A2M Distribution - 1st Qtr Releases Includes American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks!

2009 RELEASES INCLUDE
TAYLOR HICKS, CASE AND HURT

A2M ALSO TEAMS WITH LOS ANGELES INDIE LABEL
SARGENT HOUSE



In just three years, ARTIST2MARKET DISTRIBUTION (A2M) has seen success with releases from Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, The Cool Kids, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery and others. Look for the Detroit-based independent music distribution and artist services company to make further inroads in 2009 as A2M expands its roster to include first quarter releases from Taylor Hicks, Case and Hurt. In addition, the company has teamed with indie label Sargent House for their 2009 releases. The diversity of these releases emphasizes A2M’s commitment to music from a variety of genres.

“Everyday, more artists from all genres of music are looking to take control of their careers and release their content to the marketplace in new and innovative ways and on their own terms,” said Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide Taylor, Case, Hurt and the Sargent House artists a platform for releasing their music to the public while still maintaining 100% ownership of their work.”

Some of A2M’s recent successes include Dolly Parton’s Backwoods Barbie with sales of more than 125,000 copies; Tracy Lawrence’s For the Love, more than 330,000 units scanned to date; The Cool Kids’ The Bake Sale (A2M’s first new and developing artist agreement), with 35,000 units already sold.

A2M will continue to offer artists, labels, and content owners a unique alternative to the traditional music label infrastructure. In addition to providing a streamlined and flexible supply chain solution to both traditional and non-traditional retail outlets, A2M offers music at an attractive price to consumers, while enabling retailers to achieve an ongoing fair profit margin.

Additional information about A2M’s Q1 2009 release schedule is tentatively as follows:

February 10:

TAYLOR HICKS: Title TBA (Modern Whomp Records and Artist2Market Distribution)

Platinum selling artist Taylor Hicks first achieved national fame in 2006 as the winner of the fifth season of American Idol. His energetic stage performances and influences derived from Classic Rock, Blues and R&B music had earned him a following of devout fans who have been dubbed the "Soul Patrol." Taylor recently launched his own record label, Modern Whomp Records.

CASE: The Rose Experience (Indigo Blue Records and Artist2Market Distribution)

Platinum selling R&B singer Case has sold over 1.5 million records via his three solo releases. In addition, Case contributed to successful movie soundtracks, most memorably "Touch Me Tease Me" from The Nutty Professor, "Faded Pictures" from Rush Hour and "The Best Man I Can Be" from The Best Man. His signature sound can be described as soul music with a twist of new jack and hip-hop.

Early 2009 (TBA):

HURT: Title TBA

Virginia-based alternative metal rockers Hurt formed in 2000. The Los Angeles based band received critical acclaim for their major label debut album, Vol. I, released in 2006. Their second album, the critically acclaimed Vol. II, was released in 2007 and generated their largest rock radio hit yet with "Ten Ton Brick." Both records combined have sold just under 200,000 units in the U.S. "It is a great honor for HURT and I to be closely affiliated with forward thinking people like those running A2M,” says HURT manager Tom Lewis. “We finally have partners who truly understand the band's music and vision.”

Sargent House

Indie label Sargent House offers a diverse and quickly expanding roster, including acts such as RX Bandits, Love You Moon and Maps & Atlases. Their first release through A2M was Good Old War, Only Way To Be Alone. Released on November 4, 2008, this critically acclaimed album blends upbeat acoustic craftsmanship with exquisite three part vocal harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Upcoming releases from Sargent House will include new albums from Omar Rodriguez Lopez and This Town Needs Guns.

About Artist To Market Distribution:
Launched in 2005, Artist To Market Distribution (A2M) is an independent music distributor designed to work directly with artists, labels, and content owners to streamline the supply chain, and deliver new product to the marketplace at a lower cost. Over the past two years, A2M has partnered with a diverse group of platinum and multi-platinum artists including Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Sinead O’Connor, Unwritten Law, and Tracy Byrd. More information can be found at www.artist2market.com.

Source: A2M

Taylor Hicks - News Flash! "Early Works" Exclusive with Target Stores! Available August 12, 2008!

YES!! WE'VE MADE CONTACT!!
According to Taylor's management team, his new compilaton CD, "Early Works", which will consist of his 2 pre-AI indie albums, "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar", will be available for sale through TARGET stores - an 'EXCLUSIVE' deal, dropping on August 12, 2008. That's 2 WEEKS from today, folks! Start gathering those pennies and be prepared to invade Target's CD section!

