From Stolen Album to Stolen Hearts ... This Idol's In Heaven

From the Philadelphia Daily News

By JONATHAN TAKIFF
Philadelphia Daily News
takiffj@phillynews.com 215-854-5960

WE WERE supposed to be talking about his spotlight role in "Grease" (opening tomorrow at the Academy of Music), or maybe his current album, "The Distance," or maybe his tell-some memoir, "Heart Full of Soul," which recounts the guy's rise from a humble Alabama childhood to the Season Five winner on "American Idol."
But the morning I caught up with Taylor Hicks was a sad one. Michael Jackson had died the night before, and the shock hadn't worn off. First, we had to grieve.

"Of course I was a big fan," Hicks said on the cell phone from Detroit, where "Grease" was in residence and, ironically, where M.J. first got props as a member of the Jackson Five, recording for Motown.

Younger than his prematurely gray eminence suggests, the now 32-year-old Hicks first tuned in to Jackson during the age of "Thriller" - "at the height of his success and popularity. I think I wore a white glove to kindergarten. Yeah, I was a big fan. My generation was right there in the popular demographic, but the thing with Michael is that he didn't just reach us kids, he touched three or four different generations. There's very few that have done that."

Another Idol heard from
Ironically, the "blue-eyed soul"-styled Hicks is another singer who has won an unusually diverse fan base (dubbed the "Soul Patrol"), thanks to the inordinate reach of that TV talent contest which crowned him an idol - with 36.4 million viewers watching.

When I asked Hicks to describe whom he sees cheering when he makes his floating-from-the-clouds entrance as the Teen Angel in "Grease," he described them as "all over the board, people from 8 to 80.

"That's the great thing about a show like 'Idol.' It brings generations together and teaches a younger generation about music that has had an impact, and is why music is what it is today. How many 10-year-old children get to listen and explore the sounds of Tony Bennett in their own home? That's the amazing part of that show. I like to say it's a substitute for the decline of liberal-arts programs across the country. It's a kind of music class. Some of the liberal-arts programs in elementary schools have taken quite a hit in the past 10 years, and 'Idol' luckily has been able to substitute for some of that."

Doing it his (their) way
Maybe the least likely "A.I." candidate to ever win the competition, Hicks' taste in music and performing style skew a lot more towards old Cocker (Joe) or McDonald (Mike), a lot less to Usher or Timberlake (Justin).

At that legendary "A.I." tryout in Las Vegas that he went to on a fluke "after getting a free ticket from an airline for being bounced from a flight out of hurricane-torn New Orleans," Simon Cowell told Taylor that he didn't have a chance. Still, the guy won over Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson with a down-home treatment of "Swanee River Rock" lifted whole from Ray Charles.

The first record Hicks ever owned - OK, stole - from a store, he tells in "Heart Full of Soul," was an Otis Redding album, "Shake."

And even in his high-school years, his heart belonged to vintage (and mostly southern-fried) rhythm-and-blues music. "When everyone else was listening to Blind Melon, I was listening to Solomon Burke." [Actually from Philly, but maybe the first talent to successfully merge soul and country.] "You know, Burke was also the first guy to use the cape and the red rose in his show, and James Brown kind of stole his act, so to speak. Then they'd say of Michael Jackson that the last guy who moved like him was James Brown. Funny how things go 'round like that."

Hicks believes he won on "A.I." by taking control of the situation, playing by his own rules and staying grounded. "I'd spent so many years trying to make it, that I like to think I had the focus, once the big movement started happening. My life experience" - which included years of roadhouse singing in Alabama, two indie albums and an erstwhile recording project in Nashville under the guidance of another soul legend, Percy Sledge - "gave me a boost up. I used the harmonica to my advantage on the show, even when told it might get me disqualified." (The next year, 'A.I.' candidates were officially allowed to play instruments on stage.)

And Hicks had "another pioneering thought" that he put into play. "I was the first to write the endings of my songs. They gave me two minutes to 'play that funky music,' and I made sure my endings were powerful and signature enough to move me along in the competition."

Grease is the word
This whole alliance with "Grease" is another offbeat move that has left some scratching their heads, but which Hicks sees as a smart career strategy.

Cut loose under "mutual agreement" from 19/Arista Records after his cheesily produced debut album, "Taylor Hicks," sold only a million copies - the lowest sales figure to date for a winning Idol - Hicks went off and made a clearly superior album for his own Modern Whomp Records label. "The Distance" takes a more organic, gritty approach (no generic backing singers, no syrupy strings) with thoughtful, soul-pop and country-style songs (9 authored/co-authored by Hicks) and excellent backing by the same guys who tour and record with Eric Clapton (among other notables.)

