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IDOL REWIND: TAYLOR WINS AGAIN !
Topic Started: Aug 30 2009, 10:24 AM (7,686 Views)
mouser
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About.com is a website filled with information , researched and opinion oriented , The predictions below were given prior to knowing who would win American Idol............ She it not totally accurate but eerily close to the truth ( so far)
Predicting The Music Careers of American Idol 10 Finalists
By Latoya West, About.com Guide

A little about Latoya

About.com Reality TV Guide Latoya West is an entertainment writer who has been writing for the web since 1999. Also a reality TV junkie, she has been watching reality TV for over a decade.

Experience:
Latoya's obsession with reality TV started when she watched the first season of MTV's The Real World in 1992, and her love continues to this day as she stays on top of reality TV news thanks to daily TV viewing, constant online research, and contact with TV publicists. Over the years, Latoya has quizzed eliminated reality show contestants like the America's Next Top Model eliminees, chatted with personalities such as My Fair Brady couple Chris and Adrianne, and gotten the dirt personally from hosts including Simon Cowell and Donald Trump.

Prior to becoming the Guide to Reality TV, Latoya held jobs at various websites including Court TV.com, where her duties included writing about court cases unfolding every day live on the network. She has also worked as an entertainment writer/editor for the teen website Katrillion.com. During that time, she hit the red carpet at events like the Daytime Emmys and MTV Video Music Awards and interviewed stars such as 50 Cent.

From Latoya West:
No script, no problem! Reality TV is a true reflection of how things are when people "stop being polite and start being real." It has changed a great deal over the years, and I now rank shows like America's Next Top Model and The Apprentice among my favorites. I am excited to be writing about a topic that I love and sharing my knowledge of all things reality TV.

-------------------------------------------
I am no fortune teller --and I’m no music executive either, but that won’t stop this reality TV fan from predicting the music careers of the American Idol Top 10! Here we go!


Kelly Pickler will get snatched up by a country record label faster than she can ask, “What’s a record label?” The charmingly-clueless cutie will find music success thanks to her undeniable talent and her girl-next-door appeal.

Ace Young will release an R&B/hip-hop-flavored joint that will have musicheads comparing him to Justin Timberlake. But his sorta-good record sales won’t match JT’s.

Mandisa Hundley will release a gospel album that will top the Gospel charts. However, the soulful star will be a stranger to the Pop Top 100 Chart. Mandisa may even land a role on Broadway. Hallelujah to that!

Taylor Hicks will sell out small arenas nationwide, but Taylor will have less success when it comes to record sales. Fans will prefer this gray-haired entertainer when he’s performing live.

Chris Daughtry will rock America with an amazing Rock album. He may even convert some Rock-haters into Rock believers.

Bucky Covington will struggle to get his career going, but his Idol fame will help him get some gigs.

Paris Bennett will have some growing up to do before she gets real respect in the R&B world. But the name Paris Bennett will eventually be known by every R&B fan.


Lisa Tucker will struggle to establish her career in music. In a world where edgy sells, the sugar-sweet teen will have to reinvent herself to get to the top.

Elliot Yamin will release an album featuring pop and R&B love songs – but not before he undergoes a complete image makeover to take his sex appeal up a notch.

Katharine McPhee will take on the music world with a chart-topping pop album. Unlike idol Kelly Clarkson, the dark-haired darling won’t go blonde and she will stick to her safe pop image.
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Oldiebutgoodie
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I love they way they phrased it-and I agree!
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Gr8fulheart
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She had it pretty much 'right on'. May I add; Taylor IS a Live performer! You certainly cannot 'hear' all that movement on a record! :bls :lm
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pat
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performing live . . . . . . yes, a perfect description of what Taylor does best!! :guitar :cp
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mouser
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Blog post about the appeal of American Idol 5 This was written in 2006 and is being reprinted

Anthony Palladino
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Why We Can't Get Enough American Idol
Now we’re well into the final 12. American Idol 2006 is in full swing, and as Randy Jackson says, “we got a hot one, dog.”

As my wife and I sit down to watch it each night, we can’t help but be drawn in. Even my kids, who are 3 and 4 ½ love what they call “the singing show.” Among all of this interest, I am baffled as to why?

Every year, it’s the same format, same motley crue of judges, same Ryan Seacrest. And the banter between Seacrest and Simon Cowell is predictable, we see it is one miles away. Paula Abdul is always quiet comment on the sex appeal of people like Ace Young, makes us wonder who was really telling the truth - her or Cory Clark. Randy Jackson offers his "it was aaaiight" or "it was pitchy in some parts." Or he roars into the "dog pound", she begged for her guffales, chortels and choodles. I'm not really sure what Jackson - next year I would say, is a Jackson language decoder key. And Cowell,Well, he is always honest, sometimes brutally, and the word "appalling" too often.

I still ask myself why am I - and most show every pocket of American demographics - in that the singers with courage, ambition, has a little talent and some stage presence and voted them into international pop icons ?

Well, I've long and hard about it. And I think it boils down to a matter. Transfer: We all see a little of ourselves or the person we wanted toor thought we might or might like to become a candidate or another. And it gives us a chance, share in their dreams to the next American Idol - the next pop icon.

Look in on several levels.

First diversity, there is an idol, with which everyone can order from us. We have Ace Young, the young, perhaps too handsome to be taken seriously as a talented singer, probably better as an actor 25 years old. He must draw the younger and middle-agedWomen. My wife even said, "He is good." Is not in a position to offer a contrary point of view, because I would be wrong of course, all I can say, "You know what, you're right."

First, let's Mandisa. Yes, she is great, but the girl can sing. Reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, she has a beautiful smile. We can not help but be attracted to her.

And Bucky Covington. He has the rough, kinda in the south, kinda cowboy swagger. There are no other long blonde hairGuys who wear cowboy hats, so yes, he is representing some demographic.

Katharine McPhee has a beautiful voice and smile and is ready, their talent is obvious. The theater geeks adore her.

Paris Bennett has so many looks that I, if it really the same person question. You can really put on a show. I really believe that she was very pretty, but I think she is fiery and excited to try and win this thing.

Taylor Hicks's dance moves are ... well, I'm not sure what theyare. He’s like Joe Cocker or Bob Seger on too much caffeine or something. He’s kind of an anomaly, but is very likeable and has an appeal.
Elliot Yamin is so close to his mom. The guy wears an insulin pump to battle diabetes on a daily basis. I’m not really a fan, but my heart bleeds for him; I can’t help but respect his dexterity regardless of how he sings. How about Kellie Pickler? What did Simon call her, “a naughty little minx?” And she replied, asking what that was. Come on, guys 16-40 would like to explain to her in detail. The cute, intense, blond, watch out what the young fathers. Oh, what's that you ask, "Can they sing?" Really, it has a role at all?

We have rockers, originally represented by Chris Daughtry. Sure, Simon was not crazy about the performance of Chris' in that week. But the guy is great, and he pulls the bald thing really well. He is not very classy, but a classic - and heRocks.

Idol offers validation and relevance for us all. The moderators pop icons every week. Last year we had Elton John. In the past week a modern feel, Shakira and Wyclef Jean. This year we started with Stevie Wonder, then Barry Manilow. Love or hate one of them, they are legends and truly influenced R & B, pop, soul, and now provide the samples and hooks that today on our iPods jamming. Hearing their songs takes us back to the days whenwe first heard them – the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. They create the nostalgia of days and times gone by and transfer us back to the excitement of another era.

American Idol enables us to transfer ourselves to the contestant’s experience. We can live their joy of being on top of the world when they hear the “you are not in the bottom three.” Unfortunately, we share in their disappointment when Seacrest says “this is the end of the road for you.”

We relate to them, their accents, race, style, smile, personality and talent. Conferred for a moment in each song, we will be on stage with them to share in that spotlight. And for a few seconds before the transfer, we are the American Idol, the next pop icon. All the stress, anxiety and pain of everyday life are gone, and everything is in order in our world.

That, my friends, is the secret behind the success of American Idol. It offers each of us a chance to escape our daily lives, and transform itself into aStar. The American psyche can not resist the chance to be a star, an American icon, even if only for a moment.

At the end of a long day, there is nothing wrong.



Posted by affanmean at 10:17 PM
Edited by mouser, Dec 7 2009, 10:47 AM.
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INTERVIEWS

MELISSA MCGEE

KEVIN COVIS

American Idol update: Kevin Covais talks Season 5 top 12 a closer look
Joel D Amos

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/811590.htm

In our continuing American Idol interviews with the top 12 from season five, finalist Kevin Covais checks in to give a first-hand account of life on what many consider Idol’s best top 12 ever.
From Daughtry, Katharine McPhee and the Soul Patrol leader who won the season five title of American Idol, Taylor Hicks -- the fifth Idol go around “had something for everyone,” Covais proudly stated.

American Idol update
SheKnows: It may be hard to quantify, but how has life really changed since you were on American Idol?

