Posted on 05/08/2006 4:22:13 AM PDT by silent_jonny
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE LYRICS OF TAYLOR AND KAT's SINGLES:
At the end of last night's "American Idol," Ryan Seacrest pointed out that more than 63 million votes were cast, which is more than any president in history has received. In a related story, this morning Hillary Clinton bought a karaoke machine
More baseless gossip courtesy of TWOP:
"I found this on another site. Some AI gossip:
I know I'm not adding much here, but I hung out with someone from BMG last night and he also confirmed pretty much everything r2 has mentioned.
Taylor was absolutely loved backstage, even when he was being a bit stubborn with his song choices. One fact mentioned last night, that I wasn't aware of, is that Taylor isn't very close with his parents. They pretty much wrote him off as a disappointment because he didn't go into a "respectable" career, choosing music instead. It was also mentioned they didn't quite agree with Taylor's political leanings, as they are quite the conservatives.Other tidbits I heard last night:
Kat was very sweet when chatting with the other contestants, but the moment they'd turn around she'd spit out some nasty comment. She had a particular dislike for Paris.
Chris was a nightmare from start to finish and honestly thinks he's the next major rock star, ala Robert Plant (I kid you not). He hasn't committed to joining Fuel yet because he's waiting for better offers.
Clive Davis' apprehension with Elliot is due to his looks and his looks alone. He honestly feels like he's not attractive enough to be a major star. Whatever, Clive.
And say what you will about Taylor, he definitely cleans up nice in his new press photos.
I can't say everything above is the absolute truth, but I just thought I'd pass on what was told to me last night."
Could be total crap, but since it reinforces all of my suspicions I wanted to pass it on. As for Taylor and his politics, I don't think for a second he's too young to be involved in it. I'm younger than him, and I certainly know what's up. I also don't think he's taken a stupid breath yet and is way more concerned with cementing his career than shilling for the Democratic Party. So I don't expect any "no blood for oil" comments from him. I suspect he'll just shut up and sing.
LOL!
What Kat says or does is irrelevant to Taylor and he’s relentlessly gracious towards her. My disappointment was more a missed opportunity. Seacrest had said during his radio interview that Taylor was the most intensely focused and strategic contestant the show had ever seen — that he was playing to win every day. I was hoping that the Larry King interview would allow Seacrest to draw that side of the story out. For example, Taylor admitted the other day that his “harmonica walk” was something he had planned out to get camera time and differentiate himself from the pack.
Watching from home, it was easy to see that Taylor was playing a very strategic game from early on. I think there’s an interesting story there.
On gospel music and Simon Cowell:
Sure, Simon likes the homogenized version. But, I don’t think he likes the sweaty, let-it-all go, “get ugly” part of black church music that is the direct inspiration for some of Fantasia’s grittier performances and for much of the Taylor Hicks show — such as the ending to Try a Little Tenderness. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” really is Simon’s idea of a pop song. This leads him to thinking performances like Taylor’s Jailhouse Rock are “ridiculous”, when, in reality, there is no way to properly perform that song without total 100% abandon. You simply cannot do a restrained version of Jailhouse Rock and sell the song.
Someone mentioned that Nigel and Simon were British so perhaps that’s why they didn’t “get” Taylor. And then someone reminded us that the British invasion music, Clapton, Stones, et. al., were very soulful. This is true; but it’s fair to point out that the British invasion music was based on American blues. In fact, as the story goes, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards hooked up musically after meeting at a train station. Richards was holding two Chess blues albums, the Best of Muddy Waters and Rockin’ at the Hops by Chuck Berry. So while the British do know and understand the blues, it’s also fair to say that the roots are American and southern. And the blues are arguably the root of rock and pop.
As a blues fan, I’m thrilled that Taylor is bringing attention to this kind of music again. Maybe he will start an “American invasion” of Taylorized soul to the rest of the world!
And harp. We must have more harp.
Taylor evolved as a performer and singer over the course of the season. He started the season raw and somewhat tentative. He ended the season holding an audience of millions in his hand each week. That’s amazing. I think Taylor used the three months of the competition as a PhD course in performing. He studied hard, took notes, and then wrote his disertation. That’s probably part of what Seacrest was referring to about his intensity and focus. Idol was not fun and games for Taylor.
“I’m sensing that we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg with Mr. Taylor Hicks. He is a man with a vision, and a well formed one at that. Men of vision with backbone are a force to be reckoned with. I think in the future, not only will Taylor continue to make his own great music, he’ll be scouting out and producing the work of other true artists.
Tay said on LKL that he planned to continue to go with his gut instinct as he makes decisions about his career. Wise move, Tay. Those intincts have proven to be killer, both musically and strategically.
Did you see how Momma McPhee was dressed on Wednesday night? I was embarressed and ashamed for her.
She is one tacky broad.
That stuff joins right up with the things I've read, too. Too bad, a lot of this stuff didn't get out a month ago!
It should be noted that Simon Cowell also wasn't clapping when it was announced that Taylor Hicks had won. Paula and Randy were on their feet clapping and shouting.
Simon was glowering in his seat, drinking Coca - Cola with a blank look on his face.
Jay Leno asked him what he thought of the judges. He gave very long, complimentary answers about Paula and Randy.
Jay asked him how he liked Simon. "He's British", was his only response.
I was under the impression the ET interview was AFTER the finale show.
Same here. I felt like throwing a brick at the TV during Larry King Live yesterday! One good thing about it, though, it really demonstrated what a gentleman Taylor Hicks is.
Yes. There have been a few things said about that!
Who do you think taught the daughter? ;)
I just thought maybe he was resting up.
Normally they do Ellen, Regis and Kelly, Today and Fox the days following when they go home. The local stuff in LA is no big deal.
It was Molly Henenburg! It was really cute. She was grinning from ear to ear.
I totally agree.
No offense Fritzy - and my apologies if I offended back at you. Carry on bro!
I agree - Taylor isn't going Dixie Chicks anytime soon, if ever! And he shouldn't. We want entertainers, not spokesmen, in our music, and Taylor is giving us that. Keep in mind that when Taylor returned to Birmingham, he was very chummy with the Republican governor, calling him a Soul Patrol member and practically giving him an endorsement. Yes, it was all for show, but it shows Tay knows how to play the game.
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