Taylor Hicks has released the music video for his new song “Seven Mile Breakdown” from his new album The Distance and I think it’s pretty good.  I love that it has a real “down home” feel to it and that it feels fresh and summery without trying too hard.

I also like the song a lot and I was glad that Taylor put a lot of energy into the video.  I hope it does well!

American Idol season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks, will join the legendary Natalie Cole and Idol’s music director, Rickey Minor, on American Idol Extra tomorrow night.

Of course, host Jillian Reynolds, will also talk to tonight’s eliminated contestant.  I wonder who it’s going to be (my money is on Matt Giraud but I’m afraid that Kris Allen could be at risk as well!). 

Have you ever watched American Idol Extra?  If not, you might be interested to know that former finalist, Ace Young, is a co-host and Constantine Maroulis periodically checks in as a special field correspondent.

I plan to set my DVR to record it tomorrow because I’d love to hear what Taylor has to say about what he’s been up to.  I loved his newest album The Distance.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Did you see Taylor Hicks on Ellen earlier this week?  Sorry I didn’t get it up sooner but better late than never, right?  He sang “What’s Right is Right” which is the first single from his new album The Distance.  Watch the performance and tell me what you think!

I thought he did a really good job and he looked AMAZING!  I really hope this album does well for him because he deserves it and I feel like he’s finally found some music worthy of his talent.  Have you heard the album?  If so, did you like it?

Have you heard Taylor Hicks’ new album The Distance yet?  This is the type of album that I think Taylor should have made a long time ago and I was really happy with it.  Unlike a lot of other albums today, this doesn’t try to use gimmicks to be appealing.  Taylor’s vocals are the focal point, as they should be, and you’ll be treated to “real” instruments (gasp!). 

It’s hard for me to just pick one or two songs that I like.  Of course, the first single “What’s Right is Right” is a good example of the tone of the whole album but I don’t even think it’s the best track.  I really liked “New Found Freedom” “The Distance” and “Maybe You Should” and songs like “Nineteen” might make you cry a little from the lyrics.

Overall, this is a great effort by Taylor and I’m confident that his fans (both new and old) will love this album.  Elliott Yamin fans will also be thrilled that the last track “Woman’s Got to Have It” features a duet between Elliott and Taylor.  Pick it up today!

image: Amazon

I cannot put up pictures yet of what I saw while I was inside the American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but I can tell you a few things! There were five finalists and we were given instructions about how to vote for the person we liked best (there’s a voting panel on the armrests).  The only problem is that you can accidentally change the vote of the person sitting next to you, which happened to me (fortunately, it was my husband).

At the event, all of the former American Idol winners were brought on stage where they were presented with awards made especially for this occasion (they looked like old-fashioned microphones).  This was the first and only time that I saw Kelly Clarkson. 

Season 7 winner, David Cook, did an acoustic version of his hit, “Light On” and then season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, also performed an acoustic rendition of her song “All-American Girl.”  They pair then sang “You Can Go Your Own Way” together and it was such a good duet that a lot of people were later saying they should actually record and release it as a single.

There was also a pretty hilarious exchange between Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul while they spoke to the “contestants” before the performances.  Paula went over to give them tips on how to relax and when she started massaging one girl’s shoulder, Ryan said something like “now, remember Paula about the rules regarding contestants?”  The audience booed but we also laughed when Ryan referenced the situation with former contestant, Corey Clark, who alleged that he had an inappropriate relationship with Paula.

That’s basically all I’m at liberty to say but, in the meantime, here’s a video that walks you through the attraction:

image: Jyle Dupuis

I just came back from the private opening of the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios and I had a blast.  I’m thoroughly exhausted but it really was a lot of fun.  Disney really knows how to put on a show and I am extremely grateful to them for the fabulous trip!

I will cover the event in three parts (motorcade, American Idol Experience show and the after-party) over the next three days.  Today, I’ll kick things off by telling you all about the American Idol motorcade. 

The blue carpet was rolled out for the stars and one by one.  Mickey Mouse got things started but was then followed by Justin Guarini (runner-up, season 1).  He looked great and was all smiles for the fans and the media.
Next was Chris Sligh (finalist, season 6).  He talked a little bit about how his song “Here Comes Goodbye” was picked up by Rascal Flatts and is actually the first single off of their new album.

