Not Hopelessly Devoted to Grease @ The 5th Ave``xalan``x<i>By Maia</i> - <a href="http://seattlest.com" onclick="window.open('http://seattlest.com');return false">seattlest.com</a><br /><br />f you just want a sing-along, Grease will suit you fine. However, if you're looking for the character development or chemistry of the movie, this production will disappoint. Oh, and this Taylor Hicks guy (American Idol Season 6 winner), who's almost being touted as the show's star, makes nothing more than a glittery cameo.<br /><br />If you've never seen Grease, the story is set in 1950s Rydell High. It's the first day of school and Danny Zuko, leader of a group of greasers called the T-Birds, recounts his summer with a babe on the beach. Goody-two-shoes newcomer Sandy Dumbrowski is, for some reason, taken in by the T-Birds' female counterparts, the Pink Ladies, and she regales them with her story of meeting a boy on the beach. Go figure, they're talking about one another! And now Danny's too cool to give her the time of day. It's the classic number "Summer Nights." Toss in some underage drinking, smoking, promiscuity and unwanted pregnancy, and it's your essential 1950s teen musical.<br /><br />The show opens strong with "Grease (is the word)," but disappointingly spirals downward from there. Immediately Eric Schneider as Danny Zuko stuck out like a sore thumb. He's skinny, scrawny, and has none of the machismo, good looks, or cool demeanor associated with the heartbreaker and leader of the T-Bird pack. Schneider's voice is decent, but that's about it. Whatever cool he was trying to emulate felt forced. Sadly, Sandy (Emily Padgett) was also a let down. Padgett's vocals are nothing short of grating to the ears. Despite clearly trying to sing in a character voice, she was more of a caricature.<br /><br />Thankfully the ensemble show allows some of the other cast members to shine. David Ruffin was actually believable as bad-ass T-Bird, Kinickie. He rocks in "Greased Lightinin." Kelly Felthous' Marty was the sexy, albeit ditzy, character we've come to know and love. Dare we say, we liked her portrayal better than movie version. Her character voice was spot on. Even past-his-prime dj Vince Fontaine (Dominic Fortuna) outshone Schneider. He would have been a better fit as Zuko.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33328.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33328.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkuFkllAuFgEeuQyMX``x1243296143``x(default)``xseattlest.com (<a href="http://seattlest.com">http://seattlest.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Sources say 'Idol' final vote wasn't even close``xalan``x<i>By Access Hollywood</i> - <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.msnbc.msn.com');return false">msnbc</a><br /><br />Kris Allen picked up the "American Idol" title on Wednesday night, and while it may have shocked some media pundits who were expecting an Adam Lambert victory, a source close to the show revealed the final vote was not even close.<br /><br />A top FOX source told Access Hollywood that the vote left Kris as the clear winner by a large margin.<br /><br />And upon learning the news during his visit to Access Hollywood and "The Billy Bush" show on Wednesday morning, Kris wasn't sure how to take the information. <br /><br />"Really?" Kris said. "America's gonna vote whichever way they want to... I don't know. Whatever happened last night, was just a - it's a total surprise for me so I don't even know how to feel about that."<br /><br />When asked why he thought he prevailed over Adam, the 23-year-old Conway, Ark., singer suggested it may have been because he is "just a regular guy."<br /><br />"There's not a whole lot of people that approve of the whole guy-liner thing and the nail polish and all that," Kris said. "But for me, I love Adam and I think he's one of the greatest people that I've met so far. For me, I'm just a regular guy and I think a lot of people just related to me."<br /><br />And Adam had Kris' back - including just moments after the young man won the title, reminding him he had to sing "No Boundaries," a song co-penned by "Idol" judge, Kara DioGuardi.<br /><br />"Seriously, Adam hugged me and goes, 'You have to sing that song now.' I was like 'Ohhhh gosh!'" Kris said of the moment. "I was like 'OK, just sing it!' I thought it went OK."<br /><br />As for the song, which Randy Jackson and Kara both decided might be too high for Kris during Tuesday's competition, Kris admitted it is a tough tune to belt out.<br /><br />"I like the song. It's tough to sing, I'm not gonna lie. It's a rough song, but Kara's a great writer," Kris said. "It was so much fun working with her in the studio. She's a lot of fun to work with."<br /><br />Slightly easier was performing with superstars Keith Urban and Queen on the show's season finale.<br /><br />"Playing with Keith Urban, it was really great," Kris said. "Getting to meet him - he's just a laid back guy, just a cool guy, laid back just like I am and he was like, 'Lets go out there,' and that's what we did. And had a great time and getting to play with Brian May and sing with him and sing with Queen? Wow! That was priceless." <br /><br />Another priceless moment came for Kris at the end of the show, when his wife of seven months, Katy, came on stage for a celebratory embrace.<br /><br />"She's been my biggest supporter and since we got together seven years ago, she's always tried to make me work harder at music," Kris said of his lady love. "She believed in me a lot because there were times when I wanted to give up and she was like, 'No, don't stop, you're really great and you need to keep doing this and you're not gonna be happy unless you keep doing this,' and I think she's happy that my dream has come true." <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33492.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33492.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuFklZkFFuWCHvgHd``x1243294433``x(default)``xmsnbc (<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">http://www.msnbc.msn.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
A look at 'American Idol' winners``xalan``x<i>By Derrik J. Lang</i> - <a href="http://www.sfgate.com">San Francisco Chronicle</a><br /><br />A look at the winners of Fox's "American Idol" and what they've been up to since taking home the prize:<br /><br />* Kelly Clarkson: The 27-year-old singer has released four albums since winning the first "Idol." Her name was immortalized in 2005 when Steve Carell screamed it out after getting his chest waxed in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Clarkson currently has two singles, "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "I Do Not Hook Up," on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.<br /><br />* Ruben Studdard: The 30-year-old crooner has also released four albums since winning the second season, including the 2004 gospel record "I Need an Angel." He is currently starring as Fats Waller in a national tour of "Ain't Misbehavin'." Studdard's most recent album, "Love IS," dropped Tuesday and features a mix of romance-themed covers and original tunes.<br /><br />* Fantasia Barrino: The 24-year-old singer has released two albums, "Free Yourself" and "Fantasia." Barrino played herself in a 2006 Lifetime TV film based on her autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale." She starred as Celie in the Broadway musical version of "The Color Purple" in 2007 and will reprise her role in a national tour later this year.<br /><br />* Carrie Underwood: The 26-year-old country crooner is arguably the singing competition's most successful winner, becoming a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling recording artist with her two albums, "Some Hearts" and "Carnival Rides." Underwood captured the entertainer of the year award at last month's Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.<br /><br />* Taylor Hicks: The 32-year-old Soul Patrol leader's first, self-titled album went platinum but never generated the acclaim or hype of winners like Clarkson or Underwood. He later went on to play Teen Angel in the Broadway and national touring casts of "Grease." Hicks released a second album in March under his own label after leaving Arista Records.<br /><br />* Jordin Sparks: The 19-year-old singer's self-titled first album debuted at No. 10 on Billboard. After winning the sixth season, Sparks performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XLII and defended the Jonas Brothers at last year's MTV Video Music Awards when host Russell Brand joked about their purity rings. She will release her second album in July.<br /><br />* David Cook: The 26-year-old rocker released his self-titled debut album in November and is currently touring the country. He dueted with Underwood on Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" at the opening of an "Idol" attraction at Disney World. Cook's older brother, who famously cheered for him in the "Idol" audience, died from brain cancer earlier this month.<br /><br />* Kris Allen: The 23-year-old college student used his twangy voice and folksy charm to overpower 27-year-old theater actor Adam Lambert during the eighth season finale, despite the fact Lambert had been declared the frontrunner by the show's judges. Allen told reporters following his win backstage he wanted to make "pop singer-songwriter kinda" album.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33490.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33490.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuFkZZlpkSRRQkTte``x1243285002``x(default)``xSan Francisco Chronicle (<a href="http://www.sfgate.com">http://www.sfgate.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Is "No Boundaries" the Worst "American Idol" Coronation Song Ever?``xalan``x<i>By Donna Reynolds</i> - <a href="http://www.foxesonidol.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.foxesonidol.com');return false">Foxes On Idol</a><br /><br />One of the highlights of each season's American Idol finale is that point at the end of the show when the winner steps forth in a shower of confetti and sings the official winner's song. The season is over and this individual, who still hasn't quite grasped that he or she has won it all, gives an emotional performance to wrap up the finale and the season.<br /><br />Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" really was an Idol moment and Fantasia's gospel infused "I Believe" was inspiring. Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud" was corny, but fit the occasion, and Jordin Sparks' performance of "This Is My Now" also hit the mark.<br /><br />None of these so-called coronation songs have been terribly meaty, and some, like David Cook's "Time of My Life," which he didn't actually sing on the performance show, have lyrics that are pretty foolish (can we ever forget "Magic Rainbows"?). But other than the insipid and totally irrelevant "Inside Your Heaven," which Carrie and Bo sang, the songs haven't been completely intolerable.<br /><br />Until now!<br /><br />This year's coronation song, "No Boundaries," co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi, was an embarrassment - to Kara, to the show, and to Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. With lyrics such as "You can go higher, you can go deeper," "Make it through the pain," and "There are no boundaries," this tuneless piece of drivel never should have been allowed to be considered as the winner's song.<br /><br />For one thing, isn't it a bit of a conflict of interest for a judge to have a hand in writing a song for contestants on the show? Was there anyone in the top 5 who could have made this turkey workable? In the top 13?<br /><br />At least "No Boundaries" was wrong for both Adam and Kris. It was too high for Kris and too, well, I can't even think of the right word to use to describe how wrong it was for Adam. They both tried valiantly to get through it, but on a night this important, they shouldn't have had to endure such torture.<br /><br />It was particularly amusing to watch the rest of the judging panel attempt to be tactful when critiquing the performances. No one wanted to say the song was horrible, and chose instead to skirt the issue and skip any judgments about it completely. But even Kara seemed uncomfortable after Kris' performance.<br /><br />What's an Idol to do? There was only one song, after all. And, to their credit, both Adam and Kris tried to sell it, doing their best to wring out every small bit of substance the song possessed. Still, without much to work with, it was an unenviable task.<br /><br />I read somewhere that Taylor Hicks refused the song they originally meant for him to sing for the Season 5 finals, most likely the horrendous "My Destiny" with which Katharine found herself forever identified. The story goes that "Do I Make You Proud" was the song Elliott would have sung had he been in the top 2. "My Destiny" was so bad Katharine barely got through it. Lucky for Taylor, he was the frontrunner and there were two songs that year. No such luck for Adam and Kris, though, and as the official coronation song this year, "No Boundaries" has taken last place on my list of these official songs.<br /><br />Let's just hope the winner, whoever he is, can avoid having to sing this song for the rest of his "reign." Unfortunately, that's unlikely to happen. David Cook's "Time of My Life" is still on the Billboard charts almost a year later, "magic rainbows" and all!<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33475.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33475.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuFEEkyAECaWuSPTh``x1243119891``x(default)``xFoxes On Idol (<a href="http://www.foxesonidol.com">http://www.foxesonidol.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
The Year's Top-Earning 'Idols'``xalan``x<i>By Evan Hessel and Dirk Smillie</i> - <a href="http://www.forbes.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.forbes.com');return false">Forbes Magazine</a><br /><br />For Adam Lambert or Kris Allen, winning this week's much-anticipated American Idol finale will mean a short-lived media frenzy and the sudden adoration of millions of fans. It could also mean a big paycheck down the road.<br /><br />David Cook, the scruffy rocker and winner of the last Idol competition, earned an estimated $2 million since June of 2008. That's a huge boost from what Cook made as a struggling singer-songwriter in Tulsa, Okla., before the winning the Idol crown last May.<br /><br />Forbes estimates that Cook generated the bulk of his income from the 1.1 million copies sold of his self-titled major label debut album. Cook supplemented his music sales with a live tour and a product sponsorship deal with sneaker maker Skechers.<br /><br />Cook's final competitor, David Archuleta, has also enjoyed a remarkably lucrative year since making it to the Idol finals. Archuleta made an estimated $1.3 million from sales of his first album and more than 100 live concerts.<br /><br />Yet for a lesson in how to build truly massive riches, the current finalists should study the brief career of season-four winner Carrie Underwood. The farm girl turned songstress has gone on to a hugely lucrative recording, touring and product endorsement career. Underwood raked in an estimated $14 million last year, enough to secure the title of top-earning Idol alum.<br /><br />With her carefully crafted Nashville pop, Underwood cultivates a massive audience spanning both country and Top 40 fans. Her debut album, Some Hearts, spent 11 weeks in 2007 at the top of the Billboard album charts. Songs from her second effort, Carnival Ride, got massive airplay on both country and adult alternative radio. All told, Underwood has sold 9.6 million albums and 10.7 million digital downloads, according to Nielsen Soundscan.<br /><br />Along with producing crowd-pleasing albums, Underwood understands the financial importance of hitting the road. She has played more than 300 shows since her Idol win. Each performance brings in about $350,000 to be split between Underwood and the concert promoter, according to Pollstar.<br /><br />Underwood has also supplemented her recording and touring income with sizable product endorsement payments. She generates tabloid buzz with her personal life--former alleged flames include Dallas Cowboys star Tony Romo and Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford--but avoids the personal meltdowns that afflict other young female celebrities, making her an ideal pitchwoman for consumer products companies. Vitamin Water, owned by Coca-Cola, pays Underwood to endorse its beverages. <br /><br />Jennifer Hudson, eliminated midway through the third season, was the second-best paid Idol alum over the past year. Following the show, Hudson smartly bet her best chance and superstardom would come from work that blends her musical and acting talents.<br /><br />In 2006, Hudson took a supporting role in the film adaptation of the Motown musical Dreamgirls. She won an Academy Award for the performance and has since scored roles in the Sex and the City movie and Winged Creatures, an upcoming indie flick also starring Kate Beckinsale and Forest Whitaker.<br /><br />Her movie roles, along with a well-regarded album and endorsements from Gap and Avon, earned Hudson an estimated $5 million.<br /><br />Kelly Clarkson, the first Idol champion, holds the title of most albums sold by a show alumnus. The 27-year-old with the powerful voice has sold over 10 million records since 2003, generating a steady stream of cash. Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted, released in March, is currently at No. 17 on the Billboard 200.<br /><br />Another popular career path for Idol contestants is taking their voices on to Broadway or on tour with roving productions of popular musicals. Clay Aiken, the quirky second-place finisher from the second season, boosted his 2008 earnings by performing on Broadway in the Monty Python musical "Spamalot."<br /><br />Taylor Hicks, winner of the fifth season, is currently playing the role of Teen Angel in a national tour of Grease. Hicks has also toured extensively as a solo artist and released two solidly popular albums of bluesy tunes.<br /><br />Constantine Maroulis, who finished sixth place in the fourth season, is the most decorated Idol-turned-Broadway star. This month, he received a Tony nomination for his leading role in "Rock of Ages."<br /><br />Still, without a big-selling album, endorsement contract or solo tour, Maroulis fell just short of our list of top 10 Idol alums.<br /><br />As Ms. Underwood can attest, a multi-platform approach is essential to post-Idol riches.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33440.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33440.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuFEplZZFGeEYgGWY``x1243115973``x(default)``xForbes Magazine (<a href="http://www.forbes.com">http://www.forbes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
June 6 - Taylor to sign autographs in Novi, MI``xalan``xTaylor Hicks has scheduled yet another autograph event for his fans, this time at the Borders in Novi, Michagan.<br /><br />From the Borders Website: "Taylor wowed audiences in season five of American Idol and now is doing the same on stage playing in the touring version of Broadway sensation Grease. Here is your chance to meet with the entertainer as he celebrates the release of his latest album The Distance. Due to our limited time with our featured guest, all our welcome but those who have purchased The Distance from Borders that day will receive priority in line. No memorabilia or posed photos please. See store for details."<br /><br />The Borders bookstore is located at 43075 Crescent Boulevard in Novi, Michigan. The event will start at 7 PM. And since Taylor is performing in <i>Grease</i> that night, he will not be staying very long.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33458.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33458.0');return false">discuss this event</a> and get more information on it on our forum.``xEkuFEpyVyEszoPgfUX``x1243113761``x(default)``x``x88151149601208``x
Alan's Blog: Sorry, Green Day, but Wal-Mart has rights too``xalan``x<a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/alan/blog.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/alan/blog.html');return false">Alan's Blog</a> - Recently, Alan read an article about the band Green Day being upset with Wal-Mart's decision not to carry their latest album, 21st Century Breakdown. In the article, members of Green Day were quoted as saying a couple of things that seemed to suggest that Wal-Mart was 1) trampling on their free speech rights, and 2) were sending young kids a bad message. Alan took exception to Green Day's comments and decided to respond to them in his latest blog entry, "Sorry, Green Day, but Wal-Mart has rights too".<br /><br />To read Alan's latest blog entry, visit <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/alan/blog.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/alan/blog.html');return false">Alan's Blog</a> to read it. And don't forget to leave a comment behind with your thoughts.``xEkuFEpkyVuNwMvGaIs``x1243109854``x(default)``x``x88151149601208``x
Idol Chatter``xalan``x<i>By Ramin Setoodeh</i> - <a href="http://www.newsweek.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.newsweek.com');return false">Newsweek</a><br /><br />When we host a NEWSWEEK roundtable (say, for the Oscars or the Emmys), we do it in person, and with the doors locked so the stars can't escape. We tried that for our first American Idol roundtable, but unlike George Clooney, Anne Hathaway and Brad Pitt, the Idols are so busy that they couldn't coordinate their schedules. So this time around, we hosted our first phone roundtable, inviting four of the show's winners (Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks) and two of the most popular finalists (David Archuleta and Kellie Pickler). Archuleta called in early - from London - and it became clear that the Idolers are like old pals. Studdard complained that he wanted to play golf with Hicks but he had to perform instead. Hicks made dinner plans with Pickler and said he was going to pop up on her tour to play harmonica. "You've got my number," she said. "Just call me." The youngsters, Archuleta and Sparks, Twittered all through our 90-minute chat. And Fantasia - well, let's just say we wish we could have had her in a locked room. Excerpts:<br /><br />Setoodeh: Where is everybody?<br /><b>Fantasia:</b> I'm in Atlanta. I'm going home to my daughter. I'm on the highway.<br /><br /><b>I hope you're not driving.</b><br /><b>Fantasia:</b> I am driving. I like to drive.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> You in that pretty red car, girl?<br /><b>Fantasia:</b> No, I'm in my black car.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> Fantasia, you're not breaking the law as you're talking to us?<br /><b>Fantasia:</b> I'm pulling over at the Arby's.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I'm in Virginia Beach, and I just put my wife on the plane. I'm traveling with [the musical] Ain't Misbehavin'. Thank the lord, it will be over May 17.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'm in L.A. right now. Just preparing for my Idol appearance. And I worked out for two hours this morning.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> I'm in England. I'm a supporting act for a group called McFly.<br /><b>Fantasia:</b> Oh, that's big. Congratulations, Dave.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> What time is it [there]?<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> It's, like, 8.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> Is that morning or night?<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Is your room small, man?<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> Yeah. Pretty much. What's funny is that when I went to the other people's rooms the other band's members and their rooms are all bigger than mine.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> What?!<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> That's OK, though. It's not like that much bigger. And it's not like I'm here anyway. I just sleep here. And Twitter.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I'm in Costa Mesa, Calif. My run is through June of 2010 for Grease. My recordThe Distance is out, and my new single, "Seven Mile Breakdown," is being released in a few days.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I am finally off the road. But only for the day. I got to sleep in my own bed in Nashville, so that was good. I'm lying in bed right now, with my dog. That's the man in my life.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Kellie, how does it feel to be the prettiest girl in country music?<br /><b>Pickler:</b> Yeah, right!<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> Jordin, guess what? I was looking around the stores today, and in H&amp;M they were playing "Young and in Love."<br /><b>Sparks:</b> It's still weird to hear myself. I didn't realize how far music's reach was until I got to go to London and Australia, and people were singing my music.<br />Quantcast<br /><br /><b>Do you all have many fans overseas?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> I don't know if you guys have traveled to Southeast Asia; they love Idol. Like the Philippines, Malaysia. I did a tour in Southeast Asia for about a month. They were tripping out. They were asking about y'all. They keep up with Idol and the contestants religiously, even in India. They're big fans of the show. I was actually in Jakarta doing Asian Idol, which is like the Asian version of American Idol.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Somebody's Idol tour went over there. Fantasia? Is Fantasia still on?<br /><br /><b>Fantasia, are you still on the line?</b><br />[Silence.]<br /><b>Pickler:</b> She's driving.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> She went to Arby's. She got the five for $5 at Arby's.<br /><br /><b>If you had to name one singer who influenced you the most, who would you pick?</b><br /><b>Pickler:</b> I would have to say for me it was Dolly Parton. She's the reason why I fell in love with country music. I think she's such an incredible singer and songwriter. I really admire her work and attitude. She carries herself with grace, and she's really set an example for anyone going into the entertainment world. She's been ripped apart in the press and pulled in every which direction, but she's always handled it with such grace.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> Hey, Kellie, do you get free tickets to Dollywood?<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I've still never been! Maybe we can have an Idol reunion at Dollywood.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> Right now, I have Kirk Franklin on my mind. He's definitely one of the people that have had a major influence [on me]. He has a concert tonight here. But I can't see it because it's already on right now. He really introduced the soulful side, the emotional side of music that had a huge impact on me.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I'd have to say Ray Charles. Personally, he taught me a voice can transcend the boundaries of genres of music. You can listen to Ray, and you can hear the modern sounds of country and western and jazz and swing. He just taught me to have your own voice and to be able to emote emotion, where it's blues or gospel or country.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I would have to say Fred Hammond. I've been a fan of his since I was probably 6 years old. He's the only person I get onstage with to this day and get nervous.