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...."

American Idol Rewind Season 5! Another Chance to Watch Daughtry Voted Off Again! Wooo!

The new season of American Idol Rewind is fast approaching! It will start showing in syndication next Saturday, Sept. 26. Check your local listing for exact date and time in your area. This is a chance for America to see again why Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks bulldozed over the competition and show what a truly talented performer and singer he is.

At this time of retrospect, I must say that AI contestant, 4th place loser, the biggest smug slug I've ever seen, Daughtry, is the biggest tool in the music industry today. And being that, his second piece of crap album is flopping hard. A total waste of good plastic in my opinion. I guess sounding like and imitating Nickleback just goes so far until people start waking up and see the mediocre talent he truly is.

I can't wait until the week he gets thrown off the show so I can laugh hysterically and jump up and down all over again at his departure - paving the way for the rightful winner to get the crown. Taylor Hicks won that season and rightfully so. He's the best blues & soul singer ever to grace that show's stage.

This clip is the best AI moment EVAH!


American Idol Rewind is back, and this year the top rated syndicated series will rewind to what has been called one of the most extraordinary years in American Idol history – Season 5. Premiering Saturday, September 26th in syndicated markets nationwide, the new season of American Idol Rewind will give Idol fans the chance to relive the rise of a rock star, the beginning of the “Soul Patrol” and the birth of “McPheever” through exclusive 2009 Top 12 contestant interviews, season highlights, and never-before-seen footage from the world’s most popular television show.

Taylor Hicks - Passion and Sincerity Sprinkle New Album!

Taylor received one of the best albums reviews to date by Artist Direct . Feel free to re-post this recap because it hits the nail directly on the head as to the beauty and artistry of "The Distance". If you haven't bought a copy yet, or two, or three (different bonus tracks on the Target, Walmart and ITunes exclusives) , run, don't walk, and pick it up!

Album Reviews: The Distance by Taylor Hicks

Refusing to commit to a location is Taylor Hicks' M.O. on The Distance. The salt-and-pepper haired winner of American Idol, Season Five, has parted ways with J and Arista, the labels that handle the recording contracts of theIdols, but that hasn't razzled, shaken or knocked Hicks off his game. The husky crooner dabbles in pop, blues, country, soul, gospel, Latin and classic rock throughout the whole of The Distance. He's even a balladeer commenting on the Iraq War on the album. By avoiding the trappings of "genre-fication," Hicks is able to be everything to everyone and that's the cultural touchstone upon which American Idol is able to succeed.

Thankfully, Hicks' smoky voice is the reason he avoids being another chunk of manufactured grist for the Idol mill. There's a passion and a sincerity that laces his vocals and while some of the songs are standard, verse-chorus-verse numbers, replete with hearty, back up female vocals to support Hicks' ultra-manly vox, the album never comes across as overly cooked or processed. Hicks' is a bit too real for that and whether that's his saving grace or his downfall remains to be seen, a decision that will be handed down by his public.

The Distance opens with a heartfelt title track that could be about a lover or family members while "Nineteen" ponders the plight of military servicemen. "New Found Freedom" is a positive, life-affirming anthem that basks in the glow of, well, life in general, while “Once Upon a Lover” is infused with Latin, semi-tropical percussion and guitars. Fellow Idol Elliot Yamin pops up on album closer, the funked out duet "Woman's Got to Have It," while "What's Right is Right" resonates with a bit of pop-country twang. The dapper Hicks has the pipes and the ability to plant roots across multiple genres. He's a jack of all trades and actually masters the sounds of the styles he is working in. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

— Amy Sciarretto
03.19.09

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

This is it folks! The day we've all been so anxiously waiting for has finally arrived. Taylor's official musical independence day. "The Distance" is being released on his newly minted own label, Modern Whomp Records with the total creative freedom he has fought for so diligently over the years! We win, Clive! We win Simon! We win American Idol!

