Things got eerily quiet around 3 p.m. yesterday at PopWatch HQ, unless, of course, you happened to be in the vicinity of the conference room. That’s where a few dozen Entertainment Weekly staffers gathered to catch a glimpse of newly crowned (and recently signed) American Idol champ Taylor Hicks, lookin’ spiffy in navy pinstripe jacket and blue oxford, and of course, to try to squeeze a few last drops of season 5 dish from his weary bones. Here are our top three scoops:
Those catchphrases: "The third week I was in the top 24 or something, somebody shot me an email of a drinking game. And [the rules were]: If I say ‘Soul Patrol,’ you’ve got to drink once. If I say ‘Woo!’, you’ve got to drink five times. And if [Simon] Cowell gives me a good remark, you’ve got to drink the whole bottle."
His perceived "underdog" status: "I think ‘Simon Scowl’ helped that out with some of his off-color remarks. [After the show], we actually got to shake hands, and we had a smile, and that was it. On with the next part of my career."
Under the Radar, Hicks’ previous indie disc: "I could sell a few right now, to be honest with you. I’d like to. Actually, I’ve got a bookbag full of ‘em at the hotel room. And you know what, I’m still gonna peddle CDs. Once you start doing something for so long you don’t stop… I’m still like that. You have to be. As a struggling musician, you’re just scrounging for every little penny that you can get."
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Hey, it’s Alfred Molina!
No. He looks like a cross between Jay Leno and Matthew “Chandler” Perry. My dad looks more like Alfred Molina.
That’s just about the cutest thing I ever heard. Once a starving artist, always a starving artist.
I think its great that he’s the next Idol…he’s fun to watch…
Isn’t his career over yet? Who is he? Does anyone care?
ASIA, Kelly Ripa and Rachel Stevens are so much more interesting.
UGH. I hate him.
I for one thought Taylor was always incredibly entertaining to watch (maybe not the most raw pure talent, but the most fun to watch) and I’m so happy to see him living out his dream. Best of luck, Taylor! It’s good to see all those years of hard work paying off. Hopefully his first CD lets his soul and fun personality shine through.
Taylor deserves to be the winner – he is a winner – he’s an incredibly talented musician/songwriter/entertainer with an amazing voice & has humility & manners. I have spoken with countless individuals who never watched the show before but did this year because of him. His popularity amongst viewers is why there were a record number of votes this year.
I actually think I am starting to like him. His song is getting airplay, so I have found myself liking it, I can’t believe I just said that. And, after watching him just do interviews, I think he is very attractive. I am going to support this struggling artist because he seems to just love music and you can’t no admire him for that. Much better than some manufactured POP artist who has no soul or passion for music.
Taylor puts his heart and soul into everything he does. I admire his persistence and love watching him perform. The Nebraska Soul Patrol loves you, Taylor!!
Can’t wait to see you on tour really soon!!!!
The Soul Patrol should make an arrest – put that annoying gray-haired man behind bars. Woo! Now, where’s that Elliott? I’m in the moody mood for a good singer.
Love Taylor!!!! I wish him nothing but the best.
How could anyone honestly think that millions voted for an american idol because they feel sorry because of their appearance, has got to have a very low I.Q.
That is just ignorant. Taylor is the new American Idol because he so deserves it. He can sing, preform, write music and dance! He is the total package. Too bad, so sad if you can’t see that.
America voted and Taylor Hicks is what america wanted!!
This is only the beginning of a fabulous career in music. Looking forward to watching Taylor soar!! Congrats Taylor! Well deserved!
I KNEW 6 WEEKS BEFORE THE VOTE TAYLOR HICKS WOULD WIN,AND I ONLY WATCH THIS ONE AMERICAN IDOL SHOW AND STAYED WITH IT TIL THE END. BUT NOW I AM GETTING TIRED OF IT.
What a brilliant man; his talent, charm and intelligent
performances won the hearts of fans all over the world. He played to the audience, learned from the critiques of the judges, and deserves to be our American Idol.
He really has no idea, does he? His Under The Radar CD has been flying off the shelves at http://www.lasersedgecd.com since February. There’s no need for him to peddle it from a bookbag any longer. Can’t wait for the re-release of his In Your Time CD, as well as his new CD later this year. Way to go, Taylor!