These store exclusives are a great thing for the artist, who will pocket sometimes up to 4 to 5 times as much money than they would earn if they released their CD through a standard distribution deal - and - the promotion is usually better. And being that Taylor is releasing this on his own new label, "Modern Whomp Records", he's sure to turn those old tunes in pure Gold. And deservedly so. The 12 tunes featured on the CD are some of Taylor's best self-written compositions. Songs like "Somehow", "The Fall", "In Your Time", Son of a Carpenter", "Heart and Soul", "My Friend", "The Deal", "West Texas Sky", "Hold Onto Your Love", and "Soul Thing" are brilliant and all are written by Taylor himself. It's a chance to let the casual fan in on Taylor's great songwriting abilities. I think once people hear this material, it will turn some heads for the better. This is a great set-up for Taylor's forthcoming album in the Fall of brand new originals.

Things are really falling nicely into place for the Soulman and I for one, couldn't be more thrilled. Spread the word people! Taylor's about to kick some serious musical ass in the near future!

Taylor Hicks, Huey Lewis & Jerry Lee Lewis Headline "A Capitol Fourth"

Jimmy Smits has participated in PBS's Fourth of July concert before, but he will host for the first time on Friday.

Smits, whose work includes roles on "The West Wing" and "NYPD Blue," said being present on the Mall for the annual event "takes your breath away."

"You have all the monuments, and the orchestra, you've got cannon batteries and fireworks, and it gives you goose bumps," he said.

This year's concert includes appearances by iconic rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, 2006 "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, pop band Huey Lewis and the News, Broadway performer Brian Stokes Mitchell and classical singers Hayley Westenra, Harolyn Blackwell and Vittorio Grigolo, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel.

The show will include a tribute to the Olympics, taking place Aug. 8-24. Kunzel is scheduled to conduct the music at the opening ceremonies in Beijing, "so this was his idea," said executive producer Jerry Colbert. "We're hoping to have some of the Olympians (onstage) as we salute Team USA and play the John Williams Olympic theme."

Colbert said the concert, in contrast to the more somber National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall, will feature more energy and celebration.

"Between the Lewis boys and Taylor Hicks, they'll get everybody going," he said. "Huey will do 'Dancing in the Dark,' the old Springsteen song. And Jerry Lee Lewis "Great Balls of Fire' will almost lead right into the fireworks."

The broadcast's signature fireworks finale is slated to run an extra two minutes this year. And viewers may notice a different look, with a new stage at the Capitol's reflecting pool and several new camera angles, including one from inside the Capitol dome.

"We're trying to create an Olympic feeling, so the entire city can see the fireworks and the crowd. We'll do guns and bells and bonfires," Colbert said. "All this time later, 232 years after (the nation's founders) were at Independence Hall, we're still having a birthday party for this country."

Source

NY Post Theater Review: Taylor Hicks Ignites *Grease*!

The NY Post gave Taylor a glowing review today for his performance in *Grease*! I knew he'd shake up Broadway in a serious way, in a way only Mr. Hicks can do! All I can say it's ABOUT FUCKING TIME he got some accolades thrown his way after 2 friggin' years of American Idol pissing on him! Let's now see who's getting the last laugh - I'm talking to you Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Cowell. And one more thing, to those fans who think we should just 'drop' this anti-American Idol sentiment, i say 'no can do'. I will never forget their viciousness they went on and on about ad nauseum concerning their Season 5 winner.

Here's the story for your reading pleasure (and oh yea, go to the NY Post article and *Digg* it up and "Buzz" it up so everyone can feast their eyes on this baby!

DESPITE PANS, REVIVAL GETS BOOST FROM 'IDOL'
by Michael Reidel

TWO shows that shouldn't be making it - but are - must be given their due today.

First, "Grease" - which vaulted right over the critics to box office glory. It's playing to sold-out houses and is grossing nearly $800,000 a week.

It got a little lift from the Tonys, but its real draw this summer is "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, who's playing Teen Angel.

An insider says Hicks is worth at least $150,000 in extra ticket sales a week.
(Make a note of that, Mr. Agent.)

Whenever Hicks whips out his harmonica, the audience goes nuts.
They're having such a blast that the "Grease" megamix at the end of the show - this is where the critics ran screaming from the theater - now runs 10 minutes, with Hicks singing the title song and then playing it on his harmonica.

