Simon Cowell Gives AI Contestant, Matt Giraud High Praise!

I couldn't believe my eyes and ears when Simon gave Season 8 contestant Matt Giraud the highest praise possible last night when he was compared to Season Five Winner Taylor Hicks! Wow! Imagine that! Taylor's worst critic finally seeing the talent it took to win the show 3 years ago. After all, Taylor outlasted and kicked to the curb the following people from AI5 - Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, Chris Dewtry, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Katharine Mcphee, Ace Young, and Mandisa. Quite a group of singers that fell victim to the dynamics of Taylor Hicks! And didn't Season 5 garner the highest ratings in the 8 year history of the show so far? And wasn't the Season 5 tour the biggest grossing AI tour EVER?

If Matt becomes half the singer, performer & drop dead hunk of gorgeous man that Taylor is, then he should breeze into the winner's circle with ease come May.

Glad you finally see the light, Simon Cowell, and I hope Matt kicks ass this season.

The Making of a Timeless Record, According to Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks gave a few more minor details about his forthcoming album in this new interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. A good read if you can get beyond the unnecessary crap in the first sentence. Some things never change I guess...

"...Winning "American Idol" doesn't guarantee a successful recording career. Taylor Hicks, the 2006 champ, can't match the CD sales of Chris Daughtry or Kellie Pickler, whom TV viewers rejected that season. But the "Idol" title does open doors, and Hicks is proving to be a careerist.

After parting company with J Records, he took the role of Teen Angel in "Grease" on Broadway in June. This month, he began a six-month road tour with the show that will bring him to the Twin Cities next weekend. During the tour, he will play an occasional club to promote his forthcoming album, "The Distance," due in March on his own label, Modern Whomp. He is previewing his new, untitled single during "Grease" as sort of a curtain-call encore.

Q Why are you performing only the last three days of the Minneapolis engagement?

A I'm gearing up for my new record. I previously booked [some gigs] and the mixing of the record.

Q How have you Taylor-made the part of Teen Angel?

A I took the song and made it fit my style more, with the arranging of some horn parts and also adding harmonica. The costume has a Taylor flair to it, to say the least.

Q What does your famous hair look like in "Grease"?

A Let's just say it's definitely a 1950s look.

Q Tell me about your new album.

A I'm really excited about it. There are some really great story songs on the record. I co-wrote most of the material. Doyle Bramhall plays guitar, Nathan East plays bass, Abe Laboriel Jr. plays drums. My producer is Simon Climie; he's done a lot of Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale records. I wanted somebody who could help me create a timeless record. The album is a great representation of who I am as an artist right now, and that's all I can ask for.

Q Do you keep up with our "Idol" homegirl Paris Bennett?

A I do. I think the world of her. I think she's a wonderful singer. She has a natural ability to perform and sing. I hope I get to see her when I come there.

Q Are you happy with your career path?

A I couldn't be happier. For me, this is a marathon, not a sprint. The longevity aspect to me is the most important. Doing Broadway theater and looking at movie roles and writing music and putting out CDs -- you have to be well-rounded if you want longevity in a career..."