Kevin Covais: Oh, wow. It’s really hard to quantify. I guess the simple answer would be tremendously. It’s been a tremendous change in my life. Just the direction my life has taken since the show versus the direction I thought I might go in. I was a kid in high school. Sixteen years old, made a million times further than I ever thought I would.

SheKnows: You were kind of the Cinderella story that season.

Kevin Covais: I have to be the first to admit that -- making it into that top 12 was a surprise and a thrill.

SheKnows: You’re top 12, that season is going down as quite legendary. For you to be in that world, musically, artistically, that had to be pretty inspiring.

Kevin Covais: That was huge. That’s the year. I’ve been a fan for Idol since Kelly Clarkson won the show, day one. My mom and I were huge fans, I was 12 years old. I told my parents that when I get old enough to do this, I want to try. Sure enough, I was 16 and auditioned for it. Never did I think that I would be part of -- not in my opinion as a member, but as a fan -- the best top 12 American Idol has ever seen. There was such diverse talent, like you said -- legendary status. There’s someone for everyone to love. Go down the list from (Chris) Daughtry to Elliot (Yamin) to Taylor who won it all to Katherine, there were so many people on that season that were so talented. I was really lucky to be a part of that.

SheKnows: What have you been doing since you left the Idol stage?



Kevin Covais: Since then, I’ve been pursuing music and acting as well. I never thought those were things I’d be doing at the age of twenty. I thought I’d be in college, get a regular job. Idol kind of changes things up for me and given me the opportunities that I never would have had.

SheKnows: For you, with American Idol Rewind season five airing this fall in syndication, it’s kind of amazing to watch that season again. How is it for you looking back -- rewinding so to speak?

Kevin Covais: It’s so exciting to me -- I don’t think I could fully appreciate it when I was in the moment and the shows were live. I couldn’t appreciate it because it was such a rush and I was living in the moment. Now that they are repeating the show, the show is a global phenomenon, to take a step back and watch and see how the season unfolded -- it’s such an honor. I’m really blessed.

SheKnows: Lastly, if there is an artist that you would love to meet and collaborate with, who would it be?

Kevin Covais: It’s really hard to pinpoint it down to one, there are a few. One, I had the pleasure of meeting while I was doing the show. Someone who I look up to is Michael Buble. He is tremendously talented. The other would be Josh Grobin. The song I auditioned with on American Idol was You Raise Me Up. I’ve been singing that song since I was a little boy. To have the chance to meet him one day and to work with him would be incredible.

Kevin speaks about Diabetes




Kevin Talks about the movie "College" in which he has a part:




More conversation about the movie "College"





LISA TUCKER

Lisa Tucker interview for ‘American Idol Rewind,’ my new Twitter account
10:22 am October 23, 2009, by Rodney Ho
http://blogs.ajc.com/american-idol-blog/2009/10/23/lisa-tucker-interview-for-american-idol-rewind-my-new-twitter-account/?cxntfid=blogs_american_idol_blog

Please start following me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ajcidol! I just created the account.

TV Guide Channel’s “American Idol Rewind” offered up a bunch of season five “Idols” for me to talk to. I already caught up with Paris Bennett and posted that interview earlier this month. I really wanted to gab with Katharine McPhee but her publicist never bothered to reach out to me. (If you happen to read this, Kat McPhee’s publicist, my email is rho@ajc.com!)

I only chose Lisa Tucker, who finished tenth, because she is working with Atlanta’s own Ne-Yo. Bottom line: she’s sweet and young and still trying to finish an album more than three years after her spotlight had dimmed. Unfortunately, Lisa’s the only person in the top 10 of her season to not release an album.

She has been traveling from her home base in Orange County to New York and Atlanta to work on said album. “Ne Yo’s been writing for the album. It’s been going great,” she said. “He’s amazing. It’s such an honor to be working with one of the best writers out there.”

Lisa is now 20 years old. She felt like as a 16 year old on the show, she had a hard time picking songs that were age appropriate yet would show off her voice. “It was a Catch 22,” she said. “Now it’s easier to find songs that you can relate to.”

Seeing her old clips, though, “was somewhat painful. It was like reliving the nerves. I got nervous when I was watching.” But overall, “I’m really proud of the way I handled myself. On the show, it’s pretty funny to watch.” She is still in touch with Kevin Covais (who did a movie and went to college) and just spoke with Paris. “We always try to hook up when we can but everybody is so busy! I still talk to Mandisa and Elliott. Everyone’s doing good.”

Lisa at the time lacked an identity or a definable personality and was simply overshadowed by Paris, who finished fifth. She had a “Disney” feel to her and had some acting chops. She got bit parts in “The Game” on the CW, “Zoey 101″ on Disney and did a movie called “The Hustle” with David Alan Grier. I recall meeting her three years ago at a Macy’s and she had gotten a part on a TV show pilot that never got picked up.

After graduating high school, Lisa considered college but said she signed with Compound, Ne-Yo’s label. “I have to strike while the iron’s hot,” she said, with no apparent sense of irony. I asked if three years was too much time. “I think it’s a perfect amount of time,” she said. “I didn’t want to be that girl from ‘Idol.’ I’m older. Yes, I did ‘Idol.’ It was great exposure but I’m not taking it to a different level. I don’t think the association is as strong. That’s a positive thing.”

Why is it taking so long? “I wanted to make sure the music is right,” she said. “I think my patience will pay off.”

She said if she had rushed an album out, it would have been pop R&B ballads. “I’m glad I didn’t do that because a lot of time it’s hard to relate to a 16 year old girl. What’s necessary in music is believing that the person is feeling that way.”

How about Taylor Swift? “I love Taylor Swift. I bump her music in the car. It’s a perfect blend. She’s 17. She’s found the formula.”

The trick now for Lisa is to carve out a fresh identity amid the Rihannas and Lady GaGas of the world. I asked for her influences and she said she loves rock music without anything specific.

Her favorite season 5 moment was her audition. “I had been watching the show forever so to actually be there, it was so surreal for me. It was before you get into the swing of the show and get stressed out every day.” The worst was getting voted off. She said she sang “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson because none of her songs would clear. “I was stressed out so much that night. I was the last one in the studio that night trying to pick a song. I didn’t want to sing that song in the first place.”


December 24, 2009 1:53 PM
'Idol' Lisa Tucker set to return to the spotlight
By PETER LARSEN|

Lisa Tucker made her "American Idol" debut almost four years ago now so it's a small surprise to realize the sweetly smiling singer from Anaheim is still just 20 years old.

Still in high school at the time she landed on the show, Tucker finished 10th in the season that saw Taylor Hicks win the competition over Katharine McPhee (and fourth-place finisher Chris Daughtry, who ended up the most successful of the bunch), and soon she faded from the spotlight.



THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERCOMMENTS 1Lisa Tucker, who finished 10th on the fifth season of "American Idol," is the top-placing Orange County resident ever on the show.
So it was with interest that we reconnected by phone this week to catch up on everything from her ongoing appearances on "American Idol Rewind," the syndicated series that revisits seasons past, to the album she's currently recording and hopes to have out next year.

"I'm working on my album right now," said Tucker, who still lives in Anaheim, though lately she has seen almost as much of Atlanta and New York City thanks to ongoing recording sessions. "I signed with Ne-Yo's production company, Compound, and I'm working with him on music. That's been awesome, because he's one of the best songwriters in the business right now."

She landed that deal thanks to a meeting arranged by her manager earlier this year with representatives of Ne-Yo and Compound in Los Angeles, Tucker said.

"It was like, 'Hey, come on down, maybe we have some songs for you,'" Tucker said of that meeting. "And I went over and one of the head guys there asked me to sing, and I was like, 'OK, I can do that.'

"I just sang a song and he went, 'Hmm, why don't you come down to Atlanta and we'll record a few songs.'"

That was in March, Tucker said, and by mid-summer, when she'd recorded a few things, a meeting was arranged with Island/Def Jam in New York City.

"I went in and performed for L.A. Reid and (others) at Def Jam and they were just into it," she said of the speed with which she landed a deal for an album with the label.

So far, Tucker said she's been working with songwriters, playing piano and guitar, and developing a sound she described as pop R&B with a lot of rock influences mixed in.

"Something that was very important to me on the album was having an overall vibe, not just you hear this song from this producer, and then that song from that producer," she said. "I wanted, 'This is her overall sound,' and once you hear it, there's just a vibe going that I'm really proud of."

Mixed in with recording sessions this fall was time in the television studio to tape segments for "American Idol Rewind," a revisiting of her past – her teen years, so long-ago-seeming now – in the first few months of 2006.

"They call all the Idols and they're like, 'Hey, you want to come in and take a stroll down memory lane?'" Tucker said. "When I went in to tape it they had me sit down and watch my whole season again, my video of what I did on the season, and I was like, 'Whoa, this is kind of crazy and trippy!'"

Mostly good memories came from the video tour of her time on the show she said, though there were the occasional cringes, too.