Taylor, you have put together a magnificent album, starting with the inspiring title track to the smooth soul sound of What's Right Is Right to the gospel leanings of New Found Freedom to the salsa flavor of Once Upon a Lover to the poignant, beautiful lyrics of Maybe You Should to the 70's soul sound of Woman's Gotta Have It with Elliott Yamin.

I'm proud of Taylor for sticking to his guns, being true to his musical roots and not caving in to the mainstream pressures of a very competitive business. Keep on keeping on, Taylor! We're so proud of you! This album is a keeper and will be spinning on my IPod and in my car for months and years to come!

Order "The Distance" Here

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.

Taylor Hicks comments on his new album, "The Distance"

Taylor Hicks offered a few comments on each track of his new CD, "The Distance". Make sure you pick up a copy next Tuesday, March 10 where ever CDs are sold!

"The Distance": "It's kind of like my version of `Born in the U.S.A. I think the message is clear; the distance between us and the world is closer than we think."

"What's Right Is Right": "Soul Song 101. The saxophone subtone in the solo is kind of like a little music lesson. You can really hear the instrument breathe. In the video for the song, I wanted to get across my idea of what true love is, when you know it's real. What happens to one person happens with another."

"New Found Freedom": "It's my take on a gospel number. I have strong gospel influences, so we worked that over and decided to bring in a gospel choir."

"Nineteen": "It's American and honest, the story of a war hero. Our war heroes sometimes happen to be 19 years old. I felt it was relevant right now."

"Once Upon a Lover": "I had been trying my hand at Latin music a bit, quietly to myself. I decided to go that way with this song, because the title is so strong and the idea behind the story is so strong. We have (bassist) Abe Laboriel Sr. and (drummer) Abe Laboriel Jr. playing on it. These are legendary Latin musicians, a father-and-son duo. I think that makes it pretty authentic."

"Seven Mile Breakdown": "Traveling to the west side of Mississippi in a conversion van with no air-conditioning in the middle of summer. That was the inspiration, and I have first-hand experience. Doyle (Bramhall II) plays a great slide guitar part in it."

"Maybe You Should": "I wrote that with Mike Reid, who's famous for `I Can't Make You Love Me' with Bonnie Raitt. It's one of those songs where we got chill bumps. It could end up being a career song for me."

"Keepin' it Real": "That's my tongue-in-cheek reference to pop culture. I got my ideas for it when I went to a local magazine stand."

"I Live on a Battlefield": "I see this as the traditional blues song on the record. It's got great lyrics and a great story. I thought that I would love to be able to tell that story in my own way."

"Wedding Day Blues": "That one's from Alan Little of Huntsville. Some of us might have had that experience - well, scratch that, it's just a great story. I think it could be a movie someday."

"Woman's Gotta Have It" (with Elliott Yamin): "I fell in love with Bobby Womack and that particular song. To a certain degree, there's a call-and-response on the original version, and I think both Elliott and I have a natural, soulful sound to our voices. There's no better pure vibrato sound than Elliott Yamin's way." Mary Colurso --

Source

Review - The New Taylor Hicks Album, "The Distance"

It’s almost here folks! On March 10, the new indie album from Taylor Hicks drops! The post American Idol album – the rock, country, gospel, folkie, soul and R&B album we are so highly anticipating! Yes, you get all those Taylor’s in one comfy album right here! AOL leaked the album on Tuesday and we boy did we get a preview, er, we actually got the entire album! Whoa! Check it out here!

This is one MAJOR departure from the “Idol” album on JRecords. It doesn’t really sound anything like it. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed that first album, I though it had some great tunes on it. This new album, however, is pure, untouched, unfeathered Taylor Hicks with about as many genres and styles as one can muster on one album. A real treasure in this day and age of one sound, one genre albums. If you’re looking for that, well, this is not the album for you, but if you love a mixture of songs styles with an emphasis on songwriting, then this will definitely ruffle your skirt. I can say with complete conviction, that if Taylor had stayed with the major label, this album would never have gotten made – and I mean that in the most positive way possible. Going indie is the key to Taylor Hicks’ freedom as a performer, singer and songwriter. Below are the 11 songs that appear on the basic album with 3 extra tracks appearing on various exclusive versions from Walmart, Target and another spot I’m not yet aware of. Here are my thoughts on the tracks. I’d love to get your impressions as well! And don't forget, March 10th. Write that date down to head to your local retailer and add this gem to your CD collection! Pre-Order the album here!

