Posted on 05/08/2006 4:22:13 AM PDT by silent_jonny
LOL - Taylor has always had his own style of dress apparently. To paraphrase Dave White from the Advocate: "the F-U I'm Taylor Hicks Collection".
American Idol singer Ruben Studdard awarded $2 million in suit
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060615/APE/606150946
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has been awarded $2 million in his lawsuit against his ex-manager for misappropriating the singer's money and credit cards.
Studdard, 26, of Birmingham, won the television talent show in 2003 and filed suit last year against ex-manager Ronald W. Edwards and Edwards' promotions company, Sez Inc.
Jefferson County Circuit Judge Scott Vowell on Thursday awarded Studdard $500,000 for his actual losses and another $1.5 million in punitive damages, The Birmingham News reported Thursday on its Web site.
Vowell dismissed Edwards' promotions company from the suit because it was bankrupt and had no assets. Edwards filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 17, 2005.
The suit claimed Edwards misused more than $246,000 of the singer's money.
According to the judge's ruling, Edwards took money from Studdard's checking and other bank accounts, improperly used his credit cards and even used Studdard's money to repay a $10,000 loan to a Tuscaloosa bank.
Studdard has sold more than 2.2 million recordings, but the damage to his credit because of the fraud made it hard to obtain financing to buy a home, Vowell's order said.
FOR THOSE FANS OF TAYLOR HICKS OUT THERE...
HERE IS A COLLECTIBLE ---
BUY USA TODAY JUNE 16, 2006 FRIDAY EDITION.
PROMINENTLY FEATURED ON PAGE 8A and 9A IS A 2 PAGE GIANT AD WITH TAYLOR's PIC AND SIGNATURE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED HIGHLIGHTING FORD's CLEARANCE SALE FOR THEIR SUV's.
GO AND GRAB IT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
SEE HERE FOR DETAILS :
here http://www.brandweek.com/bw/ news...t_id=1002688159
Sounds like the purple velvet jacket wasn't too bad after all...
Good point! :)
ETA...
You can view the TV AD HERE Where Taylor Hicks the theme song -- POSSIBILITIES :
http://www.fordvehicles.com/features/commercials/?id=2&cat=
LET's HERE IT FOR OUR PATRIOTIC MARINE IDOL ! YOU DO MAKE US PROUD !!!
I really like that Ford Ad w/Taylor. Brings back the AI memories of his manic dancing! It's actually a catchy little ditty and fits him well.
'American Idol' finalist gives fans candid answers
2005 contestant talks to crowd at library
http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-18/1149934298103100.xml&coll=2
Saturday, June 10, 2006
BY JO COLLINS MATHIS
News Staff Reporter
Nine-year-old Olivia Roumel of Ann Arbor had already seen singer Nadia Turner during last year's "American Idol'' tour in Detroit. But that was at a distance.
On Friday evening, Olivia got a chance to see Turner up close and personal at the Ann Arbor District Library.
"I just found out yesterday (she was coming to Ann Arbor) and I was like, 'Are you serious?''' said Olivia, her eyes widening.
Turner, who came in eighth in the 2005 "American Idol'' competition, talked informally to about 60 people of all ages, answering questions honestly and with humor.
Turner's appearance came as a result of an e-mail inquiry by Tim Grimes, AADL's community relations and marketing manager.
"'American Idol' is one of the most popular things on television,'' said Grimes. "I thought it would be a great event, just to give people the chance to find out what it's like behind the scenes.''
Asked what she thinks of this year's winner, Taylor Hicks, Turner made it obvious she's not a fan. "But he looks like a lot of fun!'' she said.
What was it like to be voted off the show last year?
"It sucked!'' she said, adding that knowing she'd be going on tour with the other finalists softened the blow.
Asked about the downside of "American Idol,'' she answered: "The politics that no one sees.'' But she declined to elaborate.
Turner, 27, was born and raised in Miami, where she lives today with her 6-year-old daughter.
Still a struggling singer as well as an actress, she said it's a tough business to crack.
"The winner and the runner-up already have their record deals waiting for them; it's part of the agreement,'' she said, noting that she's still hustling to make it in the music business. "I'm pretty much doing everything I was doing before, working just as hard, but just a couple more doors were opened.''
After the hourlong question-and-answer session, Turner signed autographs and posed for photos with her Ann Arbor fans.
Fans of Snoop Dogg, Hank Williams Jr. and Taylor Hicks blended like a crazy quilt Saturday night at City Stages.
Rap lovers in knee-length sports jerseys and heavy gold chains rubbed shoulders with gray-bearded dudes and big-haired women. And into that sizzling stew came the Soul Patrol, the devoted fans of Taylor Hicks, who made his first hometown appearance - a guest spot with Snoop - since winning "American Idol" in May.