"Of course seeing my audition tape, it's always funny to watch that," Tucker said. "The whole season, when you watch it, I think of the thing that happened right before that, and what I was thinking that was going through my mind, like, 'Uhhhhh.'

"It was a really stressful feeling. Don't get me wrong, a lot of it was really fun. And you bond with these people."

As for following the show since her season, she admits to not watching quite as religiously as she had when sha was just anothar fan with stars in her eyes and a dream in her heart.

"It's,almost like knosing the magician's tricks, kind of," she said. "I watched Adam Lambert last season. I loved Adam Lambert. So I would TiVo it and catch his performances after. He is just so amazing."

As for when fans can expect to hear a little bit of Tucker's own album, she says the songs will dictate when and which first single will emerge.

"We want it to be undeniable," she said of the first song to be released. "Everyone's going to look at each other and do the happy dance, and I'll be, 'That's a wrap!'"

3.

Tucker talks American Idol
SheKnows: Thanks for visiting with SheKnows.com. First, I wanted to start out asking, what first drew you to music?

Lisa Tucker: Wow, we've got to go way back for that one! I was always singing like on road trips and home videos, whatever. I was always singing. I did children's theater when I was young and I did The Lion King when I was about 11 here in Hollywood. That was what really catapulted me into singing and acting, and then eventually doing Idol when I was 16.

SheKnows: Were there any thoughts of maybe waiting a year or two to mature? Obviously fate has proven your choice correct to go at it at 16, but did you ever think at all about maybe waiting a year or two?

Lisa Tucker: You know, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to audition at all! I had been watching the show since I was 12 and everyone in my household loves American Idol. So they were like, "Why don't you just go on it?" and "What do you have to lose?" It finally started actually making sense, so I was like "OK, I'll just do it!" And I just went and I just did it.

SheKnows: You talked about discovering singing at an early age, but were there performers out there that shaped your influence over the years?

Lisa Tucker: Well, ever since I was little, I listened to Whitney Houston. I would be singing Saving All My Love For You and here is this 7 year old girl singing that song! So, definitely Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, of course -- I was into rock music too, so that was a huge influence -- but definitely Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Prince, Michael Jackson, definitely.

SheKnows: As an artist, with this American Idol opportunity you’ve had the opportunity to work with a very fascinating and inspiring people in life, Miss [Diane] Warwick. I’m curious what you’ve taken away in the last couple of years since Idol that you think has solidified you as a performer.

Lisa Tucker: Wow, actually, on Idol, we had Stevie Wonder week and he is just one of those people that you never think you could ever meet. They are just so amazing that they’re unreal! I sat down at his piano with him, and I play piano too, but this was just an amazing moment for me. He taught us a song about anything you every thought about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! It was totally random and he said, “It’s not what you sing, it’s how you sing it,” and that is one line that I will take with me forever.

SheKnows: You grew up in Southern California?



Lisa Tucker: Yes, I grew up in Orange County.

SheKnows: Did being near the entertainment industry influence your desire to become a part of it?

Lisa Tucker: Not necessarily. I think I’m far enough away from LA to be fine not doing music, but I just think that music has always been a part of me. It’s kind of an undeniable thing that I’m just glad to be doing.

SheKnows: There are several aspects of what you do. There’s being in the studio, there’s putting songs together, there’s performing live. Is there one aspect that’s more enjoyable for you than the others? Or are they all equal, all a joy?

Lisa Tucker: It is all a joy. Being in the studio can be very tedious. I’ve always loved performing live because that’s what I’ve been doing since I was young. The studio was actually a new thing for me when I first started recording. I actually love writing and just sitting down with a guitar or piano and just having that time and finding what you’re going to say how you feel. It’s really enjoyable.

SheKnows: This American Idol phenomenon that you are forever linked to; it’s amazing that a competition show like this could come back and thrive on reruns. With your season having been on American Idol Rewind, what’s it like for you? Obviously your world is very different now than when you started on that little show at 16.

Lisa Tucker: I have learned a lot from the show, just in terms of performing under pressure. You’re really just thrown out there, and you go from just ordinary Joe or Jane and then overnight everyone is blogging about you! It’s really crazy just because it’s so instinct. Learning how to deal with that is really like a crash course. I think that I grew as a performer doing that too. So now, when I go on auditions, I think “Wait, I performed on Idol!” I find myself comparing things to it.

SheKnows: I just talked to Kevin, your fellow American Idol Top 12 veteran. You both were 16-years-old, there in the American Idol top 12. Was there a special bond there with you both thrown into this whole thing?

Lisa Tucker: I was a senior in high school when I did it, so Kevin, Paris (Bennet) and I were all in school at the time. We would wake up three hours earlier than everybody else, and go downstairs and go to school! Here we are studying Economics just before you are about to go on stage in front of millions of people. I think we definitely had a special bond because we were all going through the same thing at the time.

SheKnows: Lisa this was a true pleasure. Thank you so much for visiting.

-------------
American Idol Eye on Idol
‘Idol’ Alum Lisa Tucker: ‘I Love Ellen. She’s Really Good For The Show.’
by Maura Johnston
Feb 15th, 2010 | 12:20 PM | Comments 0
This season of ‘Idol Rewind’ is currently spotlighting the fifth season of ‘American Idol,’ which was won by Taylor Hicks and which also spawned the rock career of Chris Daughtry. One of the season-five hopefuls was a young Californian named Lisa Tucker, who came in 10th that year. We caught up with her while she was on a break from working on her album.

You’ve been doing some acting and are in the studio – what’s new?
I have a pilot in the works. I have a couple of movie things that I’m looking into right now. And I’m working on my album that I get to write on and I get to play on. I play piano. It’s going really well, and I’m signed to Compound Entertainment, that’s Ne-Yo['s company]. We’ve been working together, and he’s awesome, so it’s been really great.

I love Ne-Yo.
Me too. When I first met him, I was like, “Oh my God, he’s a genius.”

Are you co-writing with him or are you writing most of the material on your own?
I haven’t co-written anything with him yet. He’s had some ideas that he’s put into a song, and I’ve had some ideas that I’ve put into a song. Honestly, just to watch him work is such a lesson, and he’s just so great at what he does.

Have you been watching ‘Idol’ this season?
I was actually watching a TiVoed episode last night. I didn’t watch the season before, but I would TiVo it and fast-forward to Adam Lambert, because I loved him so much. This season, I was like, “I really want to see what it’s going to be like with Ellen on there.” I love Ellen. I think she’s really good for the show. She’s nice, but she gets the point across if you didn’t do well, but she puts it in a way where it’s not so bad, she sugar-coats it a little bit. I remember everybody would ask us, “So who’s your favorite judge? Paula’s always so nice.” When you’re up there and you’re on that little X and people are criticizing you, sometimes it’s really nice to have Paula there.

When you watch the experiences that the contestants are having now, what do you remember most about that experience from four years ago?
I think Hollywood week is tough. I’m just glad I’m not there anymore, to be honest. The whole competition is extremely stressful, and it’s just so much pressure, but I think Hollywood week really is a hell week. All the pep talks that you get — “Don’t forget your words.” Then half the people forget the words. They really, really mess with your head — they wake you up early, you get to sleep late, and they really are trying to bring people down during that time. I remember I had my parents there, too, and it kind of helped me keep a level head through the whole thing, and just not get emotionally overwhelmed by it. It’s really a crazy week, that’s not a put-on, it’s a really scary week.

Everyone seems sleep-deprived.
People are going to cry a little more if they’re a little more tired. I think that’s intentional.

Your season is on ‘Idol Rewind’ now. What moments from that season stick out the most to you in the context of 2010?
I think I look back on it, and of course, I remember each performance right before I went on. When you just have an out of body experience… that’s how I felt during all my performances, so I remember right before I stepped on the stage. The behind-the-scenes stuff is what I remember most. I don’t know if I blanked out when I was onstage or what, but I remember going to school with Kevin and Paris, and I remember picking songs and all of us hanging out. I remember that really, really well.

How much school did you have during the show?
We needed three hours a day by law, and I’ll admit we definitely goofed around a lot. It’s hard to focus on economics when you’re about to go onstage in front of millions of people.

What do you think of the Howard Stern rumors? There are rumors that when Simon leaves, Howard will take Simon’s place.
Wow. What have I been missing? That’s interesting. I started watching the show when I was 12 years old, and by the time I auditioned for it, I was 16. It wasn’t the same watching it after I did it, but it was hard for me when Kara came in. It’s such a big change, and I miss just Randy, Paula, and Simon sometimes. For anybody to be in talks to take Simon’s place is just mind-boggling to me. You think of ‘American Idol,’ you think of Simon Cowell, and it’s just weird.

Howard’s pretty salty and opinionated.
Right. I just don’t know how that would go.





