread is alive still – kinda like Taylor.

So all of that was moving well for him then the AI tour started. That tour was certainly successful so I would have guessed TPTB would have given Taylor at least a little credit for that. He did do the shadow tour with LIMBO- perhaps that was a source of contention with TPTB. Then I had heard Taylor did not want to do the album while touring. Maybe that was something that he clashed with TPTB over. I know all of this is water under the bridge.

Refusing to work on his CD during the tour was a huge HUGE error in judgment on Taylor’s part, as was allowing other Idols to release their CDs before he did, effectively stealing his thunder as the AI winner. Who knows–if he’d given himself more time to work on the album, maybe he would have had the time to record in Ray Charles studio, or polish up that song with John Mayer…

However, as others have said, I’m not sure the music on that CD would have appealed to many people outside the fanbase, in any case.

Taylor is learning from his mistakes, hopefully. I’ll bet subsequent AI winners are taking note, as well.

BTW, I wonder what happened to the Live DVD he was supposed to release? I expected that to come out before Christmas last year…

It was just posted on another board that Vanguard is releasing his preidol works cd August 12th. I’m just hoping that is not in lieu of a second original album.

Taylor is learning from his mistakes, hopefully. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll bet subsequent AI winners are taking note, as well.

Just my luck- why can’t the one I loved the best be the one to learn from the mistake not make the mistake? I sometimes wonder if Taylor p*ssed off some people so much that he is going to have trouble recovering from it. I sure hope not. I really think the only way Taylor would be difficult is if something was really against his musical beliefs(for lack of a better word) He seems to have a great work ethic, believes in punctuality and seems to be a pretty grounded guy. I just cannot figure out how given all that he could have made TPTB that mad that they would intentionally want him to fail.

Mj

Supposedly he is having difficulty clearing the tags he used during the live sessions.

I just cannot figure out how given all that he could have made TPTB that mad that they would intentionally want him to fail.

I can’t imagine TPTB intentionally wanted him to fail. Taylor’s poor sales have actually been bad for the franchise. It was very much in their interest that Taylor succeed. They didn’t really start dissing him until the album failed to sell. Disowning him didn’t make the situation any better, imo. They should have kept treating him like the winner whether he sold records or not.

I’ve heard that 19 and the staff at AI and the label had negative experiences working with him. Heard that from a few different sources.

hicksaholic, it was mostly a combination of factors – bad decisions, poor management, bad timing. But, the one thing that stands out the most is that the CD just wasn’t very good.

I also wonder if Taylor suffered from over-exposure, because after he won, he was everywhere – Leno, People magazine cover – Hottest Bachelor, Ford commercial, AI tour, all over the tube, countless interviews, etc. Sometimes over-exposure has the opposite effect.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard that 19 and the staff at AI and the label had negative experiences working with him. Heard that from a few different sources.

Do you know if that was because he would not agree to compromise musically or something else like he was full of himself? It seems crazy knowing Taylor worked so hard for that opportunity to be heard that he would sabotage it by being difficult. But I don’t know the man- maybe he is a complete *sshole but get turn on that charm on stage. I sure that’s not the case. Again that would be my luck.

I also wonder if Taylor suffered from over-exposure, because after he won, he was everywhere – Leno, People magazine cover – Hottest Bachelor, Ford commercial, AI tour, all over the tube, countless interviews, etc. Sometimes over-exposure has the opposite effect.

A co-worker of mine hates him based solely on the Ford commercials that were EVERYWHERE that summer and fall. Just can’t stand the guy, and he’s never heard his music.

It’s too bad, ’cause I think he might like some of it.

BTW, he has no problems buying Idol music–he has Carrie, Bucky and Kellie in his collection, and he’s never watched an entire episode of Idol.

Maybe the cd was a result of fighting back and forth between Taylor and the label and the result was noone won.

Also mj perhaps if what you heard is true then maybe once the cd underperformed(not my words mind you) the fact that they didn’t like to work with him made it that much worse.

