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: 'American Idol' winner loves musicals, envisions TV and film roles, too!

By Paul Hodgins, The Orange County Register
Taylor Hicks sees "Grease's" Teen Angel as a character with training wheels.

A word or two of explanation: Hicks wanted to ease from "American Idol" fame into musical theater with a role that would fit his abilities and wouldn't present him with Shakespearean-sized challenges.

"I'd been offered some roles previously, but I wanted to make sure the part was right for me," said Hicks from somewhere on the road between engagements. Hicks and the rest of the "Grease" cast arrive in Orange County next week; the show opens Tuesday at the Performing Arts Center for a two-week run. Hicks will perform every show except April 29, when he's slated to appear on "American Idol."

"From an observer's standpoint I saw him as kind of an introductory character – that's the best way I can describe it," Hicks said. "I wanted a role that was a great way to introduce myself to the stage and observe what musical theater is all about. It's a small but flashy role that I can really understand and have a great time with."

Hicks has never shied away from challenges. After auditioning for "American Idol" on a lark in 2005 – his brother put him up to it – he met some stiff opposition. Judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul liked the Birmingham, Ala., native's down-home singing style and folksy persona well enough, but Simon Cowell didn't. The imperious Brit said Hicks would never survive to the final round.

As Hicks sailed to the top ranks, Cowell publicly conceded his error. Hicks became a Top 3 finalist on May 10, 2006 and won on May 24 (at 29, the oldest contestant to win) in a broadcast that was seen by 200 million viewers worldwide.

"I think from the beginning I took his comments with a grain of salt," Hicks said of Cowell's criticism. "I think with Simon you have to."

Hicks felt vindicated by the public's overwhelming support. "Ultimately, I think this was a great instance of where Simon was proved wrong by the American people. That disconnect is part of what makes the show go round."

By the time "American Idol" made him famous, Hicks had worked for more than a decade in the trenches of pop-music performance, including endless road gigs and a stint in Nashville, which he found frustrating.

"If you really want to make a living playing music, that's not the town to do that. If you want to starve for ten years and then possibly make it in country (music), well, it's fine for that. I was living in Nashville and driving five hours to Alabama, where there was a demand. It was hard just to stay afloat."

EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING

Despite years of toiling in obscurity, Hicks insists he never doubted that some day he would break through as a performer.

"I kind of always had this intuitive feeling, even from when I started traveling at 17, that if I did keep with it I would have a chance – an opportunity to break through."

The hard knocks and challenges of life on the road prepared him for the rough-and-tumble music business, Hicks said.

"I spent ten years cold-calling people and knocking on doors. I know how to persevere. With all those years on the road I learned about the business and who I am as a person. Being basically a nobody, it really teaches you a lot about how to handle things when you're finally a somebody. So I was ready for (fame) – I'd had a lot of preparation."

Hicks also believes in fate. "I got into one of the last taxicabs out of New Orleans before (Hurricane) Katrina (struck). I somehow got a plane ticket to the ('American Idol') audition in Las Vegas. It feels like it was meant to be."

Questions about marriage, kids and commitment draw a vague response – Hicks is still single, living on the road and loving it. (He was named People magazine's Hottest Bachelor for 2006.) "Marriage and kids would be nice and fun and demanding at the same time. But I'm not ready to settle down yet. I left my apartment in February of 2005 and never went back. I haven't had a permanent place of dwelling since then."

Hicks' career plans include more musical theater – he was thrilled to do "Grease" on Broadway for three months before he joined the tour – and perhaps the kinds of roles that draw even bigger audiences.

"Broadway was one of the most amazing things I've ever done as a performer. But I think at some point I want to break into TV and film. I want to learn as much as I can first, though – start kind of small. A career is a marathon, not a sprint. Every morning I get up and remember that the opportunities I've been given are a blessing."

Taylor Hicks To Appear on American Idol Next Week 4/29/09!

Yes, the shit has hit the fan and pigs really do fly! I can't believe it. The Idol producers decide to the right thing - finally - after 3 friggin' years! After 3 years of snarking on their Season 5 Winner. Yes, Taylor Hicks is returning to where it all started for him - on the American Idol stage. No doubt, he will be satisfying the curiosity of millions of AI watchers who have no idea what he's been up to the last few years. Face it, Americans have their heads in the sand most of the time. They'll be able to see the real Taylor Hicks, the musician, singer and entertainer he has become since he left the Idol stage. He will be returning a new man with a new image - a self confident singer/songwriter/musical theater performer who just released his new album on his own label. No winner can say that. How satisfying, eh? What an accomplishment in my book. No doubt, Ryan will be asking him about his role in the Broadway production and his starring role in the touring company of Grease where he plays Teen Angel. I'm assuming he will get a proper introduction this time (as opposed to his non intro during the Season 6 finale when he sang "Heaven Knows").

He will be singing his new single, the rockin' Seven Mile Breakdown. No word whether Simon Cowell will be singing background vocals (I kid), but I can't wait to see him lay that scowl on his face watching his nemesis on stage. Oh joy joy joy!

Since contestant Danny Gokey's late wife was a big fan of Taylor's, I'm actually interested if they'll get a quick handshake on stage, since he and Taylor have gotten their fair share of comparisons this year (although I see little similarity).

Borrowing a line from his new song, "he's going to tear that old place down and be on his way"........ Alright!

Here's some mentions on the 'net:

Taylor Official Site
Taylor's Myspace Page
Taylor's Twitter Page
Taylor's FaceBook Page

Taylor Hicks Filming Video For New Single "Seven Mile Breakdown"

According to a tweet by director Spence Nicholson, he and Taylor and crew will be filming a video for his new single, Seven Mile Breakdown next Monday, April 27. I'm expecting that to be a 180 degree turn from the video for What's Right is Right in style and presentation. Check out some of Spence's other videos to get an idea of what he's like as a director.

Taylor Hicks - Live Videos from Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco!

There was some major hotness coming from the Cafe du Nord in San Francisco on Wednesday, April 15th. That sexaaay beast, American Idol Season 5 Winner Taylor Hicks cut through the misty fog and hit the stage all ablaze and totally steamed up the room. Taylor, man, you gotta wear your shirts like that more often - you're incredible, and I mean that sincerely! Check out these videos:

Woman's Gotta Have It

Thanks to soulkaren for this video!

My Sweet Lord
Thanks to steveandhaya for this video!

Seven Mile Breakdown

Thanks to Robin4T for this video!

What's Right Is Right

Thanks to KarenZ for this video!

Soul Thing

Thanks to Robin for this video!

Taylor Hicks Outsings Kelly Clarkson on National Anthems

Well, I'm terribly sorry Kelly, I don't care how many 'units' big 'ol Clive has pushed out of you, Taylor Hicks blows your version of the National Anthem right out of the water. It's too bad those 'pitch machines' you use in the recording studio couldn't cover your horribly flat, wobbly notes you sang live at the beginning and those god-awful vocals runs in the middle of the song. Hey, just keepin' it real, baby! You go Taylor and show 'em how it's done .... simple, yet pitch perfect with real feeling and sincerity.

Kelly Clarkson @ Opening Day at Yankee Stadium 4-16-09


Taylor Hicks @ Opening Day at AT&T Stadium (SF Giants) 4-7-09