MANDISA

ACE YOUNG

BUCKY COVINGTON

A Conversation With Bucky Covington
Author: Sherry Lipp — Published: Oct 23, 2009 at 5:20 pm


Since appearing on season five of American Idol, 8th place runner-up, Bucky Covington has been keeping himself very busy. Shortly after the show Covington released his first album, Bucky Covington, which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and at number four on the Top 200 Albums chart.

Covington also appeared in Hannah Montana: The Movie, and toured with the GAC Country Music Christmas Tour. His time on Idol is being featured on this season of American Idol Rewind. Covington is preparing to release his new album, I’m Alright, in Spring of 2010. He just released a new single, a countrified version of Nickelback’s “Gotta Be Somebody.”

Covington took some time to chat with Blogcritics about his new album and his plans for the future.

What did you do right after Idol?


Figuring out what to do after American Idol is a very important step that you have to take. When you are on that show you’re on top of the world. It’s the biggest show there is. When you walk into the store people know who you are. The first thing I did after American Idol was move to Nashville Tennessee. I took some meetings with some folks I thought were looking pretty good. There was a guy named Mark Miller who was the producer for my first album, and is now.

Was it hard to figure out what to do?

I came straight off American Idol and I went straight to work. I went to the studio and we started looking at songs, and writing songs. I also toured. There was the first tour, with American Idol, and then there was the country music Christmas tour I went on.

The most important thing you have to do right when you come off that show is stay busy. It’s tough to do because you’ve already been out there for about four months non-stop on American Idol. The main thing I did right after was just keep myself very busy.

Since appearing on season five of American Idol, 8th place runner-up, Bucky Covington has been keeping himself very busy. Shortly after the show Covington released his first album, Bucky Covington, which debuted at number one on Billboar`’s Top Countrq Albums chart afd at number four on the Top 200$Albums chart.

Covington also$appeared in Hannah Montana: The(Movie, and tourid with the GAC Gountry Music Ch~istmas Tour. Hi time on Idol i{ being featured$on this season of American Idol(Rewind. Covingtcn is preparing to release his nmw album, I’m Elright, in Sprifg of 2010. He jqst released a niw single, a couftrified version,of Nickelback‑s “Gotta Be Somebody.”

Cgvington took soie time to chat with Blogcritics about his new album and his plans for the future.

What did you do right after Idol?

Figuring out what to do after American Idol is a rery important step that you hava to take. When qou are on that show you’re on top of the world. It’s the biggest show there is. When you walk into the store people know who you are. The first thing I did after American Idol was move to Nashville Tennessee. I took some meetings with some folks I thought were looking pretty good. There was a guy named Mark Miller who was the producer for my first album, and is now.

Was it hard to figure out what to do?

I came straight off American Idol and I went straight to work. I went to the studio and we started looking at songs, and writing songs. I also toured. There was the first tour, with American Idol, and then there was the country music Christmas tour I went on.

The most important thing you have to do right when you come off that show is stay busy. It’s tough to do because you’ve already been out there for about four months non-stop on American Idol. The main thing I did right after was just keep myself very busy.

What do you look for in a song that is sent to you? Are the songs complete?

A lot of them are complete as far as the writer is done, but I might want to make a few changes. I’ve had some songs come in where the whole song is just amazing. Then sometimes it’s like, “I know what you’re saying, but I’d like to say it from my own eyes.” It’s me that’s singing it. I’ve done everything from re-write a bridge, to re-writing four words, to not touching it.

How did your part in the Hannah Montana movie come about?

I’m a big Billy Ray Cyrus fan. I like the style, I like the speed. I was out in Arizona doing a show and Billy Ray Cyrus was playing. I met him and he was the nicest guy you could ever meet. A couple weeks later I got a call asking if I wanted to be in the new Hannah Montana movie. And I’ll tell you it was just a no-brainer. It’s just like, “Sure, of course.” They actually shot it in Tennessee, and it was actually only about a half hour from where I lived at the time. It was incredible.

Do you still live in Nashville?

I’m about to move to my fifth house in four years in Nashville. I’m actually buying a house. In Nashville it can take a while to figure out what area you want live in. Finally I found it.

What have you been doing recently?

A couple weeks ago I did a really cool thing. I went back home to Rockingham, North Carolina and did a free concert. I had been back home before since American Idol, but I don’t know that I was doing what I set to do, which was to have a career in country music. I’m not going to say I have anything concrete now, but to go back home and see my fans and play a free show, it was great. We did a donation thing for Backpack Pals which gives food to needy kids. I was very happy to help with that. It was great to be back home. There were people as far as you could see. It was just an incredible feeling. We also got a lot of live footage, and started shooting the video for “Gotta Be Somebody.” And for part of that video to be shot back home, that’s very cool.

Where can your fans keep up with you?

My official website and I’m on MySpace and Facebook. Actually the whole world is on that Twitter thing, and I’m fixing to start. I’m always a couple years behind in technology, but I am getting ready to start Twittering. It’s a good way to reach out to the fans

Bucky video Feb. 2010

PARIS BENNETT

Paris Bennett American Idol Rewind exclusive Paris' American Idol insight
Joel D Amos


http://www.sheknows.com/articles/811381.htm


With the new American Idol just weeks away, the new season of American Idol Rewind takes a look at past seasons. SheKnows looks back, too, with exclusive interviews with past Idols. Here, SheKnows chats with Paris Bennett.
In the first of our American Idol Rewind series of exclusive interviews, Princess P -- Paris Bennett -- rings SheKnows to talk about how life has completely changed on her journey from 17-year-old singer on American Idol to recording artist and mother in 2009.

American Idol Rewind
SheKnows: Honestly, we know you were singing at an early age to be on American Idol at 17, but I want to know: What first piqued your interest and made you want to sing?

Paris Bennett: I think growing up in my family. Everyone already sang. Everyone was already introduced to music. My grandfather was a pastor, so being in his church, you went from the little kids' choir to the big kids' choir, and then into your own kind of music thing. My grandmother played the organ. She was the choir director, as well. I was just always musically inclined. I was already set off to sing before I knew that was what I was going to do.

SheKnows: The nature of what you do varies a lot -- the solitude of the recording studio and the performing in front of thousands. What about each do you enjoy? Do you prefer one over the other?

Paris Bennett: I definitely prefer performing in front of people over being in the studio. But being in the studio gives me time to myself to perfect my craft before performing. That’s a good thing about the studio. As far as performing, you automatically make adjustments to the type of singer you are because the people allow you to show them the singer you put in front of them.

SheKnows: When the American Idol auditions for you first arose, was it something that you heard about yourself? Or, was it something that a friend or family member had said?

Paris Bennett: My grandparents had mentioned it to me. It was something that they wanted to see if I wanted to do. I wasn’t for it, just because I had seen only the judging part of it. I was like, ‘How does somebody judge you based on your talent?' I never really understood it, but after them asking me a certain amount of times, I was like, 'OK, I’ll do it. But if I don’t make it, I won’t be hurt. If I make it, I’ll go on and see where it takes me, step by step.'

SheKnows: Is there any advice you would impart to the new American Idols who are about to have their lives changed dramatically?

Paris Bennett: Find that something that makes you remain the person you are before the whirlwind. When you go through such a big change, you have to prepare yourself. You have to keep yourself humbled through the whole experience.

SheKnows: For you, as a singer, and a performer, who out there makes your jaw drop?

Paris Bennett: I still get jaw-dropped by Gladys Knight. I still love Janet Jackson, of course. I love Beyonce… there are new artists who make my draw job based on the things that they do -- Lady Gaga, for sure.

SheKnows: Is it still crazy for you to witness the popularity of American Idol, especially when you see the repeats garnering such attention? This year, the spotlight is on your year’s top 12 that included Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and Daughtry. What it is like to be flipping through the TV channels and happen upon your days on American Idol?

Paris Bennett: It’s definitely an experience. You’re like, ‘Wow, this is what I did. This was me when I was 17 years old. America watched me grow up.'

SheKnows: Lastly, has becoming a mother altered you in any way as a performer and artist?

Paris Bennett: It’s made me more of a performer because now I have more perspective than I did performing just for my fans. Now, I perform for my daughter. It makes me think differently. I think on things a lot harder. I think I’m more of a protector, more than anything -- both for my craft and for my daughter.




KELLY PICKLER

From Idol to country queen
Joel D Amos


Rate this Article: Max 5 stars100My Rating


Kellie Pickler visited Extreme Makeover: Home Edition November 8 and then visited with SheKnows to exclusively share how the experience changed her life. Pickler also dishes on November 11 Country Music Awards, her USO tours and her upcoming global trek performing with Taylor Swift.
Pickler rocketed to fame as an alumnus of American Idol, but has since carved out her very own niche within the country music industry. Her Red High Heels may have announced to the world she was ready to strut out on her own, her self-titled latest album proves the singer is here to stay.

Nominated for Female Video of the Year for Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful on Wednesday’s Country Music Awards, Pickler shares her emotions in the days prior to a big award show for the industry that has embraced her with both arms.

SheKnows: Hello Kellie, thanks for visiting with SheKnows.com.

