For those of you who read my very first blog, you know that I was dragged kicking and screaming into becoming a Taylor Hicks fan.
For those of you who didn't read my very first blog, why not? I worked hard on that blog! You should go read it. Right now. Go on. I'll wait.
Now that we are all up to speed, let's continue.
With American Idol 6 underway, many Soul Patrollers have been reminiscing about when Taylor was on AI. So I thought it would be fun for all of us to take a trip down memory lane by reliving Taylor's journey. Along each step of the way, I'll share with you what I thought about his performance both then and now.
And remember, I wasn't in my right mind back then. Please keep that in consideration when calling for my head on a platter.
First up: Taylor auditions in Las Vegas (1/31/06).
I was never a big fan of the audition shows, and normally didn't pay too much attention to them. If I happened to be watching TV when the auditions were on, I would occasionally flip to FOX to see what poor sap was being barbecued by Simon.
It just so happened that I flipped to FOX as this gray-haired guy was talking about other kids yanking his gray hair out. I figured we were being set up yet again, that he would be one of those people whose voice would make us jam our heads between two pillows in the hopes of drowning out the noise. So I changed the channel.
I changed the channel back just as Taylor began singing the second song. I thought this gray-haired guy was gonna break himself the way he was moving and jerking about. I couldn't believe it when Paula and Randy put him through to the next round.
Looking back, had I watched Taylor sing the first song I believe my opinion would have been a little more favorable. I still would have thought him strange because of the second song. However, I wouldn't have been surprised when he was put through to the next round.
Next up: Taylor sings "First Cut Is The Deepest" during Day 1 of the Hollywood Round (2/8/06).
I did not watch any of the Hollywood Rounds, so I didn't see Taylor sing this song. Looking back, although the second song of his auditions was still seared in my brain (despite repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall), I think this performance would have helped me see him in a new light. It was a very good performance that highlighted his vocals and showed just how into the music he was.
Next up: Taylor makes the Top 24 (2/15/06).
I did catch this episode. When I saw that the gray-haired dude was still in the competition, I was flabbergasted. I couldn't figure out how in the world he had made it this far.
Nothing about this clip changed my thinking about Taylor. They showed the second song he sang from his audition, which reminded how odd this guy was. When Taylor walked out of the elevator playing his harmonica, I just rolled my eyes. I couldn't wait to hear that he had not made the Top 24.
My jaw dropped to the floor for the second time that clip when Paula said he had made it. When Taylor started celebrating with his lyrics, playing, and spasms, I turned off my TV and swore I was done watching AI.
Looking back, nothing about Taylor's previous performances would have been enough to keep me from turning away from him at this point. I just did not get Taylor at this point in any shape, form, or fashion. I didn't understand that Taylor is one of those musicians who feels the music he plays and/or sings.
That's it for Part 1. When I do Part 2 in a few days, I'll take us through to the Final 12.
So let me know what you thought of Taylor up to this point in the competition.
Tags: Taylor Hicks, American Idol, Birmingham, Alabama