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> It's really hard to say just one. But my earliest memory of somebody I listened to all the time was a Christian artist named Crystal Lewis. I remember seeing her in concert in church when I was 10. My mom played her cassettes since I was born. She was so small, but she had such a powerful voice coming out of her. And then eventually, my dad played Whitney [Houston] and Mariah [Carey]. And my mom played me Heart and Pat Benatar.<br /><br /><b>Do you have any of the other Idols on your iPods?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> I have everybody.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I do, too.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I think I have some of Archuleta's stuff from when they performed on the show. When you did "The Long and Winding Road," dog. You killed that.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> Thanks.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> But that's the last compliment you're going to get from me, little brother.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I'm the only one who doesn't listen to an iPod.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> What do you listen to, the radio?<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I still buy CDs. I'm not into the whole downloading on iTunes. I like to go and buy the CD, so I can see who wrote the songs.<br /><br /><b>I want to ask you all about the idea of fame in the Internet age. Do any of you YouTube yourselves?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I can't do it.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> All the time. People have camera phones everywhere now. You never know what could be traveling around the Internet with your face on it.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I don't even want to know.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> I hate seeing myself. I haven't even watched half the shows I've been on. When people play clips during interviews, I'm like, "Please turn it off."<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I look at mine to see how I can improve my performances. <br /><b>Sparks:</b> I guess I do sometimes. There are some that I watch and I'll say, "I look so stupid."<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I think you are your biggest critic.<br /><br /><b>I thought Simon Cowell was your biggest critic.</b><br /><b>Archuleta:</b> No. He doesn't even come close.<br /><br /><b>Do you ever read about yourselves online?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Sometimes. Not all the time, though. I think it's best if you stay away from that monster.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> When I was first on Idol, I was so fascinated by the whole thing. You want to see what people are saying about you. Everybody's biggest fear is fear of rejection - we want to be loved. I could read 100 nice comments - "Ah, she was great" or "I loved her hair." And then I could read one negative comment, and that's the only thing I'm going to remember.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Oh, my gosh. I'm so horrible. I'm Twittering right now.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> It's addicting.<br /><br /><b>What are you Twittering?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'm telling everybody that I'm on the phone with you guys. Hold on. I'm typing it right now.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I'm doing it, too.<br /><br /><b>Is that why you're so quiet?</b><br /><b>Pickler:</b> OK, Ruben. You and I have to get on Twitter.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I guess so. I'm on Facebook telling everybody I'm on the phone with you guys.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I'm still on MySpace.<br /><br /><b>You're still on MySpace?</b><br /><b>Pickler:</b> What's funny is, when we were on Idol, they started a MySpace [page] for all of us. For two years, I didn't even have the password. I just got my password. I have a Facebook [page] that the label started, but I don't have the password.<br /><br /><b>Taylor, will you show Kellie how to do this the next time you see her?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Yes. I will make sure I bring Kellie up to speed on any Internet activity.<br /><br /><b>Can you tell me the story of what it was like to audition for American Idol?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'll go first. I'd actually been an Idol freak. I watched the show every year. I was 12 when Kelly Clarkson won. I wanted to sing on a big stage like that, but I had no idea there'd be six seasons and I'd actually be able to audition. I came to L.A. to audition. I remember I got there at 2 o'clock in the morning. They didn't get [other] people until 8. They didn't start auditioning until 11. She had me sing four songs. I was told no. I went back home and said, "It's not the end of the world. I'm not going to start singing." [But] I kept singing. I did a local Idol contest called "Arizona Idol." I won that, and they sent me to the Seattle auditions. They had me sing five songs, and I think I was the first person to get a gold ticket.<br /><br /><b>Did anyone else get turned down the first time they auditioned?</b><br />[Silence.]<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Oh, whatever! Everybody made it through. OK!<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I got turned down at a news station. It was like a FoxNews; they'd pay for you to go. I auditioned and didn't make it.<br /><br /><b>David, I read you almost didn't audition because you had a summer job.</b><br /><b>Archuleta:</b> I was like, "Why do I want to waste my time and buy a ticket and fly all the way to San Diego and get turned down?" I got there at 2 in the morning, too. I did all the waiting. When I got to the table, I sang a song. They said, "Sing something else." They said, "Thanks for auditioning, but unfortunately none of you are what we're looking for." I was like, "That was fast. Turned down in 20 seconds." On my way out, they were like, "Hey, can you come back here?" I kept walking because I didn't think they were talking to me. Then they told me they were just messing with me.<br /><br /><b>They said no as a joke?</b><br /><b>Pickler:</b> They love to toy with your emotions on that show.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> They're so mean sometimes. It makes for great TV, though.<br /><br /><b>What happens backstage when you're crowned the next American Idol?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> You go to work.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I probably had two and a half to three hours of sleep in a 36-hour time period. For a span of 12 to 24 hours, to a certain degree, you're the most recognizable face on the planet. There's a lot of people wanting a piece of you.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I was so tired from all the rehearsals that you had to do. I remember winning and all the exhaustion came over me. And then they were like, "Jordin, we're going to do press." I won at 5 p.m. I don't think I got finished until midnight.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Not including the party, huh?<br /><b>Sparks:</b> And then the party was there, and I was like, "I don't want to go to this thing." And they're like, "It's for you."<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Who's coming to the finale?<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'll be here in L.A. I don't know if I'm going, though.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I was on last week. I was a little nervous.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I watched. You did great.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> I was nervous, too, when I performed in March.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> I sucked when I went on.<br /><br /><b>Did you watch it again later?</b><br /><b>Archuleta:</b> No. I just knew I did bad. I was so nervous. I hadn't been nervous in so long. The second I saw Simon and Kara and their faces, I was like, "Oh my gosh, they're going to critique me." I wasn't expecting to feel that way. It really freaked me out.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I remember when I went back for the finale, and I had to perform my song. Idol does something to you. It was exciting, but it was slightly traumatic. I think I'm scarred from that. Every time I walk back to Idol, it brings me back to standing there and getting judged, and thinking that people have to vote for me still.<br /><br /><b>After you're done with the tour, how much compromise is there when you're cutting your first album?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> It depends on who you're making the album with. If it's Clive Davis, there's a lot of compromise.<br /><br /><b>Why?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> He's just that kind of dude, man. He makes great music. But you have to be willing to compromise. You'll fall in love with music that you feel like is your best stuff, and he'll say, "I don't like it. Go back and record again."<br /><br /><b>Taylor, you worked with Clive, too, right?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Yup. Clive, first and foremost, he's a music lover. He loves the art of music. Once you start working with him, you base your relationship off the fact that he loves music. <br /><br /><b>Ruben, there was a point where both you and Taylor were dropped from your labels at the same time. What happened?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> In my situation, that was something for me that was blown out of proportion. I was gone from J Records for five months. That was a decision between myself, Simon Fuller and Clive. We didn't want to renew the option. The way it came out was just, "Ruben got shot in the back by J Records." I was like, "Wow, really? That's how it happened?"<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I wanted to own my own label and possibly sign acts in the future, and I had a direction about where I wanted to go. Both the record label and I thought we had a fair handshake and went on our way.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> But you got dropped, right?<br /><b>Hicks:</b> We didn't renew the option. No. Ruben, now that you look back on it, was it a good decision?<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Oh, yeah, man. I don't have any regrets. I've been more involved in the process of making my new album, which comes out on May 19, than I have any other time in my life.<br /><br /><b>Why do some Idols come off the show doing better than others?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I don't think there is a rhyme or reason to it. If you want it, it's going to happen. You've got to work for it. I don't know. I get asked that question a lot, and I still don't have a good answer.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> When we come off the show, everybody should have the ability to sell as many records as you get votes. I think the one thing that happens is, record companies are in a mad shuffle to find your target audience. Sometimes there's a disconnect between a lot of people that vote for you and the music you release. For Carrie Underwood, for instance, she sold 6 million records on her first album, and it's because they've always had the direction of "She's a country artist." For me, I never really grew up listening to a lot of rap music. When I first came out, Clive's whole situation was to make me as urban as possible. So you know, when I was on the show, being the balladeer, my record came out, and I was in the hip-hop and R&amp;B section. And I'm sure, Taylor, you've had things you didn't get to connect with. Because Soul Patrol, that's who you are.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> The measuring stick should not be, for all of us, in terms of record sales but what we do over the span of our careers. I think the media gets so caught up with the here and now; for all of us this is just the beginning of our careers.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'm definitely going to let Ruben and Taylor answer the hard questions next time.<br /><br /><b>Taylor, did you see Simon give an interview where he said you weren't a star?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Um, somebody told me about that.<br /><br /><b>Why is he still picking on you?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> I think he likes to get a rise out of the American public. He gave me a standing ovation on the show, which blew me away, and [afterward] the show was very complimentary about the song and the direction I'm going and the look.<br /><br /><b>Did they want you to look a certain way after you were done with the show?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> They wanted to dye my hair, but I wouldn't let them. They were like, "We're going to put dye in it in your sleep."<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I'm so glad you didn't. I remember being on the show, and they were like, "You have to step outside your comfort zone." All decisions come down to us. We have people who help; they have the stylist there. But we have to make the decision.<br /><br /><b>There's a misconception that if you're famous, you're also automatically rich. Is it overwhelming managing your finances?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> It's a work in progress.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> I think it's awesome how much more family I have now. I have cousins in every state.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Kellie, I'm your cousin. Didn't you know that? What happened to my Christmas check, girl?<br /><br /><b>Ruben, there were reports that you were behind on your taxes.</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> At the base of it, it's true. The whole story is, in 2003, my godfather, who I'd known my whole life, stole $500,000 from me. Over the past three or four years, I've been going back to the IRS. I didn't want to pay penalties on the money I owed. That's all it was. When we finally got it done, there was nobody to say, "Ruben really did file his taxes." It's always the bad side of s--t - excuse my language - when things go down. <br /><br /><b>Are you all watching this season?</b><br /><b>Studdard:</b> My wife TiVos the show. But I've been working, man. I'm onstage every night at 7:30 p.m.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I've been working. But I have been keeping up with it. My grandmother TiVos every single episode.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I'm watching more this season than I've ever watched American Idol my whole life.<br /><br /><b>Who do you think will win?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Who does everybody think is going to win? If you say one person, then the media is going to say you don't like the other person. That's what happened last year. I picked you, David, to win. And they said I have this big thing with David Cook.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I like all of them. I literally voted for every single person.<br /><br /><b>Do you think there could be an openly gay American Idol?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I definitely do.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> If they can sing.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> They've got to be able to sing, and they've got to have America's vote. I think that could definitely happen.<br /><br /><b>Jordin, do you actually vote?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> I have an AT&amp;T phone, so it's free.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I've had an older couple come up to me and ask me for an autograph and say their phone bill is $400 to $500, voting and texting for Idol. When people say they invest in your career on the show, they invest their time. But they also invest their money. Even younger people come up to me and say, "My cell-phone bill is $200 extra this month."<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Sometimes people feel like you owe them something. I love meeting them, but sometimes it gets scary when they get angry at you when you make them wait. The Idols all have a different relationship with our fans. They all feel like they know us, because they grew with us on the show. You have to be careful with what you say or how far you let people in.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> I don't think they realize it's a one-way thing going on. You're not getting to know them.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Do you get people coming up to you and giving you a hug?<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Yeah.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Do they throw their underwear?<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> That's never happened before.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> It will happen. Trust me.<br /><br /><b>Taylor, you get underwear thrown at you?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> Yeah. The last tour I did in the States, we collected maybe 2,000 pairs of panties.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> I hope they were clean.<br /><b>Hicks:</b> I dodged and ducked every single one of them.<br /><br /><b>What did you end up doing with them?</b><br /><b>Hicks:</b> I think we actually, as a joke, put them in the drummer's bass drum head. So when he was hitting the drum, all the panties would be flying in the air like a popcorn machine.<br /><b>Pickler:</b> Because of the relationship I don't have with my mom, the most weird thing I get is women who want to adopt me. It's the most uncomfortable thing ever. They think I'm still a child. I have noticed [that] a lot of times, they don't want you to grow up. They want you to remain the same you were on the show. I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a woman.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> Do people ever walk up to you guys, if you're at the airport chilling, and say, "Why aren't you smiling?"<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Oh, my God, yes.<br /><b>Studdard:</b> What's that about?<br /><b>Hicks:</b> You're smiling all the time, David. You don't get that question because you're inherently happy all the time.<br /><br /><b>Any last questions for each other?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> When are we all going to see each other?<br /><b>Hicks:</b> This needs to be a dinner conversation.<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Maybe we should plan it a year ahead.<br /><br /><b>Can we do it at Jordin's house?</b><br /><b>Sparks:</b> Yeah. Everybody come to my house. My nana will cook.<br /><b>Archuleta:</b> What does she make?<br /><b>Sparks:</b> Really good chicken and dumplings and wild-rice soup and pigs in a blanket. She could make whatever you guys wanted. Just send in your favorite recipes.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33430.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33430.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukZZpFAAPEyYikoc``x1242777599``x(default)``xNewsweek (<a href="http://www.newsweek.com">http://www.newsweek.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Grease' at the 5th Avenue Theatre - 'Little Too Slick'``xalan``x<i>By Jay Irwin</i> - <a href="http://broadwayworld.com" onclick="window.open('http://broadwayworld.com');return false">BroadwayWorld.com</a><br /><br />The national tour of the latest revival of the 1972 hit "Grease" is at the 5th Avenue Theatre with American Idol's Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, and while it's still silly, campy fun and a good time, it lacks the charm of other productions.  All the elements were there (and then some) but it just missed the mark by the slightest margin.  This revival is direct from the Broadway run spawned by the reality TV show "You're the One That I Want" where America got to pick the next Broadway Danny and Sandy.  I should note that the winners of that contest are not in the show (just in case you were wondering).  This cast is strictly Broadway performers and that ain't a bad thing.  The revival also chose to eliminate some of the original songs such as "All Choked Up" for songs used in the movie version such as "You're the One That I Want", "Hopelessly Devoted To You" and the title song, "Grease".  A little theater history lesson for you class, these songs were written for the movie and were never in the original production.<br /><br />Now before I get to far into this I must say that I have already seen, what I consider to be, the quintessential revival of this show back in 1994 and feel it should have stopped there.  The '94 production knew what the show was about and hit all the marks.  Not only did it have amazing performers (some who had not quite made names for themselves yet such as Billy Porter, Hunter Foster, Sam Harris and Megan Mullally) but it also had the fun that should go along with this show and those performers were definitely having fun.  And yes, this was the production with Rosie O'Donnell as Rizzo but the night I saw it, Rosie was presenting at the Oscars and so we saw her understudy.  And while I love Rosie, I think we saw a superior show without her.  But I digress.<br /><br />Having said that, you can see why I was a tiny bit disappointed that this show couldn't match that level of charisma.  The actors in this production are all wonderful.  They perform with amazing voices, incredible footwork, and are pretty to look at.  But throughout the show I kept feeling that I was missing something.  And the only way I can put it is that it looked a little too rehearsed.  It was like they were directed in a box and were told never to deviate from that box.  And they didn't.  Everything was where it needed to be at the time it needed to be and sounded and looked like it needed to be.  But that was it.   You can program a machine to play the violin but unless that machine can really feel what it is playing, it just comes out a bit off. <br /><br />And speaking of machines, we were definitely part of the corporate machine last night.  The show's headliner is yet another American Idol making his musical theater debut, Taylor Hicks.  Hicks, like the rest of the cast, has a wonderful voice but he was not in this show with the rest of them.  He was there to sing his one song from the show, sell tickets to Idol fans and, apparently, sell his new album as after the curtain call he performed his latest single.  He then announced he would be autographing copies of his new CD in the lobby after the show.  He had a captive audience there (not all of whom really came to see him) and he was going to make us listen.  Honestly, I felt a little cheap and used afterwards.<br /><br />Now, if you are a fan of Mr. Hicks then get your tickets and get to the 5th Avenue as you are in for a treat.  But for the rest of us who just wanted a fun evening with a great old stand by of American musical theater, like I said, the show is fun but just not quite enough.  The energy, the talent, the music is all there (for the most part) but performers, enjoy yourself when you're in a classic like this.  Otherwise, you're just a machine playing the violin.<br /><br />"Grease" plays at The 5th Avenue Theatre through May 30th.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33328.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33328.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkukZyVEAyoeKrwMiY``x1242772396``x(default)``xBroadwayWorld.com (<a href="http://broadwayworld.com">http://broadwayworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Fox announces 2009-2010 season``xalan``x<i>By Judith Newmark</i> - <a href="http://www.stltoday.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.stltoday.com');return false">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a><br /><br />Three very different stars - "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, "Little House on the Prairie" icon Melissa Gilbert and the distinguished Oscar-winning dramatic actress Estelle Parsons - will play the Fox Theatre next season. It's an indication of how wide the season ranges.<br /><br />Hicks plays Teen Angel in the perennial favorite "Grease." Gilbert, who starred as Laura in the long-running TV show "Little House on the Prairie," plays Ma in the new, musical version of the story of the pioneering Ingalls family. Parsons recreates her Broadway role in "August: Osage County," Tracy Letts' acclaimed drama about an Oklahoma family's crisis when the alcoholic patriarch disappears. "August: Osage County" won both the Tony award and the Pulitzer Prize.<br /><br />The emphasis, however, is on song and dance. "In The Heights," the Tony-winning Best Musical conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, paints a vivid portrait of New York's hard-working Dominican immigrants, struggling to create a good life to the rhythms of salsa, merengue and hip-hop. Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" got its start at the Muny before it went on to Broadway. "Young Frankenstein," Mel Brooks' follow-up to "The Producers," endows another classic movie comedy with an offbeat score, including such distinctively Brooksian tunes as "Transylvania Mania" and "He Vas My Boyfriend."<br /><br />Those shows are new to the Fox. "Grease," now outfitted with songs from the hit movie as well as the original stage show, and the immensely popular "Wicked," which tells the story of the "Wizard of Oz" from the witch's point of view, have played the big Grand Boulevard theater before. "In the Heights," "White Christmas, "Grease," "August: Osage County," "Young Frankenstein" and "Wicked" make up the Fox's Broadway series.<br /><br />"Little House on the Prairie," "A Christmas Carol," "Chicago" "The Color Purple," "Mamma Mia!," "Legally Blonde" and "Avenue Q" are special shows. Subscribers to the series have the opportunity to buy priority seating for the special shows, or to trade subscription tickets for them.<br /><br />Current subscribers will receive renewal information soon; new subscriptions go on sale in June. On-sale dates for single shows will be announced later. For more information, call the Fox subscription office at 314-535-1700.<br /><br />The Fox's season:<br /><br />"In the Heights" (Nov. 10-22)<br /><br />"Little House on the Prairie" (Nov. 24-29)<br /><br />"A Christmas Carol" (Dec. 10-13)<br /><br />Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (Dec. 15-27)<br /><br />"Chicago" (Jan. 1-3, 2010)<br /><br />"Grease" (Jan. 12-24)<br /><br />"The Color Purple" (Feb. 2-7)<br /><br />"Mamma Mia!" (Feb. 16-21)<br /><br />"August: Osage County" (March 2-14)<br /><br />"Legally Blonde" (April 8-11)<br /><br />"Avenue Q" (April 30-May 2)<br /><br />Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" (May 11-23)<br /><br />"Wicked" (June 16-July 11)<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkukZyuVAkRKMsPtsm``x1242771792``x(default)``xSt. Louis Post-Dispatch (<a href="http://www.stltoday.com">http://www.stltoday.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