Kellie Pickler: My goodness, such a pleasure.

SheKnows: What do you think it is about Extreme Makeover Home Edition that so special that you had to be a part of it this last week?

Kellie Pickler: The show is one of the most incredible shows that is on television. I was so blessed to be a part of it. The show was all about giving back and helping people and just loving one another. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

SheKnows: How did you find the affable Ty Pennington?

Kellie Pickler: He was so remarkably genuine. He is such a good person, so sweet. Everyone on the show, everyone involved in the show, their heart and souls are in the right place. I think out of all the television shows that I’ve been a part of, this has been the best experience. I love what the show is about. It’s so different than anything else on television. It’s actually one of the few shows where the heart and motives are good. It’s such a positive show. It’s great for families. You can watch it with your kids and you don’t have to worry about anything inappropriate (laughs). It’s a learning show, too. It teaches you about morals, discipline and how to treat one another. It’s amazing.



SheKnows: How would you say that this particular experience moved you? It seemed quite deeply.

Kellie Pickler: It did. For me, I learned so much from this family. Their living situation in particular with the dad being handicapped and also the brother Uncle Joe -- who lives in the house with them -- they have kids and the mom who is like a rock. But, they were in such a small space. This family is so deserving of this -- I learned so much from them as far as not to take things for granted. I think we as human beings, we are all guilty of taking life for granted. Taking the fact that we’re an American for granted. When you see the father’s story coming from Vietnam, winning a gold medal for the US as a wheelchair athlete, you understand what I mean when I say we take for granted that we are an American. It’s really beautiful.

SheKnows: Speaking of treasuring Americans -- how was your most recent trip to the Persian gulf?

Kellie Pickler: It was great! I’m actually excited about going back. We’re planning another USO tour with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser.

SheKnows: Sweet!

Kellie Pickler: (Laughs) Never a dull moment with those two, I’m sure.

Touring with Taylor Swift
SheKnows: I am so sure! What are your thoughts on the upcoming tour with Taylor Swift?

Kellie Pickler: We have not even…wait, the CMAs are Wednesday. Then she’s heading to Australia. We haven’t planned for next year, yet. I’m sure there will be a lot of vamping up the show and making it somewhat different from this year. A lot of the same people will be coming back and we want the show to be new and fresh. It’s going to be amazing.

SheKnows: Well, it is such a perfect pairing, my goodness.

Kellie Pickler: It has been great. We’re both blown away with how quickly all the shows are selling out (laughs). It’s incredible.

SheKnows: Saw you on Ellen on Halloween…

Kellie Pickler: Ellen is a lot of fun. Now there’s a never a dull moment person (laughs).

SheKnows: You got to dress up as your ultimate hero, Dolly Parton!

Kellie Pickler: That was by far my most favorite Halloween…ever.

SheKnows: We’ve got the Country Music Awards November 11. You’re attending and I wondered, for you to be so embraced by the country music community after your time on American Idol, has got to be so rewarding. Nominations and awards are nice, but I mean simply the acceptance into the community of Nashville. For you to be nominated alongside these people who are your heroes has to be a thrill.

Kellie Pickler: I definitely makes you feel good and what not. For me, it’s not about the awards. I don’t define success by how many awards you have or how much money you have. To me, success is if I’m happy. If you have $20 million in the bank and you’re not happy, you’re not successful to me -- that’s my opinion. It’s great to be able to go to these shows like the CMAs and see people you’re a fan of and had their posters hanging on your wall when you were kid. It’s cool to be doing what you love in the company of these heroes. It is a good feeling.

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/812082.htm


Edited by mouser, Feb 24 2010, 09:36 AM.
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INTERVIEWS CONTINUED:

CHRIS DAUGHTRY

Idol adaptation
Life transforms in a hurry for Chris Daughtry


http://www.pjstar.com/entertainment/x2016444104/Idol-adaptation

Journal Star news services
By Danielle Hatch (dhatch@pjstar.com)
of the Journal Star
Posted Oct 22, 2009 @ 01:01 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Daughtry has had to adapt to many changes since he appeared on Season 5 of "American Idol" in 2006.

There's the packed travel schedule and long stretches away from home, there's the lack of privacy, there are the fans that tattoo his name on their bodies.

"It's flattering, but at the same time, kind of creepy," Daughtry, 29, said by telephone from Los Angeles. "I can't think of anybody's autograph I'd want tattooed on me forever. But it's all flattering."

Daughtry, who brings his band to the Peoria Civic Center on Sunday, has been playing music for years. But he became a household name in a short time, thanks to "American Idol."

"The notoriety came very quickly after being on the show," he said. "It took some getting used to, but it was something that I'd always wanted so it wasn't something I was resisting."

After trying out for "American Idol" at his wife's suggestion, Daughtry connected with viewers in a big way. With his boy-next-door likability, he was favored to win but was eliminated as the fourth-place finisher in a season that produced winner Taylor Hicks.

Coming in fourth hasn't seemed to slow his popularity, though. Daughtry released his self-titled debut, which went multi-platinum, in 2006. According to the Wall Street Journal, it was the top-selling album of 2007 and sold more than 4.4 million copies.

He's currently promoting his second record, "Leave This Town," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in July. The album also features bandmates Joey Barnes (drums/piano), Josh Paul (bass), and guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock. Writing credits on the album include Evanescence's Ben Moody and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger.

Success has meant lots of hard work, and lots of time away from his wife and two children at home in Greensboro, N.C.

"I didn't know what it was going to be like being away from home so much," Daughtry said. "Obviously, that's the negative part of the business. But I love every minute of it. It's way more than I expected. It's a lot of work and there's a lot of stuff that people don't see. And obviously, the lack of privacy can be an issue sometimes but you learn to deal with that as well."

The current tour kicked off Monday in Topeka, Kan. The tour dates roll on through December, and while Daughtry will be missing home, his fans - who sometimes shower him with Starbucks cards or homemade scrapbooks - make it worthwhile.

"If we've been going at it for a while and doing a lot of shows back-to-back, that can wear you out," he said. "But a lot of times we base our show on how the crowd was. If the crowd was amazing, that's what we remember. For the most part, we've been very fortunate."








ELLIOTT YAMIN

/6: Elliott Yamin interview for his new album
11:40 am May 6, 2009, by Rodney Ho


Season five finalist Elliott Yamin had a tough year. His beloved mom died and he had some relationship issues. But he did get his second studio album finished. I interviewed him a few weeks ago at the W Hotel in Buckhead over coffee.

And like Spinal Tap, he is huge in Japan. He made five trips there, including a 10-day tour. He got to do those quirky talk shows you saw in “Lost in Translation.” “There was this show where puppets were interviewing me,” he said. “They can be corny like that over there.”

“Wait For You” was a huge hit there as it was here.



So was doing the duets a good idea?

Yes! It was especially fun to see Adam and Allison jam it out!
No. This is a competition for solo singing, not harmonizing.


Yamin also did a USO tour in Europe, playing in Germany and England.

His latest album “Fight For Love” came out yesterday.

“My goal was to make this record a little more contemporary,” he said. “A little more soulful R&B. I feel the first one was a little safe. This album reflects how much I’ve grown as an artist. I’m come into my own as a writer. This is the record I’ve been longing to make.”

He feels his voice has matured, that he’s become more comfortable in the studio. He carries a handheld tape recorder and whenever the fashion strikes him, he sings bits and pieces. “I’ve hit record while showering,” he said.

“Fight for Love,” the first single written by Atlanta native Johnta Austin, is quite catchy. “It’s really current,” he said. Unfortunately, it hasn’t gotten much airplay on radio. He could have used the boost of an “Idol” appearance but I have not heard if that’s going to happen.

“The landscape of radio has changed,” he said. “People are getting fired. People are afraid to add new records.”

He doesn’t think fame has affected him. “I’m the same person. I do what I love to do,” he said. “I still have great friends. I’m still making great friends.”

We are both diabetics, using insulin pumps, so we gabbed about that and how difficulty touring can be on his control. “I do my best,” he said. “I test my blood sugar five or six times a day.” He tries to jump on the treadmills at hotels, uses those perfect pushup “seen on TV” contraptions in the room.

As for this season’s “Idol,” he hasn’t watched it. “I will be synonymous with Idol forever. It doesn’t bother me. I get all that.” The questions about “Idol,” he admits, does get “a little old” after awhile.

About his mom: “”It’s been the hardest year of my life. I mourn for her. I’ve been channeling that emotion in my music. It has helped me. She was revered by so many fans. They loved her. She was there every step. She was a character. She loved being part of that whole thing.” He wrote this song “Someday” for her.

Yamin, who has a girlfriend, said after her death, “I became a recluse — from everything, from the real world, my relationships with people.” But he said he has to promote stuff. “Life goes on. I’ve got to keep my business going. The more submersed I am in work, the less time I’ve got to reflect and get down.”

