I know that in season one they had to write their own songs as part of the competition. I have read that if he sings it for AI I think they will own it for life. I don't know if he wants to give up the rights to his music. It's selling like gangbusters right now. He did major in business and marketing when he was in school. From what I hear he's pretty business savvy.
As for the show Simon wants to do I think it's possibly a pretty good idea. Maybe it's like the X factor they had in England where anybody could audition.
Taylor has a huge fan base that is very organized. When he calls out Soul Patrol he's acknowledging his fans. He has the merchandising side of things down too. In fact on the AI forum they said that Not Fade Away is a song to the fans made popular by the Greatful Dead. I think the ex hippies dig him from what I have read.
Thanks for the info about Taylor. He seems like a very well-rounded person, and a lot smarter than he lets on.
I have to keep reminding myself not to judge these contestants solely by the way they appear on Tuesday evenings.
But, I think you're right about Taylor not wanting to lose rights to his songs. Or would he? If they are already copyrighted? At any rate, its not worth the risk.
He is talented AND versatile!