It was a star-studded event.  Check out more pictures including Carrie Underwood, David Cook and David Archuleta after the jump!

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I’m so excited!!!  Have you heard that the American Idol Experience attraction is opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida this month!
The guest list continues to grow and, already, this party is starting to sound incredible!!!  On the confirmed guest list are the following:

• American Idol host Ryan Seacrest
• David Cook, winner Season 7
• Jordin Sparks, winner Season 6
• Taylor Hicks, winner Season 5
• Carrie Underwood, winner Season 4
• David Archuleta (runner-up, Season 7)
• Bo Bice (runner-up, Season 4)
• Justin Guarini (runner-up, Season 1)

The list continues to expand so, hopefully, we’ll be able to add a few more names to this list! 

The event takes place on February 12, 2009 and is by invitation-only.  Fortunately, I’ve been invited so I’m planning to take a TON of pictures and share them with you!  I’ve put up a few posts about the event which you can see here:

• American Idol Experience at Disney World!
• David Archuleta Talks About Disney’s American Idol Experience
• David Cook To Appear at American Idol Experience
• Disney’s American Idol Experience Audition Process
• American Idol Experience with Syesha Mercado

In the meantime, here are some images to show you just how much Idol contestants love Disney!

See more pictures after the jump!

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American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, will be releasing his next album, The Distance, on March 10, 2009 (I will be doing a review of it when it comes out).  If you can’t wait until then for your Taylor fix, you will be able to download the first single “What’s Right is Right” starting January 27, 2009. 

It reminds me a bit of “Have a Little Faith in Me” by mixed with something else (help me out!).  It’s got gospel-sounding organ work in the background and even a saxophone solo towards the end (maybe 80s-style instrumental solos are comeback?  There’s one featuring a guitar on John Mayer’s “Belief” and it surprised me so perhaps there’s something to it). 

To check out the single, click on one of the following links:  

• What’s Right Is Right (Windows Media)
• What’s Right Is Right (Real)

image: Total Assault Press

The fifth season of American Idol produced one of the biggest shocks I’d ever felt watching the show. 

When Chris Daughtry was up against Katharine McPhee for elimination, I was sure it was Kat’s time to go.  Even she looked shocked and horrified.  Chris was a fan-favorite and has gone on to enjoy HUGE success as the frontman for Daughtry so I still just don’t understand how he got eliminated.

Taylor Hicks went on to win with Katharine McPhee as his runner-up.  I personally adored Elliott Yamin and was disappointed he didn’t win or come in second place.  I also have to admit that I really liked Kevin Covais, especially his performance of “Starry, Starry Night.”  Of course, this is also the season that brought you Kellie Pickler.

I could go on and on.  Here’s the Top 12 (elimination dates from 2006):

1. Taylor Hicks – Winner
2. Katharine McPhee - May 24
3. Elliott Yamin - May 17
4. Chris Daughtry - May 10
5. Paris Bennett - May 3
6. Kellie Pickler - April 26
7. Ace Young - April 19
8. Bucky Covington - April 12
9. Mandisa - April 5
10. Lisa Tucker - March 29
11. Kevin Covais - March 22
12. Melissa McGhee - March 15

Here’s a video of the winning moment (look for Carrie Underwood and Anthony Federov in the audience) and Taylor singing “Do I Make You Proud?”

image: Newscom

American Idol season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks, recently sat down to talk about his recent stint in the Broadway production of Grease and his new  album “The Distance” which should be released in March by his own label, Modern Whomp.  When asked about the project, Taylor said: “I’m really excited about it. There are some really great story songs on the record. I co-wrote most of the material. Doyle Bramhall plays guitar, Nathan East plays bass, Abe Laboriel Jr. plays drums. My producer is Simon Climie; he’s done a lot of Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale records. I wanted somebody who could help me create a timeless record. The album is a great representation of who I am as an artist right now, and that’s all I can ask for.”  Sounds great!!!

Taylor talked a bit about how he made the part of the Teen Angel his own, whether he keeps in touch with fellow Idol alumnus (and new mom), Paris Bennett and how he feels about his career path since winning the world’s most popular singing competition.  To read the whole article, visit Courant.com!

I really have high hopes for Taylor so I’ve got my fingers crossed about 2009 being a better year for him.  I think he’s talented but I don’t think he was marketed and promoted properly. 

image: Newscom