How Taylor Hicks Made it Possible For Adam Lambert to Win American Idol``xalan``x<i>By Linda J. Alexander</i> - <a href="http://flipsidetomusic.com" onclick="window.open('http://flipsidetomusic.com');return false">Flip Side To Music</a><br /><br />American Idol isn't interested in anything out of the ordinary . . . or at least it wasn't 'til Taylor Hicks won.<br /><br />Think about it. When Taylor Hicks vied for the crown on Season Five of Fox's American Idol, contestants weren't allowed to use instruments on stage, nonetheless be a less-than-the-norm "pop" idol. Rules were set in impenetrable stone, and structure was there to bring about a cookie cutter, easy-to-digest Top Ten charting singer. That's about all that the Powers That Be were looking for.<br /><br />And when Taylor Hicks continued to go through, round after round after round, and he made it very clear that he wouldn't bow to the traditional conventions, it appeared that the judging panel became uncomfortable with him. There was a considerable amount of press that began to circulate, stating that Taylor Hicks couldn't possibly win because his musical style was just too . . . out there. Hicks was unconventional, not quite a rocker and not quite a soul singer, but certainly in no way a vanilla-sounding pop singer. Frankly, he just didn't fit into any preconceived molds, and that was a real problem.<br /><br />It was a real problem because mass entertainment is and almost always has been geared towards a very middle-of-the-road audience. A show like American Idol was originally meant to pump out the same sort of artist year after year, with the only major change being either the sex of the winner, or the sex and the race of the winner, or - Heaven forbid - maybe really mess it all up and put an almost-country singer into the mix.<br /><br />Still Taylor just wouldn't give up. He wasn't listening to the naysayers, all those who were certain he was too much of an oddball for the entertainment industry to take notice of him . . . to let him have that amazing chance to stand in the spotlight and - win. It could be just as much that Taylor simply touched a place inside those who continued to support him, that place where so many of us decide we've had enough of being herded around, and want to actually make a collective decision that veers in a new and more exciting direction.<br /><br />Whether it was Taylor's talent alone, or a large groundswell of supporters that couldn't get enough of his just-barely-there maverick attitude and scratchy soulful voice, Taylor Hicks did win. Chances are, it was a combination. There are, thankfully, times when the public manages to hoodwink the well-organized and seemingly foolproof plans of those who think they hold the reins of societal response. The plan is to have it all neatly tied up and fit together before those of us who are supposedly making the decisions know our own minds. The thing is, though, that with Taylor, the tables were turned. Not everyone listened, and the "Soul Patrol" took control.<br /><br />Which brings this full-circle to Adam Lambert. Unless there's an upset of all upsets, we will find out on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, that Adam has won this year's American Idol. It's nearly a given that Adam wouldn't have had a chance a few years ago. He's a hard-rocking, off-the-wall-dressing, and outrageously talented performer who simply has no mold. There isn't even a slight leaning towards center for this young man. That he's extraordinarily gifted on stage is unquestionable; still, his persona and, more importantly, his type of music would never have cut it prior to Taylor upsetting the oh-so-traditional apple cart. It just wouldn't have been given a chance.<br /><br />To this day, there are Taylor Hicks detractors who undermine his style, a style that while it is comparable to some legends of yesteryear, has not yet been copied. Yet Adam has been pegged almost from Day One as this year's winner, and his "uniqueness" is applauded weekly by those very same judges who derided that quality in Taylor Hicks.<br /><br />Without Taylor, though, Adam wouldn't be getting ready to take over the reins for the next, and possibly the last, American Idol year on our TVs. That is something for which he can thank Taylor Hicks. Taylor was the original who braved that, "I'm different than all the rest of you" front - and won in spite of it.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33422.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33422.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukZyuEuAiRlAFcKA``x1242771349``x(default)``xFlip Side To Music (<a href="http://flipsidetomusic.com">http://flipsidetomusic.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Reality of Charles Barkley's golf swing: There's still a ways to go``xalan``x<i>By Jon Solomon</i> - <a href="http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news" onclick="window.open('http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news');return false">The Birmingham News</a><br /><br />Tommy Parrish stood a couple of hundred feet away and to the right of Charles Barkley as the former NBA star, trapped in golf purgatory, teed off on the sixth hole Thursday at the Regions Charity Classic.<br /><br />Reverting to his infamous golf hitch seen on a Golf Channel television show, Barkley lined the shot directly toward Parrish. Ducking his head helped Parrish, a Jasper resident nervously keeping an eye on his young grandson. But only so much.<br /><br />Whack! The ball struck the back of Parrish's neck.<br /><br />"I've been watching his show and thought his golf game had improved a little bit," Parrish said as he applied ice. "But it hasn't."<br /><br />Barkley's first public golf appearance since he finished taping "The Haney Project" with renowned golf instructor Hank Haney was not what Barkley wanted. To follow Barkley for 18 holes at the CGI Pro-Am was to witness a comedian enjoying the interaction with fans and a competitor fighting demons in a sport he has been unable to conquer.<br /><br />Barkley hit a handful of good shots, but more often, his drives went astray. And the hitch -- a case of full-swing yips that causes laughter from the gallery -- stuck by his side most of the day despite six months of work with Haney.<br /><br />Sometimes, Barkley poked fun at himself after those swings. ("Notice how I take the wind out of play," he said after one shot barely got in the air.) More often, he cursed at himself in genuine frustration.<br /><br />"It didn't go as well as I would like," Barkley said after his round. "But the thing Hank says is, 'Don't overreact. It's going to take some time.' That was the thing I wanted to do more than anything, is just play and come out and have fun. I had a blast."<br /><br />Singer Taylor Hicks, who played in Barkley's group, turned away to hide his laughter after one Barkley swing. Hicks watches Barkley's show, which concludes May 25, and thought his swing would have improved more by now.<br /><br />"That's got to be the worst hitch I've ever seen in my whole life in golf," Hicks said. "That's taken decades (to get that way), not years. I guess if there's anyone who can create enough power on his backswing to stop mid-swing, it's Charles Barkley. He makes up for it with jokes."<br /><br />When the hitch surfaces, Barkley gets to the top of his backswing, he drops his head and moves the club about a foot and then comes to a full stop again. Once he restarts his swing, he more or less lashes at the ball.<br /><br />Barkley said he has no idea how he developed the hitch. He made the mistake years ago of trying to play his way out of it, much like a shooting slump in basketball.<br /><br />"It's very frustrating," he said. "But it ain't like my life depends on it. I would love to play better. But if this is the worst thing I got, I'm good to go."<br /><br />Ten years ago, Barkley regularly broke 80 with a homemade golf swing. Since his playing career ended, he has had a half dozen surgeries and put on more weight.<br /><br />"I don't want (to eat) stuff good for me," Barkley told fans during his round. "I want to be sick when I die."<br /><br />Defending Regions Charity Classic champion Andy Bean, who once played with Barkley when he was better, saw a completely different player when paired with him Thursday.<br /><br />"I think part of it is mental because he got instruction like 10 years ago from a guy who got him to pause at the top (of his swing), which for him is the worst thing to do," Bean said. "It's like he can't get rid of it. It's amazing that he does stop halfway through."<br /><br />During the round, Bean advised Barkley not to bend over so much and complimented him on his toughness to continue playing golf.<br /><br />"I love the man. You never know what's going to happen, though," Bean said. "I hope he works it out to where he can really enjoy it and hit a lot of good shots. Right now, he's struggling. If he wasn't as strong as he was, he couldn't hit it."<br /><br />On Barkley's first tee shot of the day, the hitch wasn't as pronounced as it would be later. Nonetheless, the ball nearly struck a spectator, Mike Scott of Tuscaloosa, causing Barkley to curse Haney.<br /><br />"Yeah, I was worried (about getting hit). Who wouldn't be?" said Scott, who got Barkley to autograph the ball. "His swing is terrible. He definitely needs practice."<br /><br />After striking Parrish, Barkley also autographed the ball and expressed gratitude Parrish wasn't hurt.<br /><br />"That was unfortunate," Barkley said later, somberly. "I hit plenty of people."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32961.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32961.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukZVAVlpbNDYUsDt``x1242766780``x(default)``xThe Birmingham News (<a href="http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news">http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol: Kris wins coin toss, Adam will sing first next week``xalan``x<a href="http://dailycontributor.com" onclick="window.open('http://dailycontributor.com');return false">Daily Contributor</a><br /><br />After Wednesday's show, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert flipped a coin to decide position in next week's much-anticipated sing-off. Kris won the toss - and Adam will sing first.<br /><br />This could be a great advantage for the 23-year-old singer as this means people are more likely to remember the last song that he sings.<br /><br />The performance order for the past seven seasons has been:<br /><br />Season 1: Justin Guarini, <b>Kelly Clarkson</b><br /><br />Season 2: <b>Ruben Studdard</b>, Clay Aiken<br /><br />Season 3: Diana DeGarmo, <b>Fantasia Barrino</b><br /><br />Season 4: Bo Bice, <b>Carrie Underwood</b><br /><br />Season 5: Katharine McPhee, <b>Taylor Hicks</b><br /><br />Season 6: Blake Lewis, <b>Jordin Sparks</b><br /><br />Season 7: <b>David Cook</b>, David Archuleta<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33412.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33412.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukFFykyVPjuvUoRx``x1242343465``x(default)``xDaily Contributor (<a href="http://dailycontributor.com">http://dailycontributor.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
A Q&amp;A with Taylor Hicks, who plays Teen Angel in "Grease" at the 5th Avenue Theatre``xalan``x<i>By Misha Berson</i> - <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com" onclick="window.open('http://seattletimes.nwsource.com');return false">The Seattle Times</a><br /><br />Along with getting you a record deal, winning "American Idol" can also get you fast-tracked to Broadway.<br /><br />That's what happened for Taylor Hicks, the silver-haired soulster who scored the "Idol" crown in 2006, in the popular TV singing contest's fifth season. Hicks drew fire and plaudits for his all-out, sometimes outrageous showmanship on the program.<br /><br />For a few months last year, he brought that irrepressible energy (and some much-needed box-office mojo) to the cameo role of Teen Angel, in a now-closed Broadway revival of the retro-teen musical comedy, "Grease."<br /><br />Now he's touring with "Grease," opening this week at the 5th Avenue Theatre (though Hicks won't appear in the show's preview performances, today and Wednesday).<br /><br />What to expect? A Baltimore Sun critic recently opined, "Hicks hams it up so much, he should be served with a jar of mustard."<br /><br />We caught up with Hicks during a busy week when he was promoting his new album, "The Distance," and about to perform on the April 29 episode of "Idol."<br /><br />Q: Have you been following "American Idol" this year? Who do you think should win?<br /><br />A: Yeah, I've been working a lot but TiVo-ing it when I can. ... I think it could be up for grabs. As the pressure builds, and it gets closer to the finals, the talent level really shows itself.<br /><br />Q: What, in retrospect, has your experience with "Idol" meant to you? Some of your Soul Patrol fans think the program sort of disowned you after you won.<br /><br />A: I don't feel that way at all. I'm very thankful and blessed to have been on that stage and get that platform. As with every winner, after a certain period of time, you start creating your own success path. But "Idol" is where everything took off for me.<br /><br />Q: Your first album after "Idol," "Taylor Hicks," was very pop-oriented. What's different about "The Distance"?<br /><br />A: I had a lot of time to actually write this record. I spent a year in Nashville writing it, really getting songs that fit me, and who I am as an artist. ... This definitely has my imprint on it as a songwriter and singer.<br /><br />Q: It seems bluesier than your previous disc.<br /><br />A: You could say there's a touch of blues in it, but it's kind of an amalgamation, a melting pot of the influences I have - definitely blues, R&amp;B, country, rock. It has an earthy feel.<br /><br />Q: What motivated you to take a small role in "Grease"?<br /><br />A: I didn't think it would be in my best interest to be thrown into a lead role without any musical-theater experience whatsoever. It's really smart for me to take this role as Teen Angel, as an introductory part. ... It's not a short-term idea, it's a long-term thought. I want to understand what musical theater is, and parlay that knowledge into future things.<br /><br />Q: In "Grease," you have one number but also get to perform your single "Seven Mile Breakdown" after the curtain call.<br /><br />A: Yes, this is a wonderful opportunity - to be able to see so many fans across the country, and to expose them to the record. I'm also doing club gigs in some cities. [He'll play in Seattle at the Triple Door May 27.]<br /><br />Q: You've expressed your love of Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and a lot of other pop musicians, old and new. What's on your eclectic playlist these days?<br /><br />A: Well, I'm listening a lot to Lily Allen. And I'm into this recording of the Grateful Dead, live in New Jersey in 1974.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33401.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33401.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukEyVFllXzpELnnp``x1242172588``x(default)``xThe Seattle Times (<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com">http://seattletimes.nwsource.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Paula Abdul Surprises Idol's Scott MacIntyre With Guide Dog``xalan``x<i>By Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna</i> - <a href="http://www.eonline.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.eonline.com');return false">E! Online</a><br /><br />The night Scott MacIntyre got booted from American Idol five weeks ago, Paula Abdul took him aside and said, "I have a wonderful surprise for you in a couple of weeks," he told Access Hollywood. That surprise came on Friday when the Idol judge presented the visually challenged singer with a guide dog from Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, Calif.<br /><br />Scott walked - or "test drove" as he joked - two of the organization's Labrador retrievers on Friday, but he won't get his dog until after the American Idol tour ends on Sept. 15. At that time, he'll get matched up with the right pooch for him and go through a 28-day training process. "We have to find a dog that really likes loud music," joked Paula.<br /><br />Scott, who was lured to the event under the false pretense that he was there to sing, was quite surprised to learn the truth...<br /><br />"Are you serious? Thank you so much," Scott told Paula at the event, which was in honor of May being National Guide Dog Month and cosponsored by Natural Balance Pet Foods and Petco.<br /><br />Scott is the first visually challenged contestant on American Idol. The Scottsdale, Ariz., singer isn't completely blind; he has a 2 percent field of vision and gets around with the use of a cane. On the set of Idol, his fellow contestants would walk him to and from the stage. Now, he'll have a furry friend to help him out instead.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33402.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33402.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukEFAEkZoKZAIxEm``x1242146327``x(default)``xE! Online (<a href="http://www.eonline.com">http://www.eonline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Idol star Cook struggling in tour return``xalan``xAKRON, Ohio, May 10 (UPI) -- Singer Ryan Star says "American Idol" star David Cook is doing his best at their U.S. tour performances in the wake of his brother's death.<br /><br />Star, who has been touring with the winner of the seventh season of "Idol" since Feb. 14, said Cook has had a difficult time on the road following the death of his brother, Adam, on May 2, People.com reported Saturday.<br /><br />"It has been a long road for David, and we've seen how tough it has been on him," Star said regarding Adam's passing due to cancer at the age of 37. "I think he's doing the best he can."<br /><br />The emotional strain on Cook was apparent Friday when the singer suddenly stopped singing a slow song during an Akron, Ohio, performance.<br /><br />"It's gonna be tough for me," People.com quoted Cook as telling his Musica theater audience Friday night. "Hold on. I'm sorry. Do you mind if I sing a different song?"<br /><br />People.com said Cook temporarily left the stage during the Akron performance, but returned a short while later to complete his performance.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33331.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33331.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukpykVuuvVmgsFeF``x1242069744``x(default)``xUnited Press International (<a href="http://www.upi.com">http://www.upi.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Music Review: Taylor Hicks - "Seven Mile Breakdown"``xalan``x<i>The Other Chad</i> - <a href="http://blogcritics.org" onclick="window.open('http://blogcritics.org');return false">Blogcritics</a><br /><br />With his latest single "Seven Mile Breakdown," Taylor Hicks is reaching out to the country market. A highlight from his recent album The Distance, the bluesy rocker has been given a twangy makeover courtesy of award winning engineer/producer Chuck Ainlay. The single mix, one minute shorter than the album version, features a prominent piano part throughout as well as some strategically placed fiddling. Ainlay managed to keep the essence of the song the same, since there was already a distinctly country feel to the album version of the song. Hicks' powerhouse lead vocal remains front and center, while the new elements blend smoothly with the original track.<br /><br />This isn't the first time Hicks has ventured into country territory. In his pre-fame days, he recorded a demo in Nashville consisting of a few early originals. His thick Alabama accent already lends itself well to the genre, but more importantly the songs translated effectively. The unreleased Nashville recording of "The Fall" could've been a smash on the country charts. In his autobiography, Heart Full of Soul, Hicks' expressed dissatisfaction with the results of those sessions. These days, considering all the undeserved brickbats being hurled his way, he needs to catch a break somewhere. "Seven Mile Breakdown" could prove to be a real breakthrough.<br /><br />The first single from The Distance, "What's Right Is Right," performed fairly well on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, spending the last three months in the Top 30. It wasn't necessarily the best choice for lead-off single though. It's a somewhat formulaic pop/soul ballad with a restrained lead vocal. The first time I heard the entire album, "Seven Mile Breakdown" stood out as an ideal showcase for Hicks' strengths. Given the potential for a country crossover hit, it's a smart choice as follow-up single. When he delivered a rousing rendition of the song on American Idol's Top Five elimination week, it seemed like 2006 all over again. Hopefully many viewers were reminded of why they voted him winner that year.<br /><br />The song's video debuted this week, and if there's any justice CMT is paying attention. The clip for "What's Right Is Right" was rather somber, with Hicks performing the song in a smokey club. While by no means poorly done, the argument could easily be made that it wasn't going to command the attention of a casual viewer. The "Seven Mile Breakdown" video seems geared toward winning some new fans. As simple as it is, with Hicks playing the song in an open field to a small gathering of fans, there is a sense of fun that compliments the song's mood.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks is the greatest talent to come out of American Idol, but has struggled finding a wide audience. Plagued by ridiculously overwrought - and entirely unjustified - bad press, the more easily convinced sector of the public has bought into the bogus idea that his Idol victory was a "mistake." If releasing a country remix of "Seven Mile Breakdown" will help him gain wider exposure, ultimately leading to more quality music, then more power to him.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33390.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33390.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkukpVZAZEAEGeNVht``x1242065171``x(default)``xBlogcritics (<a href="http://blogcritics.org">http://blogcritics.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Cavalier Announces Title Sponsorship of Broadway Across America's 2009 Series in Norfolk``xalan``xRICHMOND, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/08/09 -- Cavalier (1), a leading provider of competitive telecommunications services throughout the Eastern and Midwest United States, today announced its title sponsorship of the 2009 Broadway Series, presented by Key Brand Theatrical Group, Inc.'s Broadway Across America (BAA) at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, in partnership with Seven Venues, the City of Norfolk's entertainment bureau. BAA presents first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events in more than 40 North American cities.<br /><br />"We're excited to partner with Cavalier on the Broadway Across America series in Norfolk," said Terry Romanoli, director of corporate partnerships for Broadway Across America. "The company's involvement allows us to bring highly-anticipated shows straight from New York for the benefit of all Hampton Roads."<br /><br />Headlining the upcoming season is a new production of GREASE(TM), featuring songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture. For the first time ever in a Broadway production, the music will include "Sandy," the Academy Award nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want" -- the latter two were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together."<br /><br />Platinum-selling recording artist and "American Idol" winner, Taylor Hicks, stars in the production as "Teen Angel." Hicks made his Broadway debut in the role of "Teen Angel" and has been on the road with GREASE(TM) since the tour began on December 2, 2008.<br /><br />The full "Broadway Across America - Norfolk" 2009 season lineup includes:<br /><br />"Grease" - September 29, 2009 - October 4, 2009<br />"The Color Purple" - November 9, 2009 - November 15, 2009<br />"Legally Blonde" - December 28, 2009 - January 2, 2010<br />"CATS" (Optional Add-On) - February 19, 2010 - February 21, 2010<br />"The Wizard of Oz" - March 15, 2010 - March 21, 2010<br />"Riverdance" (Optional Add-On) - May 14, 2010 - May 16, 2010<br /><br />"We are proud to be the title sponsor of this wonderful series that brings Broadway to Chrysler Hall," said Sean Wainwright, Senior Vice President of Consumer Sales. "At Cavalier we believe that community involvement is not only a responsibility but a privilege, and we are delighted to help bring these first-class productions to Norfolk and the surrounding areas."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkuElZFpuFKxZXdJAb``x1241880243``x(default)``xCloud Computing (<a href="http://au.sys-con.com">http://au.sys-con.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
June 22 - Taylor Hicks to perform at the Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI``xalan``xTaylor has added another stop in his Shadow Tour, the tour he is conducting within the framework of his <i>Grease</i> tour. This time, Taylor will be at the Magic Bag in Ferndale, Michigan, on Monday, June 22.<br /><br />The doors will open at 8 PM that night. All tickets are General Admission and are $35 each. You can purchase your tickets now <a href="http://ticketsus.at/tosp?CTY=37&amp;DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080042A1F3645651?artistid=1092763&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=202" onclick="window.open('http://ticketsus.at/tosp?CTY=37&amp;DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080042A1F3645651?artistid=1092763&amp;majorcatid=10001&amp;minorcatid=202');return false">through Ticketmaster</a>.<br /><br />Visit the <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33377.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33377.0');return false">LIVE: Magic Bag (Ferndale, MI)</a> to talk about this stop of Taylor's Shadow Tour.``xEkuEZkyAFkBpEdlDiC``x1241734132``x(default)``x``x88151149601208``x