The crowd went crazy when Hicks stepped onto the Miller Lite Stage blowing his harmonica just after 11 p.m. He joined Snoop in a performance of "Gin and Juice."
--- end snip
How did the new "American Idol" winner spend the Saturday before Father's Day in Birmingham?
Oh, let us count the ways.
First of all, Taylor Hicks, 29, planned to perform on City Stages' Miller Lite Stage with rapper Snoop Dogg, singing "Gin and Juice." If that sounds like an odd musical pairing, talking with Hicks might convince you otherwise.
"I have the greatest respect for Snoop Dogg as an artist, but also as a family man, a businessman and an integral part of pop culture," Hicks said in an interview downtown Saturday afternoon. "Rap music has the most advanced lyricism there is. Rap is real; there's nothing pretentious about it. I'm very excited about appearing with Snoop. I think it's great."
Aside from meeting with the rapper to discuss their match-up at the festival later in the evening, Hicks said his day would consist of the following:
1. Eat barbecue that had been sent to his hotel room.
2. Buy harmonicas at Bailey Brothers Music Co. in Southside.
3. Look forward to yet another City Stages set, at 4:50 p.m. Sunday with his bandmates in the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra.
4. Hang out at the hotel with his bodyguard and a few intimates.
"I really can't get out much these days," Hicks said. "This is the starting point for my getting back into reality, back into society, back in my hometown. I haven't been around people much. People have seen me, but I haven't seen them. I haven't gotten out there and been able to really touch them."
Millions of fans in the Soul Patrol might beg to differ, arguing that the famous Gray Haired Guy has touched them plenty with his appearances on television.
Publicity blitz:
Fresh from a successful stint on the Fox TV reality series, Hicks did a publicity blitz that had him appearing on a week's worth of talk shows with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Regis Philbin and other such luminaries.
Also, Tuesday marked the release date of his "Idol" coronation single, "Do I Make You Proud."
Hicks made it clear, however, that he was moving into the next phase of his career, taking control of his future as a performing artist. Soon enough, Hicks said, he'll leave "American Idol" far behind him.
"What we're doing now is art by Taylor," he emphasized. "Taylor is making his own decisions. His decisions are not being made by a machine."
No, Hicks hasn't shifted into Garth Brooks mode, constantly referring to himself in the third person.
In this case, he's merely responding to the widespread perception that "American Idol" masterminds are controlling his every move from now on - the way Hicks is presented on stage during the "Idol" tour, for example, and the songs chosen for his first album on the Arista label.
"I'm climbing an uphill battle," he said, "shedding the `Idol' image and emerging as an artist. It's been tough for me, not really having all of my assets with me for about eight months. As soon as the show was over, I was thrilled to be in artist mode, playing harmonica and guitar."
Singing on a glitzy Hollywood stage with a slick, highly polished band, doing snippets of someone else's songs for a minute and 20 seconds ... well, the Soul Patrolman's pretty much had enough of that.
"It's not the dirt I need to plant my musical flower," Hicks said.
That's partly why he wanted to get back to his roots, returning to Birmingham for a couple of days during the city's largest music festival.
"I'm in work mode," he said. "But at the same time, as soon as my work is done, I'll enjoy being here."
Big difference from 2005:
Being on a main stage at City Stages with the biggest headliner, facing a crowd that's likely to swell into the tens of thousands indicates that Hicks - formerly a struggling nightclub performer - finally has arrived. Previously, he said, low-profile spots on smaller stages were the norm for any Taylor Hicks band.
In 2005, for example, Hicks did a 20-minute set on the Homegrown Stage that was cut short because of sound bleed from a nearby Miller act.
Ask Hicks to compare the two experiences, and he responds with a quick flash of the eyes and a smile.
"It's amazing," he said, "what a year can do to you."
A VIDEO TRIBUTE DEDICATED TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
SANG TO THE TUNE OF TAYLOR HICKS' DO I MAKE YOU PROUD :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O-yohHK25g&mode=user&search=
GOD BLESS YOU, YOU DO MAKE US PROUD !
Very nice! :)
FOR FANS OF CLAY AIKEN...
This week, Taylor is set to perform on the Tonight Show (June 21). Then, on June 22, all ten Idols will be on Rita Cosby Live and Direct (MSNBC at 10:00 p.m. EDT). You should also expect to see them on the various entertainment shows as we get closer to the kickoff of the tour on July 5.
http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1920.art&page=1
Check this tribute to the military with DIMYP video out. It was done by a 14 year old kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O-yohHK25g
- June 21, 2006 Busta Rhymes scores his first No. 1 on The Billboard 200 as "The Big Bang" debuts atop the chart ... Three Days Grace notches its best week ever as "One-X" makes a top 10 bow ... Piano man Billy Joel returns to the top 20 for the first time since 1997 with "12 Gardens Live" ... "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks blows through a combined 228,000 singles and digital downloads with his new song "Do I Make You Proud," enabling the tune to debut at No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 ..
http://www.billboard.biz/bb/biz/chartalert/index.jsp
So I have to ask ... Is anyone going to watch "America's Got Talent" (premieres tonight)? I have to admit I have my Tivo set for it. I have a feeling that watching it will be sort of like watching a train wreck unfold....
IT's OFFICIAL, TAYLOR HICKS CONQUERS BILLBOARD.
http://www.celebrityspider.com/news/june06/article062106-9.html
Taylor Hicks' 'Do I Make You Proud' Rockets to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart! #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; #1 on the Billboard Single Sales chart; #1 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart
NEW YORK, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's American Idol winner Taylor Hicks rockets to the top of Billboard's coveted Hot 100 chart with his first single, "Do I Make You Proud" released by 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records on June 13. The single simultaneously came in at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the Billboard Single Sales chart and the Billboard Pop 100 chart making it the best selling song in the country with over 190,000 copies sold in its first week of release. Hicks will perform this chart topping song on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday, June 22nd.
"I've been a hard working musician for the past ten years trying to become the best singer and harmonica player I could be and I'm thrilled that I can now focus entirely on my music," says Hicks. "Having a number one single is only the beginning."
"Do I Make You Proud" was sung by Hicks during the American Idol 2006 finale on May 24th in Los Angeles and also includes his soulful rendition of the Doobie Brothers classic, "Takin' It To The Streets," from the American Idol Season 5 Encores CD. Taylor Hicks is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and was recently named People Magazine's Bachelor of the Year. Hicks is currently rehearsing for the "American Idols Live! Tour 2006!" that kicks off on July 5th in Manchester, NH and is preparing for his debut album set for release this fall.
"Do I Make You Proud" marks the fourth "American Idol" single to provide financial support to the mission of the American Red Cross and the people it serves. Sales of the past three recordings generated more than a quarter million dollars in donations. For every CD sold, $0.25 will go to the American Red Cross, as well as $0.15 for every digital download sold, and $0.20 for every ringtone and ringback.
SOURCE J/Arista Records
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/v2/news/0606/21/2/text.html
Katharine McPhee's Shocking Confession
June 21, 2006
It's the painful secret behind Katharine McPhee's famous face.
The beautiful "American Idol" sweetheart is dropping a bomb in the new People magazine, bravely revealing the torment she's kept hidden for years -- a dangerous battle with bulimia that nearly destroyed her brilliant voice.
"When she was at her worst with her ordeal, she was throwing up seven times a day," People's Jamie Bufalino revealed of Kat's struggle with weight, which she claims started as a teen. Bufalino told us that McPhee credits "Idol" with saving her life. "She decided this is the point where she just really has to stop it because this is her chance to become a singing star," Bufalino added.
Katharine sought out help at an LA area eating disorder clinic.
Meanwhile, millions of "American Idol" fans, and even the judges, had no idea of Katharine's struggle throughout the competition.
The songstress was at war with her demons and even hinted about her torturous relationship with food to our Terri Seymour the night before the finale. "I was always trying to lose weight and then I was obsessed about the food," she said. "As soon as I stopped worrying about the food, the weight just started coming off."
Katharine revealed she's dropped 30 pounds and gone down three dress sizes the healthy way, thanks to getting help and the support of her parents and boyfriend, Nick Cokas.
In addition to People, McPhee is also Teen People's next covergirl. "I'm very honored, flattered, that people say I'm a role model for young girls," she admitted.
Catch Kat in Teen People June 30, and in People magazine this Friday.
Taylor Hicks Tune Up: American Idol Begins Work Out Regime
By Lynn Edwards
Jun 21, 2006
Taylor Hicks fans will say they love the singer just the way he is. But a report claims that the American Idol winner wants to tune up his body a little bit and is planning on dropping twenty pounds.
He's already People Magazine's sexist bachelor, what will a buff Taylor look like?
***
In Touch cites a "friend" of Taylor's and he discloses that the 'Soul Patrol' star is on a diet regime. "Taylor's far from heavy, but he does have a little weight he wants to shed," says the insider.
He's already doing commercials for Ford and has other endorsement offers, so will a weight loss deal be in the works?
Not likely.
***
The friend says Hicks will do the diet just like his music - old school. "He's trying to slim down the old fashioned way - by counting calories and exercising," says the friend.
Hicks has been listed at six-foot-one, but I have never seen his weight listed. (Mail me Taylor fans if you know) If he wants to tune up his body it certainly is a good idea - especially for health reasions.
Not to mention what it will do for his female fans.
***
One thing that won't need a tune up is his success.
Billboard is reporting that "Do I Make You Proud" will debut on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 to be published tomorrow (June 22) on Billboard.com.
The silver-haired Alabama native moved 190,000 physical singles and another 38,000 digital downloads of the track, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_27266544.shtml
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