Meanwhile, the producers of the show are no longer flinching from the critical blows but are starting to have fun with them.

Charles Isherwood recently wrote: "Are the Tonys going to open up the lines so viewers at home can phone in their votes for their favorites? In which case perhaps 'Grease' would have been the year's big winner."

Look for a newspaper ad that will say:

"If the audience had voted, Grease would have been the year's big winner!" - Charles Isherwood, The New York Times.

Source: NY Post michael.riedel@nypost.com

Taylor Hicks to Release Pre-Idol Reissues On Vanguard Records

According to New Music TipSheet, Taylor will be re-releasing Early Works, his pre-Idol music on Vanguard Records , one of America's leading independent labels, on August 12th, 2008. There is no info yet on their site about this release, but I suspect it will be shortly. Stay tuned to this site, Vanguard's website and/or Amazon for ordering information (it's not available for purchase yet). I have no further details on what exactly will be on this CD - whether it's just a reissue of his first 2 self-produced albums or whether it will have additional songs that were never released or whether there will some remixes on the CD.

Some other artists on the Vanguard Label include fellow blue-eyed soul singer Marc Broussard, Blues Traveler, Carbon Leaf, the Robert Cray band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Shawn Mullins, Linda Ronstadt, and Edwin McCain just to name a few. Check out their website for more info on label.

UPDATE: In response to an email I sent Vanguard Records, I received this in response:

"This was actually listed wrong on a couple of sites and Vanguard Records is simply just distributing this title so it's not being released on Vanguard Records. This album is on Taylor Hicks own label which is called Modern Whomp Records."

So, this is what we know. "Early Works" will be released on August 12. It will be distributed by Welk Distribution on Taylor's own label called Modern Whomp Music.

Stay tuned for more info!

Taylor Hicks - More Grease Media

Thank you Diane for this great video from Planet Hollywood in Times Square!




Thank you Skeeter/Candy for this great video of the curtain call! Now THIS is some funny stuff!



Thanks to Dee for this autograph signing session after the show!



Thanks again to Skeeter/Candy for this footage outside the Stage Door - Part 1




Stage Door - Part 2




Skeeter's footage of Taylor at Planet Hollywood - Part 1




Planet Hollywood - Part 2

Taylor Hicks - Another Light On Broadway Has Been Lit!

Okay folks, I just have no words to tell you all the pride I'm feeling as I read the many accounts of his performance in Grease from those who attended. It just goes to show me that Taylor Hicks can do anything as a performer - that nothing is out of his reach or grasp or capability, whether it's being a platinum selling recording artist, or a dirty-ass bar blues singer in some hole-in-the wall club, a business-savy guy who is opening up a 6,000 sq. ft nightclub in Birmingham Al, wowing a television audience and getting 67 million people to vote for him as their American Idol Winner '06, or performing on a Broadway stage and bringing both a bunch of hard core New Yawkers and tourists to their feet in roaring applause. Taylor F. Hicks is a STAR, people, and don't forget that and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

BTW, do check out the 2008 Tony Awards Sunday, June 15th 8/7c where Taylor is more than likely going to make at least an appearance on the show. And if we're lucking a few red carpet pictures! And then on Friday, check out Regis and Kelly (June 13th) for a performance from the cast of *Grease*, and a song from Taylor!

If you'd like to download Beauty School Dropout, here you go:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/dgub6q

Thanks to Diane and Tappanga for the video!



From Getty Images! This so friggin' KEWL! This will be displayed at the Planet Hollywood in Times Square!











Here is the insert from the Playbill (click to enlarge):


























There are many pictures from last night to look at. Check out TaysHarmonica's Website, RightClickSave, for some AWESOME pictures of Taylor from the performance and from Planet Hollywood where he left his hand-prints (and harmonica prints) for the restaurant. Here's some of my faves:

(With "Frenchy")

With Max Crum and Laura Osnes (Danny & Sandy)

Taylor Hicks Blows the Roof Off Of The Brooks Atkinson Theater According to Theater Goers!

SUCCESS folks!! Okay, I'm getting bits and pieces from those who attended Taylor's opening night in Grease. Thanks to everyone at The Boogie who posted these little tid-bits for us to enjoy (TaysHarmonica, Bates, Diane, Juliegr, Skeeter, AmyH and anyone else I forgot to mention). You guys rock! So here we go....

