Taylor Hicks interview for “Grease” show at Fox Theater August 11-16
AP
Taylor Hicks three years ago said his life ambition was to live on a bus and just play music.
After winning “American Idol,” the prematurely gray-haired soul singer has gotten that wish. He has no house, no rent or mortgage, no utility bills. “I’ve been living out of a suitcase since 2006,” he said in an interview last month to promote his role as Teen Angel in the national tour of “Grease,” which is at the Fox Theatre. “My bills get sent to my parents.”
But even a vagabond like Hicks says he actually would to have roots again someday.
“I’d like to have some home setting in five years, some sort of anchor,” he said.
Of course, Birmingham is his hometown. But Atlanta, he said, is “like a second home,” given how many friends and family he has here. He will also make a return visit to Smith’s Olde Bar on Sunday after his final “Grease” performance. This is where he also performed in 2006 after his appearance on the “Idols Live” tour at Gwinnett Arena.
I took this shot of Taylor back in 2006 at Smith
Hicks not only sings “Beauty School Dropout” in a shiny outfit during the play but during the encore, he gets to sing his latest single “Seven Mile Breakdown.” “It allows fans new and old to see me in two different lights,” he said. “One as an actor performer, the other as a singer songwriter.”
He also signs CDs after the show. So far, he’s sold about 38,000 copies of his current album, “The Distance,” a far cry from the 704,000 for his post-’Idol” victory self-titled album in 2006.
“I think 100,000 is attainable,” he said. “As an independence artist, that would be substantial.”
Hicks knows he helps get Soul Patrol fans into seats, which is why the touring company booked him. “The fan base is definitely there,” he said.
The Fox shows were added after Hicks had prior commitments so he’s only doing the shows from August 11 to 16, although the tour has been at the Fox since Friday.
Hicks is also unfazed by the fact Web sites such as TMZ mock him for not being a monstrous Carrie Underwood-level success. “If they talk about you, then deep down, they love ya,” he said. “If they don’t, then you have problems.”
Simon Cowell, for instance, could barely tolerate him during the actual show but Hicks was amazed to see him give Hicks a standing ovation earlier this year when Hicks came back to perform “Seven Mile Breakdown.”
Hicks said this is the first year since he won that he’s had time to follow the show carefully. He wished he could have played an instrument like contestants can now (an innovation added season seven.) “I had to wear paisley shirts and dance really funky,” he recalled. “I was told if I even pulled out a harmonica, I’d be disqualified. I did it anyway. And they didn’t disqualify me.”
Hicks, ever the diplomat, refused to name favorites. His favorite performance was “Slow Ride” with Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta, a 70s classic rock song.
I had Hicks answer fan quetsions. Holley Dey wondered if he plans to tour for his album after “Grease” is over with next year.
Hicks is not sure but probably. He is doing some one-off shows in cities like Atlanta to work on material.
She also wondered if he’d be doing anything for country music?
“That’s the direction I’m heading. That’s where great songs can live. I think there’s no question I have those influences. Country and the blues. And that southern country rock sound. And with a name like Hicks, it’s a perfect fit!
Mhowmart (no name, just the email name) asked:
It seems that without a big name record label it is hard to get played on the radio. Do you think it is really necessary to have a big radio hit to have a successful career?
“I think having a great song is the key. It’s not necessarily which medium. Radio helps. But nowadays, there are so many other ways to get your work out there.”
I then asked if he felt badly that he hasn’t sold albums the way the other winners have, relatively speaking.
“For me, I just knew this is a body of work. It’s a marathon, not a sprint for me. As an entertainer, I think adaptation. You have to be able to be versatile in this business.”
“Five or six years ago, if someone said I’d be a Broadway performer, I probably would have said no way. But because I’m such a live performer, there’s a certain degree of acting when you sing a song. It’s very fitting. It makes complete sense.”
I also asked what he liked about “Grease” itself, one of my favorite musicals of all time:
“Grease is iconic. I love the idea of high school. The storylines are iconic. I think people gravitate to that. And you can educate kids on the looks of the ’50s. It’s a little bit of an education thing. You see the pompadours and the kids smoking cigarettes.”
From Judy Morton: I love how Taylor “tags”, “blends” songs together.
I have always wondered if he knows ahead of time what words will come out of his mouth or is this somewhat ad libbed?
Either way, it is awesome!!
Love Taylor’s style and unique performances.
Just saw him at the Triple Door in Seattle and I am still on a high!
“I have musical Tourettes Syndrome,” he said. “Van Morrison did tagging a lot. Sam Cooke. All the greats. They are all musical enough to incorporate other songs. Let’s face it. Songs come from other songs. And no, it’s not preplanned. It’s spontaneous thinking.”
