Taylor Hicks Wins American Idol! What's Next for The Soul Patroler?
The list of big celebrities performing during the American Idol finale was long...from Live, to Toni Braxton, to Mary J. Blige, to Prince! But the real star of the show was Taylor "Soul Patrol" Hicks, who was officially crowned the new American Idol. See photos from the finale here. So, what's next for Taylor?
Unlike American Idol winners before him, the soulful singer with an old-fashioned style may have a hard time fitting in with today's Top 40 artists. In an interview with the media on Friday, he told reporters he isn't too concerned about appealing to the masses. "I'm worried about my fans and the people that like me, as opposed to what's mainstream," he said. "I'm a musician and I'm going to be a musician and a soul singer for the rest of my life.....Mainstream music is a very interesting beast. If I play a part in that in the next year or so, then fine; but if I don't, somebody will be seeing me be funky somewhere."
As for his first album, Taylor says "It's just going to have to be a really good representation of who I am as an artist. There are going to be some things that I'm going to want to do creatively that I've never been able to get to do before American Idol, possibly a little bit cutting edge... I'm about creating and creating a good piece of artwork. My budget is going to be a little bit bigger, thanks to the Soul Patrol."
Even though he will have a bigger budget for a lot of things, Taylor may turn out to be the most low maintenance Idol yet. "I'll probably live on my tour bus," he said. "I might have some little lake place somewhere where I can sit on a porch and just stare at a tree and some water. But as far as what I've always wanted to do, I've always wanted to be on a bus. My home has been the road since even before American Idol. My Birmingham apartment has been there and it's been nice to come home to, but I've been only there for a few days and I'm on the road. A tour bus with some good, cold iceberg lettuce is probably where I'm going to stay."
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I’m glad Taylor won. Also, that was the best AI finale yet. Some of the vocal performances fell flat for me but still a great 2 hours of television - even the sometimes goofy humor spots were entertaining.
Yes , Taylor was the hands down winner, and his style is not old fashioned…(who was singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a 40’s song?)
He is unique and he is an artist…a breath of fresh air among so many generic singers of today.
HE IS THE SOUL MAN.
He will have a long and prosperous career. He connects to the audience. Kat never did, being so mechanical and WITHOUT soul.
SOUL PATROL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was not a fan of Taylor–he had too many tics and too much schtick. But he was definitely better than Kat.
BTW, Elliott is a Soul singer–capital “s.” Taylor is a soul singer–small “s.”
I think Taylor was the best. He was the only one with personality. Rockers are a dime a dozen, so are beautiful ballad singers. I can’t wait for his CD! I think he is HOT!
SOUL PATROL!!! I’m so glad Taylor won. In fact, this is the 1st time I’ve ever voted and I voted for Taylor as many times as I could get through. Taylor makes me SMILE — he makes me feel good because he feels good and loves music and loves what he does. I think he’ll have a universal appeal — not old-timey at all. Kat was good, but NOT ENOUGH SOUL!
YEAH, TAYLOR!!! You DA MAN!!! You make the South proud. I am so happy that Taylor won. I loved his performances, and his great style. It would have been a very drab season without Taylor. He is not only a great singer, but he is the consumate entertainer. Looking forward to a Taylor Hicks tour coming close to me!!
I love Taylor Hicks - American did something right - Taylor - you are truly a kind, gentel, pure, honest, hard working man - Who is to say there is no God? I do love you!
Still not sure what you Taylor “Soul Patrol” fans were listening to. Maybe you spent so much time watching his performance, you didn’t really listen to his singing. Kat is a young, sweet, talented singer with a very bright future. Can you say Reuben who??!!!
That last comment by Magz got me all confused…Taylor’s dancing is just the icing on the cake, MAGZ…..! I am not sure what show you were watching. Or are you just deaf or tone deaf! Taylor has it all, THE VOICE, the personality, the charisma, the style that you can’t find anymore among today’s artists! There are a lot of Kellys and Rubens right now, we need a breath of fresh air, and it’s all in Taylor. Kat??? She has a voice just like most balladeers, so she is nothing new….WE LOVE Taylor Hicks, he will do very well, and very successful! YOU just watch, Magz…..GO Taylor Hicks!
Boy, everybody sure has an OPINION. I bet most of you can’t even sing! Anyway, I thought Taylor did a great job and he did not win JUST because he was a great singer and performer but, because he knew how to “keep it real”. Taylor makes us smile and happy and that’s what got him a lot of votes. As for Kat, I think she is as beautiful girl with a beautiful voice and a promising future and I wish her much success also. Remember, we are all Americans and we don’t have to put her down to put Tay Tay up. The show is about exposure and helping the little people up. I love them BOTH!!!
Well, I think that Taylor Hicks is really Hott first of all and secondly, he can really sing his heart out.. The song that he just made “Do I Make You Proud” was a sweet song and I loved every moment of it.. I don’t see how anyone can say he cannot sing cause he is my man! “SOUL PATROL”. He has such a great voice. Even though I did not see the whole show because of a power outage he is still the one to beat and I am very glad that he won. Katherine is also a great singer but, she is not as enthusiastic about singing as Taylor is. He makes me smile and I love Taylor… I would love to meet him someday.. But I won’t hold my breath he is in Alabama and I am in Illinois so…. GOOD LUCK TAYLOR… YOU DESERVE IT! “Soul Patrol”
enthralling!!! www.gcalifornia.com