Those who sent gifts, cards and balloons will be happy to know that they are all sitting in a room all their own at the theater! I can only imagine how MUCH stuff he got - and yes Taylor has his own dressing room it has been reported. Taylor F. Hicks is IN DA BUILDING folks! Heh!

Anyway, even before the show started, one of the stage hands who saw a rehearsal said he was "fucking awesome"! I love that! For tonight's performance, he wore what appeared to be a black sequined suit with a white sequined shirt and white patent boots. He sang from a big ice-cream cone at first, then descended down to the stage, the cone opened up and then proceeded to sing to 'Frenchy' (damn lucky girl!) He sat in that ice cream cone during scene before his. I have conflicting reports about the pompadour hairstyle he was wearing - not sure yet if it was his own hair that was teased or a wig. Then he went back into the ice cream cone, played the harmonica again and did his signature Ray Charles 'head toss'. He remembered EVERY LAST WORD of the song, the pro that he is, and 'camped up the performance' - even did some falsetto! (Ignore any troll that says otherwise - trust me). The performance was called a "showstopper"! And most of all, he appeared to be having FUN and totally hamming it up! The audience was cheering and screaming after he left.

At the curtain call there were "tons" of photographers rushing the stage. A lot of people in audience took pics as well. During the cast performance at the end, he had a few short solos and he sang, "Grease is the word" as a solo line. He also did the hand jive with his harmonica. Without question, Taylor got the loudest response from the audience. He was "glowing" when he exited the stage doors. He signed everything and talked to everybody. He was signing playbills, etc. (some people even had his book). The playbills weren't reprinted yet with his picture, but there was an insert with his picture and bio. He had an SUV waiting for him and he had to leave quickly. The cast came out and he took some pictures with them as well. One of the women actresses said there was an after party for Taylor at Planet Hollywood. While there, Taylor left his hand-prints and the press was out in full force snapping away (look for pictures soon!). Okay that's all for now - more to come!

Taylor Hicks - *GREASE* Promotional Picture

Click on image for larger version!

Thanks janibeth and tappanga for these promo scans!

Picture courtesy of Grease On Broadway!

The Hottness That Is Taylor Hicks!

Just because it's so hot! Enjoy!


Hollywood Nights-Taylor Hicks from Strawgirl on Vimeo.

Taylor Hicks - The Funk Was Missing from American Idol This Year

Part two of WALA's Fox Ten News exclusive interview with Season 5 American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks aired tonight. The interview is below. You can see Part One here.



GULF SHORES, Ala. -- When Birmingham-native Taylor Hicks was singing his soul out on stage in 2006, fans in the Yellowhammer State were screaming out theirs in support. "It just seemed like the momentum was getting bigger and bigger," reflected Hicks. "The Soul Patrol was getting bigger and bigger. The weeks really lined up for me, Elvis week, then Rod Stewart week - some of those variables that allowed my to shine as an artist."

2006 Winner

Shine he did. Hicks claimed the 2006 title in the highest-rated season finale of American Idol to-date - with more than 36-million viewers watching. "It was a fun ride; I'd love to get back on it and do it all over again."

Hicks’ thoughts of Idol judges and host

As Hicks prepares for his role of "Teen Angel" in the Broadway production of "Grease", he reflected on some of the other stars of "American Idol."

Hicks associated the following names, with the following words:

"Simon: Mean. Randy: Cool. Paula: Fun. Seacrest: Smart.

Seacrest is the wittiest guy that I've ever run into. He's so quick, that you're nervous about what you're gonna say around him, because he's got something to say right after you. He's the Dick Clark of our generation."

Not to say Simon Cowell wasn't intimidating. "I must admit - Simon was the same person on camera and off. He has a very good track record of pop music and I respect his opinion, and I thought he was a good guy (wink and laugh)."

Does Cowell have anything other than black shirts to wear? "I tried to send him a Soul Patrol shirt but I think he tried to send it back!" exclaimed Hicks.

Something's missing this season

Hicks said he's been enjoying this season of Idol, but in his opinion - one thing's been missing from the shows. "I just want to see everybody get down on the floor and get funky like I did... but that's just me."

Look out Broadway, because Taylor Hicks is about to bring his Alabama style to the Great White Way.

Hicks' "Grease" Debut

Hicks' "Grease" debut is June 6. He said he'll add a soulful flavor to the song "Beauty School Dropout." Several other Idol artists have performed on Broadway, including season 3 winner Fantasia and season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken.

Taylor Hicks Is Back - Ready To Turn Heads - Again!

Taylor gave an exclusive interview to Fox News in Mobile, Al. He talked about his life, the songs he's been writing, his upcoming album and his other upcoming projects. Here is the interview and video. Part 2 of the interview will be up tomorrow.



GULF SHORES, Ala. -- It's been two years since Birmingham-native Taylor Hicks patrolled the winner's stage at American Idol. Now the Alabama soul man is getting ready to turn heads again.

Hicks on Broadway

After taking a break from the spotlight for a little bit, Taylor Hicks is starting to make headlines again. He recently announced he's joining the Broadway cast of "Grease." And after touring the world and working on an upcoming album, Hicks is hoping for more than just some "summer lovin’.'"

2006 American Idol win

Taylor Hicks sang "Do I Make You Proud?" right after winning the 2006 American Idol. That was two years ago. The Birmingham-native is back in the studio working on an upcoming album to see if audiences still feel that way. "I've been writing in Nashville with a lot of A-list songwriters for my album which I'm gonna try to release this fall," Hicks said. "I've been able to have the creative control and the time to be able to make a great representation of who I am right now as an artist, a songwriter, and musician."

Where is Hicks right now?

Many fans have been wondering not just who Hicks is right now.... but where he is. It's been about 18 months since his self-titled album was released and earlier this year - he parted ways with his record label - Arista. "It was very mutual. It's just one of those things that happen in the business and the main thing is the music and where the music's going and the fans, and how they respond to the next album. The next album is key."

Hicks said that next album should be ready in the fall. He calls it a snapshot of his current life. "Some of the music that I've really taken to right now and written is about things that have happened right now in my life, friendships, relationships in the past, but a lot of those... and just stories."

Hicks rapping?

Hicks is excited to have plenty of freedom on his sophomore album, which is saying something for a man who once shared the stage with rapper Snoop Dogg, "Rap might not be in my repertoire just yet. Although I have been known to do a little bit of rapping on stage - no rap albums just yet."

Aftermath of an American Idol victory

Hicks said he wishes he could relive his Idol experience, but the show's aftermath was a bit stressful. "Right after you win, they put you on tour and then you have to record a record. What they really want you to do is put the album out, during the time when people are buying records at Christmastime - it completely makes sense, but for a songwriter, and somebody who's creative - it's tough, and there's some pressure."

But now that he's back on an independent label... there's more pressure than ever. "I was very fortunate to get my first record deal with them, but I'm excited about what lies ahead in terms of particular deals and stuff like that. I'm pretty excited about a few things, which I can't tell you about!"

Hicks will play "Teen Angel" in "Grease," starting June 6. In addition to his new album slated for the fall, Hicks has a concert DVD coming out called "Whomp at the Warfield."

Taylor Hicks Shows Us How To Sing a Billy Joel Tune

Funny how juxtapositions work sometimes. Just 3 days ago I layed my eyes on some videos from the Hannah Home Charity Concert, which starred Taylor Hicks in a rare acoustic moment (helped ably by horn extraordinaire Jeff Lopez and keyboard aficionado Brian less). He played about 8 or 9 songs that night, but the one that made me catch by breath - literally - was a Billy Joel tune called "NY State of Mind". Let me tell you people, I haven't seen singing like this in many many years. I'm not talking about hitting the right notes, I'm talking about emoting and laying down the emotion to a song. They're synonymous with Taylor's name and totally absent from anything playing on Top 40 radio. And I mean that.

Then I watched last night's American Idol. David Archuleta attempted to catch the essence of the lyric of another Billy Joel song called "And So It Goes". Yes, he hit all the right notes alright, but the rendition left me completely sterile.

When will American Idol realize what a GEMSTONE they had in Taylor whom they let slip through their dirty fingers?

During the chit-chat between songs, Taylor left us with the following 'tease' about the upcoming album! I get all tingly just thinking about how *great* this album will be. Hurry up, Mr. Hicks, the world is waiting to be woken up!

...."I have had the great opportunity to write with some of the best songwriters in the world the last few months. I learned alot about myself as far a a songwriter. I didn't have really have much time to get creative on the last album. This is going to be some of the best music I've ever written in my whole life. All the clubs and bars, you know all the trials and tribulations of just going thru all that and something to be able to express myself in a big way. So an album is coming out soon so hopefully you guys will check it out." ...

NY STATE OF MIND

New York State of Mind from Lh1100 on Vimeo.