I liked others on AI this year, but I thought Taylor really came into his own and deserved to win. Especially over snotty Katherine Macphee. I heard her in a radio interview say that Elliott was too short, Taylor was too old, and Kellie was not a real blond. Taylor has actually impressed me on his media circuit. He seems like a nice guy. If his music is good, I’ll buy it.
I’m naively amazed at some of the mean spirited comments when all Taylor does and wants to do is bring joy through his music. When you look at his audience while he’s performing you see smiles—pure joy. Lot’s of Americans thought he should be their idol. The final vote waw not close!
Taylor is one sexy man! Taylor is the first MUSICIAN to ever win American Idol. He has an amazing voice! He brings out the joy in music!!
Awfully mean comments on this site. Taylor Hicks won AI because he is an amazingly talented, and entertaining artist, who can hold the audience attention, and make them smile, and stay awake. There have been few artists like him other than Elvis, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart who have such an entertaining stage persona. I congratulate Taylor Hicks for being who he is, and making it real. He is as handsome as any man I have ever seen, and even more handsome in person. Crude remarks are not appreciated, and are certainly not truthful.
I just had to say for the record, this was about music, not a beauty contest. How shallow can all these hateful mean spirited people be? Taylor was the winner from the moment that Simom said he wouldn’t make it to the final’s. I bet the crow taste good. I will support Taylor just as I have Bo. You know what they say about opinion,s…..they are like butt*****, everybody has one. He won fair and square, get over, we didn’t agree that Bo should have lost last year, but we didn’t get on here and dog her out. Taylor has never said a mean word about any of the other contender’s. Love you Taylor, can’t wait to see you in Aug., I already have my ticket’s…..Soul Patrol…Roll Tide !
He’s hideously rich. Taylor’s American Idol was watched by twice the number of the original. I imagine, if he plays his cards right (with soul filled R&B ballads, he’ll outsell Kelly Clarkson). So all of those ugly comments, they’re just shallow and don’t mean diddly.
Taylor is destined for stardom!! He is full of life and joy and that can be seen and heard through his music. I have been watching all the interviews he has done in the last week and he is very down to earth as well as gracious. Awww shucks…I can’t help but to love him. Congrats to you Taylor..I look forward to all your future endeavors!
“Under the Radar” is a wonderful CD. I have two copies myself, bought from lasersedgecd.com. But I would sure buy a boatload if Taylor would sell them to me personally. He is the best ! Congratulations Taylor Hicks, from someone who knew you would be the next American Idol the minute I heard you sing in Vegas.
Taylor Hicks is the total package. He is talented , and handsome. The fact that he seems so down to earth is great.He will beome an even bigger star. People like some ome they can relate to.
Rock on Taylor Hicks. You are an awesome performer, a singer who can actually write and play music, and somebody who has music in his soul. I picked you to win after I saw you on the Vegas audition. Wish I had known about you earlier in your career. Can’t wait for the first non-AI Taylor Hicks CD to come out. Until then, best of luck in your future. In any case congratulations and I am looking forward to seeing you at the kickoff show in NH July 5.
Go Soul Patrol. It was fun watching week to week. I hope Taylor can keep his current attitude with him throughout his career, it’s what is refreshing about him.
what I have enjoyed the most, watching Taylor win AI and the aftermath, is the guy really seems to have a strong sense of self, he pleases his fans but he does so by perpetuating the things that he has been doing all along in obscurity and I believe he will continue to do so, only with a much larger degree of success…obviously AI chose a clever lyric for Taylor’s first single because the sort of integrity he displays is rare and I do believe that it inspires a great deal of pride amongst his fans, myself included…
Taylor Hicks is the real deal. He is so full of soul, he brings joy to so many! Thanks Taylor! Wooo! Congrats on your success, I’ll be buying every CD you make! I already own UTR, and can’t wait for more!
SOUL PATROL!!!!!
i think it’s audacious that a real musician somehow snuck in on us, won AI and signed a major deal. that’s like luke skywalker sneaking into the evil empire. now he has to deal with clive davis. if he can just push back and keep his integrity throughout this thing, it will bring tears of joy to all the struggling artists, musicians, writers out there. go taylor hicks! you stay sweet and soulful! ps and he’s hot! can it be possible?