understand from previous posts that he trademarked his name prior to auditioning. He seems like a very savvy guy.
ANd this may be why Simon doesn't like him. :)
That is such a good point!!
Good point.
I have a different theory on this. I believe Simon "Reverse Psyched" Taylor into an American Idol. I believe immediately Simon KNEW what he had, a GREAT performer!
In Taylor's audition here is the exchange that takes place after Taylor sings -
Simon: My problem is, and I've always said this, it's not just about the voice...and you prove that.
Paula: You've got a good personality...(Simon looks cockeye towards Paula)You're just like a good energy, good character, just good performer.
Simon: I disagree, completely.
Randy: Naw, come on!
Simon: Completely...
Randy: You don't think this guy could be commercial?
Simon: Nope.
Randy: Why?
Simon: Because this is a guy who should be singing...backgrounds, not in the spotlight.
Paula: I disagree...
Randy: Background movin' like that?! What?! (Laughs)
Paula: I disagree...
Taylor: I don't think some of these folks know who Joe Cocker is...
Paula: Sum it up...Obviously, you're going to say yes,
Simon: No.
Randy: No...He's going to say no.
Simon: Because you know why? They will not put you in the finale group to be judged by the public.
Randy: ah, that's not true! That's not true! We will! We will!
Taylor: Give me a chance. Give me a chance Give me a chance...
Simon: No you won't, no you won't.
Paula: We won't know that until,...
Simon: I know now...
Paula: ...we see how you do, but I say, Yes!
Randy: And I say, Yes!
Paula: Yes, you're going to Hollywood!
Taylor: Wooooooooooooo! Sweet!
Now, that exchange may seem normal to some but what gives Simon away is all the time he's talking to Randy and Paula, he's looking right at Taylor. I think he challenged him with the "background singer" remark. He knew Randy and Paula would say, Yes. So he more or less told Taylor to "bring it!" Simon is very crafty.
Download the audition here: Audition