Taylor Hicks on the Final Four``xalan``xIn less than three years, Taylor Hicks has won American Idol, released two albums, toured the country and co-starred in a Broadway production. (Whew!) But while the winner of American Idol's fifth season might have a hectic schedule, he still makes time to follow the show that launched his career. So who does he think will take this season's top spot? He refused to reveal a favorite, telling RadarOnline.com it's "too early" to guess. But he did give us his expert opinion on the possible advantages each singer might have as the weeks tick away. "I think obviously Adam [Lambert] has the stage experience and the wonderful range," he said, "I think Danny [Gokey] has a great signature sound, I think Kris [Allen] is a great performer and singer and I think Allison [Iraheta] is a very talented singer for her age."<br /><br />Hicks also defended the show's controversial decision to add Kara DioGuardi to the judges' table. "I think she represents the songwriting side of the judges. You have Paula, the performer; Randy, the musician; Simon, the business idea; and then Kara, the songwriting idea," he explained. "So I think she's helped the contestants find their own voice within the songs."<br /><br />Hicks' sophomore album, The Distance, debuted in March, and he's currently criss-crossing the country in the touring production of Grease (he plays Teen Angel in the show.) Stars from Chubby Checker to Frankie Avalon have taken on the role in the past, but Hicks says that instead of turning to those alums for guidance, he was dead set on making the part his own. From co-designing his costume to injecting a harmonica solo into one of his songs, Hicks has definitely added some of his signature soul to the part.  So will he return to Broadway after his stint as the doo-wopper ends? Only time will tell. "People have said that I would be a good Billy Flynn in Chicago," he hinted.<br /><br />Hicks had the chance to realize a longtime dream last week: to sing - and play guitar - on the AI set. "I was really thankful and blessed to be able to get back on the stage at Idol," he said. "It was awesome just to get back up there to perform and play instruments. [My season] was the last season when they did not allow singers to actually perform [with] their instruments." It's clear that Hicks will always consider himself part of the American Idol family. He sings with Elliot Yamin on The Distance and even has some future Idol duets in mind. "It would be kind of cool to do a collaboration with Kelly Clarkson," he mused, "and play some harmonica on a Carrie Underwood album."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33363.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33363.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEZkVpZyMGuknjqY``x1241732276``x(default)``xRadar Online (<a href="http://www.radaronline.com">http://www.radaronline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks Talks 'Breakdown,' 'Idol' Win``xalan``x<i>By: Amber James</i> - <a href="http://www.popeater.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.popeater.com');return false">PopEater</a><br /><br />When Taylor Hicks took the title of 'American Idol' during the show's fifth season, many wondered how long the gray-haired soul singer would last. Hicks told PopEater that he's had the last laugh. Juggling a "tour within a tour," Hicks is starring as Teen Angel in the touring production of 'Grease' while still performing live concerts in promotion of his second album, 'The Distance.'<br /><br />After parting ways with Arista Records, Hicks released his sophomore album under his own independent label, Modern Whomp Records. "I had 100% creative control over this record because it is under my own record label. For me, it is the direction I wanted to go now and for future records."<br /><br />While Hicks' fans know him best for his "soul patrol" sound, he channeled his Southern roots to create his latest country-rock album. "This record and the song ['Seven Mile Breakdown'] really represent who I am as an artist. The country rock and blues side of me. I'm from Alabama, so there is definitely some country origins in my background both musically and personally."<br /><br />Despite having a full schedule starring in the touring production of Broadway's 'Grease,' Hicks isn't leaving his music on the back burner. Actually, the 'Idol' winner is performing packed concerts and even made time to shoot a video for his second single, 'Seven Mile Breakdown.' "[It is] a high energy, rocking video with a down home feel to it. I cannot wait for the fans to see it," he said.<br /><br />With former 'Idol' contestants like Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson managing to keep pace with winners like Kelly Clarkson and David Cook, Hicks might have reason to wonder if being named the winner of 'Idol' actually holds much precedence. Either way, he is taking it all in stride and enjoying the ride. "It's a marathon. You have to look at a career over a long time period and not just in the here and now," he said. <br /><br /><b>Who he wants to win on this season of 'Idol':</b> "Everybody."<br /><br /><b>Advice for future winners and contestants:</b> "Enjoy the ride. I think everybody at this point wants to win, [but] it is what you do after the show. Staying current, picking up gigs and doing shows that is the key."<br /><br /><b>On the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi:</b> "Each judge represents a part of the music business. Randy is the musician. Paula is the performer. Kara is the songwriter. And then you have Simon who represents the music business. I think with Kara, you really understand the songwriting aspect and how the contestants can interpret songs. I think she is definitely a positive addition."<br /><br /><b>Best advice Simon Cowell gave him:</b> "He told me, 'Keep working and keep trying.' He told me that I didn't win American Idol for nothing, and I have a bright future ahead of me."<br /><br /><b>Why Broadway is a good platform for 'Idol' contestants to start their careers:</b> "For an 'Idol' winner like myself, who goes through a musical tour and making a record, [Broadway] is a wonderful place to start from if you want to continue acting ... My hope if anything is that some of the 'Idols' can help those shows from closing."<br /><br /><b>What Hicks hopes to accomplish this year:</b> "By the end of the year, I will have done about 2,000 to 3,000 shows since June of last year. At some point, I want to be able to go back and tour with the record. So basically, after all this touring, my hope is to tour again. Believe it or not."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33357.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33357.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEyFFZFAGkptHBMk``x1241640939``x(default)``xPopEater (<a href="http://www.popeater.com">http://www.popeater.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Paula Abdul to Perform on 'American Idol'``xalan``x<i>By Maxine Shen</i> - <a href="http://www.nypost.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nypost.com');return false">New York Post</a><br /><br />PAULA Abdul is hitting the stage for a live perform ance on "American Idol" tomorrow night.<br /><br />She'll leave the judging to others to sing "I'm Just Here for the Music" -- the first single off an album due out in the fall. <br /><br /> Since she's preparing to return to the music scene, the timing seemed right to bare her soul over the drug habit that she's recently kicked.<br /><br />For the first time, Abdul reveals how hard it was for her to detox from a 12-year-long painkiller addiction.<br /><br />"I could have killed myself," she tells this month's issue of Ladies' Home Journal.<br /><br />The withdrawal was "the worst thing. I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain. It was excruciating. But at my very core, I did not like existing the way I had been."<br /><br />Although Abdul claims that she never filmed an episode of "Idol" while under the influence -- and vehemently denied any illegal drug use in the past -- she did spend at least part of the last decade relying on painkillers and Chinese medicine to quietly combat her injury-induced chronic debilitating pain, she says.<br /><br />Years of cheerleading, dancing injuries and two crashes -- a 1992 car crash and a 1993 plane crash that required 15 spinal surgeries -- contributed to a diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome in 2005. The illness left her with disabling pain, chattering teeth and shingles-like lesions.<br /><br />To relieve the symptoms, Abdul wore a patch that delivered a pain medication that she claims was 80 times more potent than morphine. She also sometimes took a muscle relaxer, she said.<br /><br />But that's all ancient history. Last Thanksgiving, Abdul gave up the meds for good during a stay at Calsbad, Calif.'s La Costa Resort and Spa.<br /><br />Now, she's in shape and gearing up to to relaunch her music career.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33355.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33355.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEVluEuVeiBLtbqA``x1241591345``x(default)``xNew York Post (<a href="http://www.nypost.com">http://www.nypost.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Elliott Yamin continues to fight for love``xalan``x<i>By Joey Guerra</i> - <a href="http://www.chron.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.chron.com');return false">Houston Chronicle</a><br /><br />Fight for Love, the soulful sophomore disc from American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin, was born out of a struggle most listeners will be able to relate to - the lifelong battle for happiness.<br /><br />"This past year was probably my roughest year - losing my mom and just things going on with my personal relationships," Yamin says. "That's kind of the theme of the record: fighting in and out of love, fighting for it.<br /><br />"I'm not just talking about my girlfriend. I'm talking about my relationships with my family members or friends. That title perfectly suited the album. It's kind of an emotional roller coaster."<br /><br />Yamin's mother, Claudette, passed away in March 2008. He often called her his best friend and biggest fan. She was in the audience at every show, cheering on her son.<br /><br />The season five Idol finalist - he placed third behind Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee - returned to perform on the show just a few days later. Yamin says he fell into a "funk" and briefly stepped away from music.<br /><br />But it was a song that ended up on the new album, Someday, that helped him refocus his energy. Yamin co-wrote the song as a tribute to his late mother.<br /><br />"Woke up this morning, needed to talk/Picked up the phone and started to call/That's when it hit me that you were gone," he sings. "Do you still hear me when I call your name?"<br /><br />It's a bittersweet, beautifully sung tribute. Yamin is, as we learned during his 2006 Idol run, 90 percent deaf in one ear and was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a teenager. He was born in Richmond, Va.<br /><br />"That song helped me overcome that 'woe is me' funk and channel all those emotions. That's something I've done my whole life. That's what music has been to me, my own oasis," says Yamin, 30, calling from his Los Angeles home.<br /><br />"Being the yenta that she was, she would tell me, 'You've got to snap out of this. You're so blessed to be in this position. This is something you've always wanted to do.' She's always in my heart. She's always with me."<br /><br />The disc, online and in stores today, encapsulates Yamin's growth as a person and as an artist. He co-wrote several songs and worked with producers Johnta Austin, Stargate, Jermaine Dupri, Harvey Mason Jr., Eman, Midi Mafia and J.R. Rotem. It's a natural progression from Yamin's solid debut disc, which was released two years ago.<br /><br />That effort, despite no major-label support, sold more than 500,000 copies stateside (and made him a major pop force in Japan).<br /><br />Yamin releases his music through a profit-sharing deal with his publisher, which allows for more artist income, greater creative freedom and a more "grass-roots" approach to success.<br /><br />"It makes things that much more rewarding when you can have success and knowing that all of it's coming from our own heart and soul," Yamin says. "There's no greater gig in the world, man."<br /><br />It helps to have radio behind you, and programmers rallied behind Yamin's debut single, Wait for You, which became a certified pop hit.<br /><br />That's quite a feat for a non-Idol winner - though Hicks and McPhee failed to do much of anything with their finishes. (By comparison, fellow season-fivers Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington and Mandisa have all achieved substantial success.<br /><br />"There's always that stigma attached to Idol castoffs - even when you do win - and I get that I'm always going to be forever synonymous with the show," Yamin says.<br /><br />The video for the title track premiered last week.<br /><br />"The fact is that we wouldn't have seen that success without that experience, man, and I'm forever grateful for that. We were able to capitalize on that experience, capitalize on that audience at just the right time, the right way."<br /><br />Yamin heads to Japan in June for 20 days of intense promotion, his fifth trip in less than two years.<br /><br />He's also contemplating a tour later this year alongside another big-voice male artist (no telling just yet) and, yes, keeping up with the current Idol season.He digs Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta - but don't talk to Yamin about Idol stress.<br /><br />"I always joke, 'In my season, we didn't have this whole save BS,' " Yamin says with a laugh.<br /><br />"If you got the boot, you were gone."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33349.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33349.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEVFVlEErkvxXeoH``x1241543011``x(default)``xHouston Chronicle (<a href="http://www.chron.com">http://www.chron.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
David Cook's Brother Adam Dies``xalan``xAfter a long and valiant struggle with brain cancer, "American Idol" winner David Cook's brother Adam died at 1 a.m. Sunday morning at a hospice in Terre Haute, IN.<br /><br />A family friend told RadarOnline.com exclusively, "Adam passed away peacefully. He was surrounded by his family, including his wife Kendra, his children, his father and his step-mom, among others."<br /><br />David was at the airport Saturday night about to leave for Terre Haute to visit his dying  brother, but his family told David they thought it was more important for him to honor a prior commitment to attend the 12th annual Race For Hope in Washington, D.C. Sunday morning.<br /><br />David followed his family's wishes and went to Washington instead to participate in the race, so he was not there when his brother passed away.<br /><br />Because David had known how sick his brother was, he had left his tour a few weeks back to say his goodbyes to his older brother.<br /><br />"The family thought that Adam would go much sooner than this, actually," said the Cook family friend.<br /><br />"That's why David left his tour a few weeks back so that he could be with Adam. They said their goodbyes then."<br /><br />But Adam, 36, rallied briefly after that and David returned to his concert tour.<br /><br />"He took a turn for the worse this weekend" says the friend.<br /><br />Last year, friends of the stricken lawyer, arranged a $45,000 trip on a chartered medical jet to Los Angeles so Adam could see David perform on Idol.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33331.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33331.0');return false">leave your condolences</a> on our forum.``xEkuEFluuVpBORJgHfS``x1241391650``x(default)``xRadar (<a href="http://www.radaronline.com">http://www.radaronline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks earns standing "O" from judges in return to "Idol"``xalan``x<i>By Misha Berson</i> - <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com" onclick="window.open('http://seattletimes.nwsource.com');return false">The Seattle Times</a><br /><br />While most of the vast "American Idol" viewership was gasping over the shock of seeing the much-touted Adam Lambert in the "bottom three" in terms of votes this week, a previous winner from the show who has been just as polarizing a force turned out as a musical guest.<br /><br />Yes, that would be Taylor Hicks, who was clearly shocked (and gleeful) to see Simon Cowell join in a standing ovation with the other judges after his number in Wednesday night's results show.<br /><br />To Simon's frequent horror, Hicks was known to dance around the stage and out into the audience, and even throw himself to the floor in a "Play that funky music white boy!" frenzy during his red-hot Idol run in 2006. On this night, though, he strummed a guitar and was relatively stationary as he wailed a bluesy ode, "Seven Mile Breakdown," from his new album, "The Distance."<br /><br />This is not in the overproduced pop vein of Hicks' first, self-titled post-AI release. It was a down-home Delta blues, greasy and gritty, with the band and backup singers cookin' and Hicks zapping off a harmonica solo.<br /><br />The interesting thing about the number (beside the fact that it has to be one of the most anomalous singles out there vying for radio time), is how different it was from anything heard on "American Idol" this year -- or in a lotta years. Lately the musical guests have either been retro nostalgia acts (for older watchers?). Or they've courted the teen demographic with the blatantly commercial vein of a Jamie Foxx -- who also performed his own current No. 1 single last night, "Blame It," a virtually tuneless R-rated R&amp;B/Hip Hop exhortation about grabbing some butt while getting juiced.<br /><br />That's why Taylor's turn was such a kick. Love or hate the guy's whiskey voice (hey, he was there before Danny Gokey) and boisterous stage presence, he was singing some genuinely rootsy American music that is all but banned from the prime-time national airwaves of late. And as always with Hicks, he was having a blast and bringing much of the crowd with him.<br /><br />Is Hicks the most talented Idol ever crowned? Is he the best singer? Is he the most commercial? No, no and no. But bless him for reminding everybody that there's been gritty American populist music for a long, long time, and it's worth reaching back to the pre-digital, pre-fab age to reconnect with it. And on "American Idol," no less.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33305.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33305.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEkZulpEPZvQvIhI``x1241282001``x(default)``xThe Seattle Times (<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com">http://seattletimes.nwsource.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
St. Louis chocolates are gifts to VIPs at the Kentucky Derby``xalan``x<i>By Deb Peterson</i> - <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/deb-petersons-breaking-schmooze/uncategorized/2009/05/st-louis-chocolates-are-gifts-to-vips-at-the-kentucky-derby/" onclick="window.open('http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/deb-petersons-breaking-schmooze/uncategorized/2009/05/st-louis-chocolates-are-gifts-to-vips-at-the-kentucky-derby/');return false">St. Louis Dispatch</a><br /><br />HOT CHOCOLATE: Mint juleps and chocolate? Why not? In addition to thoroughbreds, big hats, seersuckers and the proverbial mint juleps, a sweet piece of St. Louis will show up this weekend at the 135th Kentucky Derby.<br /><br />Local, award-winning chocolatier - Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company - was selected to provide its most popular item, the 2 Lb. Special, to celebrity VIPs attending the big race. Some of the top names who will get the yummy goodies include Michael Jordan, Taylor Hicks, Prince Albert of Monaco, Star Jones, Dewayne Wade, Vince Young and Warrick Dunn ... to name a few.<br /><br />The number of camera-conscious, weight-watchers who will actually eat them, well, who knows. Maybe like all good occasions, the chocolates don't have any calories when they're being eaten at the Derby.<br /><br />Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate was founded by Dan Abel Sr. in 1981 after he spent more than a decade training with some of the finest chocolatiers in the world. The company prides itself on selling fresh, rich chocolates made in small batches the same day they are purchased. Headquarters are in south St. Louis, next door to another sweet institution: Ted Drewes.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33322.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33322.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEkkuklpVrUQbEkD``x1241231480``x(default)``xSTLToday.com (<a href="http://www.stltoday.com">http://www.stltoday.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Kara DioGuardi: I'm Only on American Idol For One Season``xalan``xKara DioGuardi doesn't know if she'll be back next season on American Idol.<br /><br />"I'm only here for one season," DioGuardi told TV Guide at the Phoenix House's 6th Annual Triumph for Teens Gala. "That's what we've discussed. So we'll see what happens. Hopefully, they'll keep me on."<br /><br />When asked by TV Guide if DioGuardi would return, Cowell said earlier: "I would imagine so, but the only say I have is about Ryan, Randy and Paula. I've always made it clear that I wouldn't like to do the show without them. So that's all I'm really concerned about."<br /><br />Us Weekly has reported tension between Cowell and DioGuardi. Abdul has also expressed mixed feelings about the fourth judge, once saying she was "concerned" if the audience would accept her.<br /><br />Whatever happens, DioGuardi says she's had an amazing -- and sometimes scary -- time.<br /><br />"My life has become extremely exciting and I am so excited for this opportunity," she says. "I feel grateful to America that they let me grow and they let me find my groove on the show and that they were patient. And hopefully I haven't disappointed them. It's been a scary experience at times."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33321.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33321.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEkkFpAFGfzCmqnS``x1241230293``x(default)``xUs Magazine (<a href="http://www.usmagazine.com">http://www.usmagazine.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Role is Taylor-made for Hicks``xalan``x<i>By Timothy Guy</i> - <a href="http://www.pe.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.pe.com');return false">The Press Enterprise</a><br /><br /> Taylor Hicks has gone from an "American Idol" to a Teen Angel.<br /><br />Hicks, who won the fifth season of the hit Fox reality show in 2006, is coming to Southern California with the national touring production of "Grease" through May 10 at the Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa.<br /><br />He first played the role of Teen Angel in the Broadway version last summer. After years of performing live in front of crowds, this opportunity offered him a chance to try something new.<br /><br />"I like the idea of being an entertainer. The Teen Angel is the perfect role to do that," he said in a telephone interview.<br /><br />Another thing that Hicks loves about performing across the country is being able to see his fans, who have been dubbed "The Soul Patrol."<br /><br />"The one good thing about going out on a tour is meeting a lot of fans and being able to get new fans," he said. <br /><br /> Some people might not know that the original stage production of "Grease" is different from the movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The movie introduced new songs including "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want."<br /><br />This production of "Grease" incorporates the songs from the film into the musical production. That is something that Hicks said is a good thing, as it will appeal to fans of the film and the original production.<br /><br />"The show is the best of both worlds. It's a good mixture of the musical and the movie," he said.<br /><br />For the role of Teen Angel, Hicks is following in some major footsteps. The role in the film was played famously by Frankie Avalon. Other artists who have played the part include Chubby Checker, Davy Jones, Billy Porter, Jennifer Holiday and Al Jarreau.<br /><br />Stepping into a memorable part like that did not seem to faze Hicks.<br /><br />"I knew that if I tailored the role to me and made it my own, it wouldn't be daunting," he said.<br /><br />The big musical number in which the Teen Angel appears is the song "Beauty School Dropout," and Hicks gets to put his own spin on the character by playing a harmonica solo. The part is also known as being one of a comedic role and a little extravagant.<br /><br />"Over the top for this role is an understatement," he said.<br /><br />Hicks is also promoting his new album, "The Distance" which was released in March. The new single off the album is "Seven Mile Breakdown," which he performed on "American Idol" this week.<br /><br />Hicks said he enjoyed the process of making this album as opposed to the hurried pace of making past albums. He was able to take the time he needed to create the type of album that he wanted.<br /><br />"Having had the time to record and sink my teeth into the songwriting was great," he said.<br /><br />Juggling the production of "Grease" and promoting "The Distance" may be a lot, but Hicks wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><br />"You have to love to work a lot," he said. "But, it's a blast every night."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33319.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33319.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkuEkEFVFVKESXxzWX``x1241220735``x(default)``xThe Press Enterprise (<a href="http://www.pe.com">http://www.pe.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Ruben Studdard Hopes New Album Reconnects With 'Idol' Fans``xalan``x<i>By Gary Graff</i> - <a href="http://www.billboard.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.billboard.com');return false">Billboard</a><br /><br />Second season "American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard isn't calling his new album, "Love IS," a comeback, but he does acknowledge that he hopes the May 19 release will "reconnect me to the 20-some odd million people that voted for me and...are my fans from 'American Idol.' "<br /><br />Studdard tells Billboard.com that with his fourth album, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis -- along with Stargate and country artist John Rich -- he "just wanted to do the music the fans always ask me for. Ever since I won 'American Idol,' people have always been saying they love the way I sing ballads and would love to have me do an album of love songs. I've been in the music business awhile now. I've had an opportunity to see exactly what the fans want from me and expect, and I think this is exactly the kind of album they've been waiting on."<br /><br />"Love IS" also finds Studdard switching label, from J Records to Hickory Records, which is still distributed by SonyBMG but, Studdard says, is more attuned to that fan demand for ballads. "I think J Records didn't do a good job with connecting me to my 'American Idol' fan base," says Studdard, whose last outing, 2006's "The Return," was a commercial disappointment that's sold less then 240,000 copies. "I wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to make the music they want to hear, and we got that."<br /><br />Studdard recorded "Love IS" during the first five months of 2008, before he went on the road with the musical "Ain't Misbehavin'." The first single, "Together," which was produced by Stargate, was the last track recorded for the album, he says. Studdard co-wrote several of the tracks, including "A Song For Her" for his wife, Surata, who he married in January of 2008, and "Footprints in the Sand," which was inspired by the Barack Obama presidential campaign.<br /><br />"Love IS" also features covers of Michael Jackson's "I Can't Help You," Al Green's "For the Good Times," the Beatles' "The Long and Winding Road," Extreme's "More Than Words" and Johnnie Taylor's "Just Because." "They're all favorites of mine," Studdard says of the choices.<br /><br />Currently finishing his run with "Ain't Misbehavin'," Studdard plans a full-scale promotional tour to support "Love IS," including TV appearances, in-stores and radio station shows. He hopes a full-scale concert tour follows, but he's also anxious to get back into the studio.<br /><br />"I was more challenged on this project than I ever have been during the recording process," Studdard says. "I hope I'm with a label now that will continue to give me the opportunity to have more hands-on input in the songs we choose and the direction of the album. I'm just really pleased with the way this album cycle went, and hopefully I'll get a chance to do another one shortly thereafter."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33289.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33289.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkuEpEZyuEYraKpboq``x1241024841``x(default)``xBillboard (<a href="http://www.billboard.com">http://www.billboard.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Trying to end runovers, 'American Idol' shortchanged viewers``xalan``x<i>By Cristina Kinon</i> - <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nydailynews.com');return false">Daily News</a><br /><br />"American Idol" producers have tried to cut the running time of the show in recent weeks, but what they've ended up doing is cutting the guts out of the competition.<br /><br />First they shortened the judges' comments, and this week they eliminated the pre-performance clips of the contestants.<br /><br />But why go for the innards when there's so much fluff to be skimmed off the top?<br /><br />Three weeks ago, "Idol" ran long by eight minutes, preventing those who taped the show from seeing Adam Lambert's performance. To avoid that from happening last week, producers divided the judging panel and allowed only two judges to comment on each performance.<br /><br />Still, the show ran about three minutes long.<br /><br />So not only did that tactic fail, but it left viewers who tune in to hear what the acerbic Simon Cowell has to say outraged that he got to chime in on only four of the seven performances.<br /><br />This week, all four judges were back in action, but producers didn't air the pre-performance-clip packages featuring the contestants talking about their love of performing, or when they knew they wanted to be singers, or why they so love disco music.<br /><br />From a technical standpoint, the new strategy worked - "Idol" ended on time. Creatively, however, it was a bomb, leaving viewers wanting more.<br /><br />Because they're down to five performers now, time shouldn't be a problem going forward. However, producers need to stop tinkering with the format and come up with a solid plan for saving the seconds - while saving face - next season.<br /><br />The contestants and judges are the key to "American Idol's" success - the meat and potatoes, if you will - so any strategy that limits their time on-screen is misguided (unless there's a cap on the number of times Kara DioGuardi gets to say "artistry").<br /><br />Host Ryan Seacrest and the mentors, however, are disposable.<br /><br />Spending upward of five minutes showing clips of Quentin Tarantino movies instead of letting Cowell tell Kris Allen that he nailed his interpretation of "Falling Slowly" is not just detrimental to Allen's chances, it takes away from the essence of the show. Viewers aren't tuning in for a "Pulp Fiction" refresher course, so cut it out.<br /><br />Also cut Ryan's sit-downs with the contestants. As host, Seacrest's job is to move the spectacle along smoothly and seamlessly. He's essential to the process but should be barely visible, like a piece of Jennifer Lopez's double-sided dress tape.<br /><br />If all else fails, perhaps Fox should just give "American Idol" a longer time slot - it does pull in an audience twice as large as virtually everything else on the network.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33274.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33274.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkupluVuVAJhBhHkNp``x1240852659``x(default)``xDaily News (<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com">http://www.nydailynews.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Mandy's Blog: The Traveling Circus Rocks at the Roxy  ``xalan``x<a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/mandy/blog.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/mandy/blog.html');return false">Mandy's Blog</a> - Mandy heard that The Roxy was the place to be to hear the most new music from Taylor Hicks, so naturally the Traveling Circus headed West for an evening filled with Taylor music. And as always, Mandy gives us all the details we need to make us feel like we were there with her.<br /><br />If you haven't read Mandy's latest blog entry yet, you can do so now. Just visit <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/mandy/blog.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/contributors/mandy/blog.html');return false">Alan's Blog</a> to read it. And don't forget to leave a comment behind with your thoughts.``xEkupVElZlZUipJDtrJ``x1240525987``x(default)``x``x88151149601208``x
