Idol Stalker » Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks “Seven Mile Breakdown” Video

Jeanne — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:17:15 +0000

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!

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Taylor Hicks on American Idol Extra Tomorrow

Jeanne — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:36:16 +0000

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.

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Taylor Hicks Performs “What’s Right is Right” on Ellen

Jeanne — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:11:24 +0000

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?

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Taylor Hicks “The Distance” In Stores Today!

Jeanne — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:00:17 +0000

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

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Inside Disney’s American Idol Experience

Jeanne — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:32:24 +0000

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

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Disney’s American Idol Experience Attraction Opening – Motorcade Pictures

Jeanne — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:24:20 +0000

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!

Michael Johns (finalist, season 7) was right behind him and the one of the hostesses commented on how attractive he looked (the ladies in the crowd cheered in agreement). The reigning American Idol winner, David Cook, was next to drive up and he looked really great in his white jacket. He was asked if he was sad to be losing his title in the next couple months and he said “no” because it’s great to have the Idol family expand. Awwww!
Bucky Covington (finalist, season 5) was up next. He got quite a bit of applause from the country music fans in the crowd. The hostesses commented on his beautiful hair and asked him about his new album. They asked when it was coming out (June-ish, 2009) and what it would be named (he had no idea).
The adorable Ace Young (finalist, season 5) followed and I have to admit that his shorter hair is growing on me. The infamous Sanjaya Malakar (finalist, season 6) drove up and was actually filming the crowd. One of the hostesses asked him what he was going to do with the footage. He told her that he was going to put it up on his website (www.sanjayaworld.com). They also asked about his new book Dancing to the Music in My Head (I talked to him about it at the party – come back on Monday for more!). When probed for some juicy revelations from the book, Sanjaya declined to answer but he did tell them that there was a lot that he wanted people to know about the audition process.
The gorgeous Carrie Underwood (winner, season 4) was next to arrive and she really did look stunning. The crowd erupted in applause for the tiny country music superstar. She really is as sweet in real-life as she seems on television.
Jason Castro (finalist, season 7) drove up just as the hostesses were talking about his hair. One asked what he held his dreads together with and the other one said “dirt.” Wow. Fortunately, the crowd was told that his hair actually smells nice so I’m sure they were joking about the dirt! They asked about the fact that his brother was cut from the show (Jason actually made the slit-throat motion when they asked about Michael – ha ha!). Jason said it was fine and was a learning experience.
Season 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo, looked great with dark hair and purple streaks! They asked her about her role in Oz: The Musical, which is currently on tour. She plays Dorothy and I’m sure she’s great. Pick up tickets at Ticketmaster.com!
Joshua Gracin (finalist, season 2) looked really good (but different than I remember him – did he get his teeth done?). Again, the country music fans showed their love for him.
Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard, looked great in a tan suit. He was asked about his stint in Ain’t Misbehavin’ but I couldn’t hear what he said about it. The crowd was loud that day! Bo Bice (runner-up, season 4) was the next Idol star to drive up the blue carpet. One of the hostesses joked that it wasn’t fair that he could grow his hair so long and not have any split ends. I agree!

Season 6 finalist, Lakisha Jones, looked really nice in her black and white dress. It suited her so well! They briefly asked her about her new album and her role in Broadway production of The Color Purple.
Phil Stacey (finalist, season 6) was the only star that I saw standing in his vehicle as he made his way down the blue carpet. Fortunately, they were only going about two miles an hour at that point so it was reasonably safe!
Brooke White (finalist, season 7) is soooo much tinier in person than I ever expected. She’s adorable too! Still, there’s something about her doing the devil horns that just doesn’t look quite right…
Taylor Hicks (winner, season 5) drove up and it was announced to the crowd that the singer is “very single.” Wow! Of course, one woman in the crowd offered to help him get over his loneliness! Mandisa (finalist, season 5) showed up looking absolutely incredible. She revealed that she had lost 70 pounds through a lot of dieting and exercise and said that she’s have to avoid all the good food at the party later that night. It’s entirely worth the sacrifice, Mandisa – you look great, girl! They asked her if there was an Idol here that she hadn’t met before and she said that she was really excited to meet Fantasia! Syesha Mercado (finalist, season 7) showed up wearing the kind of big earrings she is known to love (I was scared for her later when she got on a ride wearing them – more on that on Monday!). She looked gorgeous!
American Idol season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino, looked really polished in her black, white and red outfit and I really loved her hair.

Carly Smithson (finalist, season 7) was asked about this season’s disqualified hopeful, Joanna Pacitti. Some felt that Carly, like Joanna, had too much experience going into the contest but Carly maintained that their situations are different. I didn’t quite understand her whole explanation but she mentioned that she had really wanted to make it in the business and felt that she deserved the chance. Melinda Doolittle (finalist, season 6) was asked about her album (I got to tell her how much I loved it – more on Monday!) titled Coming Back to You which was released earlier this month. I love the album so you should consider picking up a copy! Season 7 runner-up, David Archuleta, was next to drive up and it was hard to get a good picture of him since the crowd was going crazy and he was turning in so many directions. He was so cute!
The winner of the sixth season of American Idol, Jordin Sparks, looked really elegant in her cream-colored dress. She also looked noticeably slimmer. What do you think?

American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, was asked about the Joanna Pacitti disqualification but he said that he doesn’t know what happened and just knows that she left the show. Good answer, Ryan!
American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, was asked about Joanna Pacitti but, again, declined to give a complete answer. Paula said that Joanna was disqualified and that was about it. She looked like she was having an absolute blast, though! Kimberley Locke (finalist, season 2) was the final person in the motorcade and, unfortunately, things were changing around me so quickly by the time she drove up that I don’t really remember what she was talking about. The motorcade had also sped up so the pictures we took weren’t great either.

It was announced that Kelly Clarkson’s vehicle wasn’t coming out and they speculated over the possibility that the first American Idol winner had come late and maybe missed the motorcade. Hmmm…

images: Jyle Dupuis

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More Join Disney’s American Idol Experience Celebration!

Jeanne — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:57:44 +0000

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:

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

See more pictures after the jump!

images used with permission

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Taylor Hicks New Single “What’s Right is Right”

Jeanne — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:09:06 +0000

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:

image: Total Assault Press

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American Idol Season 5 – Top 12

Jeanne — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:43:16 +0000

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):

Taylor Hicks – Winner
Katharine McPhee – May 24
Elliott Yamin – May 17
Chris Daughtry – May 10
Paris Bennett – May 3
Kellie Pickler – April 26
Ace Young – April 19
Bucky Covington – April 12
Mandisa – April 5
Lisa Tucker – March 29
Kevin Covais – March 22
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

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Taylor Hicks Talks About Grease, New Album

Jeanne — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:25:33 +0000

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

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