2.
Elliott Yamin sits down with Diabetes Health Magazine's Scott King, and opens up about life on the road with diabetes, his musical inspirations, and memories of his dearly departed Mother.



KATHERINE MCPHEE

The New Katherine McPhee

Get Ready for the New Katharine McPhee
Posted Friday 16 October 08:00 AM By: Mike Hess



Aside from the gorgeous voice, go ahead and disregard most of what you remember about Katharine McPhee, as the 'Idol' alumnus is revamping her sound, image (and yes, hair) as she takes the next step forward in her career. McPhee stopped by the PopEater offices to talk about her upcoming album 'Unbroken' (out in January) as well as her new single, 'Had It All.' "Coming off of the show that I did and making the record as fast as I did, I always just sang. I didn't develop myself as an artist and know who I was and where I wanted to go," McPhee tells PopEater about her past. There's also talk of pregnancy, adoption and marriage ... and a bunch of "Just kidding!" disclaimers.That, plus her new video and more fabulous pics after the jump!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Unbroken' comes out in January. Is it hard waiting around?

Well, it was supposed to come out in October, and they decided to push it for various reasons -- scheduling, and things like that -- and the very first thing I said was 'What am I going to do for the next four months?' But there's already plenty to do, visiting radio stations and doing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This time of year is my favorite time of year, so gearing up for a record is very exciting.

Your new label Verve has a long history of legendary artists. Is that intimidating at all to you?

It's not intimidating at all, it's just a pleasure to be in that great company of iconic women. I'm just really kind of amazed that I'm in such a legendary record label.

You've said the new album is a different side of you and your personality. What exactly is in there that wasn't in the past?

I think spending a whole year trying to figure out where I wanted to go musically and who I was really as an artist comes out in this music. Coming off of the show that I did and making the record as fast as I did, I always just sang. I didn't develop myself as an artist and know who I was and where I wanted to go. It was a little confusing for me and this last year I spent a lot of time discovering that. It's real discovery and the hardships that I went through and trying to discover musically who I am in a more grown up perspective. One of the lyrics from the song is "Get up out of that bed/turn the lights on/try to forget where it went wrong." So many things I can relate to in my life -- not to say that it's depressing, but it definitely has darker lyrics with a positive outlook. There's a lot of negative things in life, but it's trying to keep that positive energy. It's a rebirth of myself.

You mentioned you went into discovery mode. What did you do to really channel that?

One thing I wanted to do was really feel like I was singing a song, a melody line. My first record was more of like a pop driven record, but I really just wanted to sing a song with a simple melody. Doug Morris, who's the head of Universal Music, suggested I go to Nashville, not because I was going to make a country record, but because there's so many great songwriters. When I went there, I actually cried in one of the songwriting and listening sessions because I was so overwhelmed with this plethora of gorgeous melodies and meaningful lyrics. That was a discovery for me. I was thrilled to be writing with people who had stories to tell.


How therapeutic is the lyric-writing process for you?

It depends on the day and who I'm in the room with. A lot of times I was really stubborn going into some of the writing sessions because I didn't want to write that day or something. But at the end I was really excited about what we did, and obviously all of it doesn't make the record, but it's cool to hear the finished product and have that memory of what it takes to go from a blank piece of paper to a full song.

So you've reinvented yourself musically, and famously dyed your hair blond. Was the dye-job a spur of the moment kind of thing?

It wasn't spur of the moment. I can't say it wasn't calculated because I didn't want it to be a complete disaster and have my hair fall out, but it was a natural thing to do. I always wanted to know what it was like to have blond hair. People get complacent and know you as the girl with long brown curly hair. People always say 'Oh, your hair is so beautiful and curly.' Really, my hair is completely pin-straight. I have no wave in my hair. So this image gets created, which is great because then people identify you, but I just wanted to turn things upside down. I felt like seeing what it was like to be blond with short hair and doing something people wouldn't expect. It's fun. Now I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and see a different person. Maybe six months from now it will be a redhead.

Have you noticed people acting differently towards you now that you're a blonde?

I wish that was the case. I always thought blondes got more attention walking down the street. I'm like 'That guy totally checked her out and didn't notice me and I'm wearing higher heels!' But, I haven't really noticed a difference at all and the reason is I'm not a true blonde. Only true blondes get the real attention.

Any other major changes coming up?

I'm pregnant with four children and I'm really looking forward to it ... just kidding! No, I'm still married, no real controversy going on right now. I might adopt a child from China like Katharine Heigl just did, but I'll have to go there and see how it works out. Just kidding again! No, I'm just trying to get this record out and trying to enjoy it!

You mentioned your marriage...

Actually I'm getting a divorce ... Just kidding!! [laughs]

Is it weird to you that there's people curious about every aspect of your life now that you've made it as an artist.

I think celebrity is just weird in general. I was in New York for fashion week, and it's fun to be a part of, but it's weird. As a celebrity, you feel very strange. You get ready for 15 minutes of photos and you've spent two hours getting your hair and makeup done. When you think about it, it makes no sense, so for me it's just weird in general. Celebrities and what their babies look like, what your wedding looks like -- obviously I got married and people know what my wedding dress looked like, and that's just fun girl stuff. It's slightly strange, but it has its benefits and opportunities to try to make a difference.

You got your start on 'Idol,' a massive reality show. Now that there's more talent reality shows giving people their big break, do you think the audience gets a false perception of who the contestants are as artists?

I think on those shows you definitely try to be who you are, but there's so much pressure and you don't know how to act. Looking back I was who I am, but one of the things people always say is 'Oh, you're so much funnier/crazier/weirder than I thought you were.' But really, if you put yourself in that situation, there's not much time to show your personality other than when you're performing.

Aside from the music, any other acting gigs coming up?

No. I did a movie in Hawaii that's being edited right now, so I'm just waiting for that to finish up. It's called 'You May Not Kiss the Bride' ... really cute cast, but that's it. Now it's just the music.

2. TV Tattler

Katharine McPhee Makes Losing Look Good

http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/katharine-mcphee

Maybe second place isn't so bad after all.

Even without the 'American Idol' title or a CD on the shelves, last season's runner-up Katharine McPhee has snagged endorsement deals, done the talk show circuit, appeared on magazine covers and presented at award shows.

With a new look and new sound, McPhee is promoting her debut release, which hits stores on Jan. 30.

During a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with AOL Television editor Geoff Bennett, McPhee opened up about her new album, an upcoming role on 'Ugly Betty,' and what was really going through her mind during the 'Idol' finale.

AOL has exclusive excerpts of your new CD, and I have to admit I was expecting it to be Streisand-lite. But it's way more Beyonce than Barbara. How difficult was it to make a CD so different from what people would expect?
You know, on the show, you're just trying to get by. I didn't necessarily think that if I chose a song, it was also the kind of sound my record was going to take. I was just thinking about Katharine the competitor, not Katharine the recording artist. When it was time to make the record, it wasn't hard to make the decision; it was hard to communicate that to everybody. If anyone ever asked me what kind of record I wanted to make, I'd always say a pop/R&B record.

But those aren't the songs you chose on the show.
On 'Idol,' I kind of went with what was naturally safe for me. People are like, "Oh, she made such a different record than we thought." But no one really knows what kind of artist you are going to end up being. No one really knew that Kelly Clarkson was going end up being pop/rock. With Chris Daughtry, it's great because he had a direct vision. But it's different for everyone.

So you feel like it's an accurate representation of who you are as an artist?
Yeah, it's my first record, so I think my second -- if, God willing, I get another chance to make another -- you'll find more pieces that are really me. It can't be a perfect record; it's the first. It was made really quickly and all that kind of stuff, but I'm really proud of it, and it definitely expresses who I am.

You have a couple dance tracks on there. Are you going to dance in your videos or on tour?
I don't think I ended up with as many dance tracks as I wanted. (Laughs) But I'd really like to.

I imagine you spent a lot of time envisioning what being a pop star would be like. What's been the biggest surprise?
Well, there's a lot. For me it was [realizing] all the people who are involved in making the record and how long it really does take to just sing a line [while recording]. A producer will make you sing it over and over and over again. And as an artist, you do a lot of photo shoots. And it's amazing how many people are standing behind the camera to make you look beautiful. It's so glamorized, and [in reality] it's just really not. You hear celebrities say that all the time, but you really just don't understand it until you are in that position.

And how will 'American Idol' figure into your future? Will you try to distance yourself from it?
I would love to come back this season. I know where I came from, and I'm really grateful and excited to see the people I was with for nine months. Your credibility, if you become successful, will come. Kelly Clarkson has made herself very credible and accepted. And I don't think there's any rush to separate yourself. I think people are accepting 'Idol' more and more as a legitimate competition for talent.

Do you think it's even important to win anymore? I mean, what benefits did Taylor get that you didn't?
Well, at the moment, really nothing. (Laughs) I mean, I think it just depends on luck or destiny. But look at Chris. He's doing amazing, and Jennifer Hudson won a Golden Globe. So I think you don't have to win to do really well. I think you need to make an impression, though.

