Taylor Hicks Speaks…

It would be an uphill battle except he has the name recognition and fan base already. His music is a niche product and all he has to do is get it to that niche of people. I think he’ll be fine and better off. He’ll make so much more per cd sold that he won’t have to sell as many to survive.

I agree. He has a solid fan base and people who might see him perform live, be it at a state fair or tagging along to a show w/ a fan, will become fans. I think it’s amazing how well Elliott did – releasing so much later than the others, going independent, that someone with an established name like Taylor could do very well going that route. Again, I don’t care if he’s a “supahstah” – I just want to keep his music coming into my house.

You don’t make your living with CD sales anymore. What Taylor Hicks needs to do is continue being a must see live. If he can keep people coming to his shows, he’ll be fine.

And I agree with calimari, I just want to be able to buy his music. I don’t care about how popular he is in the mainstream.

I think it’s amazing how well Elliott did – releasing so much later than the others, going independent, that someone with an established name like Taylor could do very well going that route.

Elliott has an excellent management/distribution/publishing deal. That’s what I’m talking about…

I was able to watch the DVD, Whomp at the Warfield, a few months ago when they had it on the TV and it was terrific! It really captures Taylor so well in this concert…..I know those who love going to his tour will enjoy this production.
* Dingo….if you are lurking…this is your chance to see Taylor in concert! I know you haven’t been able to catch his show, so here is your chance! I don’t think you will be disappointed!* Pix

Taylor signed up too be apart of this organization and it is called Creative Arts Association. A guy called Kevin Spellman answered the email(creative arts management)from rodney-ho dot com.This info about CAA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Artists_Agency

Elliott situtation is not the norm for most new artists at all.

deleted

Pixie, I saw the Warfield concert on cable a couple months ago. he was very good. I still didnt see the HN kind of expression Im looking for but I saw a lot of raw Taylor and thats always good.

>>Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve started working on the new album, writing and scheduling exciting collaborations.>>

Now this should be a fantastic piece of work if Taylor stays true to Taylor. I’ll be watching.

Taylor 2 Return 2 The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

Coverage on the Golf Channel: 1/16 – 1/20/08

http://www.bhcc.com/celebrities.html
http://www.bhcc.com/schedule.html

Taylor Hicks
The winner of the fifth season of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , Hicks returns to play at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic off the success of his debut album and his single à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Do I Make You Proudà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , a number one hit which was certified gold. His energetic stage performances and soul and blues influenced music have earned him a following of devout fans who are dubbed the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Soul Patrolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

So that practically confirms that he doesn’t have a deal. Taylor’s response was some weak spin. The cat is out of the bag and no one will buy the story of “mutually agreed to part ways.” The label dropped him and Taylor had no choice but to agree with it.

It was best if Taylor came out with a statement before the leak but he was obviously blindsided by J Records. He must have been waiting to get signed so he would have a new and shiny record deal to include in his announcement. Some fans are suggesting that this parting of the ways happened months ago. This is probably the case and it is telling that Taylor has not landed a record deal in all that time.

Taylor started his long slide into obscurity last year but at least this week he is getting national attention. The last two are sympathetic pieces, the OK! one being publisher driven and the other one is from an Alabama paper. He will probably never get this kind of coverage again, unless he gets arrested for some scandal. This is the last impression that Taylor will leave on the general public.

[quote]The Associated Press – Taylor Hicks Recording Album on His Own. Taylor Hicks might have won “American Idol,” but he doesn’t have his record deal anymore.

CNN – An ‘Idol’ loses his record deal Story Highlights
* Taylor Hicks won “American Idol” in 2006
* Hicks’ post-”Idol” album debuted at No. 2 but slid down the charts
* Album also didn’t feature a hit song

MSNBC – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ winner Taylor Hicks loses record deal. Soul singer is only champ whose debut album did not sell 1 million units

Hollywood Today Newsmagazine – J Records Shows à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢-winner Taylor Hicks the Door. After winning the fifth season of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Taylor Hicks probably expected his life would change, making way for a successful music career. However, it looks as though he is moving in the opposite direction. J Records, which signs each seasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winner to a lucrative record deal, apparently dropped Hicks from the label.

TheShowBuzz, NY – No Deal for Taylor. Taylor Hicks might have won “American Idol,” but he doesn’t have his record deal anymore.

MiamiHerald.com, FL – Although he was crowned the winner in 2006, Taylor Hicks is now another American Idol casualty. Hicks has been dropped by J Records…

New York Times – Taylor Hicks, below, the 2006 winner of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  has followed Ruben Studdard, the 2003 winner, out the door of J Records…

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Taylor Hicks dropped by label. “America Idol” winner Taylor Hicks has been dropped by J Records.

Vibe, NY – like so many others, felt that the spark that was Obama’s presidential campaign would fizzle out faster than Taylor Hicks’ career.

