Paraphrasing: Rod Stewart really liked Taylor. He told Taylor to ignore what Simon says about how Taylor dances and moves on stage. Stewart told Taylor to be himself, and that -- bada bing, what have I been saying ever since last year and my problems with Carrie's mechanical performances? -- entertaining isn't just about singing, but about performing. Stewart said that especially on TV, you've got to grab the audience by the balls (exactly his words), and bring them in. Stewart also said that he thinks what Taylor does is fine, because Taylor has the ability to truly entertain and engage his audience.
In a nutshell, in just a brief critique, the great Rod Stewart told Taylor that Simon doesn't know what he's talking about. It's about time someone did just that, because often Simon spouts pure nonsense.
After playing and replaying Taylor's performance last night, I still have the same feeling.
I didn't believe it for a moment.
I was trying to picture who he might be singing it to, but just couldn't, for some reason. All style and sales pitch.