The Distance: Great uplifting anthem to start off the album with a punch. A self penned tune, quite a departure from his past writing style! I was really trying to figure out the influences on this song and came up with a cross between Billy Joel and John Denver. I love the sentiment of song – an attempt to bridge the barriers in the world – especially relevant today. A powerfully delivered tune. A-

What’s Right Is Right: Absolutely the best choice as the first single from the album. A terrific vocal along with the bluesy, sensual sax and the smooth jazz sounds of the organ makes this an instant winner and tailored made for the Adult Contemporary market. The lyrics aren’t going to pierce any new musical barriers, but it goes down like a familiar warm cup of hot chocolate and is very listenable on repeated plays. A

New Found Freedom: This must be the gospel sound we’ve heard Taylor talk about when he describes the various genres on the album. Like The Distance, it sounds like a guy whose sense of self is crystal clear – a guy who has the world at his disposal – a real sense of freedom from the struggling path that has gotten him to this point in life. A very uplifting song that I could easily hear on one of the Christian stations. Again, another 180 degree departure for Taylor). B

Nineteen: Oh yea. I really love this song. I love this song for its simplicity. Songs with a socially relevant message and ones which can incorporate that message with a story line just captivate me - and this one delivers in spades. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to find out the song was inspired by Pat Tillman, the ex football star that was killed in Iraq. Probably the meaningful, most political song on the album. Definitely a great candidate for a single marketed to country radio. B+

Once Upon a Lover: Whoa! Some very cool scratchy style old vinyl effects to start the song off! You know, we just do not hear songs like this very often anymore. A creative and interesting touch I must say. Leave it to Mr. Hicks to find that idea like this and stick it in there (and if this was Mr. Climie’s idea, kudos to you, sir). A very well constructed song with a great vocal that completely left me swinging and swaying to the beat. There’s no question that Taylor’s earlier song on the new Early Works album, Hold Onto Your Love, was written in the same calypso mode. This one is a grown up version of that. B+

Seven Mile Breakdown: Hell ya! This is the song for those looking for the kick-ass bar band Taylor! This is just plain great! Written by his good friend Wynn Christian, it’s a song he’s been singing forever, so it seems. The driving drum beat keeps the song moving forward. Definitely has the potential to be the best song for a live performance – in fact, he did a wonderful job capturing that “live concert” sound in this studio recording. Not an easy task. One of my top 5 songs on the album. A+

Maybe You Should: This is the song for those looking for the singer/songwriter, the acoustic, tender, and emotional man. I’ll admit, the first few listens had me reaching for the extra strength Kleenex. What a raw song for Taylor – a very personal lyric, no doubt. This ditty has overtaken “The Fall” as my favorite song of all time from him. Beautiful lyrics – check! Beautiful melody – check! Beautiful arrangement – check! Yes, everything about this song hits home with me. A++

Keepin’ It Real: Ha!!!!! You go Taylor! I’m a sucker for a song that injects a bit of truth in a seemingly light, cutsey song. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and OJ…. We have your number. Oh yea…. I don’t know why I love this song so much. I just love lyrics, “she’s got the Paparazzi behind her Maserati...” and any song where I can hear Taylor say the word “Bootie” can’t be all bad. ;) Yes indeed….. B+

I Live On a Battlefield: Another top 5 song for me, written by Nick Lowe. Vocally, it fits right into his pocket – as well as style-wise. A bit of arrangement departure from the original, but it just grips you with a tight arrangement, not to mention that it is delivered masterfully. This song reminds me of the old folky songs from the early 60s with phrases such as “muddy waters”. A definite throwback here. A-