Did Jennifer's win inspire similar dreams for you? Would you like to do more acting?
I started as an actress before I did 'Idol,' so it's great. She's opened doors. I have an amazing manager for film, so I'm really not worried. I'm so lucky to have [these people] working behind me.

Is that how you landed a guest role on 'Ugly Betty'?
Yeah, it was fun.

What are you going to be doing?
Well, I'm playing a very difficult role -- myself. My manger got the call and we were like, "Sure, why not?" I was kind of embarrassed because I had never seen the show, and I was meeting the cast for the first time. It was a full day of shooting and we went into the screening room to watch that night's episode, and I was seriously hooked. It is such a phenomenal show.

If 'Idol' hadn't happened, what would you be doing now?
I'd have moved to New York by now to try to pursue acting or theater. Or maybe I'd have stayed in L.A., trying to be an actress, pounding the pavement.

Is it weird to be around contestants from your season who haven't had their break? You, Taylor and Chris have done well, but I'm sure there are others who are back home tending bar somewhere.
Well, I understand that question. I mean, yeah, I think it can be uncomfortable. But first of all, we don't really see each other anymore. I don't even know what some of the people are doing right now, and I don't know if they know what I'm doing. But if I do so see them, I don't go straight to the business. It's "how are you doing?" and not "so what are you doing and what are your deals?" That's so superficial.

We've picked you as one of our top 'Idol' style makeovers. What explains the transformation from the jeans and T-shirts you wore during the Top 24 phase?
I am, to this day, more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. But there is definitely a side of me that likes to get dressed up and feel glamorous and sexy and go out. Each week, we'd go out with a stylist and it was like, "OK, what am I going to wear this week?" I just wanted to look great and feel great.

What was the first thing you splurged on when you got your record deal and things started picking up?
Louis Vuitton suitcases. (Laughs)

What's the biggest misconception about 'Idol'?
That we get to hang out with the judges. People always ask, "Is Simon that mean in person?" And I'm always like, "No, whenever I see him, he was nice to me." But we really only saw him when people got voted off. [The judges] would all come up to the stage to say goodbye, and then we wouldn't see them until the following week.

I figure that with a show like 'Idol,' fans feel like they own a part of you or have a stake in your success because they saw you every week and voted for you. So do you have any crazy fan stories?
For the most part, my fans -- the ones that I meet -- are so sweet ... and they get so nervous. I feel so bad, like "Why do you get nervous?" But I mean, people say weird things sometimes especially if they're not your gung-ho fans.

I'm so glad I finally get to ask you this: During the finale, what was going through your mind when you were singing with Meatloaf, and he went all batty and started singing off-key?
To be honest ... it was ... "just don't laugh." (Laughs) I had a really hard time in rehearsal. Really hard time. You can ask some of the producers or the other contestants -- there were a few people sitting in the theater, and I literally had to turn my head. I was kind of just in disbelief. I don't mean that in a mean way. He was just very theatrical. I wasn't expecting that. I didn't know really who Meatloaf was. I knew the name, but didn't know what to expect.

But you pulled it off, obviously.
I tried. I just put my Broadway face on.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



TAYLOR HICKS

Talking with Taylor Hicks Idol champ goes The Distance
Joel D Amos


http://www.sheknows.com/articles/808063.htm


American Idol is burning bright yet again, season five champion Taylor Hicks is releasing his latest CD, The Distance. Mr. Soul Patrol took a few minutes from touring the country in Grease to share insight into winning American Idol and life since the confetti flew on the Kodak Theatre stage.
Taylor Hicks, as all American Idol fans know, is a product of Alabama and he credits a challenging childhood with his passion for the blues.

Americans fell in love with Hicks as they voted him American Idol champ in 2006 over Katherine McPhee. Since then Hicks has hit number one with his debut single, Do I Make You Proud? and written a biography Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way.

Even though his 2007 self-titled album went platinum, Arista records dropped Hicks from the label in 2008. Hicks is putting out his own album on Modern Whomp Records that lands in stores today, Hicks is ready to once again go The Distance.



Taylor's talents
SheKnows: How are things in the world of Taylor Hicks today?

Taylor Hicks: Things are well. I’m in Baltimore Maryland and it’s supposed to be the coldest night of the year. I’m kind of looking forward to it, kind of not.

SheKnows: You’re performing in Grease, right?

Taylor Hicks: I sure am, it has been a blast.

SheKnows: That first performance in front of a crowd, even if it was three people, that got you hooked on the idea of performing. What was that?

Taylor Hicks: Oh boy. Wow. I think I was five or six years old. I was in Clanton, Alabama and they were having an open mike in this old country barn (and) there was a band. I remember the last person singing and they asked if there was anybody else. My granddad said, ‘we got one right here.’ He just looked at me and pointed at me. My eyes got as big as saucers and I think ended up singing All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight by Hank Williams Jr.

SheKnows: (laughs) That is great!

Taylor Hicks: At that point in time, I knew that was it.

SheKnows: I would say so, that would be hard to walk away from after singing Hank Williams Jr to an Alabama crowd at five years old!

Taylor Hicks: (laughs) Luckily, a few missed lines, the crowd still responded in a positive manner. I’m glad I did.


Playing the Teen Idol
SheKnows: How did your participation in Grease come about? You’re touring the country as the Teen Idol.

Taylor Hicks: It’s been a wonderful experience as an entertainer to be able to exercise a particular vein of entertaining that I in a million years never thought I’d get to do. It’s worked out wonderfully so far. Being on Broadway was a great experience for me. This role as Teen Angel has allowed me to really take a step back and explore role playing and acting. This is a fresh start for me.

SheKnows: For you as a performer and a fan of music, what numbers in Grease are you a fan of that you’re not a part of?

Taylor Hicks: I think about it, with the passing of Bo Diddley, I think the Hand Jive. Bo Diddley was such a pioneer of that particular rhythmic pattern of music. I think the Hand Jive is a homage to Bo Diddley every night that I hear it. Which is good, it carries his legacy.


The Distance delivered
SheKnows: When you are heading into a new project and you’re picking out the songs, I’m sure there are more than what ends up on what everyone hears. On this latest record, The Distance, was there a difficult process narrowing the songs down?

Taylor Hicks: The song choice has been – It’s been a yearlong process choosing the songs. I think once we got into the studio, I knew exactly which songs I wanted to sing. Having the time to be able to prepare for a new record is something that for me, was critical in the decision making of recording this record.

SheKnows: As a performer, particularly as singers do, you lay your soul out there – not to coin your classic Soul Patrol phrase – but you really do, are there ever songs you create that are a little too close to home that you hold back on. Or, are you more of an open book?

Taylor Hicks: I’m a little bit of both. I am an open book. But, there are some songs that I do sing that are difficult. If you’re living those lyrics and the music, it is very easy to connect with it, so there are a few songs that I particularly connect with because there are songs that force you to live in the present.

SheKnows: How did the pace of the American Idol tour help you for this Grease tour? You guys were playing every night somewhere with Idol.

Taylor Hicks: I do eight shows a week with Grease. I think we were doing six on the tour. I think you have to be in really good shape. Sometimes it’s physically exhausting.

SheKnows: Are you going to hit the road to support the new CD The Distance?

Taylor Hicks: In a way, I’ve already started to do that. What’s happening in these markets doing Grease, I’m performing my brand new single What’s Right is Right every night at the encore of every Grease performance.

SheKnows: What a great idea!

Taylor Hicks: Yeah, totally! Being in a market for an extended period of time, I’m allowed to bring the band for one night in a particular city and perform a small intimate show for the fans in that particular city. I’m almost a shadow tour.

SheKnows: Sounds like a treat for the audience.

Taylor Hicks: I think it is! It’s really cool being on the road and being an entertainer and performing music. Also, being able to perform a role too within the same hour of entertainment, I think it’s a very cutting edge way -- and blue collar mind you -- of getting your music out there to the people.



-----------------------------------


Taylor on Grease, Idol & soul
Joel D Amos




As the new season of American Idol sits on the horizon with its January 12 premiere, SheKnows caught up with three of season five’s top 12. American Idol champion Taylor Hicks is the next to receive the SheKnows Entertainment exclusive Q n’ A session. The best top 12 in Idol history sparks a passion for all things American Idol.
Hicks exemplifies why we love American Idol. An older Idol in his late twenties, Hicks auditioned in Birmingham, Alabama and completed his American Idol run as the champion.

Since Hicks’ fateful season five, Idol has crowned several new champs, but few have had the musical soul of Taylor Hicks.

As the dawn of another American Idol season begins on January 12, 2010 with the addition of a new judge in Ellen DeGeneres, Hicks phones SheKnows for an exclusive chat about his take on American Idol, version 9.0.

Taylor Hicks headlines
SheKnows: Hello, Taylor!

Taylor Hicks: Hey there Joel, good to talk to you again.

SheKnows: So, how are things in your life right now?