ON & ON

On and On from Lh1100 on Vimeo.

MOONDANCE

Moondance from Lh1100 on Vimeo.

Taylor Hicks Picks David Archuleta to Win; Readies for Release of 2 CD Set Of Early Works

According to the Courier-Journal, who is "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks rooting for on this season's show?

"David Archuleta. He kind of reminds me of Wayne Newton. You know, the "Danke Schoen" at (17). He's a young entertainer. (He'll do great) if he could just sustain himself when he tours. From that show, it doesn't necessarily have to be music, it could be film. The show form is television. There could be ample opportunities (for him) in the entertainment industry."

Hicks, meanwhile, will drop a new album this fall; a DVD called "Whomp at the Warfield," a two-disc set of his pre-"American Idol" songs and is planning tours in Asia and Italy.

"I never thought country boy from Alabama could go over to Asia and have a fan base," he said, sipping on a Jack Daniels and 7. "The soul patrol reaches around the globe. It's an international concept."

So I have to assume from this nugget of information that the Early Works CD will include more than "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar" because those two can easily fit on ONE CD (14 songs). What do you suppose the other CD will be? Re-dos? Ain't No Sunshine? Abraham, Martin & John? People Get Ready from the 'Nashville" gig? This may turn out to be one 'hell of a set', eh?

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE AMERICAN IDOL PRODUCERS

Here's a letter by Jenni Jac, who voice clearly echos many viewers feelings about American Idol (what's left of them) who's votes apparently mean nothing - that's according to the show's producers, judges, and associates. Be careful, big shots, karma works in mysterious ways and soon, very soon, the show, and all those associated with it, will go the way of 'My Mother The Car', filed under 'Irrelevant TV Shows'....

"Dear producers of American Idol, Idol Judges, and Idol Associates,

Lately our heart has grown heavy and filled with remorse. We realize now that we have carelessly thrust a mountain of angst upon you. We, the American voting public have caused a wound that seems to have festered even more over the passage of time, and for that we are deeply sorry. As valiantly as you may try to tuck it away, the inner torment seems to be eating away at you. It seems you can no longer hold it in, as you repeatedly cry out: "The Idol voters made a mistake!! Why did they ever vote Taylor Hicks the American idol, why? why?!!!" Oh my God, what have we done?

After hearing your repeated and united cries of injustice, it is finally beginning to sink in. What were we thinking? We allowed a man with a unique voice, charisma, and stage presence to steal the crown away from other contestants with more marketable genres. I mean, Ray Charles, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke are so-o-o 1960s. That crap will never make it onto top 40 radio in the 21st century. To make things even worse, that ungrateful bastard Hicks decides to shun your generous management offer, cutting you out of a big chunk of revenue. I mean really, what is so wrong with a 40% management fee, or even more? You made him, right? We totally understand why you can barely bring yourself to show his picture or mention his name on the show anymore, what with all the financial and emotional damage he has caused.

So yes, we are deeply sorry and ready to atone. With our experience and hindsight, we can tell you how to avoid a travesty such as this in the future:

1. Screen your prospects carefully. Avoid throwback styles altogether. Their musical knowledge should be limited. If they know more about music than Simon Cowell, it will reflect badly on the show. "Empty Vessel" is the operative term here.

2. Avoid picking contestants that use terms such as "vision", "dues", or especially "songwriting". Believe me, they will cause you nothing but heartache in the future.

3. Once you have your contestants chosen, outfit them all with burkas, so they will be completely covered from head to toe. Next, strap them to a chair. This will eliminate any possibility of voters being swayed by attractiveness/unattractiveness, fashion sense, dance moves, smiles, smirks, facial tics or gestures that could either endear or alienate them to the voters. Just to be safe, put them in their burkas behind a screen and show them in silhouette. You really can't be too careful.

4. Pick one song each week and make every contestant sing it. Ignore their pleas for different arrangements. There is good reason for this. If their own song choice or arrangement goes over well, it will only embolden them to demand more artistic creativity when it comes time to cut that record. That can be such a pain.

5. After each performance, instruct Ryan to ask questions that can be easily answered with either "yes", "no", or "maybe". Place these words in a board and give the contestant a laser pointer to pick the appropriate response. This will bypass the personality factor altogether which is not required for a top 40 hit, so don't be tempted. The "No Speak" tactic will also thwart attempts to mobilize or define any fanbase. That just gets messy.