Carol Bachelier, another Soul Patrol fan asked:
“Taylor, where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
“I will hopefully have found some kind of home.” He said he lived with his parents for two months after winning “Idol.” “They joked that I was the only celebrity who lived with his parents!”
Hicks is not the most introspective guy. When I asked him another fan question from Michelle in Indianapolis, he was relatively stumped.
What have you learned about yourself personally since winning AI?
He hemmed and hawed, then said, “How about this: I’m happier since I won. I’ve learned to be happier!”
Mary Kissel of Owensboro Ky. asked:
How has musical theater improved his skills as a vocalist? I was a big fan during Season 5, and as good as he was then, he’s 100 times better as a singer and performer now.
“I think it’s a progression. I’ve definitely trimmed up. I’ve definitely taken control of my career.” [hmmm.. he didn't quite answer the question but close enough.]
Barbie from Fla. asked: as a NASCAR fan, would you ever consider driving the pace car at a nascar race if they ever asked you.
“I did drive a pace car at a NASCAR truck series race. And I’m a huge NASCAR fan. I’ve sung the National Anthem at some NASCAR events. Being in the pace car was a little scary. You’re supposed to go 80 to 90 miles an hour. I might have cracked 100 on a straight away.”
He then added that “people who know me tell me I’m the worst driver. I think my driving record is pretty darn good. I do go extremely fast. Sometimes I do get tickets.” He said he has gotten out of speeding tickets in the past given his fame. “I’ve taken pictures for women at dispatch,” he said.
During the tour, he hasn’t driven much since he’s on a bus. “Sometimes I just rent a car so I can drive. I’m not joking. I get in a car and speed excessively,” he said. But the bright side: “I have less of a chance to get tickets.”
Jennifer Jacobs asked: I think you are at your very best as a live performer. Do you have any plans to do a live album in the future?
“A live album is in the works. I’m going to release a DVD called Whomp at the Warfield out of San Francisco. It was taped two years ago.” Why did he wait? “We wanted to make sure we had this second album out, then follow it up with the DVD.”
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140 comments Add your comment
Heather MacDonald
August 10th, 2009
10:37 am
His music is really excellent. I wish he got more airplay, but he’s so hard to pigeonhole into one genre that radio stations tend to avoid him. It’s a real shame.
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
10:42 am
Thanks Rodney!
Lara
August 10th, 2009
10:50 am
Very good interview, Rodney. I would love to send my parents to see him perform at Smiths, I just don’t think my mom could take those stairs – ugh, I can hardly take those stairs!
Glad to hear he is doing well and is happy being himself…pretty cool!
But what bills can you have if you don’t have a car, insurance or a house?
harrietth
August 10th, 2009
10:52 am
Yes, thanks, Rodney. Very interesting interview.
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
11:10 am
Lara, you should know what kind of bills he racks up with his rock and roll lifestyle!
Harriett
August 10th, 2009
11:16 am
Probably endless credit card charges!
Mercedes S.
August 10th, 2009
11:30 am
Taylor Hicks wasn’t my favorite idol; still nice to see there’s a place for him in the business. Thanks for interview, Rodney.
A girl who won a dance contest was on the Ashton and Kelly show this morning, showing her talent. Was this the winner from “So You Think You Can Dance”? If so, what an aptly named show! This girl really thinks she can dance, in spite of having no more training or talent than your average Miss America contestant. Were the other finalists any better? Please, someone, say yes.
cath
August 10th, 2009
11:39 am
Interesting approach. I liked the fan questions. You are right, Taylor is often evasive, but that is part of his charm. He tends to give just enough of an answer that you are screaming ” and , and ” . Humble and honorable, I thought him to be. After reading your article, he is still humble, but I am worried about Taylor getting out of those speeding tickets. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Pay up young man !!!!!LOL
KT
August 10th, 2009
11:47 am
How did this guy win?
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
11:51 am
KT, he got more votes than the the other person.
gjtiruuy
August 10th, 2009
12:00 pm
I’m worried about him driving too fast. Be careful.
One question always leads to another with him. lol
I wanted to congratulate him on his two videos , very well done.
What Right is Right has done very well at Yahool
And Seven Mile Breakdown in going very strong at AOL. A top video there.
But I sure would like to ask him why it isn’t listed as a country video, that would have been a good thing I think. If he really wants to break into country he is going to have to be very patient it seems. He certainly is more country than many who are top stars.. Country radio is really bad right now.
Gregg
August 10th, 2009
12:02 pm
Great interview! Thank you, Rodney. And there are some interesting new tidbits from Taylor. This guy is one of the hardest working guys in the industry! I can’t wait to see him come through Tampa and later on, in Orlando!
