"According to a post at another forum, one of Taylors cousins was interviewed and Taylor has said he is done listening to AI, the judges and their people, he is going back to being Taylor and doing things his way for the rest of the time he is on the show.
The only problem I foresee is what if they keep making him change his songs at the last minute?:"
It's a double edged sword! I'd love to see him stay true to himself, but not being able to do so is the complaint of many new to the business. It's a shame really. Artists who are songwriters and musicians, like Taylor, who have a an established fan base and unique sound, are often awarded contracts and then forced to record the songs of others or come up with the standard 3 minute, radio friendly pop tune. If Taylor wins, I predict he'll be pretty miserable cowtowing to the industry for at least the first couple of years . But he's definitely got my vote!
Yes, fame and fortune aren't free. Maybe Taylor was naive in thinking he could use AI to become a star of his own making. What AI offers is "we can make you famous, but you have to do it our way". Taylor may realize he was happier being a freewheleing club singer with a small but loyal following. He can play his cards right and still be that, but with a now much larger "Soul Patrol" fan base supporting him. At this point winning AI should not be paramount to him, rather giving his fans what they want and parlaying this experience into a lifetime gig. For all of their manipulation and cheezy shenanigans, AI is basically honest is saying that they want a POP star, with all that comes with it. Taylor is better off not trying to fit that mold.
Your excellent comment reminds me of the Blues Traveller song "Hook":
(excerpted)...
What you’re doing to me this mtv is not for free
It’s so pc it’s killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can’t keep these feelings on the shelf
I’ve tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I’ve got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I’ll do as I’ll decide and let it ride until I’ve died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute ditties
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all of your cities
To the ground I’ve found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That’s really all this was
And when I’m feeling stuck and need a buck
I don’t rely on luck because...
The hook brings you back
I ain’t tellin’ you no lie
The hook...
On that you can rely