Wedding Day Blues: Okay, I knew this was coming, but I just don’t feel this song. The words are cute – reminds me of the storyline in the movie “The Graduate” – a twisty turn, ironical lyric but the melody and the construction of the song isn’t sinking in with me. I’ll definitely put this one in the novelty song column. I’ve give Taylor two points for this - one, it sure isn’t something you’ll see matched on your local radio station and two, he's got a great sense of humor! ;) Dare devil Taylor all the way! C+

Woman’s Gotta Have It: Without a doubt, this song is my favorite cut on the album. Taylor and guest vocalist and American Idol Season 5 finalist, Elliott Yamin, both shine on this wonderful old 1972 soul classic from the great Bobby Womack. It peaked at #1 on the R&B charts back then. It just goes to prove that a great song is a great song, no matter how many years later it gets performed. That gut wrenching growl in the middle of the song – true to form as Womack did it on his own original. I adore that Taylor kept in the opening, speaking part of the original as well. This is a technique that was very common during the Motown days of the 60s and 70s and has been a lost art for decades. Their vocal blend and the back and forth banter that closes the song is just plain wonderful to hear from these two great soul stylists. It’s a good ‘ol joyous song and one that will get many repeats on my IPod. A+++

Elliott Yamin Sings Backup on Taylor Hicks' New Album

Interesting news! According to USA Today blogger, Brian Mansfield, fellow American Idol Season 5 contestant, Elliott Yamin, has contributed background vocals to Bobby Womack's classic soul song "Woman's Got To Have It", a cut from Taylor Hicks' forthcoming album, The Distance, which drops on March 10, 2009! I think their voices will blend really nicely and it's one of the 14 cuts I'm most anxious to hear from the new album! It's not the first time these two have worked as a duo. The two sang together during the 2006 American Idol tour at Workplay, an Alabama hotspot, on other classic soul classics such as "Use Me" and "What's Goin' On". The entire article reads:

Taylor Hicks' new single, What's Right Is Right, will be available for download starting next Tuesday, but you can hear the song now on his website. What's Right Is Right is the first single from Taylor's new album, The Distance, will come out March 10.

The Distance also features a cover of R&B great Bobby Womack's Woman's Gotta Have It. Elliott Yamin told me the other day that he'd cut backing vocals for Taylor's version.

Taylor's backing band on the album includes guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. The Distance was produced by Simon Climie, who has also worked with Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Faith Hill.

The other songs on The Distance, which will come out on Taylor's Modern Whomp label, are Wedding Day Blues, Seven Mile Breakdown, New Found Freedom, The Distance, Nineteen, I Live on a Battlefield, Maybe You Should, Once Upon a Lover of Mine and Keepin’ It Real.

Taylor Hicks Mention on the American Idol Website

I wonder how much A2M Records or Taylor's publicist had to pay them to have Taylor included in their news section? You know darn well they wouldn't promote him out of the goodness of their heart. Anyway, nice mention, nice picture. I'll take it.

From Christmas to Country, the season five Idols are still making headlines in music news. Billboard reports that Elliott Yamin’s holiday album, My Kind of Holiday, dropped just last week on 10/7. The album reportedly gives some holiday classics the funky, soulful spin for which Elliott is known. Taylor Hicks has aligned with Artist to Market, the artist services company, for the release of his next album, which is due out February 10, 2009. Those who fell in love with Taylor by seeing him perform live on AI will also be glad to know that he is releasing "Whomp at the Warfield," a live DVD taped at a San Francisco venue. Kellie Pickler proves that her successful debut album wasn't just beginner's luck, as her sophomore self-titled CD debuted at #1 on Top Country Albums and #9 on The Billboard 200. Kellie is the sixth artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era to debut at #1 with her first two studio albums. All of her predecessors were female, one of whom was Carrie Underwood. By entering the country chart at #1, Kellie's second album is the 205th chart-topper to come from American Idol.