But without the big-bucks tour support that he might have gotten from a major label, going out and promoting this project across the nation seemed daunting.

Enter "Grease" - that much-loved, cartoon-ish musical homage to the early days of rock and roll, hot rods, teen hoodlums and high school romance which was back on Broadway last year in a new production featuring winners of a TV talent contest (!!!) called "Grease: You're the Won That I Want."

Hicks joined the show in New York last spring for what was supposed to be a three-month special guest appearance, cast as the "Teen Angel" (played in the movie by aging Philly pop idol Frankie Avalon). You know the part - the handsome charmer who urges the "Beauty School Dropout" to go back to high school. Hicks got to do the number his way, adding some wailing, bluesy harmonica work. The creative team also popped him into the "Megamix" at the show's end, wherein he reprises the title song - one of four hits from the 1978 movie version added to this stage production.

Clearly, Hicks' self proclaimed "babysteps . . . walk before you run" participation in the Broadway musical constituted just a "cameo." But his name recognition and presence spelled "star power" for the production - translating into an extra $150,000 a week in ticket sales, reported the New York Post.

Then, at year's end, Hicks got an offer he couldn't refuse to join the national touring production. Therein, he'd also get to plug/perform a single from his soon-coming-out album as another encore treat. The deal sounded so good, he signed up to travel with the show until June, 2010.

"This is a wonderful way to be able to let fans new and old see me in a part and also see me as an artist," Hicks explained. "Nowadays, you have to be creative in the way you get your music and voice heard. The way the road tour is structured, it's a really cool way to exercise that concept. It's very rare that an artist, an entertainer, gets to go into a city to perform and stay in that particular market for multiple days or weeks, to work a Broadway show and work a record."

In some cities - though not this one - Hicks flies in his touring band and does a late night showcase at a club. Here, he'll surely be popping up on local TV and radio shows to plug stuff. And Soul Patrolers will find him out in the lobby after every performance "to sign merchandise and CDs and shoot the breeze" just like the down-to-earth "idol" he is. *

"Grease" plays at the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, tomorrow through July 19. Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 p.m., matinees Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., $25-$100, 215-731-3333, www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway.

Taylor Hicks Brings the American Idol House Down Once Again!

Taylor Hicks seized the moment and conquered the American Idol stage yet again - 3 years after he was crowned Season 5 Winner. He performed flawlessly - blowing some harp and earning a standing ovation from all 4 judges - yes, included Simon Cowell - I know, I was floored too! And as far as I can remember, the judges have NEVER given a returning Idol a standing ovation before tonight. Kudos, Taylor for getting them on their feet for you! He looked so stunning in a black sleeveless vest, form fitting jeans, and boots. Simon cames in his underwear. Nice, Simon. Taylor outshined all the other guests with his charisma, his stunning voice and his mere presence. Yes, he IS a STAR in every possible sense of the word. Enjoy the performance, fellow fans, and check out the pictures!

The SoulMan, Taylor Hicks, Hits The American Idol Stage Tonight!

Taylor Hicks comes home tonight to the stage that he completely dominated 3 years ago. Yes, the American Idol Season 5 winner takes the stage to sing his brand new single, the brilliant Seven Mile Breakdown, which will be released to country radio on May 5. It's one of the best songs on Taylor's newly released CD, The Distance. If you haven't picked up a copy yet, run and do so!

Things to watch out for tonight:

1. Taylor reminding America why they loved him and why he won in May of '06.
2. Taylor rumbling the studio, setting off a minor earthquake in Los Angeles.
3. Seeing Kara and Paula melting in their seats from his model-esque good looks.
4. Making sure that people realize Danny Gokey is no match and there is no comparison to Taylor. There is one and only one Taylor Hicks.

and last, but not least:

5. Simon looking pained and irritated as he watches Taylor show him what a real *star" looks like - not the pseudo stars that he manufactured, i.e., Leona Lewis, Daughtry and El Divo (who are they, anyway?)

It's payback time to all the naysayers, haters, chrolls and trolls that have infested the landscape these past 3 years. Blow it out your ass! Yes, it's time. Tear that 'ol place down, Mr. Hicks, and show those amateurs how a pro does it!

Seven Mile Breakdown at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles

Taylor Hicks - Out On The Town in New York!

More backstage video from the River Front Restaurant!

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.

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."

Randy Jackson's Compilation CD Bombing On The Charts!

Before I get to the Randy Jackson sales update, I'm gunna whine a bit about my intense dislike concerning the ongoing ignorant, nasty and hateful bloggers in cyberspace who think it's cool to piss on Taylor for no reason other than to attract hits on their page. Who ARE these people, anyway? Daughtry fans who are so vile they can't move on? Mcphee fans who just aren't smart enough to know any better? Simon Cowell's relatives? Nigel's cronies? It gets under my fucking skin like it's nobody's business. It's like a natural defense of mine to stand up for the people who I feel are getting the shit for no reason.