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
12:03 pm
I still remember him begging to be allowed through to Hollywood. And he wound up winning?
To me, he’s probably the least talented (and worst dancing) winner.
Idol Headlines for 08/10/09 | mjsbigblog
August 10th, 2009
12:24 pm
[...] AJC.com [...]
Jennifer
August 10th, 2009
12:34 pm
Thanks for including my question Rodney. I’m all set to see him in Grease tomorrow night and Smith’s Sunday.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
12:40 pm
Uh oh… another front-page link to the AI blog. Hopefully all the farm animals are penned up.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
12:46 pm
American Idol auditions we’d love to have seen: Alice Cooper
Randy: “Dawg… for me… the singing was more scary than the look.”
Kara: “You wanna talk snakes? You oughta see Adam Lambert’s green trouser snake! But I LOVE the guyliner!”
Paula: “So can you really get anything you want at ‘Alice’s Restaurant?’”
Simon: “I’m too scared of you to say no.”
Judy Morton
August 10th, 2009
12:53 pm
What a great interview. I was stunned to have my question about the “tagging” answered. Thank you for using the fan questions..very interesting answers. I have seen Taylor “live” 4 times and he is awesome! The way he directs the band, sings, tags, acts….he is the ultimate performer. If you have not seen him “live”, you are missing out on a very unique entertainer.
Just a fan
August 10th, 2009
12:55 pm
My favorite Idol!
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
12:56 pm
He should have been country from the very beginning. That adult contemporary crap he churned out was pretty awful. Didn’t fit him at all!
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
1:02 pm
How come all these Idols have crazy fans? It must come from TV exposure, because if these people became popular on the radio rather than TV, they would not be this crazy!
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
1:09 pm
It’s not Wednesday.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
1:22 pm
I seriously doubt the girl you say dancing was SYTYCD’s winner. Jannine had been training since she was about 3 — her mother did not make it as a dancer for whatever reason, and she put her daughter into dance from an early age — While she was in NO way my favorite, she WAS a great dancer overall. in fact, every one of the top 20 were pretty darn great in at least 1 genre of dance, and most proved themselves able to learn just about any style of dance.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
1:27 pm
actually, i’m sorry, i just went and checked, and yes, it was the winner, and i’ll give you this — the dance she did on that show was N O T H I N G but NOTHING like the dancing she did on the contest show!!! Seriously!!!!!
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
1:28 pm
and, if Brandon had won and you could have seen HIM dancing … omg!!!
he should have won, was the best ALL season — but she came out the finale show and blew everyone away — truly NOTHING like that i saw on youtube of her “ashton” and kelly so-called performance!!!
David
August 10th, 2009
1:34 pm
I wish people put someone else higher than they do these American “idols” ie..Jesus..but to the topic at hand. Hicks, i dont understand how this guy won..i think people loved his story so thats why he won..b/c talent isnt up there to beat out the people they had that season…im glad radio doesnt play his crap..but I dont listen to radio much anyway…
Heather MacDonald
August 10th, 2009
1:34 pm
Rickster, as a long time Alice Cooper fan, that was HYSTERICAL! Thanks. Made my day! (loved the trouser snake line)
Nana
August 10th, 2009
1:44 pm
Rodney, thanks for the interview. I, for one, have always liked Taylor’s style. I think he could do country blues. He has the voice for it. He reminds me alot of T.Graham Brown, a native of Athens and a graduate of UGA, who made it in country blues. I hope Taylor does do a country CD. I would buy it.
Nana
August 10th, 2009
1:46 pm
David, just what do you do?
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
1:50 pm
David, what gives YOU the right to ASSUME (and you DO know what they say about “Assume”, right?) that just because we enjoy some entertainment that we DON’T put “someone else higher” ????? I’ll have you know, you judgmental (and speaking of Jesus, what was it he said about not judging others???) person, you, that My Lord IS tops in my life, i just don’t go around trying to proseltyze everyone every moment of every day! YOu ask, I’ll tell — but what is between me and my God is between me and my God on a normal, day-to-day basis, and you have NO RIGHT to accuse ANYONE without knowing them. I dare say you have forms of entertainment that might make people think YOU don’t put Him first — say what? Do you watch football? Do you watch baseball, or hoops, or soccer? Do you read fiction books? do you play chess? do you play (heaven forbid, of course) RPGs? or MUDs? or watch movies? or television of any sort? drink an occasional beer or glass of wine, or more? how DARE you suggest that because someone chooses to follow an “american idol” contestant’s success, or lack thereof for that matter, that we are one-dimensional!!!!
THAT’s just RUDE and UNCOUTH and uncalled for to boot!!!
bless your heart…
Harriett
August 10th, 2009
1:54 pm
You go, linny!!!