Taylor Hicks: It couldn’t be better. I’ve managed to travel the country (with Grease) and see new places. I’m on the hunt for a place to live and this is a great way to experience a lot of different cities and find that particular place that I like.

SheKnows: When we last spoke, you were about to go out on Grease and one of the aspects you were really looking forward to was playing to each city with your own band as well. How did that go?

Taylor Hicks: I think it’s been going great. The response has been overwhelming for both the record and for the Grease show. I’ve really enjoyed touring with Grease and the record together. It was nice to also swing back down through the South.

The meaning of Soul
SheKnows: Yes, actually spoke to Hall and Oates last month and we got to talking about soul and I wanted to ask you about it. I talked to them separately and they both came back to the same thing that it was not necessarily about soul music, as it is about soul singing. Do you agree?

Taylor Hicks: I totally agree. You could even go a step further than that and say the feelings that you have is soul -- the feeling that you when you sing soul music is that you have to sing it with feeling.

SheKnows: Hall and Oates said they heard it in hip hop. They heard it in jazz…

Taylor Hicks: That’s exactly what it is; it’s a feeling, more or less.

SheKnows: As a songwriter, how has the process changed for you over the years and how do you think you’ve evolved over the years?

Taylor Hicks: It’s a lifetime learning process writing music. Whether its collaboration or your own personal work, each time you do write, you not only learn more about yourself, but you also develop as a songwriter.

On American Idol
SheKnows: The phenomenon of American Idol, I’m getting a lot of requests from my readers about American Idol Rewind that is focusing on your season -- season five. What is it like relaxing after a performance of Grease out there on the road in the hotel, just flipping the TV and you come across yourself singing on American Idol rewind?

Taylor Hicks: It brings back a lot of great memories when I was on the show. I was really glad that I won (laughs).

SheKnows: (Laughing) I’ve talked to five of your other season five American Idol Top 12 compatriots and we’ve decided it’s the best top 12 ever -- top to bottom. What was it like part of such a richly talented group? Of course, you come out the winner!

Taylor Hicks: I am very lucky and very blessed to be on American Idol with a lot of talented people -- a lot of talented people that have been able to sustain careers in this business. That’s something that I take pride in and I take pride in, I also believe it was the best season. I get excited when I do see it again. I get to revisit those fond memories I have from being on the show.

SheKnows: You seem to be having a blast doing Grease, if another show – a couple of years from now – came along, maybe playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, would you jump at that?

Taylor Hicks: You know if the right role came along, I’d consider it -- definitely. This particular role has allowed me to observe acting and get better at becoming an actor and also understand what musical theater is all about.

SheKnows: Well, Taylor, thank you again for visiting with me, it was a true pleasure.

Taylor Hicks: Hey, thank you so much, anything you need. Just let me know. Take care.

SheKnows: You too, Taylor.
http://www.sheknows.com/articles/812460
Edited by mouser, Feb 24 2010, 09:36 AM.
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Gr8fulheart
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I find these highly interesting to read. With each one, I pick up a little something extra I wasn't aware of. For instance, I thought Bucky was married.
Thanx mouser, for posting these interviews.
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mouser
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Gr8fulheart
Dec 23 2009, 08:08 PM
I find these highly interesting to read. With each one, I pick up a little something extra I wasn't aware of. For instance, I thought Bucky was married.
Thanx mouser, for posting these interviews.
Bucky was married when Idol aired. He has since divorced......
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mouser
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Here is a link to a 40 picture slideshow of Taylor from the American Idol site : We have seen many of these pictures , but some are not as familiar.

http://www.americanidol.com/archive/photos/?set=277&seq=0
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mouser
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This show has been stalled for several weeks ( a month or so ) but apparently will be resurrected : American Idol Rewind" is syndicated and encore episodes air on TV Guide Network.

TVGN will air the show's look back at Season 5's Hollywood Week on Friday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m., Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.

We have already seen this episode, but hopefully they will continue to air the final weeks of Season 5. I certainly would rather watch that than Season 9.......................
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tishlp
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Me too!
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mouser
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Some of this advise has previously been given to Idol Contestants by Taylor, but there are one or two little morsels that might be newish.

January 13th, 2010


EXCLUSIVE! Taylor Hicks Warns This Season’s ‘American Idol’ Hopefuls: If You Use Your Cell Phone, You’ll Lose ‘Idol’

Posted Image


What’s the key to a former Idol’s success on the singing competition? Stop yapping on your mobile!
Taylor Hicks wants to let all you American Idols-to-be in on a little secret: How to REALLY win Fox’s singing competition. Sure, picking the perfect songs each week, being original and singing your heart out are all important, but the key component, says Taylor, 33, is to get ditch your cell phone!

“I always like to say, ‘Don’t use your cell phones.’” Taylor, 33, told HollywoodLife.com exclusively Jan. 6 at the BCS National Championship party in Pasadena, Calif.

But why? Chatting and gabbing away will destroy the contestant’s most valuable asset: Their voice! “You know, you start talking on your cell phone and your voice gets hoarse. So all the family and all the friends who keep calling you, tell them it’s not good for you to be using your voice.”

Idol hopefuls should really trust the gray-haired singer, who’s currently on tour with Grease as Teen Angel. He certainly knows a thing or two about winning — after all, he did take the American Idol title away from fan favorites Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin in 2006.

Another piece of advice Taylor offers is something he learned the hard way after wearing way too many pairs of acid-washed jeans: Make the right fashion choice! “[My regret is] I probably wouldn’t have worn some of the shirts that I might have worn!”

Don’t forget the denim, Taylor. We still haven’t!


http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2010/01/13/exclusive-taylor-hicks-warns-this-season%E2%80%99s-american-idol-hopefuls-if-you-use-your-cell-phone-you%E2%80%99ll-lose-idol/
Edited by mouser, Jan 13 2010, 06:32 PM.
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Gr8fulheart
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I noticed a couple shirts that definately belonged in the 'Gag Bag', but then; how does that go: 'the clothes don't make the man'. (Or, something like that!)

According to our guide, the final 12 for Season5 will be on tomorrow evening at 6pm.
Edited by Gr8fulheart, Jan 15 2010, 08:58 PM.
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mouser
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This video shows Taylor as the 24th sexiest Idol. I beg to disagree. While I am not delusional and think he is #1 , he sure as heck is way up there . He doesn't try to be sexy as so many entertainers do. He is what he is and that is appealing.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKeVw7cBxK8
Edited by mouser, Jan 18 2010, 06:49 AM.
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Gr8fulheart
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#24? Oh Please! Sounds like some people are still wearing their blinders. I've met Taylor 'up close', & he is one handsome man.
As you said, mouser ~ Taylor is who he is, & that is one of the top reasons that makes him so attractive. I might add, the manner in which he conducts himself is part of his attraction.
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mouser
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Entertainment Weekly .com has the top 15 auditions from Idol ( in their opinion )

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20312226_20313133_15,00.html Click backwards to see the top 15.


Taylor is # 9


9. Taylor Hicks, ''A Change Is Gonna Come''/''Swanee River Rock'' (season 5)
It was all right there from the beginning: The soulful rasp, the signature gray locks, the spastic dancing. Randy and Paula loved it; Simon loathed it. But whether you're in the former camp and cheered Taylor on to his season-five crown, or the latter (Simon voted against sending Taylor to Hollywood and insisted he ''should be singing backgrounds''), it's impossible to forget exactly how ''Soul Patrol'' became a part of the Idol lexicon.


We've seen this 1000 times , but here it is again.
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duffin
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;wh Mouser, even though we've watched this video 1,000 times, I love, love, love it!! Some things just never get old ~~ and this is one of them!!! :ld

Thanks for posting it! :whe
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Gr8fulheart
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I've noticed in the last couple of AI Rewind episodes, they haven't shown the full complimentary remarks that Stevie Wonder & Barry Manilow had made about Taylor. I distinctly remember, & have it on disc, where they were really impressed with Taylor.
They didn't edit out the positive remarks on a couple of the others; names withheld.
Oh Well ~ all of us know Who the star is, & the world is catching on! :cp
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Oldiebutgoodie
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I must admit when I watch these episodes NOW, fully knowing the outcome, I find myself studying the OTHERS and comparing the competition that night-and I found one common thread-overall the girls were stiffer competition FOR Taylor-I mean Kat et al were really BRINGING it-not that Ace, Bucky, Elliott and Chris DIDN'T-but in these first two weeks I saw stronger performances from the girls than I did the guys-especially when Kellie Pickler did a Patsy Cline classic and strutted her stuff-

Seeing all this makes me appreciate even more how hard Taylor worked and stayed focused week after week to achieve his dream-defying the odds, working the system to HIS advantage, low keying everything besides the performance/singing and leaving it all out there every week.

While I personally don't like the slighting of Taylor, we ALL know the outcome-it can't be changed-so I guess I can "deal" knowing in the end that Taylor made it. (pun intended!!)
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