[silent_jonny]

He's doing a Ray Charles impersonation, and there's something really distasteful about it, to me at least.

I don't get that feeling at all--I think that's just the way Hicks is. Every time I see or hear him I have nothing but positive thoughts.

[freedumb2003]

I think most of us have settled on Hicks doing a combination of Joe Cocker and Ray Charles.

But I think he does it because that kind of music MOVES you that way!

Hicks is the early senitimental favorite, near as I can tell.

Is there AI tonight? I am on a plane soon and have to ask the wife to TIVO.

[Wolfstar]

I don't get that feeling at all--I think that's just the way Hicks is.

One thing is for sure...it will be very interesting to see how far he can go. Will he be able to do other genres as the weeks go on, or will he be unable to stretch beyond the Joe Cocker and/or Ray Charles mode?

What makes all this fun is the widely different opinions the audience has about the contestants.