Taylor Hicks, Ace Young, Elliott Yamin & Bucky Covington @ Herman's Hideaway

Thanks to videos posted on YouTube by Lh1100, here are some awesome performances from Taylor's shadow tour in September of 2006 at Herman's Hideaway in Denver, CO. These shadow tour shows were sprinkled throughout the U.S. after performances of the American Idol, Season 5 tour. Taylor performed with Elliott Yamin, Bucky Covington, Ace Young, George Porter, Jr., and The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra.

Ain't No Use


Call Me The Breeze


Use Me


What I Say

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!

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 - Alabama Hall Of Fame Music Induction Ceremony - Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now on sale (or so we've been told) through Ticketmaster for the Alabama Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that will be held on Feb 22, 2008. Taylor Hicks will be receiving one of the two American Music Awards that will be given out during the awards ceremony. In addition, he is one of the scheduled performers appearing on stage that evening. Other musical guests include Randy Owen, Kris Kristofferson, Percy Sledge, Tommy Shaw, Eddie Floyd, The Commodores, The Thrasher Brothers, Cleveland Eaton, Clarence Carter and Ernie Ashworth.

Taylor Hicks - Young At Heart - A Look Back

I love this commercial from Season 5! Even dressed as an old man, Taylor is as sexy as hell (notice the audience reaction during the jacuzzi scene!). Yumm!

I also found this hilarious picture on the set - seems Taylor and Elliott are trying to get a piece of the action - naughty boys!

Taylor Hicks - "It's Not Easy Singing The Blues..."

‘Idol’ sings the blues in Manila
By Fran Katigbak
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:07:00 01/01/2008

It’s not easy singin’ the blues to an audience whose daily dose of music comes from skinny teenyboppers, booty-shaking divas and bling-clad “boys from the ’hood.”

Not if you are gray-haired and inclined to play the harmonica or if your dancing looks drug-induced.

But just as he defied pop stereotypes when he won “American Idol” Season 5, soul singer Taylor Hicks also proved it pays to stay true to his style and brand of music.

Filipino fans, even those as young as 6, watched the 31-year-old artist in a series of shows recently sponsored by the Ayala Malls in Manila.

At the show in TriNoma, Hicks was in his element singing tracks from his self-titled album as well as songs he composed early in his career. Of course, not to be missed were the Alabama native’s harmonica-playing and the manic, footloose moves that became his trademark on “AI.”

The chemistry was apparent between the artist and the all-Pinoy band led by composer Louie Ocampo, who had arranged the songs in the program. In fact, the audience would erupt in cheers and wild applause each time Hicks and Ocampo matched antics on the harmonica and keyboards.

The rest of the band had the chance to shine as well. At one point in the show, Hicks introduced each member who then worked up a brief solo on his or her instrument.

Perhaps the only hitch was the fog machine, which produced more artificial smoke than necessary. A wide screen should have been installed to project close-up video shots for the benefit of those behind the VIP/special-pass area.

We also wish Hicks had walked to the audience in “Taking it to the Streets,” like he did on the “AI” finale, but we understand the danger it might pose to security.

The mini-concert put the spotlight on the 2006 “American Idol” as artist and performer. Soulful, energetic, passionate with his music, Taylor Hicks has, indeed, given us reason to be proud of him.

Source: Inquirer.Net

One-On-One Interview With Taylor Hicks

One-on-one with Taylor Hicks: A voluntary initiation to Soul Patrol!

by Kaye Villagomez

Clad in a casual long-sleeved shirt and jeans, a much–rested Taylor Hicks (who had to adjust from a frenzied press conference the day before this interview) welcomed the Manila Bulletin in this up–close meeting that eventually certifies the deserving American Idol in the guy.

In 15 or so minutes with Taylor, we would also later realize we’ve been Soul Patrolled.

Taylor is the first American Idol winner to visit Manila. Others were runners-up Constantine Maroulis of season four and Taylor’s fellow season fiver Elliot Yamin. All of them were brought in by Ayala concert touring group and they have performed in Ayala Malls and special shows. In Taylor’s case, there’s a friendly tie-up with Mossimo. He stayed for a good four days and we were able to get comfy with Taylor on his third day on Manila at the Ascott Hotel in Makati.