Dish Of Salt: Taylor Hicks Talks Comparisons To Danny Gokey``xalan``x<a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nbcchicago.com');return false">NBC Chicago</a><br /><br />There may not ever be another leader of the Soul Patrol, but season five "American Idol" champ Taylor Hicks says he doesn't mind being compared to Danny Gokey, the bespectacled season seven fan favorite.<br /><br />"Well, I'd like think I was just a little bit better dancer," Hicks joked recently to AccessHollywood.com's correspondent Laura "Dish of Salt" Saltman backstage at a taping of Fox Reality Channel's "American Idol Extra."<br /><br />Gokey earned high praise from judge Simon Cowell but failed to win any points with his dance moves while performing Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T." last week.<br /><br />Hicks believes it's Gokey's loss of his wife (just months before the audition) that is shaping him as a singer.<br /><br />"He has a distinctive voice and I think it's because of the pain and the loss. Over time experiences show up when you sing as far as when you hear tone. I think that's the reason why he is doing so well."<br /><br />As for his staying power in the competition Hicks says, "I think he has got a shot to win."<br /><br />And he offers this advice to Danny, "I think when you are on Idol you have to just go out there with this reckless abandonment. You have to go out there and lay it all out," he said. "You have to dance. You have to sing. You have to move across the stage. People want to see you move. They want to see you go out into the crowd. I think performance is just as big as the vocals."<br /><br />Hicks can be seen in an upcoming episode of "American Idol Extra" performing "What's Right Is Right," the brand new single off his sophomore album, "The Distance." The album hit stores March 10.<br /><br />Hicks can also be seen in the national tour of "Grease" as Teen Angel through May 2009.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33068.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33068.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFAkFuyUHlzDseZ``x1237399546``x(default)``xNBC Chicago (<a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com">http://www.nbcchicago.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
My thoughts on the "Daughtry Rule" on American Idol``xalan``x<i>By Jason Hughes</i> - <a href="http://www.tvsquad.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.tvsquad.com');return false">TV Squad</a><br /><br />I know they're not calling it the "Daughtry Rule" but come on! Who are we kidding here? If every you needed proof that the votes on American Idol aren't fixed, just look at how they've responded to Season 5. Almost every effort has been made to minimize winner Taylor Hicks' involvement with the show, other than begrudgingly admitting he won the title. And as for Chris Daughtry, they've practically given him the honorary title of "your Fifth American Idol!" They sure would like to take all the credit for his album and success since the show.<br /><br />It took them a few years to figure out how to make sure this never happens again, and the new rule is it. One time in a season the judges can save an eliminated contestant from America's vote. Instead no one goes home, and two go the next week. I think the idea is solid, but the execution creates more emotional chaos with each eliminated contestant. Now you can get your heart broken by Ryan, raise your hopes again with your performance and then get dashed again by the judges. Two, count them, two shattered dreams in each show!<br /><br />Plus it makes the judges look like dicks when they tell someone "No." They should make the decision before the results are read and have Ryan just announce it all at once. Of course, there is a benefit from the double-dreams-dashing we have now. Contestants won't be singing their song on the verge of tears as they imagine their inevitable path to oblivion. Instead they can sing as if their lives depended on it (because they do), hoping against hope that they're the next Chris Daughtry in the judge's eyes.<br /><br />Next, they need to come up with a rule where the judges can force someone home who's long outstayed their welcome. They can call that one the "Sanjaya Rule."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33065.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33065.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFkFuykxBwFfRoJ``x1237330662``x(default)``xTV Squad (<a href="http://www.tvsquad.com">http://www.tvsquad.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Hicks hopes to go 'The Distance' with sophomore CD``xalan``x<i>By Alicia Rancilio</i> - <a href="http://www.sfgate.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.sfgate.com');return false">San Francisco Chronicle</a><br /><br />It's OK - you can call it a comeback.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks is starting over with his new CD "The Distance," out Tuesday. He's releasing it under his own label, Modern Whomp Records, which launched in January.<br /><br />Hicks became famous by winning the fifth season of "American Idol." His first, self-titled album went platinum but didn't generate the radio play or hype caused by previous winners like Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.<br /><br />The singer says it was a mutual decision to part ways last year with his label, Arista Records. Hicks says he received "some great offers" from other labels, but wanted to try something different for his sophomore effort.<br /><br />He's also stepped outside recording, playing Teen Angel in the national Broadway tour of "Grease."<br /><br />Hicks, 32, talks about his second chapter.<br /><br />AP: What is your new album like?<br /><br />Hicks: This is the representation of me as an artist right now. I think the key for this particular project was time. I had the time to create the songs, time to record the music, time to really think about the producers that I wanted to work with.<br /><br />AP: Why did you decide to start your own label after leaving Arista?<br /><br />Hicks: I had traditional label offers but I just thought to myself, you know, I think this is a pretty good comeback story. To be able to stay busy, do Broadway, I like to look at it as a little bit of a comeback story. From the "Grease" thing, this is a really cutting edge way of breaking a record. ... I am Teen Angel one minute and I'm singing my single ("What's Right is Right") the next so it's never been done before. One minute there's an artist in a role and then the next there is me performing my single every night. Within the Broadway touring company it's the best of both worlds.<br /><br />AP: How do you think "Idol" helped you?<br /><br />Hicks: I'm in the right place as far as where I am as an entertainer. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning the recording process. A lot of my time and effort pre-"American Idol" was spent on the road as a live performer. "American Idol" gave me that chance to better learn how to be a recording artist so it's a learning process.<br /><br />AP: Do you stay connected to "American Idol" in any way?<br /><br />Hicks: I do keep in touch with a lot of my fellow Idols. We e-mail, text message each other back and forth; when we see each other in person it's always nice. It's a very wonderful experience. I pinch myself a lot about that. It is an amazing opportunity and I'm very blessed to have the opportunities that I've had off of "Idol."<br /><br />AP: Now that you have your own label, can you see yourself making other artists' dreams come true?<br /><br />Hicks: That might be more of my calling than this, you know? Who knows. There is that idea of being able to nurture and artist. I started from the ground up. ... Actually when I was 17 I hit the road. I had a vision about entertaining and for 10 or 12 years all I did was learn and work the clubs. Kept my karma wheel intact. I think that's big. That's what really gets you over the hump.<br /><br />AP: Finally, you had a little "Bachelor" experience of your own recently when "Regis &amp; Kelly" tried to set you up on date on their show. What was that like?<br /><br />Hicks: They called me and asked me if I wanted to do it and after conversing with some friends and family they told me if you are dating you do have to get out there, and I guess I got out there a little bit, considering it was on national television. We had a great time. I enjoyed that particular part. ... We went on a date, there were some sparks and who knows! We've kind of thrown a couple e-mails back-and-forth to each other.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33064.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33064.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFkppkpUOoIPXNm``x1237327220``x(default)``xSan Fransico Chronicle (<a href="http://www.sfgate.com">http://www.sfgate.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Music Review: Taylor Hicks - The Distance``xalan``x<i>By Sherry Lipp</i> - <a href="http://blogcritics.org" onclick="window.open('http://blogcritics.org');return false">Blogcritics Magazine</a><br /><br />Taylor Hicks' new album, The Distance is a surprising mix of soul, rock, blues, country and even a little Bossa Nova. The Distance is the first album to be released on Hicks' own label, Modern Whomp Records. The album features an array of notable musicians who have long history of recording with rock, blues and country artists. Producer Simon Climie boasts an extensive list of credits and has recently produced albums for Eric Clapton, Chaka Kahn and Michael McDonald.<br /><br />The Distance boasts several stand-out tracks. Two of the most notable are the southern rocker "Seven Mile Breakdown," and the piano soul ballad "Maybe You Should." "Seven Mile Breakdown" is a re-working of a blues track written a few years ago by Wynn Christian. Christian previously worked with Hicks on some of Hicks' pre-Idol independent tracks. Hicks shares a writing credit on this updated version, which is an Allman Brothers styled blues rock song that has great country crossover potential. "Seven Mile Breakdown" should be the next single. It's a memorable song that exemplifies Hicks' blues style that has been forgotten by many of Hicks' critics. "Maybe You Should" is an emotional track about lost love. The song is genuine and mature, and has a nice raw feel with its minimal piano accompaniment.<br /><br />Though Hicks is attempting to incorporate several different styles of music on this album, he manages to keep most of the tracks within a sphere that suits his style. "Wedding Day Blues" is a comedic fantasy about winning back an ex-lover on her wedding night. One of the more interesting tracks is the Latin/Soul "Once Upon A Lover." It's an unexpected sound from Hicks who sings the song in a seldom heard upper range. "I Live On A Battlefield" is a cover of a song originally done by Nick Lowe. It's a nice catchy tune well sung by Hicks. The song that opens the album, "The Distance" (the album's title track) an upbeat Springsteenesque rock tune that is fun listen. One of the albums highlights is the final track "Woman's Got To Have It" featuring fellow Idol contestant Elliott Yamin. The song was written and recorded by legendary songwriter Bobby Womack in 1972. Hicks and Yamin complement each other well on the track, and it's great to hear them together.<br /><br />There are only a couple of missteps on the album. The most head-scratching of which is "Keepin' It Real." The verses share a similar melody to the much maligned country hit "Achy Breaky Heart." But even more bizarre are the lyrics, which seem to be about Britney Spears', Paris Hilton's and OJ Simpson's lives in the spotlight. Strangely this is the only track to feature Hicks' trademark harmonica playing. It's the one track I wish someone had talked Hicks into leaving off the album. The only other notably weak track is "New Found Freedom." It is a bit of a generic rock song that is somewhat cliched lyrically.<br /><br />Hicks is credited as a writer on seven the eleven tracks on The Distance. One of the songs not written by Hicks is the country ballad "Nineteen." The song has been floating around the country music world for a couple of years but has not had any impact as of yet. It's a nice patriotic song about a young man who sacrifices everything to serve his country. I'm not sure the straight country style suits Hicks as well it could, however, Hicks sings it with a sincerity and conviction that ultimately makes the song work. The album's first single," What's Right Is Right," was written by album producer Simon Climie. It's an okay song, but lacks any real excitement. However it is a pleasant listen and well sung by Hicks.<br /><br />Overall The Distance is a solid album with plenty to please Taylor Hicks fans. There are several memorable tracks that show off Taylor as a serious musician and singer. The album does have a "please everybody" type of feel instead of a more raw sound that would be better suited for Hicks' talents. It would also be nice to hear a lot more of Hicks' harmonica playing. It's a bit of a puzzle as to why Hicks would not want to emphasize something he is so good at. But the albums strengths lie in Hicks' strengths. He is an engaging and strong vocalist who clearly cares about his music. The Distance is well worth the listen.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33060.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33060.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFEAkyFgHaPfUWf``x1237326463``x(default)``xBlogcritics Magazine (<a href="http://blogcritics.org">http://blogcritics.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Going the distance``xalan``x<i>By Lawrence Specker</i> - <a href="http://www.al.com/living/press-register" onclick="window.open('http://www.al.com/living/press-register');return false">The Press-Register</a><br /><br />"This time last year, I didn't have a deal," says Taylor Hicks. "I think it's a pretty good comeback story."<br /><br />The comeback involves a couple of things, but at the moment it's mainly about "The Distance," the album that Hicks releases today.<br /><br />It is his first studio album since the self-titled release that followed his May 2006 victory in the fifth season of "American Idol." <br /><br />That one went platinum, hit No. 2 on Billboard's album chart, and squeaked a couple of singles into the adult contemporary Top 20. This one may be the acid test for establishing the dimensions of Hicks' career, now that the "Idol" glow is fully behind him.<br /><br />And yet, listening to its 11 songs, it sounds as if all the pressure is off.<br /><br />Idol winners' albums tend to play like marketing exercises right down to the over-processed arrangements, with material chosen to cater to specific fan bases, to maintain a specific image developed during the show. Throughout "The Distance," Hicks sounds like he's simply doing what comes naturally.<br /><br />The raspiness of his voice, once emphasized, is smoothed out, as is the belt-it-out soul-man approach. Though still grounded in blues, gospel and soul, the stylistic range is broad, even playful. You get the distinct impression that Hicks is doing what he wants to, rather than trying to live up to a sometimes contradictory web of expectations and obligations.<br /><br />In a very real sense, he is working only for himself. The album is being released on his own Modern Whomp Records label. Publicity materials point out that this means he maintains "complete control of direction and ownership of his masters."<br /><br />This time around, he'll sink or swim on his own merits. If that's a burden, it's one he sounds comfortable with.<br /><br />"I did have some offers to do traditional label deals," he said, but he opted for freedom and the risks that come with it.<br /><br />"If I live out there on the edge with it, I think that will drive the art to be better," he said.<br /><br />He's got some help. A number of musicians take part on the project, but the core group was a small stack of blue-chip players: guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. Or as Hicks puts it, "basically Eric Clapton's road band."<br /><br />Simon Climie, whose credits include work for Clapton, Carlos Santana and Faith Hill, produced. One of his tasks: Helping Hicks avoid making the kind of album he hates, where the style never varies and "the first thing you hear is the last thing you hear."<br /><br />That's definitely not the case on "The Distance," where the mood ranges from somber, as in the soldier's story of "Nineteen," to silly, as in "Wedding Day Blues," where a man steals back his old flame on her wedding day.<br /><br />The title track is middle-of-the-road in the best sense: The distance that Hicks sings about is the estrangement that comes up between people over things like "politics and pride." And he argues that good old-fashioned understanding can close the gap.<br /><br />Variety, Hicks says, is the common thread of this proj ect.<br /><br />"I wanted to take the listener through some genres of music I like," he said.<br /><br />The first single, "What's Right Is Right," has been out for a few weeks. Now's the time for Hicks to promote the album, and he'll be making the rounds of television shows and other outlets. He won't be doing a full tour just yet, because of another part of his comeback: For some time now, he's been playing Teen Angel in a touring production of "Grease."<br /><br />Through this month and next that's going to keep him busy on the West Coast, mostly in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He says his strategy is to work in a simultaneous "shadow tour" of club dates.<br /><br />He says he's hoping to make it back to south Alabama as soon as possible. He has family and friends here, not to mention a lot of fans who pulled hard for him during his "Idol" run. He'll play for them again some day, he says, he just doesn't yet know when that will be.<br /><br />"You never know," he said. "I might pop up at the Flora-Bama now and then."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33022.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33022.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFElZyENliTEQwx``x1237325961``x(default)``xThe Press-Register (<a href="http://www.al.com/living/press-register">http://www.al.com/living/press-register</a>)``x53071149601226``x
"Summer Lovin'" Gets Dose of "Idol"-Style Soul``xalan``x<i>By Alysia Gray Painter</i> - <a href="http://www.nbclosangeles.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nbclosangeles.com');return false">NBC - Los Angeles</a><br /><br />Stop pretty much any woman on the street -- okay, and a large chunk of the male population, too -- who happened to be between the ages of 5-30 when the film version of "Grease" came out, and ask them to warble "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Not only will they be able to perfectly recall most of the lyrics, they'll likely act out the rest of the film verbatim. Even the cartoon hot dogs jumping around at the drive-in.<br /><br />There are, science may yet prove, more "Grease" fans than there are actual human beings on earth, which we know is totally weird. But "Grease" buffs are certainly challenged in their devotion by "American Idol" fans. Here's the thing: Throw all those people in the same room and you're probably dealing with a lot of crossover.<br /><br />Which brings us to the latest production of the Sandy-and-Danny-woo-and-warble spectacular, which stars none other than Taylor Hicks, the silvery-haired "American Idol" winner from back in 2006. He's playing "Teen Angel," the smooth-voiced being from another plane who gently coaxes Frenchy to follow her beauty school-themed dreams. We adored Frankie Avalon in the film, and we're betting Mr. Hicks will put the requisite soulful spin on his otherworldly role.<br /><br />"Beauty School Dropout" done with a Hicksian spin is sure to lend fresh oomph to the musical which, admittedly, has oodles of oomph. Stockard Channing, as Rizzo, taught us all about oomph at a young age, and for that we will always be thankful.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32860.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32860.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFEZZZVFiKVpeCT``x1237324975``x(default)``xNBC - Los Angeles (<a href="http://www.nbclosangeles.com">http://www.nbclosangeles.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks' 'The Distance' not half bad, but not half good, either``xalan``x<i>By Howard Cohen</i> - <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.miamiherald.com');return false">The Miami Herald</a><br /><br />Fifth season American Idol winner Taylor Hicks suffered the usual Idol indignity: Win the show and rush-release a mediocre major-label album. Then get dropped. Hicks returns as an independent artist with The Distance and . . . it's not bad.<br /><br />It gets off to a decent, if slick, start. The title song and What's Right Is Right sound like tracks that would have fit well on Doobie Brother Michael McDonald's first solo album in 1982. (They are also preferable to McDonald's current career of regurgitating tired old Motown songs.)<br /><br />Even better, the shuffling Seven Mile Breakdown is a track well worth slapping on your iPod. These keepers make up for the Achy Breaky Heart rip-off, Keeping It Real (the verses are almost identical to the polarizing Billy Ray Cyrus single of 1992), the sentimental Nineteen and the album's overall lack of edge and grit.<br /><br />Ultimately, though, Hicks is limited by his vocals. He can sing and in doses exhibits some soul and chops. The problem is he tends to perform every song in the same tone. Wedding Day Blues, for example, Hicks' tale of stealing the bride (his ex-) from the groom at the reception calls out for a snarky lead vocal but Hicks is straightforward. Great artists can bring flair and a distinct persona to stylized tracks like that, and Hicks falls well short of greatness.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33062.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33062.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFEyVlFmjYTaxPA``x1237323783``x(default)``xThe Miami Herald (<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com">http://www.miamiherald.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Artist of the Week: Taylor Hicks``xalan``x<a href="http://www.aceshowbiz.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.aceshowbiz.com');return false">AceShowBiz.com</a><br /><br />After being released from his contract with Arista Records, Taylor Hicks refuses to back off from music industry. Believing that "this is turning the page on a new chapter" in his career, he forms a record label Modern Whomp Records. Taking the advantage of "artistic freedom," he is back to studio, making music for his new album "The Distance" and plans to release it across U.S. on March 10.<br /><br />In the new album, Taylor steps behind songwriting table, co-penning several songs including "Wedding Day Blues", "Seven Mile Breakdown", "Once Upon a Lover of Mine" and "Woman Gotta Have It". Teaming up with producer Simon Climie, who has recorded songs for Eric Clapton, Faith Hill and Carlos Santana, he also works with guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr to provide the album's sounds.<br /><br />"What's Right Is Right", the lead single off the new record has been available for digital purchase since January 27. Driven by funky keyboards and sax work, the mid-tempo song about love and commitment peaked at number 25 on Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. A music video for the track has also been debuted, providing a look into the crooner performing in a dark lounge with his trademark soulful sound.<br /><br />"I wanted to create that alone, James Dean feel, and get across my point of what true love is," Taylor says when referring to the romantic set behind the moody, and mature lyrics in the song. "There's a couple with something to overcome, an obstacle. But when you know it's real, what happens with one person happens with another. It also brings out the idea that there might be a little bit of longing for true love in me. I know true, real love is out there."<br /><br />Since becoming the winner of the fifth season of "American Idol", Taylor Hicks has dropped self-titled debut album, which was certified platinum and peaked at number two on Billboard Hot 200. He has also toured through Asia, performing with Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers Band as well as Jackson Browne. In the beginning of 2009, he embarks on a national U.S. tour with Grease.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33061.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33061.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFEyEAuvdgESwfC``x1237323394``x(default)``xAceShowBiz.com (<a href="http://www.aceshowbiz.com">http://www.aceshowbiz.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Music Review: Taylor Hicks - The Distance``xalan``x<i>By Connie Phillips</i> - <a href="http://blogcritics.org" onclick="window.open('http://blogcritics.org');return false">Blogcritics Magazine</a><br /><br />Like many others, I first heard Taylor Hicks perform on the American Idol stage. I remember being charmed by his easy stage presence and was excited to be hearing something different in a competition that is criticized for churning out more and more of the same.<br /><br />No one could argue there was something special about this guy who refused to dye his gray hair or compromise his preferred style of music, and I have to think it was that difference and commitment that saw him sail through to win that year. I impatiently waited for his debut release from the music-machine conglomerate, 19 Recordings Limited. They would put out his self-titled, post-Idol album on the Arista label, only it didn't seem to stay true Hicks and soon fell out of my iPod's rotation. It didn't surprise me that they'd tried to mainstream his style or that the compromised sound didn't hit.<br /><br />Soon after, it was announced that Hicks and Media 19 had mutually agreed to part ways. I thought this would be best in the long run for him. It would clear the path for him to exercise his creativity and I eagerly anticipated his next release.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks' new album, The Distance, released this coming Tuesday, March 10 is said album. Though it does seem to ring a little more true to the Hicks I first fell in love with, I can't help but feel like there is still an attempt to mainstream his sound, to make him more pop or hot 100. The debut single, released in January of 2009, "What's Right is Right" peaked at number 25 on the adult contemporary charts and is a nice, easy listen. While I would say it was the right choice for a single - it does have the catchiest chorus of the collection - it falls a little short in the soul/R&amp;B department.<br /><br />"New Found Freedom" is closest to that sassy, blues feeling I expected. I can hear a Motown influence, with a tinge of gospel color in the song's harmonious background vocals. There is also sincerity to the lyrics. I feel as if the song is coming from the heart and that with this song he's being true to himself. "Keeping it Real" opens with promise, but as it progresses, the delivery just falls short. It's a cute song, with an infectious hook, but not even the infusion of the harmonica at the end can give this a true soul sound.<br /><br />Then there are songs like "Nineteen," an attempt at a patriotic song of loss. It comes across as insincere and almost righteous. "Wedding Day Blues" lyrics are corny and can't be ignored despite the true, blues feel to this track. While these two are really only momentary disruptions to what is for the most part a solid album, the distraction is enough to downgrade the entire listening experience.<br /><br />Other highlights include the surprising "Once Upon a Lover" with its Latin/swing feel and "Woman's Got to Have It" featuring fellow Idol contest Elliot Yamin. It seems disingenuous to give this nod to Hicks, however, since it's Yamin's smooth voice, a direct contrast to Hicks', that breathes life into the song. The track is the album closer, and definitely leaves the listener on a high note.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks fans will enjoy this album, without a doubt, as will those who favor adult contemporary that is tinted with R&amp;B, but if it's a soulful, blues experience you're looking for, you may want to pass on The Distance.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33060.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=33060.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFZFEVyFAiXyUbrJq``x1237322839``x(default)``xBlogcritics Magazine (<a href="http://blogcritics.org">http://blogcritics.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks delves deeper in new CD, 'The Distance'``xalan``x<i>By Mary Colurso</i> - <a href="http://www.al.com/music/birminghamnews" onclick="window.open('http://www.al.com/music/birminghamnews');return false">The Birmingham News</a><br /><br />Watch the video for "What's Right Is Right," the first single from "The Distance," and you'll see what Hicks means. It was designed to be moody, mature and romantic, set in the smoky bars and snowy streets of Chicago. The action unfolds like a vintage movie, buoyed by Hicks' dig-into-the-emotions vocals.<br /><br />"I wanted to create that alone, James Dean feel, and get across my point of what true love is," Hicks says. "There's a couple with something to overcome, an obstacle. But when you know it's real, what happens with one person happens with another. It also brings out the idea that there might be a little bit of longing for true love in me. I know true, real love is out there."<br /><br />Stop swooning, ladies, and turn your attention to other songs on the disc, such as the title track and "Nineteen." Although the messages aren't overt, Hicks makes references to a global worldview, to war and peace, and to the ways people with political and cultural differences might come together.<br /><br />Stylistically, he's taking a few risks, as well, delving into Latin music with "Once a Lover" and gospel with "New Found Freedom." Hicks has writing credits on seven cuts of "The Distance," and bonus tracks tucked into three special editions are likely to give him a few more.<br /><br />Producer Simon Climie, who's worked with Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Michael McDonald, was a major collaborator. Climie wrote "What's Right Is Right" with Dennis Morgan, for example, played guitar on "The Distance" and brought in musicians he felt would be in tune with Hicks' aesthetic.<br /><br />"We did a lot of preproduction in the south of France, where his home is," Hicks says. "Simon knows about the voice; he knows soul singers. He knows players who could get the point across. We had a vision for each of these songs, and a really good working relationship. I wanted a very earthy, organic sound. He understood where I came from."<br /><br />Hicks says his former mentor, California bluesman Keb' Mo,' served as "musical spiritual adviser" for the record. Nashville singer-songwriter Gary Nicholson offered his skills and advice, as well.<br /><br />"I asked myself: Who are your muses, who are your gurus from a musical and personal standpoint? Keb' Mo' was the first and Gary Nicholson was the second," Hicks says. "They understood who I was before the `American Idol' experience. I wanted to go back and let them direct me. They helped me to find songs and songwriters. They were the two best people who could draw it out of me."<br /><br />Hicks reached back to his Alabama roots, as well, writing and arranging with Alan Little of Huntsville and Auburn's Wynn Christian, singer-guitarist of Spoonful James.<br /><br />Birmingham foodies with a taste for barbecue may have seen Hicks at Golden Rule during the first six months of 2008, going over songs and mentally preparing for the disc. Other inspiration came on the fairways and greens of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. <br /><br /> "I've been living and breathing these songs since January of last year," Hicks says. "It took six or seven months to get the creative juices flowing. Broadway and "Grease" took me away to New York, and then we recorded from September to December. I would take gaps, write, do shows, record. In the end, I probably had 30 to 50 songs to choose from, so you put `em all on a big board and you pick."<br /><br />Although Hicks says he had offers for several record deals, he opted to form his own label, Modern Whomp, and release "The Distance" with distribution from Artist2Market. After his "American Idol" win in 2006, Hicks had a short-lived contract with Arista Records and released one self-titled CD that way.<br /><br />"I think it's fitting for me to ultimately live out on the edge, living and dying by the pen and creating as much drive and ambition as I can," he says. "I think I know who I am as an artist and what's best for me. I went through some uncertain territory, not having a label, and now I'm on a really solid career path."<br /><br />One benefit to controlling his material is that Hicks can place his songs wherever he chooses and package them at will. Case in point: He's traveling on the national tour of "Grease" and singing "What's Right Is Right" at the end of each performance. (The tour will stop here on Sept. 22-27 at the BJCC Concert Hall, courtesy of Broadway Across America - Birmingham.)<br /><br />"It's like a mini-concert within a Broadway performance," Hicks says. "It's added value for the `Grease'-goer and a very innovative and cutting-edge way to be an entertainer."<br /><br />Moreover, Hicks has planned intimate nightclub dates for specific cities while he's touring with the musical and plans to showcase material from "The Distance" when his acting duties are over for the night.<br /><br />"I'm going out in the country and be a three-headed monster," he says. "There's the theater role, the musician and two different kinds of shows. It's going to be a little bit exhausting, doing eight shows per week with "Grease," but it's going to be really cool. This is the blue-collar mentality I've always had about performing."<br /><br />Workaholic tendencies? Maybe. Hicks admits that he might have extended the track listings on "The Distance," but his packed professional schedule demanded otherwise.<br /><br />"I needed to go to sleep, then I had to go get in the ice-cream cone," he says. "But really, I'm so happy with this record, I could play it at Steak &amp; Ale for the rest of my life."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32994.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32994.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFyFyZkkkkOKvmbaZ``x1236374422``x(default)``xThe Birmingham News (<a href="http://www.al.com/music/birminghamnews">http://www.al.com/music/birminghamnews</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Songwriter 'happy beyond words' to be Hicks' pick``xalan``x<i>By Chris Welch</i> - <a href="http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes" onclick="window.open('http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes');return false">The Hunstville Times</a><br /><br />The call that local musician/songwriter Alan Little had waited for and dreamed about for 13 years came last October from Season 5 "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks of Birmingham.<br /><br />"Taylor started off by telling me to go get a beer, it was time for me to celebrate," Little said of his friend, who he met - not coincidentally - 13 years ago at Auburn before anybody had heard of Taylor Hicks. <br /><br />Indeed it was time for Little, a member of the band Shametown, to celebrate, because Hicks was including Little's song "Wedding Day Blues" on his new album "Go the Distance," which comes out Tuesday.<br /><br />But the celebration wasn't over after the phone call.<br /><br />Two weeks later, producer Simon Climie, who has recorded Eric Clapton, Faith Hill and Carlos Santana, called and said he and Hicks were listening to Little's recording of "Wedding Day Blues" and they loved his style of guitar - so much that they wanted him to get on a plane with his guitar and head out to Burbank, Calif.<br /><br />"I was cool on the phone getting this news," Little said, but was happy beyond words inside.<br /><br />It kept getting better. Two weeks later, he walked into the Burbank studio and found an all-star ensemble waiting to record with him. It was Nathan East - Eric Clapton's bass player for 25 years; Abe Laboriel Jr. - currently Paul McCartney's drummer; Doyle Bramhall II - Clapton's touring guitar player; and Tim Carmon - keyboard player for Clapton, Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan and other great musicians.<br /><br />"They were all wonderful and nice fellows to be around and they made my job recording really easy and incredibly fun," Little said.<br /><br />The recording session and song on Hicks' album have been a long time coming. Little wrote "Wedding Day Blues" in 1996 about a heartbroken ex-boyfriend who was invited to attend an old flame's wedding. At the same time, his best friend invited Little to Auburn to be an interim drummer for the band Passing Through.<br /><br />"I remember quite clearly getting phone calls from David (Schrimsher) and him telling me, 'Man you have to hear our singer, he's almost 20 years old, looks and sounds like he's 50, has tons of gray hair, he's incredible and his name is Taylor Hicks,'" Little said.<br /><br />Long story short: Hicks loved "Wedding Day Blues" and promised to one day record it. When Hicks won "Idol" Little thought he'd never hear from Hicks again, but the Birmingham singer kept his promise.<br /><br />"I met Alan when I was 17 and again when I was 20 and got this song," Hicks said. "It's got this story and stuff and we fell in love with it.<br /><br />"From a story aspect, he's a great story songwriter, and for this record I wanted to have some great stories on it, lyrically and musically. I didn't flinch to call Alan again."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32993.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32993.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFyFyuukVELayKFSv``x1236371625``x(default)``xThe Huntsville Times (<a href="http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes">http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Cowell dodges traffic fine``xalan``xMusic mogul Simon Cowell managed to talk his way out of a traffic ticket in California over the weekend after striking up a conversation with the police officer about his fellow American Idol judges.<br /><br />The usually sharp-tongued Brit was pulled over by a cop for failing to wear his seat belt and failing to display his car registration plate during a drive through Beverly Hills.<br /><br />But Cowell worked his charm on the officer, laughing and joking about other American Idol stars the policeman had pulled over in the past and was let go with just a warning.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32976.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32976.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFypFuEEkhrKYrEkG``x1236041312``x(default)``xWSYR-TV 9 (<a href="http://www.9wsyr.com">http://www.9wsyr.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Grease' contest winners will get free tix, time with Taylor Hicks``xalan``x<i>by Paul Hodgins</i> - <a href="http://artsblog.freedomblogging.com" onclick="window.open('http://artsblog.freedomblogging.com');return false">OC Register</a><br /><br />OK, Taylor Hicks fans, try not to lose consciousness when you read this. The Register is holding a contest for which the prize (actually there are two identical prizes) includes a chance to meet the "American Idol" winner.<br /><br />Hicks is starring in a touring production of "Grease" that visits the Orange County Performing Arts Center in April. We've organized a photo contest just like our wildly popular "Wicked" one last year. Dress as your favorite "Grease" character, get photographed, enter the photo in the competition, and you're eligible to win four free tickets to the opening-night performance of "Grease" AND a get backstage meeting with Mr. Hicks.<br /><br />This time we've tried to widen the appeal of the contest. There'll be a popular-vote winner, a second winner chosen by a panel of experts (well, me and a few other Registerians), and a third free-ticket prize for the voting public. Discounts for "Grease" tickets are also available to all participants.<br /><br />"Grease" is the word, but there are others - like "poodle skirt" and "leather jacket" - that could help you win the Register's "Grease" photo contest.<br /><br />The prize? Two winners will each receive four tickets to the opening night of the musical "Grease" at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on April 28. They and their guests also get to meet the production's star, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks.<br /><br />Here are the rules. Dress as your favorite "Grease" character - Danny Zuko, Sandy Olsson, Betty Rizzo, whoever. Get your photo taken. Send it to us <a href="http://ocregister.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=5559" onclick="window.open('http://ocregister.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=5559');return false">here</a>.<br /><br />The contest is open through March 27. The entrant who garners the most votes will win; so will a lucky "Grease" character lookalike whose photo is deemed best in contest by a panel of Register judges.<br /><br />A third winner will be chosen at random from among the voters. They will receive four opening-night "Grease" tickets.<br /><br />Everyone who enters is eligible for a discount to selected performances of "Grease."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32974.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32974.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFypFkZuZgieBIERG``x1236039947``x(default)``xOC Register (<a href="http://artsblog.freedomblogging.com">http://artsblog.freedomblogging.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks: 'Idol' turns Angel for 'Grease,' plans solo gig``xalan``x<i>By Patricia Morris Buckley</i> - <a href="http://www.nctimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nctimes.com');return false">North County Times</a><br /><br />When Taylor Hicks won Season 5 of "American Idol," he didn't just ride on the 63.4 million votes that helped him secure the title. Oh, no. While on the "American Idol" tour with the other finalists, he was already beginning to promote himself as a solo artist.<br /><br />"I had my band follow me, and we did shows after the 'American Idol' concerts," he said. "It was like a shadow tour. It's a wonderful way to kick-start a record."<br /><br />That strategy worked well for him (his first recording, "Taylor Hicks," went platinum), so he's repeating it while on the "Grease" national tour, which arrives in San Diego on Tuesday.<br /><br />On March 5, after performing in "Grease" at the San Diego Civic Theatre, he'll head up to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach for a solo concert featuring songs from his new CD "The Distance," which will be released March 10.<br /><br />When Hicks stepped into the role of Teen Angel in the Broadway production of "Grease," he had never acted before. But the role (played by Frankie Avalon in the film) is small. He comes onstage to cheer up the confused character of Frenchie, then leaves after singing one song ---- "Beauty School Dropout."<br /><br />"I had been offered many roles, but this one was a great introduction to acting and musical theater," Hicks said. "I wanted to pick the right part to get my feet wet. This one has allowed me to learn and get experience."<br /><br />The producers also encouraged Hicks, known for singing R&amp;B and soul, to tailor the role to his musical strengths.<br /><br />"They allowed me to write some R&amp;B horn lines, which is key for me," he said. "It's wonderful to have that outlet for me to create the role."<br /><br />Hicks is following in the footsteps of other "American Idol" contestants by tackling theater, including Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, Josh Strickland, Frenchie Davis and Tamyra Gray. He sees the transition as a natural one.<br /><br />"The TV show is about singing and entertaining people," he explained. "We needed to be able to do both to do well on the show."<br /><br />Hicks will be doing both as he introduces his new album next month. He will end each performance of "Grease" by performing the first single from his new CD, "What's Right is Right." Those who like what they hear are invited to join him at the Belly Up for more on March 5.<br /><br />"Audiences will experience me in the Teen Angel role for 30 minutes, then 30 minutes later experience me as me," he said. "It's a one-two punch. It will appeal to fans both old and new. It's a soulful song, one of those ones that sticks with you."<br /><br />Hicks took his time with this album. He wrote 70 percent of the songs and spent a lot of time selecting the other songs.<br /><br />"I really took the time to pick and record the songs I wanted to record," he said. "I really enjoyed the process. I tried to touch all the styles that have influenced me. I got some great players as well. I wanted to put together a timeless, classic record."<br /><br />Hicks admits that he still watches "American Idol," although it's usually quick glimpses before going onstage. So far, he has no favorites in this year's competition. His experience on the show is still something he's grateful for.<br /><br />"I'd do it all over again," he admitted. "I love the idea of it. It's a wonderful platform to start from. It gives you many opportunities, from singing, to acting and musicals. I've been blessed to be part of it."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32973.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32973.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFypFElZFfVUBAWlJ``x1236039073``x(default)``xNorth County Times (<a href="http://www.nctimes.com">http://www.nctimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel in Tucson``xalan``x<i>By Jenny Anchondo</i> - <a href="http://www.kold.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.kold.com');return false">KOLD News 13</a><br /><br />Taylor Hicks is ready to sing "Beauty School Dropout" in Tucson for his Broadway performance of Grease.<br /><br />He's playing "Teen Angel" in Tucson all week and when he's not performing, Hicks is getting comfortable in Southern Arizona.<br /><br />"These are my Tucson shoes right here, I never wear these, only in appropriate places and this town is exactly the reason why I brought them," Hicks said about his snakeskin boots.<br /><br />He said he hit Tucson at just the right time.<br /><br />"I'm definitely utilizing what Tucson has to offer, golfing, great food, rodeo, spring training.  You've got a lot going on here," Hicks said.<br /><br />However, he may have to transition from his snakeskin boots into his dancing shoes at night.<br /><br />"There's dancing somewhere in the show," Hicks said.<br /><br />The move from American Idol to Broadway is easy because playing Teen Angel isn't a far cry from who he is as a person, Hicks said.<br /><br /> "The idea of telling Frenchie to put down her teasing comb and go back to high school is working," Hicks said.<br /><br />He even said he's the disciplinarian of the cast off-screen. <br /><br />Hicks also likes the Grease gig because it's allowing him to learn acting and promote  his new album, The Distance, which is set to hit stores March 10th.<br /><br />"It's an interesting way of being with the people because for one second you're Teen Angel and for another you're Taylor Hicks the musician, which is really cool," Hicks said.<br /><br />Ladies, he is single and he dished about his dating life on the road.<br /><br />"It is kind of non-existent, the right one has to come along to understand the whole thing," Hicks said.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFVZylVyuSBBOFcgM``x1235775764``x(default)``xKOLD News 13 (<a href="http://www.kold.com">http://www.kold.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Review: 'Grease' in Tucson lacks energy, attitude``xalan``x<i>By Kathleen Allen</i> - <a href="http://www.azstarnet.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.azstarnet.com');return false">Arizona Daily Star</a><br /><br />This "Grease" is not the one we want.<br /><br />The road show of the Broadway musical is in town this week, courtesy of Broadway in Tucson. While it's got bouncy tunes and leather jackets, it doesn't have the energy and the attitude of the 1950s era it can spoof so well.<br /><br />This is a talented cast, with fine singing skills. But most of them just didn't seem to get the coolness and innocence crossed with a sexuality that was about to turn the country on its pompadour.<br /><br />And then there's this: The plot is way, way too thin to stretch over the 35-plus years the play's been around.<br /><br />That being said, it's kind of hard not to get into the play, even if, like this one, it seems like a glorified high school production with flat sets and not-very-interesting costumes (but terrific lighting).<br /><br />Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett as Danny and Sandy both have fine voices, but they came across as too bland, and the chemistry between the two did not seem like the chemistry of hormone-heavy teens.<br /><br />The most energetic and delightful couple in the play were Will Blum as the chubby Roger, and his heartthrob Jan, played by Bridie Carroll. They had a pizzazz that seemed to be absent from much of the production.<br /><br />Then there was Taylor Hicks, "America Idol" winner and Teen Angel in this production. He gets top billing, which must annoy the others to no end - Hicks sings only one song, "Beauty School Dropout."<br /><br />But he hams it up beautifully, shows off his voice and brings some distinct delight to a kinda tired production. There's something that's endearingly geeky about Hicks, so it's hard not to like him.<br /><br />Hicks' entrance - from a giant soft ice cream cone - drew cheers from the audience, as did his surprise - after the curtain call, he performed a song from his new album, coming out March 10.<br /><br />Director Kathleen Marshall missed the boat in getting her actors steeped in the '50s sensibilities, an essential ingredient to the show's success. She has her Rizzo (Allie Schulz) strut, her Danny constantly flicking the collar of his leather jacket, and the members of the T-Bird gang make suggestive moves. But none of it felt organic, so the greatest sense we have is that these are talented kids putting on a show and singing bouncy tunes. And that's it.<br /><br />"Grease" should be more than a show - it should be a load of energetic fun and over-the-top attitude performed by actors who believe to their bones that Elvis is king and hot rods are cool.<br /><br />And that's not this "Grease."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFVZyppFEJpupKTTP``x1235767231``x(default)``xArizona Daily Star (<a href="http://www.azstarnet.com">http://www.azstarnet.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Get swept away by lively 'Grease'``xalan``x<i> By Chuck Graham</i> - <a href="http://www.tucsoncitizen.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.tucsoncitizen.com');return false">Tucson Citizen</a><br /><br />Remember that girl back in high school who everyone liked? She wasn't that cute but everyone liked her anyway.<br /><br />That's the way it is with "Grease," the Fabulous Fifties musical that never wears out its welcome. A vigorous version is playing downtown at the Tucson Music Hall, the latest presentation by Broadway in Tucson - with plenty of black leather and lots of slicked back hair.<br /><br />As for the Pink Ladies, they all looked very . . . pink. With turned up collars all around. High school fashions from the 1950s are important in this show. Letter sweaters, poodle skirts, rayon baseball jackets and those small-brimmed hats are all in there. Along with such 50-year-old phrases as "knocked up" and "going all the way."<br /><br />Most fun is the choreography by director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall. A stage full of performers pretending to be high school students whipped through crisply rehearsed routines that emphasized natural body movements and period dance steps, but elevated all that movement to a higher standard. Getting swept up in the enthusiasm was sooooo easy.<br /><br />Just to prove no one is perfect, Marshall has dulled a positive impression by having her cast exaggerate every gesture and phrase reminiscent of the period. All the guys are underlining their double entendre jokes with pelvis thrusts and hammy leers. After awhile it gets a little annoying, as if the 1950s and campiness were synonyms. As if she isn't sure audiences will think the show is funny, so she overdoes the acting to make it silly.<br /><br />But in the end, the spirited dancing and enthusiastic singing carried the evening. It helped, too, that the pit band pushed the beat with genuine rock 'n' roll intensity. Who can resist those scooping saxophone low notes and doo-wop harmonies? Judging by the large number of young people in the audience on opening night, "Grease" has jumped the generation gap, as well.<br /><br />The original songs written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey have been enhanced by the big screen version's movie hits "Hopelessly Devoted To You," "You're the One that I Want," the "Grease" theme and "Sandy."<br /><br />Another special enhancement in this nationally touring production is the appearance of "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. His entrance turned applause into screams when he began singing "Beauty School Dropout." Looking like a very dapper angel in his shiny charcoal suit, he tries to cheer up Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick), who gets her own cheers and applause when, in a pause during the song, she strokes his chest and purrs "I voted for you."<br /><br />This is the only time Hicks is onstage, though he does come back after the curtain call to introduce the single from his new album, "What's Right Is Right." The addition gives the whole production kind of an odd and totally unrelated coda, but nobody seemed to mind.<br /><br />Of the cast regulars, Allie Schulz stole the show playing Rizzo, the brassy 1950s prototype for today's modern woman. She wasn't butch, like Stockard Channing in the movie, but more high style, which didn't quite fit. But when she was singing and dancing, the stage was hers alone.<br /><br />Emily Padgett was appropriately sweet as Sandy, creating a character certainly deserving of the dismissive comparison, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."<br /><br />Eric Schneider was less successful playing Danny. He seemed too soft, but his singing and dancing were strong.<br /><br />All of this combined to make my favorite number, the show-closing reprise of "We Go Together," a truly grand finale.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFVZVFFpFzIodZfka``x1235760503``x(default)``xTucson Citizen (<a href="http://www.tucsoncitizen.com">http://www.tucsoncitizen.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Grease invasion at the TCC``xalan``x<i>By: Brandon Specktor</i> - <a href="http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu" onclick="window.open('http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu');return false">Arizona Daily Wildcat</a><br /><br />There was a time when leather jackets and pink poodle skirts roamed the earth; a time when it was totally cool for dudes to obsessively groom their hair and sing about their feelings before engaging in death races at the gorge; a time when "grease" was more than just another topping on your Big Mac... it was the word.<br /><br />Fifty years later, "Grease" is still the word - at least until March 1 at the Tucson Music Hall. The newest installment of the Broadway in Tucson series brings everyone's favorite epic of '50s high school drama to the Tucson Convention Center stage, where fans of the old-school John Travolta flick will find some new surprises - the least of which being the presence of American Idol winner Taylor Hicks (because when I think 1959, I think Taylor Hicks).<br /><br />The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies are aptly represented by a charming ensemble cast, headed by Eric Schneider as Danny Zuko and Emily Padgett as Sandy Dumbrowski. The sappy romance between the two young lovers guides the performance, but, unlike the star-studded 1978 film, Danny and Sandy's comic cohorts are given just as much stage time as the leading characters. This emphasis on secondary characters is a nice refresher - especially given Schneider's somewhat underwhelming performance as a tough guy - and in fact provides some of the most impressive, entertaining song-and-dance numbers in the show. For example, the off-color love ballad called "Mooning" - you can guess what it's about - provides some welcome comic relief from all the romance, and showcases the beautiful voices of the oft-overlooked Will Blum and Bridie Carroll (playing Roger and Jan, respectively).<br /><br />The "Greased Lightnin'" number proved to be a huge crowd pleaser as the show's male ensemble exploited their dancing chops and kicked around on the hood of a show-stopping, candy-apple red convertible. The biggest hit of the show, though, was easily Hicks' smarmy performance of "Beauty School Drop Out," a corny, hilarious number studded with sequins and skin-tight pants that was milked for absolutely all it could muster, including a brief harmonica solo and actress Kate Morgan Chadwick's unexpected confession, "I voted for you."<br /><br />Overall, Broadway in Tucson's "Grease" was just another telling of the same old story, as corny and adorable as it was entertaining. Once you get past the striking, whining voices of many of the supporting females, and the reality that Hicks gets to steal the show whether he deserves to or not, "Grease" will be the word on your lips for hours.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFVVlkAyZtMFipaVO``x1235590167``x(default)``xArizona Daily Wildcat (<a href="http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu">http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu</a>)``x53071149601226``x
STG Presents Taylor Hicks 5/27 At The Triple Door``xalan``x<i>by BWW News Desk</i> - <a href="http://broadwayworld.com" onclick="window.open('http://broadwayworld.com');return false">Broadway World</a><br /><br />Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents Taylor Hicks on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 8:00pm at the Triple Door.<br /><br />With his raspy, soulful voice and salt-and-pepper hair, Taylor Hicks was one of the unlikeliest contestants to make it to the final round of American Idol, but his quirky charm and rousing delivery of songs like "Takin' It to the Streets" won Hicks a devoted legion of fans called the Soul Patrol and the title of the fifth-season American Idol.<br /><br />Born in Birmingham, AL, and raised in Hoover, Hicks grew up listening to classic soul artists such as Otis Redding and Sam Cooke - which he said he could to relate to even as a child due to the divorce of his parents and other troubles - and singer/songwriters like Van Morrison, Bob Seger, and Billy Joel. His chief influence, however, was Ray Charles, whom he admired so much that he carried a little statue of Charles with him whenever he performed.<br /><br />Though Hicks had no formal musical training, he picked up singing, guitar, and harmonica on his own. He began performing for his family at an early age and won a talent contest at his high school (at which time his hair started turning gray). While studying business, communication, and marketing at Auburn University, Hicks formed the Passing Through band, and left school early to try his luck in Nashville.<br /><br />As a touring performer, he opened for artists ranging from James Brown to Drive-By Truckers and also performed at the Playboy Mansion. Hicks released two albums with his band: In Your Time, a live album, and Under the Radar. In 2005, he auditioned for American Idol; the Memphis tryouts were so crowded that Hicks couldn't get in, so he went to the Las Vegas auditions. Despite the doubts of judge Simon Cowell, Hicks' differences from the typical pop star look and sound worked for him rather than against him in the competition, and his performances of "Levon," "Living for the City," and "Dancing in the Dark" helped put him over the top.<br /><br />After winning American Idol, Hicks signed a record deal with Clive Davis and 19 Recordings Unlimited, and released the single "Do I Make You Proud" that summer. Hicks also performed with the American Idol tour and began work on his major-label debut album. His self-titled debut arrived in late 2006. Live at the Workplay Theatre, a concert album recorded in summer 2006, was released in 2007.<br /><br />Tickets: $25.00 not including applicable fees. Tickets are on sale Friday, February 27 at 10am at the Triple Door box office, online at <a href="http://www.thetripledoor.net" onclick="window.open('http://www.thetripledoor.net');return false">www.thetripledoor.net</a>, or by calling 206-838-4333. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.stgpresents.org" onclick="window.open('http://www.stgpresents.org');return false">www.stgpresents.org</a>.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32953.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32953.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVuAApyleoTgNoid``x1235506268``x(default)``xBroadway World (<a href="http://broadwayworld.com">http://broadwayworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Idol' format changes have made show dull``xalan``x<i>By Craig Berman</i> - <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.msnbc.msn.com');return false">msnbc</a><br /><br />When "American Idol" tweaked its semifinal format for this season, one of the goals was to add an element of drama to what has historically been a dull affair.<br /><br />In recent years, the semifinals were a three-week event in which 24 contestants competed to reach the final 12 and only four were kicked off each week. It was more important for singers to avoid awful performances than it was to stand out.<br /><br />Anyone with a good backstory and a decent voice was a sure bet to make it out of the first week or two, and if there was a controversy in the first week, so what? The tenth-best guy might get sent home instead of the eleventh-best. Big deal. Whoever barely survived the first week's cut would likely be gone soon after anyway.<br /><br />That intensity was supposed to increase in season eight. With 12 contestants chasing just three finalist slots each week, the math doesn't work in the singers' favor. According to the script, this should result in more singers taking chances and doing whatever it takes to get the attention of the viewers.<br /><br />However, last week did not have the promised surprise and drama. Tuesday's performances were bland, and Wednesday's results were predictable. What was supposed to be new and exciting was anything but.<br /><br /><b>Same old problems</b><br />The first semifinal week featured the usual tripwires that cause contestants to stumble. Most, including Anoop Desai and Stephen Fowler, picked songs that held personal significance, but didn't engage the audience or please the judges. The only two who avoided the traps, Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace, had already been anointed among the judges' favorites.<br /><br />Since the voters played it as safe as the contestants, the advancing singers were easy to predict. Once Gokey and Grace advanced, everyone else was in a big pool ranging from OK to mediocre, so the viewers went for the best story, choosing oil roughneck Michael Sarver.<br /><br />Vocally speaking, there's no room for outrage with any of the choices. Quibble over whether Desai or Ricky Braddy should have gotten that third spot, but neither was spectacular enough to have reason for complaint.  If the rest of the season goes this smoothly, it'll be a very dull year for voteforetheworst.com.<br /><br />But if that happens, it also will be a very bland season.<br /><br /><b>Audience needs someone to boo</b><br />Part of the appeal of "Idol" is that people can root against some contestants even as they cheer for others. Sanjaya Malakar and Scott Savol filled that role in previous years, and Kristy Lee Cook in season seven. They added an element of drama each week, because even as people were cheering for their favorites to advance, they were also rooting for their least favorites to go home.<br /><br />That would have been the natural role for Tatiana Del Toro a year ago. Her drama-infused personality throughout the auditions turned off enough voters that even a relatively good performance on Tuesday couldn't save her, but she was the second-best of the six women who sang. This year, there was no reward for that.<br /><br />Del Toro wouldn't have been a serious candidate to win, since with the season barely six weeks old, she had already managed to earn scorn for her whiny, sobbing antics. But the show needs some drama beyond the weekly question of how Ryan Seacrest can fill an hour-long results show with three minutes of news, and Del Toro definitely had that to spare. Making space for people like her, is going to be important when filling the last nine finalist slots.<br /><br />Having a bunch of clean-cut candidates vying for the title is great for the show's image, but unless there's a little edge, it becomes tiring. In addition to people to love, "Idol" needs people the viewers love to hate. Otherwise the only people to dislike are the judges, and after eight seasons it's hard to muster up much outrage over whatever Simon says to the women sitting next to him.<br /><br />It's always been helpful to have an engaging story, but this year the odds are even more against the singers who haven't been the darlings of the TV cameras thus far.<br /><br />Sarver did not become one of the first three singers to make the finals because he had a great performance. There wasn't much separating him from Desai, or Braddy, or Brent Keith.  But Sarver's story is much better known - 27 years old, working on an oil rig, probably his one big chance at stardom.<br /><br />Odds are that this backstory gave him the edge over Desai in their race to advance. Desai's fanbase wasn't much smaller than Sarver's, however, and Ryan Seacrest described the margin of separation between them as 20,000 votes. That, combined with the popular "Anoop Dog" nickname that Randy hung on Desai early (per Desai's own request), makes Desai a strong candidate to sneak in via the wild-card round.<br /><br />Meanwhile, what must Brent Keith be thinking? At 28, he's running out of chances, and has to wonder what would have happened if he'd received the attention that Sarver got. If his "Nashville Star" past was considered as interesting as Sarver's oil rig job, he might have been allowed to sit on the stools of safety instead of the benches of disappointment on Wednesday.<br /><br />Ricky Braddy has even more of a complaint. The judges all thought he sang well, complaining that he looked like he lacked confidence. If the "Braddy Bunch" had gotten the same attention that "Anoop Dog" did, maybe he'd have been the one standing on stage within 20,000 votes of advancing.<br /><br />Some of them might get second chances in the upcoming wild-card round. If that happens, hopefully they'll have learned their lesson and been a little more daring if that's what it takes to get viewer attention. And "Idol" is hoping that the 12 singers set to show off their pipes this week bring a little more to the table than their counterparts did a week ago.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32934.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32934.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVkFVkZZLrQBjkzu``x1235242477``x(default)``xmsnbc (<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">http://www.msnbc.msn.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol's Clay Aiken Dropped!``xalan``x<i>by Christine Navratil</i> - <a href="http://www.realitytvmagazine.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.realitytvmagazine.com');return false">Reality TV Magazine</a><br /><br />No, not his baby.  Clay Aiken has a good hold on him these days...but his record label dropped him this week.  Are you shocked?  Well if you have been keeping up with the RCA label and their feelings towards American Idol contestants you wouldn't be.  Clay Aiken is not the first.<br /><br />In recent months over at RCA there has been a whirlwind of American Idol  talent that have been dropped.  Some of the names, like Clay Aiken are surprising.  Others include Blake Lewis, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard.  Some now speculate that Clay being dropped this week is just part of RCA cleaning house, while others wonder if it is something more.<br /><br />The last year has brought a lot of controversy around Clay Aiken from his sexuality to the fact that he chose to have a child with a friend out of wedlock.  Could that be the real reason?  Could RCA really be that closed minded?  We hope not. <br /><br />We just aren't sure though what RCA has against American Idol all of a sudden.  Why start giving all of their American Idol recording artists the boot?  One thing is for sure - Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey better think twice before signing a contract with the record label.  Their careers will likely be over before they get started.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32933.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32933.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVkFuZpAAZNESEgR``x1235241909``x(default)``xReality TV Magazine (<a href="http://www.realitytvmagazine.com">http://www.realitytvmagazine.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks reups with 'Grease'``xalan``x<b>Singer plays the role of Teen Angel</b> - <a href="http://www.variety.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.variety.com');return false">Variety</a><br /><br />"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks has re-upped his contract with the national tour of "Grease," with the performer now appearing on the road with the show through the 2009-10 season.<br /><br />Hicks, who plays the cameo role of Teen Angel in the tuner, has played in the tour since it went out in December. He also had a stint in the Broadway incarnation, which shuttered in January.<br /><br />"Grease" will make stops this spring in San Diego, L.A., San Francisco and Portland, among other cities.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32922.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32922.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVEuVEFVxlwrfOEL``x1235152335``x(default)``xVariety (<a href="http://www.variety.com">http://www.variety.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Michael Johns and Carly Smithson Return to the Idoldome``xalan``x<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://latimesblogs.latimes.com');return false">Los Angeles Times</a><br /><br />On Wednesday night's elimination show, Season 8 contestants got their first glimpse of the glory that awaits those who make it through these brutal semifinal rounds as they were visited by the two greatest performers in "American Idol" history, Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. One year after they sat among the 24 nervously awaiting their fate, wondering whether ignominy or stardom awaited each night, Michael and Carly returned for the first time to the room where their careers as we know them were born -- utterly transformed in that brief whirlwind year since.<br /><br />We spoke by phone with the pair minutes after they stepped off the Idoldome stage.<br /><br />Q: How are you doing?<br />MJ: It was definitely strange being back there but a good strange. It's always good singing me and Carly, so it was great.<br /><br />Q: Tell me about your day, returning to the Idoldome.<br />MJ: We got there about 12:30 for dress rehearsals.  It was just weird being back there and going, wow, that was a year ago and the way that everyone treats you now, from [producers] Ken [Warwick] to Nigel Lythgoe.  Now you're a peer almost. It was very cool.<br /><br />Q: Is it hard to picture that just a year ago you were one of the 24?<br />MJ:  No, it feels so distant now. I mean, tonight was a blood bath for those kids. I just felt for them.  You go home and go, phew.<br /><br />Q: Did you talk to the kids at all?<br />MJ: I did, I spoke to some of them. I really like the blond girl with the pink hair, Alexis. I think she's great. But they were so nervous, mate. It's not like two people were going home. It was nine out of 12 kids. That's pretty tough, so we didn't really talk to them much. We kind of let them be.<br /><br />Q: What's it like coming back to the stage and seeing the crew again?<br />MJ: I really love that. I mean, [stage manager] Debbie Williams and even the people who stand in for Simon and Paula. You went through it and they are so happy to see you, asking what was going on.<br /><br />Q: So tell us what you have going on?  Your album --<br />MJ: It's coming out. It's a real rock/soul record.  The name of the single is "Heart on My Sleeve"; that's coming out in a couple weeks. Everything is going according to plan. I can't complain. I really got everything I wanted out of "Idol." I'm really happy.<br /><br />Q: The world is demanding you and Carly do a single together.  When will it happen?<br />MJ: It does have to happen.  We have a couple songs that we went in and worked on with Diane Warren. Then our schedules got so crazy we haven't been able to go in and do it.  That song that I cut with Brooke [White], literally I did the week after I got off tour. But after that, we've all been just slammed. <br /><br />Q: Has it been nonstop since the tour?<br />MJ: It literally truly has. I'm getting on a plane now. I've been on a plane every week since the tour stopped.<br /><br />Q: How was the Disney World trip?<br />MJ: I was talking to Simon Fuller about that tonight. It was so special. I don't know any other words to describe it. I've never met Kelly Clarkson before. I've never met Taylor Hicks.  And we all just hung out and danced the night away. We did the Disney thing and then there was a private party Simon Fuller threw at a nightclub. It was great, one of those special evenings.<br /><br />Q: Congratulations on a great performance.<br />CS: Did you see me almost go face down at the end?  My shoe was a little slippery on the bottom.  But everything went great. <br /><br />Q: Are you guys going to put out a single together?<br />CS: I know, everybody calls us Sonny and Cher.  We're the little duet band.<br /><br />Q: You sing so well together.<br />CS: Everybody kept asking us to do it and we said, cool, because we were friends and it's really cool.<br /><br />Q: Tell me about your day returning to the Idoldome.<br />CS: I came in from Nashville tonight because I've been writing there with Andrew Dorff and Chris Tomkinson, who wrote "Before She Cheats" among other numbers, and Andrew Dorff is an awesome songwriter. I was supposed to go to New York today for Fashion Week to the Zac Posen show; my favorite designer is Zac Posen. But it was just really amazing to be asked to come back. That's huge; that's the first live show. I'm really shocked that they asked us. We just got the phone call the other day. We said, what? That's amazing.<br /><br />Q: How did it feel to be back there with this year's kids?<br />CS: I didn't get to see them that much. I got to see them in the makeup room and they all came over and said hi.  But they were very quiet today. Nine were about to go home. The room was very mellow.  Myself and Michael kept saying, this is way different than what it was last year. Even on elimination days, we were still nuts.<br /><br />Q: What was it like on elimination day in the beginning rounds last year?<br />CS: Well, we didn't really know what to expect. And as well, they did the boys first, so I got to watch them, so it wasn't a huge shock to me.  But they cut Colton Berry [Season 7 contestant] so fast we didn't even know what was going on. Ryan literally straight away said, "OK, start the show. Colton Berry, you're going home." And we were all saying, Oh my God, it's that quick!  We were all freaking out.  It was really, really bizarre. So I understand. I feel what they're feeling.<br /><br />Q: But how is it being there as a special guest now?<br />CS: Isn't that so weird? I love it. It's definitely like a really bizarre feeling.  You know, I'm moving ahead with my record. I love my music. Everybody says, you look so different. It's just great to be able to take that step up and be part of the show in that way. But I still felt like I was about to sing for my survival.<br /><br />Q: Can you give us an update on what's happening with the songwriting?<br />CS: I just went to Nashville. I'm doing two songs tomorrow in New York with a lady called Stacy Wilde. I am getting there. I'm very very happy. The record is forming and sounding amazing. I'm almost at the finish line.<br /><br />Q: Did you talk to Simon tonight?<br />CS: I did an interview with USA Today and I said, if Simon doesn't like my music, I don't care. And that's a great gift to have. Because I'm so much more comfortable with myself. I said to Simon tonight, I didn't enjoy the critique last year. I got a heavy critique last year; I got torn apart.  But I learned from it and grew from it. It's like now I feel like I have the greatest gift. If you tell me I look like ---- I don't care. If you tell me I sound like ---- I don't care.  As long as I feel like I'm doing good and the band feels like I'm doing good. All the other negativity just makes me stronger. And I explained that to Simon and said, do you get what I'm saying?  And he said, "Maybe. In a way."  He was laughing with me. He's a very cool guy.<br /><br />Q: Have you been watching this season?<br />CS: A little bit. I try and watch as much as I can. I watched on the flight last night; they had Direct TV. It was actually kinda cool. The lady next to me kept taking her headphones off and saying, "Now what did you think of that?" <br /><br />Q: Do you have a favorite?<br />CS: I really like Anoop Dog. I also really like Danny. He was really great. He said hello and that he was a fan, and I told him I was a fan of his too. And I really liked Anoop Dog. He was so cool. I thought he was adorable. Tatiana told me she had a dream about me.<br /><br />Q: Did she say what happened?<br />CS: I don't know. She was everything she was on TV. And more. But I love this whole thing she's got going on. She's got this huge personality and I like it. She was lovely. Super-lovely.<br /><br />Q: So you're off to New York now?<br />CS: New York, and then to Nashville.<br /><br />Q: Such a jet-setter!<br />CS: It's this new amazing life I have and I love it. I come home between trips to see [husband] Todd and then I fly back out. I try to make as much time for him as possible. That is so important in the mix.<br />But it was a weird experience tonight, but a great experience, because I haven't seen all those people who work on the show in so long, so it was really nice to be able to hang out with them and say hello and just go into it in a different mind-set. <br /><br />Q: How did you feel a year ago when you were there?<br />CS: I think very stiff. I would tense up and feel this lack of self-confidence. But that's all gone now. That's out the window. I am so much happier and more comfortable in myself.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32918.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32918.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpyFFkVCpKTPBsL``x1235070525``x(default)``xLos Angeles Times (<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com">http://latimesblogs.latimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Idol' McPhee to guest star on 'CSI'``xalan``x<i>By Lara Martin</i> - <a href="http://www.digitalspy.co.uk" onclick="window.open('http://www.digitalspy.co.uk');return false">Digital Spy</a><br /><br />Former American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee will reportedly make a guest appearance in CSI: NY.<br /><br />According to Entertainment Weekly, McPhee will play a singer in a forthcoming episode of the CBS show to be aired in April.<br /><br />McPhee appeared on the fifth season of Idol, finishing in second place behind Taylor Hicks.<br /><br />Her previous screen credits include Anna Faris comedy The House Bunny and a cameo appearance in Ugly Betty. She will next be seen in rom-com Wedlocked opposite Brothers &amp; Sisters star Dave Annable.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32917.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32917.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpykuVyfdZTSpxN``x1235069656``x(default)``xDigital Spy (<a href="http://www.digitalspy.co.uk">http://www.digitalspy.co.uk</a>)``x53071149601226``x
GREASE Starring Taylor Hicks Comes to Detroit's Fisher Theatre June 9 - 28``xalan``x<a href="http://broadwayworld.com" onclick="window.open('http://broadwayworld.com');return false">Broadway World</a><br /><br />The Fisher Theatre announced today that "American Idol" winner, Taylor Hicks will appear in the first national touring production of the Tony Award nominated Broadway musical GREASE when it comes to Detroit for a limited engagement June 9 - 28, 2009. Tickets will go on sale April 5.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks achieved widespread fame in 2006 as a contestant on the hugely successful FOX singing competition "American Idol." On May 24, 2006, Hicks was named the winner of the fifth season of "Idol" with over 63.4 million votes in total, during the live finale which aired to a worldwide audience of over 200 million viewers.<br /><br />On March 10, 2009, Taylor Hicks will release his much anticipated new studio album The Distance. Produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), the album will be released on Hicks' Modern Whomp Records label. The first single "What's Right is Right" debuted on January 27, 2009 and is now available on iTunes and Amazon.com.<br /><br />Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor Hicks' passion for music began at an early age. He toured the Southeastern Unites States during his teenage years and released two independent albums. Known for his energetic performances with influences derived from classic soul, blues and R&amp;B music, he quickly grew a large fan base among the millions of viewers and voters who tuned in to "Idol" each week. His fans ultimately dubbed themselves the "Soul Patrol." Immediately following "Idol," Hicks signed a recording contract with 19 Records Limited / Arista Records. His debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was subsequently certified Gold. His eponymous debut album, Taylor Hicks was released on December 12, 2006 and debuted in the #2 spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was later certified as a Platinum Album. Since becoming Season 5 winner of "American Idol," Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled debut album certified platinum, performed with Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, and penned the Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul.<br /><br />This new production of GREASE, which opened on Broadway on Sunday, August 19, 2007, was born out of NBC's landmark talent competition TV series, "Grease: You're The One That I Want." The weekly talent competition drew 90 million viewers, and America voted for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASE features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Additional songs from the film are by Barry Gibb, John Farrar, Louis St. Louis and Scott Simon.<br /><br />After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady. The new production of GREASE features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production including "Sandy," the Academy Award nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want" - both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together."<br /><br />GREASE features scenic design by Tony Award nominee Derek McLane (The Pajama Game), costume design by two-time Tony Award winner Martin Pakledinaz (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kiss Me Kate), lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Wicked) and sound design by Brian Ronan (Spring Awakening, Curtains).<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32916.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32916.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpyEVVpkJigwPBB``x1235068750``x(default)``xBroadway World (<a href="http://broadwayworld.com">http://broadwayworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
GREASE Star Taylor Hicks to Appear on Regis &amp; Kelly Feb. 19 &amp; 20``xalan``x<a href="http://broadwayworld.com" onclick="window.open('http://broadwayworld.com');return false">Broadway World</a><br /><br />Taylor Hicks, star of the Broadway national tour of GREASETM, will appear on "Live with Regis and Kelly" on Thursday, February 19 and Friday, February 20, 2009. The platinum selling singer and "American Idol" winner will appear as part of Regis and Kelly's "Dating with the Stars" segment. "Live" airs in NYC at 9:00 a.m. on WABC Channel 7.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks will appear on the national morning program again on Monday, March 2, 2009 to perform his newly released single, "What's Right is Right" currently available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.com.<br /><br />Having made his Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in GREASETM this past summer, Taylor Hicks currently stars in the national touring production of the hit Broadway show.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks achieved widespread fame in 2006 as a contestant on the hugely successful FOX singing competition "American Idol." On May 24, 2006, Hicks was named the winner of the fifth season of "Idol" with over 63.4 million votes in total, during the live finale which aired to a worldwide audience of over 200 million viewers.<br /><br />On March 10, 2009, Taylor Hicks will release his much anticipated new studio album The Distance. Produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), the album will be released on Hicks' Modern Whomp Records label.<br /><br />This new production of GREASETM, which opened on Broadway on Sunday, August 19, 2007, was born out of NBC's landmark talent competition TV series, "Grease: You're The One That I Want." The weekly talent competition drew 90 million viewers, and America voted for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASETM features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Additional songs from the film are by Barry Gibb, John Farrar, Louis St. Louis and Scott Simon.<br /><br />After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady. The new production of GREASETM features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production including "Sandy," the Academy Award nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want" - both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32889.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32889.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpyppyZhjUyiXMK``x1235067267``x(default)``xBroadway World (<a href="http://broadwayworld.com">http://broadwayworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks Talks About His New Album The Distance, And His Songwriting``xalan``x<i>By Jason Blasco</i> - <a href="http://www.songwriteruniverse.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.songwriteruniverse.com');return false">Songwriters Universe Magazine</a><br /><br />Taylor Hicks quickly discovered the instant fame that comes from being named the 2006 American Idol winner. Hicks has refused to buckle under the blazing spotlight of the entertainment industry, and has thrived on eclipsing expectations since his national television debut when Simon Cowell vehemently stated, "The American Idol audience would not put him in the final group, and he should be singing as a background singer."<br /><br />Hicks proved Cowell wrong by becoming American Idol's Cinderella story and champion. Hicks rode the wave of success with his 2006 debut album, Taylor Hicks, that was certified platinum less than a month after it's December release. But despite the early success of his debut album, he was dropped by both Arista Records and J Records in early 2008 after disappointing overall sales.<br /><br />Like he has throughout his entire career, Hicks took being the lowest-selling artist in American Idol history in stride, and continued to move forward with his next project. Hick's new album, The Distance, which will be released in March and contains the single "What's Right is Right," encompasses Hicks' love for blues, pop, R&amp;B and country. The album also features more of Hicks' own compositions than on his previous album. Hicks is releasing The Distance on his own Modern Whomp Records label, which is distributed via a partnership with independent artist services company, Artist To Market. Hicks has also secured a deal with Vanguard/Welk Records to release some of his pre-American Idol material.<br /><br />"Well, for me, I wanted to first of all understand the record, and what the model for owning and operating my own label was going to be," Hicks said. "I felt like owning my own label would be the best way to go, because the distribution and the music has changed significantly. I felt like it was in my best interest to own a label because it's a hybrid, up-to-the-minute record deal, if you will, and I felt like distribution was the way to go as opposed to the actual classic music business models."<br /><br />For Hicks, releasing The Distance under his own label changed the dynamics, and it allowed him the flexibility of more creative expression as a songwriter than he had with Arista Records.<br /><br />"Well, with the first record, I was unable to have the time and creative freedom to collaborate with who I wanted to write with," Hicks said. "I think that is one dynamic that really sticks on this record. I wanted to showcase the songwriting side of me that I did on my first two records, prior to Idol. I think having the time, being able to pick the writers that I wanted to write with, and thinking about what I created is more apparent on this record."<br /><br />Hicks said the difference between The Distance and his previous album Taylor Hicks, is that he took a much larger role in the songwriting. "When I wrote this record, I really tried to put myself outside of the box and look into the project as a music fan. I tried to use that perspective as a measuring stick for my music," Hicks said. "Because I am a fan of music and have a love for music, I always want to make something that I would like from a live perspective that is rich and organic. I have a great appreciation for a great sounding record that translates into a good live performance."<br /><br />Hicks, whose album was produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), said he tried to showcase his vocal ability by making that a focal point on his record.<br /><br />"I think a common theme on a lot of records that you hear today is that all the tracks sound like the first song that you hear on the CD, and the voice of the artist is really kind of secondary in the majority of records," Hicks said. "I think on this particular record, my voice is a common thread, and my love for different styles of music is really apparent. I think that's why Climie was such a wonderful producer to work with. He was able to facilitate the music on the record and mold it into the shape of my vision. Working with him was very beneficial to this project."<br /><br />Hicks recently gained a new perspective by playing the role of Teen Angel and singing "Beauty School Drop-Out" in the Broadway production of Grease. "I think there are some similarities when you are performing on a stage with musicians," he said. What's really cool is the production, and some of provisional, creative moments can be really similar. I think what is different is the story line, as opposed to a long period of time and a set list of songs. The story line is extended from what a regular song would be. It was a wonderful experience. It allowed me to keep learning about being a recording artist, and also about being a performer and having to entertain different crowds. I am very grateful for any experience beyond the fifteen years I've worked in clubs and have tried to season myself as a performer for my career."<br /><br />Hicks continues to endure the rigors of the entertainment industry, and has proved industry doubters wrong by simply doing what Hicks has always done. He continues to find a way to make and play music.<br /><br />"I guess I am really blessed to be able to do what I do. We, as artists, are blessed to be as creative and able to express ourselves," Hicks said. "I think this new record, The Distance, is reflective of the journey, and the love of being creative and being able to entertain people for a living."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32914.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32914.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpVyEpukuYBqdgB``x1235063304``x(default)``xSongwriter Universe Magazine (<a href="http://www.songwriteruniverse.com">http://www.songwriteruniverse.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks is coming to town as Teen Angel in 'Grease'``xalan``x<i>By Gerald M. Gay</i> - <a href="http://www.azstarnet.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.azstarnet.com');return false">The Arizona Daily Star</a><br /><br />Tucson Soul Patrol, your time has come.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks, the silver-haired champion on season five of "American Idol," is taking it to the Tucson Music Hall as part of a national touring production of the classic musical "Grease."<br /><br />Hicks' role is a modest one. He plays Teen Angel, the heavenly crooner who serenades Frenchy with an amped-up version of "Beauty School Dropout."<br /><br />But his mere presence in the revival has meant big bucks for "Grease" producers.<br /><br />According to the New York Post, Hicks brought in an estimated $150,000 extra in ticket sales per week to the show's Broadway run.<br /><br />"The opening night audience greeted Hicks' second-act cameo with bigger applause than anything the show had gotten to that point," said a Cincinnati Enquirer review of a recent Ohio performance. "Hicks vamped through his scene and showed off the voice that won the votes of millions."<br /><br />Coincidentally, this particular revival of "Grease" was a direct result of the NBC reality series "Grease: You're the One That I Want."<br /><br />The production begins Feb. 24. You can read more about it in Friday's Arts section.<br /><br />We spoke by phone to Hicks about his time as Teen Angel and his new album, "The Distance," due in stores on March 10 on his own Modern Whomp Records.<br /><br />How is "Grease" going?<br /><br />"I'm having a ball. That role is a perfect fit. It has allowed me to get my feet wet in the acting field and to understand what musical theater is. It has also allowed me to be a musician as well. It is a great combination for me as an artist and an entertainer."<br /><br />Were you nervous taking on acting?<br /><br />"I was a little nervous. It was definitely a step in a different direction. But after careful thought about the role and trying to 'Taylorize' it so to speak, it has worked out well. After so many months doing this, the Teen Angel and I are one."<br /><br />Is it hard to balance "Grease" with promoting the new album?<br /><br />"It takes a lot of careful planning and careful thought. This is a great way to get a brand new record out there. It allows an audience to see me in a particular role and then turn right around and see me as a musician. There aren't many artists who get to do that night after night."<br /><br />What do you think will stand out on "The Distance" for listeners?<br /><br />"I think there are some really great songs on the record. I really had time to go and experience different places and different writers to pick what I wanted to do. The songs have to be really great, whether you write them or not. For me, to be able to express my songwriting abilities working with these different writers was a win-win situation. I got to sink my teeth into this record and I really believe in it."<br /><br />Can we expect to see you on more shows or in theatrical productions in the future?<br /><br />"I'm sure there is a role out there somewhere. I've been offered roles previously, but I think this was a good start for me."<br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32897.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFVpVuyupvHfdMWze``x1235061840``x(default)``xThe Arizona Daily Star (<a href="http://www.azstarnet.com">http://www.azstarnet.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
All 7 'Idol' Winners Gather To Open Disney Attraction``xalan``x<i>By Walt Belcher at Tampa Bay Online</i> - <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.msnbc.msn.com');return false">msnbc</a><br /><br />LAKE BUENA VISTA - For the first time, all seven "American Idol" champs were together on one stage Thursday night for the kickoff of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.<br /><br />"This is like a high school reunion for Idols," said David Cook, who teamed up with Carrie Underwood for a duet at a private premiere party attended by media and invited guests.<br /><br />Also taking the stage in the 1,000-seat Idol Experience Theater were Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and the first Idol, Kelly Clarkson.<br /><br />They were all given silver commemorative trophies modeled after microphones.<br /><br />"This is a lot of fun for us to be together at one time," Underwood said.<br /><br />"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and judge Paula Abdul joined in a demonstration of the attraction: a live musical competition based on the hit Fox television show. Missing were judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell.<br /><br />Abdul, wearing a turquoise and red miniskirt, noted Cowell's absence with, "This stage is like the real thing, but it feels warmer - friendly - and really 'American.' "<br /><br />The American Idol Experience involves amateur singers performing before three "judges" (actors who are mock versions of the "Idol" judges) and a "host" who resembles Seacreast. But the audience decides who gets a "golden ticket" that grants "head of the line" access to audition for the real TV show.<br /><br />During the opening presentation, the media saw something theme park guests won't see: Cook, the reigning Idol, sang "Light On" and Carrie Underwood, the fourth Idol, sang "All-American Girl."<br /><br />The two hooked up for a duet of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."<br /><br />Also in the audience were "Idol" runners-up, including Sanjaya Malakar, David Archuleta, Ace Young, Jason Castro, Mandisa, LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Carly Smithson, and Michael Johns.<br /><br />Comic Steve Harvey was there as a special guest of Disney. Harvey, spokesman for Walt Disney's teen-motivational "Dreamers" Academy, brought 100 deserving teens to the grand opening.<br /><br />The "Idol" winners and Seacrest were in a motorcade parade leading up to the theater, where a blue carpet awaited (to match "American Idol's" branding color scheme). Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy were there, too.<br /><br />The attraction, featuring four shows daily, officially opens Saturday.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32886.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32886.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFuVuZEEkmLqRfxtm``x1234554312``x(default)``xmsnbc (<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">http://www.msnbc.msn.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol's' Tatiana del Toro: Worst reality-show contestant ever?``xalan``x<i>Idol Tracker</i> - <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://latimesblogs.latimes.com');return false">Los Angeles Times</a><br /><br />Watching Tatiana del Toro on "American Idol" is like meeting someone at a party who for a fleeting moment or two seems likable and charming but long before the end of the evening has turned into an inescapable nightmare, like the monster in a sci-fi movie. She is relentless and disloyal and endlessly destructive in the service of her only cause, which happens to be -- surprise! -- herself. She is the ex-girlfriend who won't be ignored, the sorority sister bent on destroying the sorority because, well, because she can.<br /><br />To those who haven't been following the show -- maybe there are a few of you? -- a bit of background: <br /><br />Tatiana, a 23-year-old Puerto Rican native with head-turning good looks and a stomach-turning, whinnying laugh, showed up for the San Francisco auditions in a form-fitting mermaid dress. "I desire to be the American Idol probably more than anyone has ever wanted anything," she said solemnly during her solo interview. "I promise you that I can be the greatest artist that you have ever seen." (Greater than Taylor Hicks? We don't believe it.) She handed the judges a special "gift," a press kit that included a CD, a DVD and a photo of herself posing in a bustier, which the incorrigibly hound-like Simon Cowell held up and called "quite naughty." "Thank you!" Tatiana gushed, evidently not realizing that after a compliment of that sort, child-like gratitude was totally the wrong note to play. (See West, Mae.) <br /><br />Tatiana sang a passable if not memorable cover of the Aretha Franklin number "Never Loved a Man," which failed to blow away the judges. "I think you would do a lot of things very well, but not singing," Simon said naughtily, before casting his "no" vote. But then Paula Abdul -- oh, a curse upon the woman who unleashed "Straight Up" on an unsuspecting world! -- jumped in, reasoning that Tatiana was what they needed to "color up" the competition. <br /><br />And that she has done, in her own demented way. During this week's Hollywood rounds, with the roughly 100 remaining contestants dividing up into groups, Tatiana was a one-woman train wreck, undermining not just her own group but another one that she happened to glom onto after a transitory fit of paranoia. She threw tantrums and sobbed like a newborn, the next minute airily dismissing people she considered her inferiors. Then, after she and her teammates somehow survived the round, she transported herself into a backwoods revival-style frenzy of praise. "Thank you Jesus!" she shouted. Then, bizarrely: "You all make this a part of me! You are all a part of me!" <br /><br />Rumor has it that Tatiana is, amazingly, one of the final 36 contestants. And given the amount of screen time lavished on her Wednesday night, one could make the case that she is being set up by the producers as this season's anti-hero. For a show that tends to cultivate a wholesome glow around all the contestants, that would be quite a shift. "Idol" has had many crazy and/or irritating contestants before, but they have tended to get zapped long before this point in the competition. It's almost as if the "Idol" team were angling for its own Richard Hatch or Omarosa to spice up this year's outing.<br /><br />If that is indeed the plan, it has several holes. Where, say, Hatch's casual nudity on the first "Survivor" all fit into his cunning, Machiavellian game plan, Tatiana just comes off as a hard-to-watch, completely-over-the-top mess. She's not the kind of person who seduces; she's an anti-seducer, someone who sends people scurrying away as quickly as their legs can carry them. To see her on TV is to battle a strong urge to shut off the set. Which is, it is fair to say, not usually a television producer's goal. <br /><br />And that leads to the biggest problem. Tatiana's drama-queen antics may be keeping her alive now, but she's not likely to survive long once the phone lines open for ordinary voters like you and me. So spending all this time on her now just seems like a pointless distraction that adds nothing to the suspense that's supposed to be at the heart of America's No. 1 show. Hence we wonder: Is Tatiana the worst reality contestant ever?<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32861.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32861.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFFAFZFAETNNjiESw``x1233944591``x(default)``xLos Angeles Times (<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com">http://latimesblogs.latimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
GREASE Starring Taylor Hicks to Play Pantages Theatre``xalan``x<i>Entertainment Desk</i> - <a href="http://www.losangeleschronicle.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.losangeleschronicle.com');return false">Los Angeles Chronicle</a><br /><br />The producers of the Tony Award nominated new Broadway production of GREASE are proud to announce that "American Idol" Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, will star in the first national tour of the show, which will be arriving in Los Angeles for a limited two-week engagement at the Pantages Theatre from March 10-22, 2009. Taylor Hicks made his debut on Broadway in the role of "Teen Angel" in GREASE this past summer. <br /><br />Taylor Hicks achieved widespread fame in 2006 as a contestant on the hugely successful FOX singing competition "American Idol." On May 24, 2006, Hicks was named the winner of the fifth season of "Idol" with over 63.4 million votes in total. Winning the title over Katharine McPhee, the announcement was made during the live finale episode which aired to a worldwide audience of over 200 million viewers.<br /><br />"I had such a great experience performing on Broadway," says Hicks. "This is such a great opportunity to visit old fans and new fans across the country while bringing them a great Broadway show!"<br /><br />Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor Hicks' passion for music began at an early age. He toured the Southeastern Unites States during his teenage years and released two independent albums. Known for his energetic performances with influences derived from classic soul, blues and R&amp;B music, he quickly grew a large fan base among the millions of viewers and voters who tuned in to "Idol" each week. His fans ultimately dubbed themselves the "Soul Patrol." Immediately following "Idol," Hicks signed a recording contract with 19 Records Limited / Arista Records. His debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was subsequently certified Gold. His eponymous debut album, Taylor Hicks was released on December 12, 2006 and debuted in the #2 spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was later certified as a Platinum Album. After signing a book deal with Random House, Hicks' memoir Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way was released in July of 2007. Taylor's new record, The Distance, produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill) will be released March 10, 2009 on his own Modern Whomp Records via A2M (Artist To Market).<br /><br />Starring in this production of GREASE are Eric Schneider as "Danny Zuko", Emily Padgett as "Sandy Dumbrowski, Scot Patrick Allan as "Eugene", Will Blum as "Roger", Bridie Carroll as "Jan", Kate Morgan Chadwick as "Frenchy", Brian Crum as "Doody", Kelly Felthous as "Marty", