Taylor Hicks Offers FREE DOWNLOAD from Workplay Theater!

In appreciation for his fan support during the last year, Taylor has offered a free, high-quality recording of his magnificent show at Birmingham's Workplay Theater, recorded on November 26, 2009! Download here. He writes:

"....It's been a non-stop 2009, and now it's time to take a minute, reflect over the past year, and enjoy time with your families. As a special "thank you" for all of your support, I've decided to provide you with an exclusive, free mp3 download of my show at Workplay Theatre (Birmingham, AL), which was recorded on Saturday, September 26th, 2009. Again - thank you for all that you do to support, share, and be part of my career. Have a blessed holiday, and think positive for 2010...."

Taylor Hicks and Other Idols Winners and Contestants Celebrate Opening of AI Exhibit in Orlando

Taylor Hicks joined 6 other American Idol winners Thursday, February 12 to help celebrate the grand opening of the new "American Idol Experience" exhibit at Disney World in Orlando, Fl. This was the first time all 7 winners graced a stage together, and didn't Taylor look so dapper? So handsome? So classy? So... so... uh, well you get the picture! Oh yea, can you believe he and Simon Fuller had their picture taken together? Ah, to be a fly on the wall... And you'll notice one bald ugly guy (Daughtry, cough, belch) had the good sense to stay away - why ruin a perfectly good day, right? Anyway, below are some pictures from the event (click to enlarge)!

Taylor Hicks Resurfaces With 2nd Post American Idol Album

It's interesting that this Billboard article (and geesh, could they please get a new picture?) mention only 11 tracks on Taylor's new album "The Distance". I suspect 3 songs (Yes We Can, Hide Nor Hair, Indiscriminate Act of Kindness) are 'extras' for ITunes or exclusives for certain outlet stores. Anyway, here it is:

"...Former "American Idol" champ Taylor Hicks returns March 10 with a new album, "The Distance," the follow-up to his lone major-label release.

The album is preceded Jan. 27 by the digital single "What's Right Is Right" and will be released on Hicks' own Modern Whomp Records, with distribution from independent artist services company Artist to Market.

Hicks enlisted Eric Clapton producer Simon Climie for "The Distance," and longtime Clapton collaborators Doyle Bramhall II and Nathan East play on the album. Paul McCartney drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. mans the kit.

Hicks left J following his 2006 self-titled debut for the label, which sold 703,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Here is the track list for "The Distance":

"Wedding Day Blues,"
"Seven Mile Breakdown,"
"What's Right Is Right"
"Woman's Gotta Have It"
"New Found Freedom"
"The Distance"
"Nineteen"
"I Live on a Battlefield"
"Maybe You Should"
"Once Upon a Lover of Mine"
"Keepin' It Real"

Taylor Hicks New Album "The Distance" On Sale NOW!!!

Yes, folks, the time we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! It's been a bit over 2 years since his Gold and Platinum Certified post American Idol album, Taylor Hicks, arrived on the scene, and we now roll in the era of the newly independent, AI-free Taylor Hicks. The album entitled "The Distance" is being released on his own label, Modern Whomp Records, and is being produced by powerhouse producer, Simon Climie, who's worked with musical greats such as Eric Clapton, BB King and Michael McDonald. "The Distance" will be available on March 10, but you can now pre-order it below. The track list is as follows -"Wedding Day Blues," "Seven Mile Breakdown," "What's Right is Right," "Hide Nor Hair," "Woman Gotta Have It," "New Found Freedom," "The Distance," "Nineteen," "I Live on a Battlefield," "Yes We Can," "Maybe You Should," "Once Upon a Lover of Mine," "Keepin It Real" and "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness."

Today truly IS the dawning of a new era! Run and get your copy today!

The new single, What's Right is Right will be available for purchase on ITunes and Amazon a week from today - January 27th, 2009.

Taylor Hicks - New Single Due in Early January 2009!

You remember than old saying, "if you want something done right, do it yourself"? Well, such was the case here, when I had the idea of asking a direct question to A2M about the release date for Taylor's new single, since the frustration level on some of the message boards was palpable. Well, being a rather meek chicken, I got my buddy Chrissie on the Boogie Board to write a letter and ask! Thanks chicka! Well, let me say that A2M is a first rate organization, at least in customer service, because she got an answer within 48 hours. Imagine, a record association that actually cares enough to answer fan questions!

Looks like A2M is going to give Taylor the individualized attention he needs for his new album. Yea for the good guys!

Anyway, their fabulous answer follows! The part that gets me excited is that the record is going to be 100% Taylor's own vision. Awe, man, it's like throwing red meat to the sharks, because I can't wait to hear what he's come up with! And as a bonus, the letter says we will be able to download the new song electronically after the first of the year! Imagine, releasing a single before the album comes out! Somebody alert JRecords that this is how he should have been treated 2 1/2 years ago. For those who forgot, his first single for JRecords, "Just To Feel That Way" wasn't released until 4 freaking months after the CD was out. Can you believe that bullshit? Geesh!

The Response:
My apologies for the delayed response, as I've been traveling on business this week. Thanks very much for your email and continued support of Taylor. It's great to see this level of interest in him. As more information becomes available, and as the recording process continues, we will be able to release it accordingly. I can tell you it's going to be a very special record, one that is 100% Taylor's vision. Look for more info very shortly, and you can anticipate the first single being available digitally in early January, with a tentative album release date of February 10th.

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

Season 5 American Idol Tour Stills Reigns As Most Profitable

There cannot be any doubt left that the headliner for the 2006 Idol Tour, winner Taylor Hicks, had a major part in the most profitable and most successful tour thus far in all seven seasons of that cheesy show. This is no coincidence, my friends - just look how the gross receipts for Grease soared during this summer when Taylor starred in the production.

According to USA Today, "the 2008 American Idol tour, headlined by David Cook, was a substantially greater success than last year's, but failed to match the star-studded, Taylor Hicks-led 2006 edition. This summer's tour pulled in $29.3 million, according to Billboard Boxscore, compared with 2007's $20.9 million and 2006’s $35.2 million. Seats were filled at an 85.4% average rate; in 2007 that figure sagged to 68.4% after the 2006 tour ran at 96.1% capacity."

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

Who Needs a Tony When You Got Taylor Hicks!

And the good press just keeps on rolling....

“Grease” is getting more than a second wind on Broadway. The satisfying revival of the popular musical just got two new leads in the production, Ashley Spencer and Derek Keeling, both came from the television casting show “You’re The One That I Want” but were runners-up. Even better for the show is that the New York Post’s Michael Riedel (who else?) reports that the arrival of Taylor Hicks on Broadway has been a huge bonus at the box-office, Riedel’s source estimates he’s worth at least an additional $150,000 a week in ticket sales..."

-Broadway Magazine, Broadway.tv

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 - Curtain Call for Grease #2! Awesome!

More great media from Skeeter! Thank you girl! This is awesome footage!

Taylor in the Curtain Call - Grease - 6-10-08


Taylor in the wind/rain storm right after the show before his 2 security guys whisked him off!


Stay tuned for more goodies!

Taylor Hicks Talks to the Press-Telegram - `Taylorizes' Teen Angel Role

So much GREAT press lately for Taylor!! What a fantastic way to ease his name back into the public consciousness before his brand new album drops in the Fall. Here's an interview he gave the Press Telegram out of Long Beach, CA about his role in Grease, AI and appearing on the Capitol Fourth special on PBS.

After winning "American Idol" a couple years back, Taylor Hicks didn't go on to sell nearly as many records as fellow "Idol" champs Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

But the silver-haired singer from Birmingham, Ala., remains upbeat and is following in the footsteps of Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") by making his Broadway debut in "Grease."

Taylor called from Manhattan on Monday afternoon to talk about his latest gig, which kicked off last Friday.

"It's definitely country come to town," he said of his presence in the Big Apple. "The traffic, all the people and the fast pace that New York is an adjustment. But I love it and I'm starting to become more comfortable with my role in the show."

The role is that of Teen Angel, played by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 movie version, and Taylor gets a nice, big solo in the production.

"The music is classic and the part is a perfect fit," he said. "I couldn't turn down the opportunity to perform on Broadway for the first time."

But don't expect an imitation of Avalon or anyone else. Like everything else he does, the 31-year-old performer said his number has been "Taylorized."

"The great thing about this role is I was able to be Taylor at the same time as Teen Angel," he said. "It allows me to get my feet wet a little bit before I really dive into acting."