I think the CD was made only for the AI audience that voted for Taylor and TPTB thought that would be enough to sustain him. TPTB I’m sure have learned lessons from this – fans of AI, the TV show, does not translate into CD sales. The only thing that sells CDs…make a good CD with GOOD songs on it!!

Glamour
Maybe you’re right- Are TPTB at Sony/ Jive whatever that unwilling to think out of the box that the only genres they think exist (right now) are pop, country or rock or a mixture of those three? Then it is amazing any other artists are ever signed. But maybe they are not, at least on those labels. If that is the case then unless you are in country, rock or pop perhaps it is better to not win AI but get far enough to garner a fanbase and hopefully a lesser known label.

I don’t think genre should matter. There are good and bad songs in every genre. In Taylor’s case, the CD he made was AC/pop. I didn’t see any blue-eyed soul or that whomp sound he was going after and I’m still not sure what that whomp thingy was all about. Blue-eyed soul is gritty, edgy, get-down-and-dirty music as in Bob Seger, Michael McDonald, Ray LaMontagne and I didn’t see any of that in his CD – he sure did have lots of sappy ballads, that in my opinion, were not even that good. Again, I think TPTB were going after the AI family-oriented audience and banking on that.

Glamour

You’re right about blue eyed soul being edgier and when you think about it Taylor excels on all of those afore mentioned artists covers. What I just can’t figure out is I would not have thought that would be rocket science to figure out by recording company professionals. Do you think they did any market research prior to releasing or was it just so quick that none could be done? If that’s the case I hope the label he winds up with now does a better job. I would have guessed that record companies would get focus groups together and get feedback. Is that done or not?

“That said, some of those older fans of his while he was on Idol probably will never buy a CD or go to a concert.”

OK, apparently there seems to be some confusion in reference to the word “fans in a fanbase”. I am not talking about people who happen to like him in passing. “Oh, Taylor Hicks, I like him. But not enough to buy his CD or go to a concert.” That is NOT a fan that is a member of his fan base, at least not the kind I’m talking about. For example, I like Chris Daughtry’s music, but not enough to buy his CD or count as a fan. So, I am referring to active fans, the ones that sign up for fan sites, follow the musicians career. In Hicks case, that base is rabid and small. My mothers casual liking for Taylor Hicks doesn’t make her a member of his fan base. Hope I’m making that clear.

The internet gives a VERY good idea of the size, activity and interest out there for an artist. Just like it’s a great way to communicate with the world, it’s a great way to take note of the publics reactions to things. (that’s why there’s often polls etc online) How come people always come up with excuses for Taylor Hicks? Like he’s exempt from reality? That seems like a common theme.

blueisyou:

I’m a big fan of Taylor; I’ve bought his music and attended his concerts in my area. But I never go to MySpace. It’s out of my radar or comfort zone or whatever you want to call it. I’m a very infrequent poster on one fan site. How many fans in his fanbase are like me? I don’t show up in the numbers, but that doesn’t make me less of a fan.

I guess we’ll just have to disagree on this one.

OK, apparently there seems to be some confusion in reference to the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“fans in a fanbaseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Yes, and I’m still confused.

So, I am referring to active fans, the ones that sign up for fan sites, follow the musicians career

This is the part that loses me. I consider someone a fan who likes that person’s music, buys their cd’s and sees them in concert when the opportunity allows. I do not consider signing up for a fansite to be a requirement to being a fan. And, I don’t think MOST fans of anyone actually do it.

The internet gives a VERY good idea of the size, activity and interest out there for an artist. Just like ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a great way to communicate with the world, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a great way to take note of the publics reactions to things.

While it may be fun to think so, no I actually think it’s indicative of nothing. And, I mean not just for AI contestants but for any subject matter really. The number of people who seek out entertainment news online is still pretty small. Although nearly every house in America has a computer, very few of those are used to visit online entertainment sites, blogs, etc.

27 Million people watch AI, yet the number of those people who visit here or AI fansites or IDF or TWOP or VFTW is in the thousands. There are over 300 Million people in the US and less than 1/20th of them have myspace pages. The percentage of people making themselves known as fans in this manner is pretty teeny.

It could be argued that Kat McPhee has a bigger web presense than the Rolling Stones. So, ergo she must have more fans than they do. Hmm, I think not.

Put Clay Aiken in any kind of online poll with Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney and Clay will probably win. Yet, the other 3 can sell out the biggest arenas in the country and he can’t.

Online polls start out with a skewed sample simply because they’re accessed only by the people who are inclined to spend a significant amount of time online each day in that endeavor. And, the sample itself only represents a small section of people and doesn’t have the required diversity for a true study. Therefore any online poll’s results as compared to the general population – be the subject current events, politics or entertainment are rendered statistically insignificant.

I have no incling whatsoever as to he size of Taylor’s fanbase (or anyone’s for that matter). And, I don’t feel compelled to make excuses for him. So, my point here isn’t to prove or disprove this argument one way or the other. I’m simply pointing out that the theory you’re operating under is a little suspect to me.

hicksaholic – No, I do not think any research was done at all, because there really is no time for that and you can’t really put Taylor’s music in an easy category like pop/rock/country. They obviously want to get it out before Xmas, so they can sell as much as possible. I think TBTB went with their instincts and banked on Taylor’s AI popularity would pull them through, without really thinking things through. It’s neither here nor there if Taylor had started recording during the AI tour, because the result would probably still be the same. Again, I think they went with safe songs that the typical family-oriented AI viewer would purchase. I also do not think that Taylor, as the AI winner, had very much input, but most likely, some compromises were made.

blueisyou – You are correct about Taylor’s hardcore fanbase being small. You can tell by going to his fansites – it’s the same posters that are posting over and over again. His myspace friends is not a large number either, but that’s because women over 40 generally do not use myspace and Taylor failed to attract a younger crowd, which typically does use myspace.

Excellent post Spenser

Wish I was that well spoken or rather, well written.

I think TBTB went with their instincts and banked on Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s AI popularity would pull them through, without really thinking things through. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s neither here nor there if Taylor had started recording during the AI tour, because the result would probably still be the same. Again, I think they went with safe songs that the typical family-oriented AI viewer would purchase. I also do not think that Taylor, as the AI winner, had very much input, but most likely, some compromises were made.

If that’s the case and Taylor truly had little input then I am really p*ssed that TPTB trashed him when his cd was less than successful in their opinion. Would you not think they would realize they were a part of the problem?

If thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the case and Taylor truly had little input then I am really p*ssed that TPTB trashed him when his cd was less than successful in their opinion. Would you not think they would realize they were a part of the problem?

AI should never trash any of their winners, whether they are successful or not. They shoot themselves in the foot, because they lose credibility (and viewers). It could be that Taylor was a thorn in everyone’s side, so now they’ve decided to get back at him. If that’s the case, that’s really childish, but AI was always based on snarky comments, ex: Simon Cowell.

The problem with Taylor – the TBTB didn’t understand Taylor, didn’t understand his music or how to market it. They were after quick bucks from Taylor’s AI fame.

The problem with Taylor – the TBTB didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand Taylor, didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand his music or how to market it. They were after quick bucks from Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s AI fame.

That is probably the best summarization of Taylor’s post Idol relationship with TPTB that I have ever read. That combined with the fact that I bet they had to pull Taylor screaming and kicking the whole way. Which would jive with MJ hearing Taylor was difficult to deal with (from 19, AI and record company sources) If they didn’t take the time or effort to understand Taylor or his music then they are at fault. Plus it makes more sense to me than Taylor being a difficult diva. Taylor has very good relationships with band members past and present, seems to have lots of longtime friends, and even supposedly has remained friendly with exgirlfriends. He wouldn’t be able to have maintained those good relationships if he was a prick.

Spenser – thank you. You said what I was trying to say much better than I could!