6. Do not allow them to hold up fingers reminding the voters what number they need to vote for. No reason for this other than it continues to annoy us. You could consider allowing them to stomp their number out on the floor like one of those math horses, but that option is strictly up to you.

7. IMPORTANT: You will need to put a crawler at the bottom of the screen to continuously remind voters that they are voting for contestants who will sell the most records, instead of the ones you actually want to see perform again next week.

Well, I hope we have been helpful. Sorry again about the Taylor thing, I'm sure it won't happen again."

Taylor Hicks - Randy Jackson said America Got it Right!

Well of course America got it right dude! Was there ever a question about the correctness of Taylor Hicks turning American Idol on it's head with his smooth blue-eyed soul singing? Nope!

That said, I'm gunna be a cynical blogger and say that Randy wants to make nice with Taylor's fanbase here because he has a new album to promote this week. (He has dissed Taylor in the past when it suited him). Here is his quote from "Reality Rocks". You decide.

REALITY ROCKS: American Idol is a great equalizer in that way. Because the public makes the ultimate decision.

RANDY: Look, I did A&R at labels for years. Every label thinks, when they sign someone, “This is the perfect pedigree to sign. They’re cute, they can sing, they can dance, et cetera.” And they say to the public, “Here, this is what you’re gonna like.” But you might say, “No, I don’t like that!” You’ll probably say “no” many more times than you’ll say “yes”! So the idea on Idol is, if we present the public with the artists and said, “Hey, you tell us which one you like best,” the public always–no matter what the artist looks like–picks the best singer. ALWAYS. That’s why the show is really cool. What it does is it puts the talent first. And for a guy like me, who’s a producer and a manager–I love artists–the quality of music is what this is about. The public always picks quality. That’s the coolest thing about the show and what I love the most.

REALITY ROCKS: Even with Taylor Hicks?

RANDY: Hey, I liked him too! Yes, America got it right. I truly believe every season they get it right.

REALITY ROCKS: So what do you have to say to people who say American Idol has gone downhill and has jumped the shark?

RANDY: Come on. Let me ask you this–are there 30 million people watching any other show, any five nights combined? No. So I don’t think that’s a concern at all. I think this show could go on for another 20 years. It’s the best talent/singing show that there’s ever been. I think people always just wanna hate, don’t they? There’s a lot of haters, man. This is what we always say in the music business: Do you know when you’ve made it? When people hate you.

Well gee whiz, Taylor must be on top of the world then, cuz he's got his share of haters, that's for damn sure.

In any case, I was watching the Top 12 on AI7 tonight and guess what!???! They have a new opening sequence and God Dayum! They put Taylor back in, head and all! Someone must have threatened Nigel that's all I can say. Heh. He's actually in the sequence twice from what I saw. I think Fantasia got the short end of the stick this time, cuz I didn't see much of her. Whatever....

And about the performances - Chekezie was the BOMB! He's been watching Taylor's performances so it seems. Excellent dude! David Cook? Love ya! You make Daughtry look like the loser tool he is in comparison. Kristy Lee Cook? That was, uh, like gag me with a spoon bad OMG! And David Archuleta? CHOKE!!!! Not good. Better contain those nerves and for heaven's sake, don't forget Beatle lyrics! Geeesh, how lame is that!

American Idol 7 A Bore - Bring Taylor Hicks Back!

I'm terribly sorry, but I'm watching this year's crop of wanna-be's on American Idol and so far it's a terrible bore. Yawn!! Let's be honest - it just is. Yea, you've got the first potential teeny-bopper AI winner in your mist with David Archuleta. He's does nothing for me musically, but I KNOW the teen girls will love this young boy. You got the overhyped Michael Johns and the failed recording artist Carly Smithson. Oh boy.

And then there's Amanda Overmyer who is the only slightly interesting person to me just because she's different and I respect people who try to stand apart from the mainstream pop field. I doubt she'll last too long though. Nigel will make sure of that, unfortunately. The rest of the field you can have. They are all totally forgettable.

Perhaps one of you guys can wake me up when somebody this season rips a performance like Season 5 Winner Taylor Hicks did in one of the show's best - the week he grabbed Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" by the throat and delivered like no-one's business. I do believe he actually impressed Simon with this. I know Simon would refuse to admit to this today, but the film doesn't lie.

Let's look at this performance from one of the most talented, if not THE most talented artists ever to come out of that show - someone who knew how to grab an audience by the balls and not let go: