American Idol Taylor Hicks is here

By Fran Katigbak
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Last updated 10:12pm (Mla time) 12/18/2007


MANILA, Philippines -- Has Taylor Hicks, winner of “American Idol” Season 5, gone from manic performer to subdued balladeer?

The salt-and-pepper-haired singer-songwriter charmed fans of the hugely popular reality talent search in 2006 with his raspy, soulful voice. But his signature dance moves were routinely criticized by judge Simon Cowell, who repeatedly said Hicks was “performing like he’s drunk.”

On Tuesday afternoon, in a crisp white shirt, black jacket, denim jeans and alligator-skin boots, Hicks made a smooth entrance, playing the blues on his harmonica, when he turned up to meet local media at the Hard Rock Café.

The first “American Idol” champ to visit the country (finalists Constantine Maroulis and Elliot Yamin were previous Manila visitors), Hicks, a native of Alabama, is here for a series of shows sponsored by the Ayala Malls.

“I heard from friends of mine that this is the place to come if you want to sing and perform music,” said Hicks, 31. It was Filipino-American José “Sway” Penala, a fellow finalist, who first told him about the Philippines, he added.

The self-taught musician said his biggest inspiration was Ray Charles. And so, he said, he was honored to sing “The Right Place,” originally written for Charles, in his self-titled album due for release this month.

“Life after ‘American Idol’ has been like sitting on a rocket ship,” said Hicks. “I can’t go out without bodyguards.”

On the bright side, “I get to travel to play my music, and collaborate with some really great artists.”

His triumph on “Idol” brought him a record deal with Clive Davis and 19 Recordings Limited/Artista Records.

Asked if he feels pressured to surpass the achievements of previous “Idols,” Hicks replied: “I’m not into competing [anymore] -- I’m into performing music and gaining new fans.”

Hicks will be at the Greenbelt 3 Park Wednesday at 8 p.m. and at the TriNoma Activity Center Thursday, 7 p.m.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breaki...ticle_id=107626

Interview. I am so glad that Asia gave him so much coverage and made him feel so welcomed.

Not sure if this is the same as Jodi posted, But it's a great read and it's something that Clive Davis can not buy away from Taylor...


Wonderful........You guys will love this!
http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2007121965&type=2
He saunters onto the stage, blowing on his harmonica like a judge banging on a gavel: “Hello everybody!” he says, and leans — yes that now famous lean.
And just like that, we are taken by Taylor.



I read that "Pogi means handsome"

*nods* It sure does. How sweet.
~tyg

According to Taylor both Elliott and Sway told him he should go to Asia, so THANK YOU Elliott and Sway..