Heather MacDonald
August 10th, 2009
1:57 pm
Get ‘em Linny! My thoughts exactly!
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
1:59 pm
Standing “O” Linny!
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
2:11 pm
I guess school’s out for the afternoon or someone left the barn door open?
David, this is an “American Idol” blog. This isn’t a “religion & spirituality” blog.
Lara
August 10th, 2009
2:16 pm
JT – well, point taken. New guitar bill, speeding ticket bill, bar bill….
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
2:30 pm
Yawn. Remember when Idol was such a big hit that it would seem we’d get a new troll a week? Now we’re stuck with just the one week after week, month after month.
Valorie
August 10th, 2009
2:33 pm
I think he is great, such sore losers after he won I think this has had a lot to do with his sucess. He has so much talent, baby boomers love his style, he reminds us of the 70’s. Music that is so real. I love the Blues, country will work great with the Blues sound. The best is yet for Taylor Hicks! He will be around a long time.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
2:42 pm
American Idol auditions we’d love to have seen: “Anon”
Randy: “Dawg, Cat, Crow, Crow, et. al…. seems a one dimensional for me.”
Kara: “You need to work on your artistry.”
Paula: “Someone needs to call PETA on you for the way you abuse these poor animals.”
Simon: “Here’s some advice, Old MacDonald… E I E I Goooo.”
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
2:44 pm
Baby boomers don’t buy music = FAILURE! Hicks needs to stop pandering to these VERY old women!
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
2:51 pm
LOL French Toast, but he has such a nice collection of bloomers… why stop now?
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
2:55 pm
Another thing I disliked about him is that stupid Soul Patrol nonsense. When it was apparant he would not give it up, it seemed like a stupid marketing scheme he used to get attention instead of getting attention thru his music. FAIL!
Highlander
August 10th, 2009
3:02 pm
Rodney, great interview! Extra style points for the fan questions.
I have always liked Taylor and his style of music. It’s not very commercial right now compared with all the manufactured music that’s getting airplay. I hear just so much crap that passes for music. Redundant lyrics, repetitive hooks. Songs that have maybe 1 whole verse and a chorus or tag line repeated ad nauseam!
One thing you can definitely say about Taylor is he has a passion for his music. That’s where the “soul” really comes from. And there are other great artists out there (like Marc Broussard) who don’t get the airplay they deserve because they don’t ‘fit in’ with what current programmers think will sell.
timthebrave
August 10th, 2009
3:13 pm
What is “tags”?
timthebrave
August 10th, 2009
3:15 pm
It sounds like when you switch into another song in the middle of one song????
Nana
August 10th, 2009
3:20 pm
French Toast what gives you the right to come here and call people “Very old Ladies?” You do not know any of us and have no idea what ages we are. If you, and others like you, do not like AI nor this blog, I have no earthly clue as to why you waste your time and energy doing something that does not appeal to you in the least. And please, do not come back with a remark about us not having a life. We ALL have productive lives outside of the blog, but this is a form of enjoyment and nobody, and I do mean NOBODY, will run us off with snide remarks. If you do not like it here, then go elsewhere with your remarks. And, you can take David with you.
Harriett
August 10th, 2009
3:28 pm
Or perhaps repeat the last line of a song for emphasis, tim?
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
3:30 pm
Nana, I think French Toast was talking about Taylor’s fans, not the people here. The stereotype is that Taylor does not have any young fans and is not doing anything to win over a younger audience.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
3:30 pm
I guess living on a bus and playing music is a loftier career goal than “living in a van down by the river!” (With a nod to Chris Farley.)
And does Taylor’s outfit and hair style look like something Adam Lambert wore during one of his subdued performances?
timthebrave
August 10th, 2009
3:31 pm
I saw Taylor Hicks play before he went on American Idol. He played at the Brandi House off Roswell road. He had a lot of energy and was a great live performer. Haven’t heard his albums yet but he seemed like someone you needed to see live anyways
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
3:36 pm
That’s one of the reasons I stopped being a fan because of people like Nana. You try to run off anyone below the age of 40. Shame on you!
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
3:49 pm
Rickster, the first picture is for his part in Grease.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
3:51 pm
FT, you’re just nuts, you know what? and you know what else?
we don’t care! Nana’s not trying to run anyone off from Taylor Hicks, she’s just sick, as most of us are, of people coming on this blog and making wildly inaccurate assumptions about other people! so if you don’t like what you read here, buh-bye! (JT whether or not it was a misunderstanding, FT is just apparently ready to prod anyone into a fight, and around here, he/she/it MAY just get one!)