Other than the fact that he is much, much better-looking in person than on TV and print, the 31-year old Hicks is one of those (few?) artists who really kept it grounded. He would only talk about his pre-Idol struggles ("I have been performing since birth!) if he could also talk about respect for other artists ("I’ve had my difficulties but so did others and most of them went through more struggles than I did.")

Also, the laidback personality adds to that charmer air of warmth he effortlessly exudes. He must have said "Awesome!" some eight times each time we would talk about Manila and its people.

To those who might have been living under a rock, here are flash facts about Taylor: He won "American Idol" season five in 2006 off a finale between him and drop-dead gorgeous Katharine McPhee. Ryan Seacrest and Idol fans likened Taylor’s appearance to Jay Leno, Phil Donahue and George Clooney. His fans call themselves ‘Soul Patrol’ back in Idol and to this day (while McPhee was nicknamed ‘McFever’).

Born Taylor Ruben Hicks on Oct. 7, 1976, the Idol is an American soul singer and songwriter who grew up performing around Southeastern US area. Taylor auditioned for Idol in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 10, 2005. He originally wanted to try out in Memphis, Tennessee, but auditions in that city were canceled to accommodate relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. His Southwest Airlines flight out of New Orleans had been canceled, and he had been offered a travel voucher to use at a later date. He used the ticket voucher to fly to Las Vegas. Taylor would later pass the audition—that almost slipped—with the nods of Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul; not Simon Cowell who thought Hicks would not make it to the final round. Retribution would later be at hand when on Taylor’s first performance for the voting public, Simon swallowed his words and recalled his earlier claim. Then the rest, as they say is history.

Post-idol, Taylor’s "Do I Make You Proud" (which was also the theme in the concluded Asian Idol), clinched Billboard No. 1 and the self-titled CD, his first mainstream project, earned gold when released. He has performed with various famous acts and will continue touring the world and in consequence, touring his dreams.

Here, Taylor talked about our own Philippine Idol Mau Marcelo (whom he performed with in Asian Idol in Indonesia), loving the Philippines, his passions and most of all, a heart too charged with soul.
How has your Manila stay been so far?

"Awesome! I knew it will be special but everything has been awesome here!"

Name three things you will never forget about your experience here.

"There are a lot! But if I were to name three, it’s how gracious people here are, the weather and again just how well I’ve been received here wherever I go"

Are you aware of how big an impact American Idol has made here? Do you know how big you are here in Manila?

"I did not know but I am becoming aware of that now. And one thing’s for sure, this may be my first time here but it’s definitely not the last."

You are the first American Idol winner to visit us...

"Am I? That’s great. I plan to come more often.

You were in Indonesia for the Asian Idol before you went here, were you able to meet our representative Mau Marcelo?

"I’m not sure… Wait, yes I remember Mau because I sang with her and performed my song ‘Do I Make You Proud’ along with the other finalists and she’s a real great singer. She’s very talented."

Were you able to see any other local singers while you’re here?

"Unfortunately nor but I was able to meet Sway Penala who was with my batch on Idol and he’s told me so many wonderful things about the Philippines and the people and the passion Filipinos have for music and I finally experienced it for myself."

Would you like to perform or collaborate with Filipino artists?

"Definitely, I would love for that to happen."

Do you still get nervous before a performance?

"Yeah, a little bit I guess."

You mentioned yesterday during your press conference that you would like to try movies...

"Yes, that’s true. I would love to crossover if there’s an opportunity but it does not mean that music will take a back seat. Music will always be my first love and if I had to choose, I will always choose music."

What role would you want to do first?

"I seriously would want to be an extra, just the guy who passed by, little dialogue maybe, just a start. I don’t mind doing that really."

Were you able to trace where Soul Patrol really came from?

"I think that’s a mystery I will never be able to solve. I just embrace it and glad that people who have joined the ‘patrol’ are still here with me."

