For many of us we watched the auditions of American Idol and did not expect very much. Most of the auditions were from people who were there to be on TV. We sat through hours of tone deaf people with a very rare occasional person who was on key. Then came a quiet young man with gray hair. He opened his mouth and out came a beautiful whiskey tenor. He sang from his soul, and he moved us. He did not sing an overdone top ten hit either. Taylor was unique. Simon did not want to let him go to Hollywood, but Taylor said to give him a chance because he just wanted to be heard. Well, we heard him.
Taylor is not the typical pop idol. He does not sing or perform like all the clones out there. Taylor has his own idea of what music is, and he puts his heart into it. Many do not care for his dancing, but we embrace this wonderful man who comes alive on the stage. He is so into the music that he is 100% uninhibited. How many of us wish we could feel that free? Too many. That is what makes him sexy.
There are those who do not like his singing. To us, we hear the emotion in his voice. We love his sexy growl, or his fantastic falsetto that he has brought out in the past two weeks. Taylor is a true artist. He knows how to interpret the songs and make them his own.
So for those who do not understand the Soul Patrol or Taylor fans that is fine. To those of us who do get Taylor, he has made us feel joyful when we listen to his music. He has moved some to tears with his rendition of "You Are So Beautiful" or his own song "The Fall".
Those of us who get Taylor, listen to his CD's and are greatful that Randy and Paula let him through. A new star is born in Taylor, and he is here to stay.
This thread is open for positive posts. It is not a debate thread.
See, I'm the same way about Chris. There are many out there who don't get why I love his voice, as well as other things! So, I completely understand, even if I don't feel the same about Taylor. Can he sing? Yes. And I love when he sings those soulful songs.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
TAYLOR HICKS! My favorite subject since Season 5 of American Idol began. I was "kinda" listening to the AI auditions, while painting my nails and reading a book (I'm quite the multi-tasker LOL). I looked up at the TV and saw this adorable man, with...no it couldn't be....GREY Hair! I continued watching him, actually I could not stop watching him. He opened the door, walked in for his audition, opened that beautiful mouth and I was HOOKED on HICKS immediately! What Soul resonated from the Grey Haired Dude! I was mesmerized by, what I could see, was an old SOUL. Never mind that Simon didn't care for him, I instinctively knew this was THE Man that would give Today's Music the kick in the butt it desperately needed! I prayed as Randy and Paula pushed the GHD through to the next round. YES! He was going to Hollywood!
I have never missed an AI season. I have had favorites, Clay, Fantasia and Bo. I had only voted one season and that was for Bo. Never had I even thought of registering on AI!!!!
This season, I registered on AI in February, and joined the already growing ranks of the Soul Patrol. I posted, I met, and became close friends with Taylor Fans from around the world. Every week, after voting began, I voted non-stop for 2 hours for Taylor. Each week, my love for his soulful voice , his southern gentleman humble ways and yes I will admit, his looks and his dancing continued to grow. When he sings it comes from his soul, he moves to the music, uninhibited, giving all he's got into each and every performance.
Here we are at the finale....and am I surprised that Taylor Hicks has come this far? If I could scream on this post, you would now be hearing a huge NO! Taylor deserves to win AI! He rocks my heart and soul! He is the only contestant that has not been in the bottom 3 or 2. He has, not once be told by any of the judges that he is pitchy, off key and has NEVER forgotten the lyrics to a song. Those people that have put down his dancing, just do NOT "GET" Taylor! If you watch him (and I can not take my eyes off him as he perfoms) he is in constant touch with whatever song he is singing, he moves, he generates such Soul, he totally LOVES what he is doing! Isn't that what music lovers want, someone who loves to perform? I personally can not wait to attend a Taylor Concert! Will he win and become the next American Idol? Let me put it this way. HE DESERVES TO WIN!!! I know I will be voting, dialing 2 phones, and sending TEXT Votes, doing all I can for Taylor Hicks this Tuesday. He has given his fans recognition, to die for performances and hope for the future of music! God Bless Taylor Hicks!!!!! Soul Patrol loves you, man!!!!!
I went back, through all the posts of performance nights... even to the first auditions. Man, I really liked Taylor, from the beginning... but, he wasn't the "It" for me. Still, I've liked his soul, his energy, and presence, each week.
I've had a decent weekend, Sueann... you?