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
3:52 pm
and I must say, if you let another “fan” of someone “run you off” then you weren’t much of a “fan” to begin with, were you>??????
sheesh.
bless your heart…
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
3:57 pm
I realize that JT… I was just wondering if that’s where Adam Lambert got his inspiration!
Nana
August 10th, 2009
3:58 pm
FT, I’m not trying to run off any fans of anyone. I just find it very disrespectful to call people names. And yes, calling people very old ladies, IMO, is name calling. If you are trying to run off people over 40, well shame on you, my friend!! Fans of any music genre covers ALL ages. The first time I ever saw Elvis, his fans ranged from the very young up to the very elderly. In fact my seat was behind a couple that was at least on their late 60’s or early 70’s and they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. There is no age guidelines on being a fan of anyone. If I offended you with my remarks, well…………
Christa
August 10th, 2009
4:08 pm
French Toast what a stupid stereotype, I’m 16 and I dig Taylor’s music, I know other peers who like him too. It’s REAL music not the pop crap. Why troll on an article about someone you dislike? Life anyone?
BESIDES, just because you reach a certain age doesn’t mean you stop liking music. Duhhhh.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
I guess it’s just a sign of the economic times.. a 32 year-old living a vagabond life with his bills getting sent to his parents!
Harriett
August 10th, 2009
4:16 pm
This baby boomer buys music–and not oldies, either! I use ITunes as well as conventional methods to purchase all the time. That is, when I can see through all my wrinkles and bifocal glasses, FT! Right now I have music by The Wallflowers, Brian McKnight, Bob Marley, Josh Groban, Tracy Chapman, Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Howie Day, Norah Jones, Pink, Bob Dylan, etc. on my desk, as well as many, many of the rock pioneers’ albums/CDs. It is a pure wonder I can use my computer well enough to be able to play them, now, isn’t it?
French Toast
August 10th, 2009
4:26 pm
Oh please, stop with the nonsense. The majority of Taylor’s fanbase is over 40. He will not make it as a musician with hardly any young people. At this rate, he’s better off going into acting. He’s heading into a career exactly like Constantine Margolis. What a shame! He completely sold-out to old women.
Woodpappy
August 10th, 2009
4:35 pm
I think FT really stands for fat turd !
Deirdre
August 10th, 2009
4:39 pm
Hey! Back from a day out with the in-laws. Harriett, welcome back!
Thanks for the Taylor interview, Rodney. I liked that you included fan questions…and welcome to all the Taylor fans who joined us today. This blog is more for fans of the show rather than any specific Idol but, whenever Rodney runs an interview with a present or former Idol, we get a lot of new thoughts and ideas.
And French Toast….Josh Groban sold out to “old women” too and he’s ding exceedingly well so, while I get your penchant for stereotyping fans, I’m going to have to disagree that certain types of fans prevent someone from being a success in the industry.
I think Taylor’s problem has less to do with the age group of his fans and more to do with the difficulty in marketing him.
Rickster
August 10th, 2009
4:47 pm
Or maybe FT stands for “friggin trolls!”
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
4:50 pm
Note to self: stop with the “bloomers” jokes regarding Taylor.
Deirdre
August 10th, 2009
4:51 pm
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
4:52 pm
well what can you expect from someone who’s soaked in eggs and placed over a flame on a hot griddle or in a hot frying pan — guy’s got to be simply brain-fried!!! give him a break!!! *snicker*
bless his heart!
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
4:53 pm
maybe he just needs a good dose of maple surple …
Lar
August 10th, 2009
4:56 pm
I read this blog more than I post and enjoy reading the Idol blog regulars and from time to time newbie’s. If you ever read any other the AJC blogs this is normal behavior for bloggers with to much time on their hands. They never seem to have nothing nice to say or an intelligent comment. For the regulars, and you know who you are, continue blogging and from time to time I will continue to add my comments.
Harriett
August 10th, 2009
4:59 pm
Thanks, D! Well, let me see if I can get my rickety old boomer self up from my desk and walk to the elevator to go home, while listening to my IPod. Surely I wouldn’t have anything “new” on there. But, anyway, bye for today. Missed you while I was gone.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 10th, 2009
5:02 pm
Lar, your comments are always welcome! And yeah, we know it’s bored kids or troublemakers in general, but we still have to fight back once in a while, LOL!!! Never fear, people like the barnyard, david, and french toast won’t drive us away! a “better” pest than these wasn’t able to do it!!! (somehow that sounded like a compliment — it WASN’T!)
Deirdre
August 10th, 2009
5:06 pm
Actually Lar…during the off-season, we need a little mental stimulation. Mostly, the trolls are fun…in their own uniquely obnoxious way. Sometimes, they’re NOT fun but that happens VERY rarely. Your comments are always welcome!
Highlander
August 10th, 2009
5:41 pm
Taylor makes good music but, (as I’ve said) like many other artists, he can’t be pigeon-holed into the Rock, or Top 40, or Country, or Adult Contemporary (whatever the hell that is!) genres that all the radio stations use. They simply don’t know where to ‘put’ his music.
Funny thing is, no one I know listens to just one type of music. They all have a eclectic mix (as Harriett demonstrated). I listen to rock, R&B, soul, country, blues and some reggae. Even some rap/hip hop.
It’s a stupid system! Can you imagine what it would be like if TV were the same way? If ABC only carried sitcoms, NBC – all the crime dramas, CBS – all the medical dramas and Fox – all the reality shows?
Michelle
August 10th, 2009
6:13 pm
Thanks Rodney for the interview…and using my question.
To some of the trolls that have left their uninvited cynicism….you’re opinion is your own, but this was a blog about an artist that won AI, stars in Grease..which has shot that Play to a very high status, money wise, has put out 4 albums; 2 independantly, and has fans..yes, I said fans. Just because he’s not Daughtry or Carrie, or Beyonce for that matter doesn’t mean he isn’t as talented. His style of music is not like theirs. If you don’t like the man, then why give your opinion?
My advice to you and to anyone else who feels like dissing an artist and his fans, is to go home, look in the mirror, and try and figure out why God made you, cuz I can’t!!
Allison
August 10th, 2009
6:56 pm
Great interview Rodney!I’ve be at Smith’s Sunday night.There is no better entertainer than Taylor.I’ve seen Grease 17 times and been to 21 of his concerts.He is truly appreciative of his fans and loves the music.That’s what keeps us coming back!
John
August 10th, 2009
7:58 pm
Haven’t seen any of his shows since A.I., but I do remember him playing at some of our fraternity parties back at Auburn way back in the day. The one thing I remember the most back then was seeing how much he really enjoyed the music. You can see it in someone’s face when they are totally in it. He was one of those who truly enjoyed what he was doing.
Whether or not you like/listen to his music, you have to appreciate someone who is doing something they truly live for.
JTesla
August 10th, 2009
9:02 pm
Following Kat McPhee’s lead Kim Kardashian has gone blonde(ish). Rodney, it’s a trend we need an in depth investigation with pictures of bikinis.
It’s an AI related issue folks.
griz
August 10th, 2009
9:55 pm
Thank you Rodney! Excellent interview! Taylor is and will always be #1 in my book!
OBG
August 10th, 2009
11:49 pm
Thanks for this interview-and for using the fan questions-they’re great. Good to know info about the DVD AND the LIVE album coming up-the Soul Patrol has been wanting one of these because Taylor is at his best live.
Whether or not everyone here likes or appreciates Taylor-you have to admire a guy with the stickability to hang around like glue and keep plugging away one step at a time and build his career slowly and from the ground up-
And has anyone thought about the fact that maybe the REASON Taylor isn’t as popular as Carrie or Beyonce is because he CHOOSES to be true to himself and his music and beliefs and DOESN’T let people tell him how to run his career? Going indie is smart business for now and in the future and opens more doors in more areas later on-when he gets ready to have the mortgage and the car etc.–
Yes I’m a fan-but I’m a fan because of the way Taylor is handling his career and because whatever he’s doing he’s staying grounded in his roots and not letting “the system” pigeonhole him-the music is an added bonus and the looks-well-DUHHHHHHHH!!!
And YES I’m an “old lady” and PROUD to be a Taylor Hicks fan!!!!!! Soul Patrol!
Mercedes S.
August 10th, 2009
11:56 pm
In his review of the Idols’ show (”The Top 10! Cover Tunes! Flying Bras!”) in Newark last Sunday, New York Times writer Jon Caramanica heaps love on many of the performers. From Tuesday’s paper:
“Losing the competition – to the tepid Kris Allen,who has most likely inspired no homespun jockstrap tributes – has done little to dilute the phenomenon of Mr. Lambert, as was clear at the Prudential Center here on Sunday night. This year’s “American Idols Live!” tour, which features the Top Ten performers of Season 8 on Fox, could easily have passed for an Adam Lambert concert with nine supporting acts.”…
“Mr. Lambert has traveled almost the whole distance from overrehearsed and hammy to effortless and charming. And he’s learned that vocally, less can be more so: were his singing often felt gratuitously indulgent on the show, here he employed restraint, and effectively so.
“So relaxed was Mr. Lambert that he practicaly ceded the night’s musical high points to others. Anoop Desai was precise and devastating on ‘Always on My Mind’… “The most muscular vocalist ‘Idol’ has seen in some years, Danny Gokey, came alive on Rascal Flatts songs ‘What Hurts the Most’ and ‘My Wish’, shouting the refrains like a melodic Henry Rollins.
“Allison Iraheta, this season’s most impressive female contestant, was appealingly messy, sounding but not looking far beyond her 17 years. And the typically dull Lil Rounds showed surprising flashes of personality on Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).’
“Scott MacIntyre performed a roaring duet of Billy Joel’s ‘Tell Her About It’ with Matt Giraud, whose lovely, facile voice, especially during his solo rendition of ‘Georgia on My Mind’, was far more impressive live than on TV.”
After stuff about the current turmoil on “Idol”, the Times guy writes “the only reminder of the show’s potential vulnerability was its winner, Mr. Allen. As this season’s champion, he headlines the concert – but that is no prize because each night he has to follow Mr. Lambert, a task for which he is ill prepared.
“After Mr. Lambert’s master class, the meek and limited Mr. Allen could do little but act as a palate cleanser, sending fans into the night with a few benign tunes: en edgeless version of Bill Withers’s ‘Aint No Sunshine’, a scattered ‘Bright Lights’ by Matchbox Twenty and a ‘Hey Jude’ that would barely score change on a subway platform.”
Sarver and Megan were not mentioned.
To do list: August 11 | Inside Access
August 11th, 2009
12:03 am
[...] Stage: “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks joins the cast of “Grease,” 8 p.m., Fox Theatre, Atlanta. STORY. [...]
susana
August 11th, 2009
12:13 am
Its rocking thanks for the information…
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Susana
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Katie
August 11th, 2009
12:42 am
Thanks for the interview! Taylor Hicks is one of a kind and always will be. When you see him signing autographs after Grease, you see little kids, teens, twenties and up wanting an autograph. He has grown as a person, and an artist. I consider myself lucky to have watched that process and to have seen him live numerous times.
medolark
August 11th, 2009
12:57 am
Thank you Rodney for the interesting and fair article. I personally can’t wait for a live acoustic cd. Ü
wreckedpizza
August 11th, 2009
1:41 am
Good for ole’ Taylor. He’s not the flashiest of Idol winners but it’s good he is having success. Hicks doing country music should be interesting…
And Deirdre, to clear up something from the previous thread regarding the hypothetical situation of Megan Fox as a AI judge: she wouldn’t really have to talk, y’know. We could decipher her, um, body language as to whether she approves or disapproves of the contestant!! (grinning devilishly now!)
Thanks and good night!
Alice
August 11th, 2009
3:01 am
“learned to be happier”….not a bad lesson to learn.
I’ve been unimpressed with his cds – he seems to be more of a performer than recording artist.
Nana
August 11th, 2009
6:22 am
Good Morning Everybody!!!!!!!!
Today’s Quote: “Enjoy the ride of life. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.”
Nana
August 11th, 2009
7:07 am
Think I’ll make a stab of American Idol auditions we’d love to have seen: Conway Twitty:
Randy: “Dunno know Dawg. With a voice like that, it may have worked for you fifteen years ago. Ya know dude, it just didn’t do anything for me.”
Kara: “Wow and double wow. Can I be your Louisiana Woman and you be my Mississippi Man? I love the growl in your voice.”
Paula: “Well, hello darling. Where you been all my life, you cute sexy looking man? You can growl in my ear anytime.”
Simon: “What the bloody heck was that? It’s only make believe if you think you can make a career by sounding like that. You go find yourself a crusie ship. You would probably do okay there.”
In all four scenarios, I used a title of one of Conway’s songs.
Nana
August 11th, 2009
7:18 am
Just read a breaking story on CCN that Eunice Kennedy Shriver has passed away at the age of 88. My deepest condolences to the Kennedy family.
Deirdre
August 11th, 2009
7:22 am
Morning!
In-laws are still here so I’m still popping in as time permits.
wp, on the Megan Fox as a judge thing…still…no! Have you ever noticed that she has mean eyes? As gorgeous as she is, she always looks like she wants to spit in somebody’s face.
We saw Julie and Julia last night. Sweet, fun, delightful. Streep is totally believable as Julia Child and what a wonderful woman Mrs Child was! Amy Adams was wonderful as well and Stanley Tucci, as well as the guy who plays Julie’s husband were not just supporting players but became important personalities as well.
Highlander
August 11th, 2009
7:50 am
Good morning, all.
“Losing the competition – to the tepid Kris Allen,who has most likely inspired no homespun jockstrap tributes – has done little to dilute the phenomenon of Mr. Lambert,” – Jon Caramanica, New York Times. (Mercedes 11:56pm post)
Gee, wonder who Mr. Caramanica was voting for last season?! And what the hell is a “homespun jockstrap tribute”???!!!
D., I like the previews I’ve seen for Julie & Julia (and my wife wants to see it) but I still think Dan Ackroyd does a better Julia Child!
Harriett
August 11th, 2009
7:51 am
Morning, everyone. Thanks for the review, D. I knew that movie was going to be something special. Can’t wait to see it.
Deirdre
August 11th, 2009
8:01 am
Highlander…the Dan Ackroyd version of Julia Child is featured in the movie. Meryl Streep has said in an interview that her portrayl of Mrs Child is 80% Julia and 20% Dan Ackroyd.
Gag Me…Taylor does not play one of the teens. He plays Teen Angel.
And we all think Kris Allen is very good!
Deirdre
August 11th, 2009
8:07 am
Adam Lambert is suffering from “tour fatigue” according to mj and EONLINE:
Adam Lambert tells E Online in a recent interview that the fan devotion on tour is a bit overwhelming.
“Every night is such a big event. You have tons of people who are superexcited and passionate, which feels incredible. But at some point, I can only give so much and have enough energy to go out the next day. It really is draining. I’m not complaining about it at all, but it really is. There’s a point where you’re like, “Wow, I’m exhausted right now. I just gave a show. I met like 200 people and took pictures with everybody. And now I’m out signing autographs and people are, like, screaming insanely.” It feels great, but yeah, it takes a chunk out of you.
Adam has been spotted on the after show M&G line wearing neon-colored ear-plugs. He’s also been pleading with the crowds not to scream so loud…
After the concert in Newark, NJ Sunday night, Adam apologized to his fans via twitter, for not making it out to the buses to sign autographs.
When he received a few negative messages in response, Adam lashed out:
Thank you Newark! Sorry I didn’t make it outside to sign autographs… Had lots of ny friends and family inside I never see. Plus rain!
A bit later:
Hey guys. I have gotten a few negative messages about not signing autographs. Sorry If anyone is dissapointed.
I feel bad but please understand that I try to give you guys 110% on stage. Your ticket is to see us perform! Entitlement is not sexy…
After a deluge of commiserating tweets from fans, Adam twittered:
I Loooooooooove and am deeply grateful to my fans who made idol a dream come true. I feel that I express that love in my performance.Thank u
Thanks to those of you who “get it” You guys are so rad. The messages were really thoughtful. A few of you need to quit being so negative.
Deirdre
August 11th, 2009
8:08 am
Hazel…you obviously haven’t been reading for very long or you’d understand what’s going on. But that’s ok…if you don’t like the way things are around here you can always go someplace else.
Nana
August 11th, 2009
8:27 am
Another little piece of tidbit I just heard on Kick. The country duo of Brooks & Dunn are splitting and calling it quits. They have won the CMA duo of the year 1992 to 2006 and again in 2007 for a total of 15, plus entertainer of the year. Not a bad record. They have sold over 30 million albums, had 23 number one hits and have been together for twenty years. What a shame that they are going seperate ways.
Harriett
August 11th, 2009
8:32 am
Who is Hazel? Did I miss something or did Pac Man eat it?
Rickster
August 11th, 2009
8:47 am
Way to go Nana!! I never thought about going with country artists. That opens up a whole new area!
Nana
August 11th, 2009
8:51 am
harriett, believe me Hazel’s comment was there.
Pancakes, this is NOT a blog just for the regulars. Some comments are deleted from them as well as others. I have had mine disappear after they have posted, never to be seen again. I don’t recall you posting before using Pancakes as your name. Are you Hazel?
Nana
August 11th, 2009
8:54 am
Thanks Rickster. I’m alittle bit country, don’t ya know?
Heather MacDonald
August 11th, 2009
8:58 am
Nana, I love Brooks and Dunn and I am sorry to see them depart the country music scene. However, they’ve given over 20 years of their lives to performing and touring, and maybe they just want the time with their families now. Good luck to them no matter what they choose to do. They’re good guys who do a lot of charity work. As for Adam not signing autographs, I think that’s perfectly fine. When did we decide that every star has to spend HOURS and HOURS after concerts smiling and signing their name? It really is bound to be draining on the performer and I can completely see his point of view.
Mercedes S.
August 11th, 2009
9:03 am
Highlander, as for the “homespun jockstrap tribute” this refers to intimate pieces of cothing, decorated with interesting lettering, that is hurled onto the stage when Adam performs. Anytime I’ve said anything positive about Adam, the Kris-fans come out in force and take up valuable blog space defending Kris’s IDOL win – this is not necessary,
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE, people!
SO I refrain from posting a big chunk of the NYT review which dealt with how divine Adam looked and how crazily his fans expressed their feelings.
Glad you liked “Julie & Julia”, Deirdre, it’s one of my favorite movies this year. Don’t forget about “Bandslam” which opens this Friday.