What’s next after this Manila stop? Is there a new recording coming up?

"Yes, we are working on a new album and with this one, I got to prepare a lot more and devote more time into it making me more involved here than the first one."

So there will be more of the real Taylor in this CD?

"Definitely. Yeah, you can say that. I’m really excited about this next CD we’re coming up with."

All originals?

"Basically, but there will be a lot of collaborations also."

Which do you think is more difficult, breaking into prominence or keeping it big in the industry?

"You know what I feel that both are in the same level as far as difficulty is concerned. It’s one thing to be able to penetrate the business yet it’s another to stay thriving in it."

Since "American Idol" had its lowest ratings in season six (by Idol finale standards), how long do you think the show will go on?

"As long as there are people like me, the millions who dream and more millions who watch, I think the show will still be in for a long run. It will always be a pleasure for me to guest in the show. They have all my support."

How much of your goals have you reached so far?

"I’ve been very blessed. I am very fortunate to have been given all the opportunities that have been coming my way since Idol. I’m just thankful and I’m going to keep on going."

I believe it was John Lennon who said the "dream is always better than the reality," is it the same in your case?

"I’d have to say I’m living the dream. I’m always living the dream."

Taylor Hicks in Guinness, Vacations on Private Island

Taylor Hicks made it into the 2008 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. In the section on "Reality Shows", it was noted that the 64 million votes made during Taylor Hicks/Katharine Mcphee finale was a *record number of phone calls* ever made to a television show! Like I said before, Season 5 was THE BEST year ever for American Idol!

... and more proof that the guy from Alabama is now an A-List Star, it seems Taylor's been taking good care of himself, vacationing on the private island of Cayo Espanto, the Island Resort in Belize. This four-acre oasis in Ambergris Cay, where Tiger Woods, Giselle Bundchen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Calista Flockhart, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro and Taylor Hicks have all recently vacationed, hosts five luxurious villas. All-inclusive food & beverage, swimming, snorkeling and fishing off your own private dock plus a personal “houseman” on-duty 24/7!

Nice, Taylor! Very nice!

TAYLOR HICKS - THE KING OF SOUL (Patrol)

I love this article from the Philippine Star - We won't find the likes of Taylor on the pop charts anytime soon. Nope. Where you will find him is the hearts and souls of people who see the essence of this man. He is quite unique in this day and age - a time where the pop world is dominated by electronic and synthesized music machines. Instead, Taylor is out there doing his own thing - jamming, snapping, dancing and spreading good 'ol soul music around the world - one country at a time.

The article reads:

If we forget just how good the fifth season American Idol performers were, we need only remember three names: Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry and the salt-and-pepper-haired fellow who was a little more manic and a little more eager than the rest — the one who would whoop and lean a la Stevie Wonder; the one with a penchant for blowing on a harmonica every chance he got. We thought he looked a little like Jay Leno then, but my girlfriend Joyce digressed when she saw him live.

“Pogi kaya!” she said. Poor Jay. But I left it at that.

Pogi or otherwise, the ring leader of the “soul patrol” surely raked in the votes — enough to catapult him past Katharine McPhee and enough to have our unlikely hero crowned American Idol last May 24, 2006 — in front of some 34.4 million rabid TV viewers.

While we’re at it, consider that some 63.4 million people cast their vote for Taylor Hicks — the “gritty, down-home white R ’n B singer” as the AI champ. Yup, presidencies have been settled with far less votes and hoopla.

“Thank you, soul patrol!” he beams on the Hard Rock Café stage in Makati — always referring to the throngs of believers who were won over by the unassuming man with the funny manner yet and soulful — and considerable — vocal prowess.

And, make no mistake about it, Taylor is a true showman — and an original that clearly outshone McPhee who had gone for the hopelessly clichéd, sexy siren stereotype.

He saunters onto the stage, blowing on his harmonica like a judge banging on a gavel: “Hello everybody!” he says, and leans — yes that now famous lean. And just like that, we are taken by Taylor.

