I've never watched American Idol much. From what I've seen of it in the past it's a show that rewards the Ken and Barbie dolls they have on it.
I would not even be interested in it this year other than I happened to be flipping through channels and saw this Taylor Hicks fellow and was blown away by him. The guy has a musical soul.
Overall, the women are not too impressive. The large black gal (Mandisa) has some pipes but she's far from unique. The young black girl (Paris) is very talented but comes off as a self-centered brat. The best overall female from a commercial standpoint is Katharine McPhee. If any of the women should win it's her.
Of the men Chris Daughtry has an outstanding commercial rock voice and could be lead singer for someone like Creed. But so far he's stuck in that one area because of his tone and range. Unless his voice is more flexible he's just another rock wailer but a damn good one. Elliot Yamin has a great range and a fantastic voice but he lacks "the look" for commercial success. Kevin Covais is not even worth a mention but is getting votes form the public because he's a lost puppy. Ace Young needs some soul. If he'd sing something and let a tear drop out of one eye he'd have all the women voting for him. Then there is Taylor Hicks. This guy is captivating and has a depth to him that's not seen in any of the other people on the show. He's a misfit but that's what it takes to be a success in the music business sometimes. He REALLY stands out.
I think Hicks wins because if you look at the American Idol message board he has about 25% of the total number of posts for the entire board and has a thread called Soul Patrol that has almost a million views on it. That's HUGE and indicates an undercurrent of support and votes that must have the American Idol producers giddy since it means he's bringing in millions of new viewers because he cuts across mumtiple demographics.
Your comments are so right on the money. Taylor already has it made and he knows it, that is why he is so relaxed. Regardless of wether he wins the competition or not, Taylor Hicks will make a pot full of money . Simon Cowell's comments about being a drunk father were so out of the blue and so wrong.
EXACTLY my thinking. I kinda wish he'd get the boot sooner rather than later so he can get into a studio. I don't want to wait. I love the guy.
Simon's comment about the drunken wedding guest, or whatever the hell he said, was getting booed so thoroughly that a lot of people missed him say "But the difference is you can sing!" Also, I'm not entirely sure if Simon was denigrating the performance. People at weddings usually keep their eyes trained on the drunks, particularly if they are performing drunks (unless they're total ass clowns). Just ask any bride.