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Lawless said this in post #6 : I went back, through all the posts of performance nights... even to the first auditions. Man, I really liked Taylor, from the beginning... but, he wasn't the "It" for me. Still, I've liked his soul, his energy, and presence, each week.
I've had a decent weekend, Sueann... you?
Busy weekend....I guess it was ok. The weather here is chilly but so beautiful, sunny, very windy.
First off, let me start by saying I'm a 41 year old mother of 2 who's never really watched the show before this season. I so called watched Season 1, but that's it. I'd seen clips here and there from the other seasons, but like many my age had little interest in the content and contestants.
Like you hear from a lot of people, I was watching the auditions with my daughter, laughing at all the rejects when I caught Taylor Hicks belting out a Sam Cooke tune. From the first moment, I was hooked. Partly because he had that rare Cocker-esq voice, partly because he seemed the antithesis of what an Idol contestant is, and partly because his character was very alluring.
I've watched the entire competition since and am both surprised and not surprised to see he’s made it this far. On one hand, I've always thought the overwhelming element on idol to be a popularity contest to see who's songs would fit in best on the weekly top 40. On the other hand the scores of people that Hicks' has brought to the show is some what astounding.
Hicks posses a raw talent and passion for the music that's (in my opinion) unparalleled throughout the show's past. Obviously there are people coming from different view points who might not share those thoughts, but I wanted the point to be made. I’ve read far too many “the guy can’t sing” or “he’s lacking in the vocal department”. This could not be any further from the truth. The raspy nature of his voice is what makes him such a distinct and interesting singer. Barry Manilow described him as a ‘whisky tenor’ capable of hitting high notes he himself couldn’t, and referred to his voice as “one of the great voices I’ve heard”. That kind of praise speaks for itself.
Taylor Hicks may not sell as many albums as someone like Kelly Clarkson, but McDonalds sells a lot more Big Macs than a butcher does gourmet steaks. I think people will be surprised with the amount of units Hicks will sell regardless of what happens and people will flock to see him live. He doesn’t have this instant cult following for no reason.
In conclusion, you may not be coming from a place where you can understand what you’re seeing with Taylor Hicks performing each week, but don’t tell me or anyone else the guy can’t sing, or is just there to dance around like a fool. The man feels the music from the bottom of his being. Regardless of whether or not he stands at center stage this week to be declared the next American Idol, this reality TV show (for the first time in my opinion) will have leant a spotlight to a true talent and an individual who doesn’t come with the pretense of true music taking a back seat to image or pop culture marketability.
The infectious nature of his personality, combined with his skilled performance techniques makes Mr. Taylor Hicks a unique performer in today's m usic industry.
Will he be marketable - Absolutely YES... will Sion Cowell and the fluffs at 19 succeed? Probably not, but after he completes his contract - he will be a star
My favorites from the begining were Taylor and Chris. I'm very excited that Taylor won since he is not your typical American Idol. I though it was great to see him with his harmonica and he brought a unique voice to the Idol competition.
I believe, way down deep in my soul, that Taylor will be the catalyst for a change in the direction that popular music is going to take in the coming decade. For that, I am eternally in his debt. No, really. I thank God for Taylor's musical sensibilities! Every time I hear his voice, I become more convinced of it. Taylor is our reward for the patient suffering we've had to endure at the hands of recent popular music artists (and man! am I using THAT term lightly!). I, for one, will be thrilled when Taylor releases his next cd. "the times, they are a-changin'!"
05-21-2006 03:57 AM
TAYLOR HICKS! My favorite subject since Season 5 of American Idol began. I was "kinda" listening to the AI auditions, while painting my nails and reading a book (I'm quite the multi-tasker LOL). I looked up at the TV and saw this adorable man, with...no it couldn't be....GREY Hair! I continued watching him, actually I could not stop watching him. He opened the door, walked in for his audition, opened that beautiful mouth and I was HOOKED on HICKS immediately! What Soul resonated from the Grey Haired Dude! I was mesmerized by, what I could see, was an old SOUL. Never mind that Simon didn't care for him, I instinctively knew this was THE Man that would give Today's Music the kick in the butt it desperately needed! I prayed as Randy and Paula pushed the GHD through to the next round. YES! He was going to Hollywood!
Busy weekend....I guess it was ok. The weather here is chilly but so beautiful, sunny, very windy.