I think we’ll have to disagree on this one. It’s obvious to me Taylor’s hardcore fan base is very small, though I can see the other points, I just don’t understand how anyone can argue that it’s a big fan base. He didn’t sell many tickets for his Summer tour, nor did his album or book do well. So where are all these so-called fans? Since it’s the fans that buy the records, books and tickets. Big fan base = lots of tickets, CD’s and books sold. Small fan base = not many tickets, CD’s and books sold. That’s really the bottom line.

About his record, I think people put a lot of blame on TPTB. Ultimately, Taylor is the one that will be singing the songs and has the option of doing so or not. I am sure he could have stood firm on whatever it was that he wanted to do. My sense is that he made a mistake, took the wrong advice, tried to please too many people and the result of that was a luke warm CD. Again, that was a result of his choices.

It makes absolutely no sense to me that TPTB would sabotage a potential money maker, especially after they put up money to produce and market the album. They obviously did what they could, realized it was not “gelling” with the general public and chose to focus their marketing expenses on another Idol’s record in order to see a bigger profit.

If you notice, Taylor had A LOT of publicity (money spent) in the beginning for this album, then it died down. In any business, if something is working, and the risk is small, then it makes sense to keep pouring money into it in order to see a bigger return. But if it is not working, sometimes it makes sense to not beat a dead horse and move on to something else. It looks like that is exactly what they did.

Now, if his album was completely amazing, then I would be suspect that something was fishy. But, it wasn’t completely amazing. So what is there to be suspect about?

I still wonder why he never had a set single pushed to radio. He’s singing “Runaround” on the post idol TV spots, but, they don’t put it for radio adds. Then, way after the fact, they decide to try “Just To Feel That Way” at radio, but, he has no more TV spots to promote it. And, he’s the only winner that never had a video. I have no idea why this happened or who made the decisions, but, between those factors , his made up “Modern Whomp” genre nobody understood, and (JMO) a lot more give than take on his CD input, and Daughtry releasing before him with a huge push from TPTB, I think 700,000 sold is a miracle.

I’ll purchase the new CD and every other one he releases, just like I will for Ruben, and all of the other non-idol artists I believe have talent. I don’t expect anyone else to like what I do. I also, don’t expect Taylor to do anything more than live his life the way he sees fit, personally or musically.

Just for the record, MySpace, Facebook, whatever – no thanks.

I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand how anyone can argue that ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a big fan base.

I’m not. I maintain that I have no idea how big his fan base is.

He didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sell many tickets for his Summer tour, nor did his album or book do well. So where are all these so-called fans?

Well, this is a little different than the myspace theory though isn’t it? I never looked up how many books he sold, so I have no idea (I’ve never read the book either). I think 700,000 cd’s is a lot, but I understand that it’s an underperformance by an AI winner. But, I actually think for the scale of it, Taylor’s tour appeared pretty successful.

I know nothing of sabatoge, and I don’t really subscribe to that theory. Just because they treat Taylor like crap now, doesn’t mean they did in the beginning. I also don’t have a hard time believing that Taylor can be difficult to work with. I have no problem with stubborn artists, so that won’t color my view of him either way.

I’m in agreement with MJ that a lot of the mistakes made during Taylor’s cd release were his own (or the mistakes of his people). Waiting to release his cd and missing the Black Friday sales is a huge mistake. Letting other contestants release theirs before him was the biggest blunder. History shows that whoever releases first, sells the most.

I have no prediction on the success or failure of Taylor’s upcoming cd. I’ll buy it, because man do I love that voice, but I have no idea if anyone else will.

And, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the only winner that never had a video. I have no idea why this happened or who made the decisions

I belong to the group that believes it was Taylor’s call to not invest recoupment dollars in a video. I have no facts to back this, just my opinion. I’ll take a kick ass tour over a video anyday.

You actually do need a video to market yourself. You need bodies to fill up those venue seats, or what good is it?

But sometimes you have to pay money to make money. Taylor is a visual performer. A kick ass video might have garnered him so new fans.

sorry some new fans.

That’s a very good point, hicksaholic. Taylor is a visual performer and the TV screen loves him. A great video would have done wonders for his career.