He will be living in New York until at least Sept. 6, when his run in the show is due to end. But he will be multitasking all summer: writing songs for a new album planned for later this year and an appearance on "A Capitol Fourth," which airs live on July 4 (on PBS).
Taylor will join such stars as Huey Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol and he will be performing "This Land is Your Land" as well as songs "Dancing in the Dark" and "Heaven Knows."

"The numbers will be Taylorized," he promised. "You just gotta put as much soul as you can into it."

So what did he think of this season's "Idol" competition and the champion, David Cook?

"I think he's got a great shot to be successful in the pop-rock genre," he said. "He's an accomplished instrumentalist and it was nice to see that on the show this year. I wasn't allowed to play harmonica or guitar."

Taylor's self-titled first album after winning "Idol" reached platinum status but was still considered a disappointment and he parted ways with his record company earlier this year.

I wondered if he felt more pressure to succeed as a former "Idol" champ?

"What's the measuring stick for an `Idol' winner? Is it sales? Everyone has their own opinion," he said. "I'm not worried about it at all. I'm just excited to be an entertainer.

"It is a wild ride (winning `Idol') and it still is. You have to just understand that you've been working as an entertainer for years and want to keep working and you have to re-invent yourself. Some of these things that I'm doing now, it's going to allow me to do that."

Whatever the sales of the upcoming album, Taylor is confident the effort will be better music than his first.

"This time around, I've just had the time to be able to write music," he said. "You're really under the gun to create an album in a short period of time post-`Idol.' With this next album, I'm going to be able to breathe."

Taylor Hicks - "Broadway World" Coverage of Opening Night!

"American Idol" Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of GREASE in the role of "Teen Angel" on Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

GREASE™ opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) on Sunday, August 19, 2007 following preview performances which began on Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASE™ features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information on the show and ticket availability, please visit our website, www.greaseonbroadway.com



Source: Broadway World
Photos: Walter McBride/ Retna Ltd.

More photos at the above link.

Taylor Hicks Leaves His Handprint at Planet Hollywood

"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks stopped by the Times Square Planet Hollywood May 6 for a Handprint Ceremony to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease.

Hicks, who began performances as Teen Angel on June 6, left his handprint and signature in concrete for display in the popular theme restaurant. Following the ceremony, he posed for photos with fellow Grease co-stars Laura Osnes and Max Crumm and greeted a crowd of his fans, known as the Soul Patrol.

Also in attendance were members of the Grease production team, including director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall and costume designer Martin Pakledinaz.

Hicks is scheduled to stay with the show at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre through September 7.

Source: PLAYBILL

More pictures at the Source link!

Taylor Hicks Talks With Ok! Magazine

If anybody knows how hard it can be to turn an American Idol win into a hot music career, it's Taylor Hicks.

So the season six champ speaks with some authority when he says that this year's winner, David Cook, could be a huge star.

"I think he has a great shot [at success]," Hicks, 31, told OK! at a ceremony at Planet Hollywood where he made hand-print in concrete to commemorate his Broadway debut in Grease.

Taylor, from Birmingham, Alabama, says that by sticking with his grungy, indie rock sound throughout the contest, the 25-year-old has set him up well for life after Idol.

"The rock genre he's in is really... radio loves rock," he said. "I think it's going to work wonders for him. He's carved himself a little niche for his own identity, and I think he's going to do well."

Taylor, who has released one album since his Idol victory, just made his first ever Broadway appearance on Friday as the Teen Angel, played in the movie by crooner Frankie Valli.

The soul singer says he has felt "nervous, and overwhelmed" by his theatrical debut and thinks that treading the boards is even scarier than performing in front on nearly 30 million viewers on American Idol.

"Idol was nerve-wracking, but getting into a particular role was even a little bit more nerve-wracking," he said.

"It's just, the whole idea of playing a part as a character," but, he added, "I'm really excited to see what the next three or four months unfolds."

Source - OK! Magazine

Bonus! Here's a video from 4Tay as he signed autographs outside the theater! I hear it was over 100 degrees in NYC! Taylor brings the HOTNESS in more ways than one, eh?


Taylor Hicks after Grease 6/8/08 from 4Tay on Vimeo.

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!