It’s his first time in Manila, he reveals, but reckons it won’t be the last. “I love it! I’m excited to be here. I wish I could stay here for a week. I have had a very nice time!”

Ayala Land’s Mall Group seems to have a monopoly on getting AI talents here, but who are we to complain? It wasn’t just too long ago that Yaminoys of all ages went nuts over Elliott’s tour of Ayala Malls.

For Taylor, especially, performing at the mall is certainly a fit. He professes: “I love shopping. I have to get gifts for my brother, my father, my mother, my grandmother, my cousins. Just about everybody. I guess that’s what happens when you win American Idol. You have to buy a bunch of gifts.”

Such candor is rare for usually guarded celebrities. But that’s exactly among the qualities that endeared Taylor to the world — a refreshing character that is purely about the music and rarely about being self-conscious with projections and affectations.

Which is not to say that Taylor takes success for granted. “It’s very exciting for me to be a musician and to be able to travel to places like the Philippines. I am able to share my love for music with other people. I believe that music is truly a universal language. I am very blessed to have the opportunity to come here and perform,” he shares. “Life after American Idol is like sitting on a rocket ship. It’s been great. I love what I do as a performer.”

Taylor got a taste of the vaunted Filipino hospitality upon departure from the plane: “Well, as soon as I arrived at the airport I was received very warmly by the Filipino people. I have heard from friends of mine that this is the place to come to share music,” he says.

Taylor is good friends with Elliott — who was probably a major influence in Hicks’ decision to fly to the Philippines. Someone asked in jest who would win if Taylor and Elliott would fight it out mano a mano. “Well, I would!” he gamely replies. “I would try to win!”

But seriously, Taylor takes his hat off to Elliott. He says he would have rooted for Elliott to win had he himself not joined that memorable season. Taylor also became close with Filipino contender Jose “Sway” Penala (based in San Francisco), his roommate. “He was one of the people who told me that I needed to come over here and play,” Taylor reveals.

Taylor has been polishing his chops since he was a kid of seven or eight, and is truly living a charmed life now. He is already at work on his follow-up album to his eponymously named debut effort.

“It will be coming out next year. I will also have a DVD out next year. I am pretty excited about doing another tour, maybe in the Asian continent early next year,” Taylor says. Expect lots of soul, blues and R ’n B, he avers, and also a little bit of pop. “I am trying to find the right vibe with different songwriters. I am trying to make the best album that I can.”

Of Mau (Marcelo) who participated in the Asian Idol: “She has a big, great voice. We were at rehearsal and I saw her sing. She is a great singer,” Taylor comments.

When not on, well, soul patrol, Taylor is just like the rest of us — watching sports on TV and swinging at the fairway. “I’m just a regular old guy,” he says with a smile. Well, make that a regular old guy who is rich and successful, right? And, of course, a little loopy. We like our Taylor with a little bit of weird. Like, for instance, do you know that he brings along a Ray Charles doll wherever he performs? “It makes me feel better. He was a major influence in my musical background,” he explains.

“The key is having faith, believing in yourself and navigating yourself through your art,” Taylor proffers.

At the press conference, Taylor seems bereft of any self-importance yet is brimming with obvious confidence. We note that he goes out of his way to sign autographs, sing spontaneously at most given moments, and play his harmonica while waiting for photos to be snapped. There is good reason to believe he remains the simple man from Alabama who loves music and the privilege of singing for others.

Wow, what an idol.


USE ME from the Greenbelt Philippines Concert

Taylor Hicks - Taking It To The Streets on Asian Idol

Here's Taylor's cover of Taking It To The Streets on Asian Idol! He totally blew this out of the water, folks! Yep, the Mean, Lean, Dancing Machine!

TAYLOR HICKS ON ASIAN IDOL!!

AWESOME job Taylor!! I hope this doesn't cause a tidewave in Indonesia!

Taylor Hicks Interview on Asian TV


DO I MAKE YOU PROUD w/the 6 Asian Idols


HEAVEN KNOWS


Here's a commercial for the upcoming Manilla Shows!