Well, this is kind of a bombshell. American Idol season 5 winner Taylor Hicks claims he had inside info during his run on the show in 2006.
In an interview with Birmingham radio station WJOX on Friday, Taylor claimed that before he stepped on the stage on results night, he already knew which of the contestants was going home.
“I had an in in the whole production of the show. I’m not going to say who. I had a clear picture every night who was going home.” Taylor swears he wasn’t the only in the cast privy to this inside info. Taylor added that even if he hadn’t known for sure, it’s easy to tell who has momentum and who doesn’t.
However, he was quick to say that he did NOT know the results for certain on the night of the finale. Still, he had a good feeling he would be victorious over eventual runner up Katharine McPhee. “[American Idol producer] Nigel Lythgoe and I had a chat before the actual finale results,” said Taylor, “He kind of gave me a wink and a nod. It was great.”
Could Chris Daughtry have known he was leaving the competition in fourth place? If he did that look of surprise on his face was some mighty fine acting!
I honestly don’t know what to think. Check out the interview from TMZ for yourself.
UPDATE Producer Nigel Lythgoe made a statement to TMZ: “Lythgoe tells us he strongly denies giving Taylor, or any contestant, the heads-up on results at any time.