The latest incident comes at the Roanoke Times from a blogger named Wendy, who made Taylor's fans incite to riot with her snides remarks.

On March 26 she wrote:
Example: Telling Michael Johns he needs to show them something a little different. But, when David Cook shows them his usual self, they praise him. On this particular matter, my thought is that Daughtry's fame surprised them. And they know David Cook will be the next Daughtry. So they want to make sure they sign David Cook since they missed the boat on Chris Daughtry, who placed fourth on "Idol" in 2006. He lost out to Taylor Hicks of all people. Yeah, I know, Taylor who?

and

As for a comment made about Taylor and the record label "mutually" ending their relationship, maybe so. But isn't that generally what the dumpees say?

and on March 27th she had the balls to say:

A quick shout-out to commenter Tanja. Thanks for showing the THicks (I dare not write his name!) fans another side.

"Being nasty, calling names, and throwing out bizarre accusations doesn't do much to help Taylor Hicks's career."

Us? Throwing bizarre accusations? ROTFLMAO!!! So funny I can hardly contain myself. Uh, Wendy, dear.... what's the old saying? People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones? The anonymity of the Internet makes normally sane people act absolutely irrational sometimes - but I'm going to call them out at every opportunity when I see injustice done. Hrmph!

Okay now that I got that off my chest, here's an update on Randy Jackson's compilation CD - you remember, the one released a few weeks ago that was bombing on the sales chart? Here's the second week tallies courtesy of Ken of USA Today. "...Randy's compilation had made its debut at No. 50 the previous week with 13,000 units sold; this week it drops to No. 134 on the Billboard top 200 album chart, selling almost exactly half the first-week figure, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Total for two weeks is in the mid-19,000s....". I would even suspect that some of those 19,000 folks who did buy it returned it after they heard McPhee screech on her track. And wasn't it Randy who said something to the effect of people not buying Cd's if they stunk? Well!!!!!!!!!!!!! *Splort*!

I wonder if Universal will 'dump' Randy for low sales? Bwawawawawa!

Randy Jackson's CD Compilation a FLOP! Don't laugh now....

Okay, just kidding... g'head and laugh it up! Bwawawawawawa! The Randy Jackson's Music Club Vol. 1 CD debuts at a disappointing #50 on Billboard and sells an embarrassingly low 13,000 copies (Mr. Hick's debut sold 298,000 in the US just for comparison - heh!). All in unison now - can we all say FLOP? Serves him and Paula right for being so smug about sneaking that hideous video they made back on Idol a few weeks ago. It also serves him right for making "excuses" for people like Taylor for "just" selling 701,000 copies. I betcha that looks m-i-g-h-t-y fine to Randy right about now, eh? I think it's safe to assume there won't be a Volume 2 (snicker). Splort! (that's kool-aid coming out of my nose from laughter).

What goes around comes around. He should know that by now - being an important tool 'in the biz'. Next time you make up reasons why CDs don't sell as expected, Randy, let me remind you of your own failure with this one. This is what you get for using "C" idol rejects like Katharine Mcphee and Elliott Yamin to record a horribly bland and generic piece of pop crap to sell your poorly produced CD - and then use your push to get her on Idol last week as a not so subtle way of bringing her back in America's consciousness. DUDE! It didn't work. She still only sold 500 copies of her Bumble Bee cover CD last week.

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!

More Pig Manure from Randy Jackson on the state of American Idol

In the NY Post today:

"Randy Jackson doesn't mince any words when it comes to former "American Idol" contestants whose albums have tanked following their initial success on the show. "Once you graduate high school you can't blame the high school," Jackson tells AOL Television. "The truth really is [that] it's up to them to make amazing records. If they don't make amazing records... you know, the business kinda catches up with them. "

Sure Randy. So you're saying that everyone coming out of American Idol has total control over their first (or second or third) album release, eh? They are never at the mercy of Clive/J/Arista/RCA, eh? The BMG conglomerate insist that even experienced musicians change up their music to force-fit their sound into Top 40 pablum (whether that's YOUR genre or not).

When sales don't sell a million within a week of release, Clive then refuses to promote it, refuses payola to the radio stations to play it 110x a day, and publically denounces you on your state of the American Idol vomit speech you insist on doing every year - a speech crafted to show America what a great music mogal you are.

So then Randy then tells us today in this article that we shouldn't 'blame' American Idol cuz it's winner/co-winners don't put out good albums. Bullshit, Randy. Shame on you and the rest of your croonies for picking who to promote and who NOT too.

These brain-washing lies are just getting too transparent for me. I need a shower.