BloggingStocks – Each industry also has its lemons: Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks were dropped by their labels, and Jessica Sierra sentenced to rehab for American Idol

Chicago Sun-Times – “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks has been dropped by J Records. You’ll recall that the company dumped another “Idol” champ, Ruben Studdard, last month.

Popeater, NY – Season five winner Taylor Hicks and season two winner Ruben Studdard have both been dropped from their record labels.

Monsters and Critics.com, UK – Fallen Idols: Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard kicked to the curb. Now the Hollywood Insider reports season 5 winner Taylor Hicks has also lost his J Records deal.

OK! Magazine, NY – “American Idol winner Taylor Hicks has announced that he and Arista Records have mutually agreed to part ways,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  reads a statement from his camp.

The Birmingham News – Birmingham’s Taylor Hicks said today that his split with J/Arista Records was a mutual decision and reassured fans that he would continue to record and …
[/quote]

I really dont give a rats ass if Taylor was dropped weeks ago, if he was dropped yesterday or if the spin thats happening now about him is less than hopeful. What I do care about as a Taylor fan is that he somehow, someway finds a label who will allow him to do what he does best, perform music in a way that “sends” me. Thats what I want and I dont care if he is never a chart busting dynamo like Chris is. I want what I want and what I want is for Taylor to do HN, (rehearsals style) and make me FEEL the music. For a little political analogy here, I want Taylor to inspire me like Obama’s speeches do. Taylor may not be in the race, he may not win any gold records but there is a following out there ready to buy his music if only he will deliver it.

As Chris Daughtry said in his song “Home”, careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all. Taylor won AI and so far it has not been a blessing but in the long run, if he plays his cards right, he will make the music he was born to make and perform the way he was born to perform and he can be PROUD of it. No one will ever be able to convince me that Taylor was proud of that CD. I often wonder what kind of a song he could have released if he had corroborated with John Mayer as was reported initially before tptb nixed it.

Im rambling, I have a lot to say.

dingo, again ….. you say it best . :thumbup_tb:

Dingo – :clap_tb:
Oh, and by the way, yesiam, I believe the majority of those quoted articles have already been posted here. But thanks for the summary.

Just FYI: yesiyam has signed up at two other message boards for the sole purpose of posting negative news about Taylor Hicks. Take it for what you will.

On the plus side, most of what I know about Taylor these days comes from yesiyam, so keep up the good work

I dont mind yesiam posting negative shit about Taylor. Hey, it comes with the territory but i want them to know that as a Taylor fan, I dont care about the bad spin, Im used to it. What I do care about is the music and i want him to do do what he did on Idol only with better material. The ball is in his court now to a large degree and if he doesnt deliver then he may lose people like me as a fan cause Im tellin’ ya, I cant listen to another sorry POS like that last CD he did and Im tired of defending him to my friends who have never understood why I was captivated by him in the first place. The frustration on my part to get people to listen to (for example) Aint No Sunshine and Happier With Him or HN is overwhelming. I did my part now he needs to do his part.

Wow, I think I just made a word up in my other post. Is corroborated even a word? LMAO, you get what Im saying.

I agree with most of what you said, Dingo, except I still believe AI was a blessing for Taylor. It gave him exposure and access to people both professionally and personally that he never would have had in the South. He’s made a good impression on a lot of people that know music which tends to make me believe that he’ll come up with a deal. On top of that, he’s got a fan base now that he never could have gotten playing local clubs.

I don’t think this is going to be a piece of cake, but I think he’s in a much better place now than he was before AI. I think he’s got what he needs to build the career that he wants. He’s never struck me as someone who is lazy about his career and I think he’s going to do fine. He probably won’t be a mega-star, but I’m not sure that’s what he sees as success necessarily.

Kat, that is a lie and you know it. I post about Canadian Idol, Blake Lewis, and other topics too. mj, isn’t there a rule about bring shit from other boards here? I don’t have any beef with Kat, but she appears to have something against me.

I dont mind yesiam posting negative shit about Taylor.

Didn’t say I minded either. :lol_tb: Hell, yesiyam puts forth a veritable cornucopia of Taylor Hicks news every single days. Saves me a lot of trips to message boards. And he/she seems to be playing by the rules of the site so far, so it’s all good, right?

It gave him exposure and access to people both professionally and personally that he never would have had in the South.
—————
Yep Bobbi, thats true and what I was really referring to as not being a blessing was that CD he had to put out. Now I just hope that some of those influencial people he has met will give him the break he needs.

Oh I do too, Dingo! Nice to see you around these parts again! So are you looking forward to Season 7?

To an extent I agree with dingo — I’m more concerned that Taylor’s going to put out a better album this time around than I am with the fact that he didn’t play nice with Clive and got his a$$ handed to him. Regardless of whether the split was mutual or not, he still got dropped, as in he had no legal authority to effectuate a split himself unless he bought out his contract.

I will say though that I am surprised at the fairly routine press coverage this is getting. Most media outlets seem to delight in deriding Taylor because he dares to have a musical taste and sensibility that differs from the Clear Channel playlist, but I haven’t seen a lot of that going around.

I’ll refrain about speculating on whether he’ll go on to have a long glorious career or whether he’ll be back to the chitlin circuit in Alabama, because I don’t know how things will turn out for him. But I can’t figure out for the life of me why some people take joy in his getting dropped — the logic of “I don’t like Taylor Hicks, so you shouldn’t be allowed to hear him” doesn’t hold a lot of water than me, but whatever. I do hope that whatever Taylor winds up doing, he’s happy and healthy and I get to hear good music from him. His star power, as dingo says, isn’t really a factor — if Taylor did become a star, he’d probably be the first current artist in my iTunes playlist to do so.

Gah, please stop it.

Yesiam – If you start baiting posters, I will put your posts in moderation. So cool it please. There really wasn’t a need to repost all that crap from other publications. It’s all been posted here. People can read for themselves.

And others – Don’t call out posters. I don’t care what readers do on other message boards. Let me do the modding here, ok?

[Taylor]will probably never get this kind of coverage again, unless he gets arrested for some scandal. This is the last impression that Taylor will leave on the general public.

Isn’t this a little bit drastic? People are forever issuing dire predictions that such-and-such will be the doom of so-and-so (from gay hooker scandals to flopping CDs), but phoenix-like even the Idol also rans seem to somehow keep generating news.

So, check that crystal ball at the door, here are the Top 10 simple things that Taylor can do, other than getting arrested, to get his name in the paper:

1) Start dating Lindsay Lohan

2) Run for President. Slogan: “You voted for me once before, vote for me again” (of course, he’ll only last one term)

3) Get photographed wearing a mini-skirt and no undies.

4) Cure cancer

5) Streak across the Idol stage.

6) Start dating Justin Timberlake.

7) Get kidnapped by aliens

Solve the political crisis in the Middle East (win Nobel Peace Prize)

9) Win the lotto

10) Diss AI and start a bun fight with Simon.

(BTW For items 3 and 5, Walmart rolled back the prices on Brain Bleach this week)

Kirsten, right on que …. (I like no # 9, since I work for one!!)

Kirsten, nice list, but you forgot the sex tape.

I think the sex tape was implied in the dating of Lindsay Lohan one.

11. run over photographer’s foot

#5 sound interesting to me….teehee!
Nothing like a little Taylor news to get the blog rolling and blood flowing….seems like old times!
Pix….
and Dingo…I love ya….and I also like Taylor’s cd! But what do I know…..

I will say though that I am surprised at the fairly routine press coverage this is getting. Most media outlets seem to delight in deriding Taylor because he dares to have a musical taste and sensibility that differs from the Clear Channel playlist, but I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seen a lot of that going around.

The coverage have been routine because 1) Taylor is a has-been and 2) the news isn’t really that surprising to anyone. However the really major media coverage is going to happen in the days before the AI7 season premiere, like it always does. The press won’t be able to pass up taking a shot at Idol by making a snarky mention of the dropped Idols.

But I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t figure out for the life of me why some people take joy in his getting dropped à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  the logic of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like Taylor Hicks, so you shouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be allowed to hear himà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hold a lot of water than me, but whatever.

I must admit this news put me in a great mood for days but not for the reason you stated. My schadenfreude with regards to Taylor’s misfortunes is simply a joy of watching stuff come around, that went around. IOW, Karma.

oh, brother !!! :wallbash_tb:

Taylor has pissed off many people both in the industry and the general public with is entitled attitude and asshat behavior. All of the events from the past year are just Karma repaying him back.

I don’t think this has been posted before ( but if it has, I apologoze). This piece of news gives perspective to the entire issue :

http://music.hollyscoop.com/american-idol/taylor-hicks-splits-from-arista_268.aspx

Taylor Hicks Splits from Arista

‘American Idol’ winner Taylor Hicks is splitting from Arista. They released his self-titled major-label debut in late ’06. The set has sold 699,000 units in the United States.

Hicks has decided to record his next album on his own. He said he signed his 3-year deal straight out of Idol because it was all he could get, and at that point he had no reason to turn it down. He said he’ll continue to hustle to get more gigs, and he’ll be releasing another album in 2008, and hopefully go on tour.

This comment below the article also gives more perspective :

Mr. Hicks was not dropped by his label, as has been widely reported over the past couple of days. His lawyers were able to get him removed from his contract for a variety of reasons, including breach of contract and failure to comply with promised promotion, among other things. Mr. Hicks has agreed not to reveal the terms of the separation for a specific period of time. In other words, J Records/RCA didn’t give Hicks what they promised, he wants more artistic freedom and better promotion, he was able to get out of his contract and he has agreed not to reveal any details at this time.

And the plot thickens………..jk. Dingo, if your lurking you must check this song out. It’s an Alicia Keys John Mayer collab., they wrote the song together and it’s on Alicia’s new cd. It is track #6, it’s fabulous. Mayer even lend his vocals on it, you can hear him in the background, and of course he played guitar on it. I predict this will be nominated for song of the year at the 09 Grammy’s, she released her album to late to qualify for this year’s grammy’s. So after hearing this, I would love to hear the collab. Mayer and Taylor worked on. Here it is, hope you love it…….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzCNN9xHuEY

Nevermind, the plot doesn’t thicken, that was comment that was posted after the article.

http://www.associateddcontent.com/article/52157/kid_one_transport_in_alabama.html

Strange, how a supposed has-been is on Yahoo’s top 5 searches.

1. One Tree Hill
2. Gemma Arterton
3. Eminem
4. Durian Fruit
5. Taylor Hicks

my link..which doesn’t work !!!!! Had to do with Karma and asshat (

You’ve made your point YesIAm. Move on. If you are here to bait Taylor’s fans, you won’t last long.

I don’t want this discussion to degenerate into a personal argument.

LLB. Of course it’s been posted before. Sigh.

ETA: And that comment you posted is just a random comment from some anonymous person. It means nothing.

mj, I assure you I am here to bait anybody. I just want to post my opinion like everyone else. I’m really sorry, I hate this boards on boards talk as much as I think you do, mj.

Strange, how a supposed has-been is on Yahooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s top 5 searches.

That’s a very unusual Top 5. Can you provide a link?

Taylor sure got his name in the press again, nice job of marketing. In business, there is always a reason for everything.

“mj, I assure you I am here to bait anybody”

I think you just told on yourself….. :wink_wp:

The Yahool top 5 is for real. I just saw it. What’s with all the spin? Now Taylor’s done a nice job of marketing for losing his label deal? I don’t get why the gory details matter anyway. Taylor and his label were a horrible match and I’m sure they’re equally thrilled to be rid of each other. So it’s a win/win for both parties.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a very unusual Top 5. Can you provide a link?

Sure : http://www.yahoo.com

BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE WEB PAGE

Got it. Thanks for the link. I’m glad that this story is spreading. I couldn’t find him in the Yahoo Buzz Index –> http://buzz.yahoo.com/music/ but maybe the index just hasn’t been updated yet.

http://www.associateddcontent.com/article/52157/kid_one_transport_in_alabama.html

This comes up as a blank page for me.

There was an extra “D” in the original link.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/52157/kid_one_transport_in_alabama.html

vegasdee–got Alicia’s new CD for Xmas. Haven’t had time to listen yet. You just inspired me!

WOW–look at the posts on the topic of our Taylor Hicks! The guy still generates huge interest. I still love him as much today as I did the first time we met. Go TAYLOR!!!!!

Hey Dingoooooooooooooo

Taylor has pissed off many people both in the industry and the general public with is entitled attitude and asshat behavior. All of the events from the past year are just Karma repaying him back.

LMAO. I wonder what karmic payback some of the big name artists are going to be delivered. Mick Jagger is going to have a house fall on him.

If karma was real, there are a lot of truly evil people (not just asshats) who would be getting a great karmic payback. Strangely, Stalin died in his bed after living to the ripe old age of 74 (which is pretty old for somebody born in the 1800s in Russia). Idols who “copted a ‘tude” would be far down the line-up for a karmic payback.

I think Taylor got dropped because he didn’t get along with his label. Not because he’s injured the universe.

Kirsten…LOL love your posts!

Good to see ya Dingo…I was watching the returns last night and thought of you.

yesiyam
Jan 9th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Taylor has pissed off many people both in the industry and the general public with is entitled attitude and asshat behavior. All of the events from the past year are just Karma repaying him back.

…and obviously you.

I think Taylor got dropped because he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get along with his label.

I’ll agree with both you and yesiam ( but slightly disagree with the later on Taylor’s attitude).

Taylor was a problem to TPTB even on the AI show.
I remember reading about the finals when they suggested many “coronation” songs for him to perform, and he flat out rejected all of them, finally settling on something he felt comfortable with. This incident caused some consternation for TPTB.

Can you imagine Taylor performing the coronation song that Kat performed ? ( or even Jordin’s coronation song ? Which Blake tried to “modernize” to no avail ).

I’m not even sure he himself likes DIMYP. He NEVER sings it in his concert even when it was one of the biggest selling singles of 2006.

In this sense he did not get along with a lot of people. But it isn’t because he was arrogant or felt entitled or anything like that. Anyone who has spoken/met or knows Taylor knows that the man is grateful for the opportunity he was given and that he is not the prideful SOB some want to believe he is.

It’s just that he cannot perform something he is uncomfortable with. That’s just not him and he has said so in many ways.

In fact, he did mention in the past that he had to “pay the devil” (the exact phrase) to get his voice heard. This indicates to me that it many ways, some of the songs he was forced to perform on his album ( Dianne Warren comes to mind ), was a “compromise” he had to make.

The phrase “pay the devil” became so ingrained that one of his fans actually took on that phrase as a screen name ( the very same one who did the MAZE video on GoFish and Youtube).

Anyone who has seen one of his Youtube concert knows that he joked that in one song, he had to say “yes boss” to Clive who insisted he record it.

Even then, you already knew that there was a level of uncomfortablity about working with Clive the Bean Counter even when he did not say as much.

So in a sense, I believe that this falling out with J records was to be anticipated.

So yes, he pissed off a lot of people in the industry. But not because of his entitled attitude. It was because he refuses to be other than who he is. It is called ARTISTIC DIFFERENCE, and even Kelly Clarkson had the same problem.

As for the public in general, what can I say ? If you don’t like his brand of music, don’t buy it. But why get pissed off at him ? What did he do to you ?

Lots of interesting comments on Taylor today. Obviously none of us know what Taylor’s next step is going to be or what his future holds. All I can hope for is that he gets to create more music and continue touring. I have had the pleasure of seeing him twice live, once during the AI tour, and then on his solo tour where he was incredible and truly shined. So I just wanted to put the positive vibes out there in the universe, good luck with everything Taylor!

I have to giggle at the idea that Taylor getting dropped is some kind of “karmic” retribution — that not being a good little robot and doing exactly what Nigel and Clive wanted somehow means he’s deserving of having his career crumble around him in a way that even the world’s villians, despots, and genocidal murderers aren’t deserving of. But that’s Idol for you.

Maybe one day I’ll write a scholarly paper on what it was about Season 5 of American Idol that so inflamed the passions of the populace to this point. You can all be contributors.

I knew it. According to EW, RCA has dropped Kat.

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/01/katharine-mcphe.html

Oh no…LOL. Looks alot like house cleaning time over at Sony/BMG.

omg! Idols in the tiolet!

Okay, prediction — Blake is dropped in less than a year and Jordin quits and joins a convent.

Xmas is really dangerous in Idol land. Maybe they won’t wait a year and just drop Blake around Easter.

I wonder what this means:

With respect to Taylor, we have an understanding that he will come back to us to play music once heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finished writing his new material.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/01/katharine-mcphe.html

I knew it. According to EW, RCA has dropped Kat.

Good for Kat. I’m sure it was just because she was a bad fit for the label. They wanted her to make contemporary pop music and perform it in a believable manner and she wanted to squat and pucker on the runway/act in her boyfriend’s movies/or if all else fails, make babies. And she’s really more of a soul/pop/jazz/country/rhythmic/rock/classical/
bluegrass/folk singer anyway. Now she can realize her artistic vision. Heh.

As for Taylor, I’m not too hopeful right now, but I won’t hit the panic button until he sends out a message saying we can download his new song by sending $.99 to some anonymous G-mail account. Hopefully, he has enough interest to at least get a decent distribution deal, if not a new label.

Oh noà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦LOL. Looks alot like house cleaning time over at Sony/BMG.

Isn’t it obvious? Clive gave Taylor and Kat the boot because his accountants couldn’t keep up with Daughtry’s increasing demand for spiffy black eyeliner. Seems like everyone’s favorite balding rocker has some pretty highbrow tastes, and he’s now demanding that his makeup artists use Laura Mercier and M.A.C. on his baby-fine skin. And that stuff’s pricey!

Hey , hey Paula !!! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ? I think they still want him ?!?!? Wow, what weirdness, huh? The word for today is… karma :blink_tb:

I posted this news back in October.

# 89 undecided Oct 27th, 2007 at 2:33 am

Kat McPhee was at the Neil Sedaka tribute Gala tonight (26th). David Foster was the MC and played piano for Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance.

David Foster said that he was producing Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s next CD and it will be through the Warner label. I guess RCA dropped her.

# 91 undecided Oct 27th, 2007 at 3:20 am

There is also a rumor, though unconfirmed, that Taylor and Ruben were also dropped. They both still appear on the J/Arista artist page, but then Kat is still on the RCA artists page and sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s already working with David Foster at Warner.

I’m surprised it took so long to make the official announcements. Ruben split with J Records back in May.

Hey , hey Paula !!! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ? I think they still want him ?!?!? Wow, what weirdness, huh? The word for today isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ karma

SarainWV – I hope not!

I know I have asked this before but do you all think this has anything to do with Season 7? Do you think they are trying to send them a message that says….”don’t get your hopes up” like last year’s top 12 “…etc…or is the talent sooooo awesome this year that they know there will be several signed and they need the $? Very interesting stuff….I have enjoyed almost everything written today….Karma.. smarma! :lol_tb: Pix

I wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hit the panic button until he sends out a message saying we can download his new song by sending $.99 to some anonymous G-mail account.

LOL

Kat McPhee was at the Neil Sedaka tribute Gala tonight (26th). David Foster was the MC and played piano for Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance.

David Foster said that he was producing Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s next CD and it will be through the Warner label. I guess RCA dropped her.

I remember that, but then a bunch of people who were at that Gala said Foster was misquoted…

But then again, maybe not.

As for this recent spate of Idol exits (we double-checked, and deals for Clay Aiken and Fantasia are still intact), a rep for the RCA Music Group (which includes Arista, RCA, and J Records) tells Insider, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“After six seasons, we are proud of the eight artists on the roster who started their careers on the show. With respect to Taylor, we have an understanding that he will come back to us to play music once heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finished writing his new material.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

What does the bolded part mean? Will they let him play his demos and decide if they’ll re-sign him?

So the 8 remaining Idols signed to a major label are

Kelly
Clay
Fantasia
Jennifer Hudson
Carrie
Chris
Jordin
Blake

That part in bold makes no sense to me either. It makes it sound as if Taylor can’t shop around for a label in the mean time. I find it hard to believe an artist would agree to that, but what do I know?

Will they let him play his demos and decide if theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll re-sign him?

That sounds too weird to be true. I’ve never heard of anything like that before (although someone else might have). Wouldn’t Clive have to have eaten a big slice of humble pie to do that? “You’re right, we tried to make you into a pop star and it didn’t work, so we’re cutting you loose to write your own music and record your own demos…but you have to turn them in to us first, and we have the right of first refusal if we hear hits?” Hmmmm….sounds fishy to me.

The activity on this subject speaks volumes to the interest level Taylor Hicks still enjoys. He’ll be fine. There is no such thing as bad publicity.

:dunce_tb: :ponder_tb: :surrender_tb:these are all my feelings today. personal note ** I cannot express how fortunate I feel to be able to again enjoy this blog and all who post here. Thank you , everyone for having “the smarts” Thank you, queen mj.

The one good thing about the dropping/mutual parting is it has got people talking about Taylor again. I still believe he was one of the most popular if not the most popular idol to date. His fans are very vested, perhaps overly so. I’ve always thought TPTB didn’t think outside of the box enough to determine how best to capitalize on his ability to appeal to a certain segment of the market.
I can only speak for myself (but have certainly read enough to know there are lots more like me) but I have never enjoyed a performer even remotely as much as I do Taylor Hicks.

Oh yea- hey dingo! great to see you posting. I thought you might be too busy with the political blogs.

It’s wonderful that Taylor has a strong fan base but interest on blogs/fan sites does not correspond to success in the “real world.” If you look at TWOP, Blake has over 1000 pages of posts while Jordan has about 150. Yet in the “real world,” her single has sold almost 1 million copies and his is nowhere. And sorry, I don’t agree that Taylor is the “most popular idol to date.” Thinking that is just denying reality IMHO.

I still believe he was one of the most popular if not the most popular idol to date.

I do, too, and I’m pretty sure we’re not the only ones who believe that.

Ken Barnes’ interpretation:

Speaking of Taylor, by the way, the same spokesperson said, “We have an understanding with Taylor Hicks that he will come back to us to play music once heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finished writing his new material.”

This is a way of not completely slamming the door shut; if Arista is captivated by Taylor’s new songs, it can arrive at an agreement to release an album of them. Not unprecedented in the complicated world of artist/label relations, and an interesting development.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/

That seems as plausible any other possibility to me. Taylor’s album did not bomb despite the fact that the material wasn’t right and there wasn’t a lot of promotion. Maybe they told him to go see if he could do better and then come back and they’d talk. Maybe they’ll provide the distribution? Who knows?

After six seasons, we are proud of the eight artists on the roster who started their careers on the show. With respect to Taylor, we have an understanding that he will come back to us to play music once heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finished writing his new material.

LOL, Sounds like they miss him already.

The last time the famous phrase “come back to me” was uttered, Jane Seymour was an old woman telling Christopher Reeves to return Somewhere in Time.

Wow, Taylor! Look at you! All these posts! For a has-been even! Heh.

I just want to say, before he completely disappears from the Universe that apparently hates him (did I get that right?), that I am grateful for:

–His wonderful indie album, Under the Radar. A supremely listenable well-written CD I never get tired of hearing.

–His totally kicking the ass of TBTP, The Chosen One(s), Simon, Nigel, etc. etc. on his way to his unlikely, and totally satisfying, win on Idol.

–His bringing the entertainment each week on the best season of Idol ever.

–His really kick-ass live show and the opportunity his making the cut on Idol gave many of us to find out what a great performer this guy is live.

–And, if it is all true, his bad boy attitude towards people who deserve to get stood up to occasionally. If this is what caused his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“downfallà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , then I say, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Go on with your bad self, Taylor.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  :smoke_tb:

Back in May of Idol Season 5 ….when the world was *real*… Taylor Hicks brought the most # of votes to the show. Seems like a very likeable and popular fellow to me……Just saying IM(most)HO

This is a way of not completely slamming the door shut; if Arista is captivated by Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new songs, it can arrive at an agreement to release an album of them. Not unprecedented in the complicated world of artist/label relations, and an interesting development.

Hmmm….interesting indeed.

That seems as plausible any other possibility to me. Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s album did not bomb despite the fact that the material wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t right and there wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a lot of promotion. Maybe they told him to go see if he could do better and then come back and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d talk. Maybe theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll provide the distribution? Who knows?

Maybe Taylor just smiled and nodded his head (while he edged for the door). Once outside the door he said “hmmmm, that was SOME FUN-KY conversation”! :clap_tb:

I usually read the posts and laugh, smile or frown, and then go my merry way. I thought put in my two cents…

While we are arguing, I mean discussing whether Taylor was dropped or left, can we pahhleeeease re-hash who should have won season five and also if Platinum means shipped or sold? lol

I am personally glad heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not with that label anymore- looking forward to the next album. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m glad his bunny days are over! He puts on a hellava show! And yes, I can still laugh at the Taylor Valet jokes.

To the person who knows about all the people Taylor has disparaged, you must be pretty important to have been present on all those occasionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m very impressed!

To MJ- I LOVE YA! Best AI site evah!

EIGHTy-TWO responses to “Taylor Hicks Speaks” ……

We’ve listened, Taylor! You still draw a crowd.

Maybe they told him to go see if he could do better and then come back and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d talk. Maybe theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll provide the distribution? Who knows?

The only thing that says to me was that Taylor and the label didn’t “part ways” because Clive has some personal vendetta against Taylor and has set out to destroy him. It’s not a case of karmic just desserts or Clive trying to teach Taylor a vindictive lesson about what happens when you cross the Dark Sith Lord. It seems to me like they don’t see profit in him right now, but they’re keeping their options open — if he seems profitable in the near future, they’ll exercise their right to siphon some cash off of him.

If Taylor does go and record different-sounding music (well, different from his last CD, but similar to his early stuff), it certainly will be interesting to see if Clive decides Taylor can be marketed in a different direction.

I like Pix like his current CD, I have the other two but play Taylor Hicks the most. I wish I had all the sucess Diane Warren has. I may not like all her songs but she has made more money and sold more songs than most. I think when Taylor sings Places I’ve Been it’s a good song. I’m sure Taylor won’t ask her to write for his next CD however. :thumbdown_tb: He was surprised at how popular Do I Make You Proud was in Asia. Like it or not he was wrong IMO not to sing it on tour occasionly. I see he’s going to play in the Bob Hope Golf Classic again so I don’t think Karma has completely done him in yet. The optimist in me believes Taylor will continue to thrive.

Gotta break out of lurkdom to post to this excellent thread.
Whatever the circumstances of the split with Arista, I’m psyched to hear what new songs Taylor Hicks & corroborators cook up for us in whichever Soul Kitchen works for them.
Curious statement about RCA, though.

Taylor has the LIVE version of Heaven Knows from ‘Whomp @ The Warfield’ up on his Myspace. No more trace of his Self titled CD w/ Clive.

Wheels are in motion …

I’ll weigh in with a note to Dingo, if she’s still reaading. If you expect Taylor to record Georgia, Hollywood Nights and/or Ain’t No Sunshine for his next album. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. The “originals” as we know them from Taylor cannot be recreated in a studio. They are great live performances, and the next CD isn’t likely to be a live recording. If you expect the CD to be filled with songs such as these, I’m afraid that once again you’ll be disappointed. Taylor’s originals aren’t like those songs. Some of them are, however, lovely, heartwrenching tunes that aren’t easily forgotten. And some of them are lighthearted tunes that get the toes tapping. I guess what I’m trying to say (not very well, I’m afraid) is that you – we all – need to keep an open mind about the next CD. I’m looking forward to it as much as the next Taylor fan, but I have no expectations for it other than that it be filled with good music in Taylor’s singular voice and style. Should we really ask more of him than that?

‘Nite, all. (I get up at 4:30 every morning.)

loving this thread and seeing some old posters come out to play today.

I’m so interested in seeing how this all plays out!

Perhaps Taylor did not bring Clive tons money through his CD sales but … what about future earning in Taylor’s tours?

Do you remember a while back when talk was about Companies thinking of taking a percentage of tour money that an artist generated from singing thier CD’s? I don’t know where this idea is in the real world yet.

Taylor is a hot touring artist. He himself said this is where his money is. Now, if CD companies eventually get a piece of this pie I can see where Clyve may indeed say “come back with your music. If we like what we hear we will distribute it for part of your tour action.”

…. just a thought from my tired brain at a very late hour.

Even though I am having a ball going to concerts and enjoying lots of different artists and styles of music (especially rock these days) Taylor will always be my favorite artist and performer. I will go see him live any chance I get and will probably buy anything he puts out as I like ALL his music – acoustic, funky, soulful, pop -just hearing his voice makes me happy.

I have not completely recovered from the high of having seen Taylor live just a couple of weeks ago and now, it’s as though that experience of mine has been rendered almost too insignificant by all these…pffft. :s

I really hope things turn out well in the end for Taylor. In the meantime, we here are still crossing our fingers the Asian Tour (to include Manila) pans out.

Taylor sure does bring out the passion.

Lovers and haters just post post post.

I would never count him out.

The deserved winner of Season 5 was Taylor Hicks! Now Season 4 was my favorite and Bo was a terrific entertainer, but Taylor provide such joy in the fact that HE was having a good time. Please tell me who, in all 6 seasons, was a better entertainer?

Come graduation time, you will hear plenty of “Do I Make You Proud”? I really liked the song!

I wish Taylor the best in all his future endeavors!

Taylor will always be my favorite artist and performer. I will go see him live any chance I get and will probably buy anything he puts out as I like ALL his music – acoustic, funky, soulful, pop -just hearing his voice makes me happy.

My feelings exactly!!!!

Also when I said he was the most popular idol ever I meant on the show. Obviously not the most popular based on his album sales. I still think TPTB possibly could have found a way to capitalize on his popularity on the show. But maybe that ball is more in Taylor’s court. He sure does inspire passion in people.

The statement from the record label is interesting.

Taylor wanted to do his “own” CD. It seems like the label did not want to give him total artistic freedom. So, they told him to go do his CD on another label. If the CD is a hit, they have the rights to record his 3rd. I’m sure they also have the right to either: not do a 3rd and cut him off completely, or record a 3rd their way.

Interesting, its all about the business.

>> If you expect Taylor to record Georgia, Hollywood Nights and/or Ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t No Sunshine for his next album. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m afraid youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be disappointed.>>

No Chews, maybe I wasnt clear. I dont necessarily expect Taylor to sing those particular songs but I do expect him to perform songs akin to those songs as I believe thats where he really shines.

I love Under The Radar. I think some of those songs are astonishingly moving and really good music. I have always loved Soul Thing and Taylor can put his own spin on any song he does. Thats all Im really saying. he has to do what he has always done best, write his music and perform a song like HN or Georgia with such feeling that a confessional would be my next stop.

The last CD was crappy, there is no nice way to put it Chews IMHO. It was awful especially when compared to some of his early stuff and double especially when compared to the aforementioned covers he has done.

I am hoping that wis this new found freedom from his old label that maybe he will be able to be more creative and we will be able to hear more of Taylor Hicks than Diane Warren though I still maintain that her song on his last CD was a beauty. “Places I’ve Been” gave me chills but then, maybe I was just cold lol.

Some of them are, however, lovely, heartwrenching tunes

…Somehow…

Crissey, Somehow is gorgeous. It says a lot when his first 2 demo’s and the songs he mostly wrote on them were worlds better than the new high priced CD with the fancy digital shit and new fangled technology was. No comparison. Had he been able to afford the great musicians and technology on those 2 CD’s imagine how good they could be.

JJ!!! *hugs*

The last CD was crappy, there is no nice way to put it

*smacks dingo…in a nice way, of course!* ;D

I like that CD…I like crap, I guess. Heh. ;B But I like him so much better live, no question about it.

Purps, IF I had never heard anything else that Taylor had done, IF I didnt know how capable he is of taking me to church (a now much overused phrase of mine) then perhaps I would look at that CD a little differently. I will never know the answer to that question.

His forte will always be in the visual, live arena for me.

With respect to Taylor, we have an understanding that he will come back to us to play music once heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s finished writing his new material.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for this to happen. JRecords and Taylor both agreed to this and he will do much better without JRecords and Clive because they never supported or promoted Taylor Hicks anyway. WAY TO GO, TAYLOR..

Ah Purps….you have been bitten by the bug…….and Dingo, make sure you get his DVD….you, my friend, will LOVE it! (I didn’t know if you saw my previous post to you……I usually don’t repeat myself…oh Hell, I am lying…I repeat all the time!) :smiley2_tb: Pix

New cut from “Whomp at the Warfield” DVD playing at Myspace. “The Maze” Hot! Hot! Hot! harp, sax and that voice.

http://www.myspace.com/taylorhicks

For my money, he’s the most unique talent that show has ever and probably will ever see.

And he’s laughably better live than anybody whose ever been on the show.

Dingo:

I know you didn’t expect Taylor to record those songs. I guess it just unsettles me a little when I hear someone talk about specific expectations for Taylor. He is, after all, the guy who all his life has, like a true maverick, been doing things his own way. The only expectations I want him to meet are his own.

And I’m not sure that Taylor’s live performance style can even be satisfactorily captured on CD. A studio album will perhaps always sound like Taylor on a leash, for want of a better analogy.

Just let him do what he thinks is best. Without interference, he’ll produce some great music. And if he doesn’t take you to church on the CD itself, my guess is that his performances of the music will.

I like Taylor’s post Idol CD, but Heaven Knows (live) and The Maze (live) that are now on Taylor’s MySpace blow the CD versions out of the water! I LOVE these versions – this is more the true Taylor we love!!!!!!!