Worrying about Taylor is wearing my ass out! Please Taylor be a success, for God’s sake, so I will stop obsessing over this! Sorry, a little humor for this everlasting thread.

This has been a great discussion about Taylor’s career thus far and his prospects for the future. But the bottom line IMO is that in the last two years he has made more money than most of us and if he manages it well, he’ll be fine. With the Idol tour, the Ford commercial, the book deal, the private gigs and his tour not to mention the selling of his pre-AI CD’s which at the lowest estimates is a nice chuck of change (since he had no overhead), I would consider his run on Idol a success. Is it enough? Only he would know that but it’s a great start and will allow him to take his time and do what he wants to. As long as he continues to make music I like, I’ll buy it and hopefully get to see him perform. I really don’t see him becoming a superstar, but who cares? There are many artists out there “under the radar” so to speak making very good livings. In terms of earning potential even the “worst selling Idol” ain’t too shabby.

And don’t forget his new club in Bham that will open next spring(?) Like someone said a few days ago ” Poor Taylor, he has a Mercedes, just finished vacationing in Italy, living the life in NYC for the summer”

Spenser, if you read through my comments on this thread, you might notice that I pointed out the lack of sales (numbers) repeatedly. MySpace was just one possible angle that I mentioned to make my point that his online fan base did not seem big, one of many.

What I find more interesting is why there was a decline and what could have been done to prevent that. I tend to think that artists are the ones responsible for their successes and their lack of. Others like to blame everyone else.

hicksaholic, being born and bred in NYC, I can tell you living in NYC for the summer ain’t all that. Hot, muggy, smelly. But living in NYC on someone else’s tab, that’s not so bad!

Very interesting discussion. For months, I thought it might be just me and my small merry band with a lack of faith. It appears others have the same hunches/thoughts/opinions.

I’ve expounded elsewhere but, the Grease thing, for me, is a colossal disaster. In my mind, Taylor is along the lines of a Widespread Panic, Government Mule, Marc Broussard mold. To me, THAT is where he should play. A pompadour and a shiny suit singing Beauty School Dropout just don’t fit. And, stretch? Why? He hasn’t even reached potential within what he really does well.

Get a duet together with Grace Potter or Joss Stone, some gritty chick. Go to Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals and STAX in Memphis where all the great Soul Artists recorded. Sign up for a “Live from Sun Studios” performance for YouTube. Cut a track in Ray Charles’ Hollywood Studio. Deliver on the promise.

Probably the biggest problem that Taylor has is over-promise and under-deliver. Whatever the reason. If you say you’re going to do something, then you better do it. Can’t be the boy who cries wolf, otherwise after a while…nobody’s listening. Taylor has had some awesome chances and I’m hoping that the next CD will be “killah” and vindicate him in some way, but if past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, I have my doubts.

That said. I, too, hope to be the wrongest I’ve ever been.

“Deliver on the promise.”

Probably the biggest problem that Taylor has is over-promise and under-deliver. Whatever the reason. If you say youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re going to do something, then you better do it.”

Exactly! Well said. Deliver on the promise(s) Taylor, or don’t make them.

Oops, I forgot to put quote markes on that second paragraph, and it was too late to edit when I discovered it. That paragraph is a quote from Double D’s post right above mine. Again, sorry.

Whether or not Mr. Hicks has gone in the direction deemed correct by some of you in his Broadway debut, he’s accomplished a few things that may in the long haul, prove a wise move.

First, he’s gotten his name and face out in the media again. His billboards are covering buildings in NYC. He’s getting television interview time. He’s managed to show there is another side of his personality; he’s not just this dark barroom blues performer, we’re seeing the guy has a wild sense of humor.

Appearing on Broadway in “Grease” as the Teen Angel in that black glitter-winged suit is a brave endeavor. He’s receiving promotion and attention for any upcoming projects while getting paid. Man, I see nothing but win in this for him. Being spotlighted on The Great White Way – and importantly – from the reviews I’ve read, actually liked and appreciated for your role in a show, not a bad thing.

Sure Warren Haynes likely wouldn’t want to do such a role, but who really knows? ha.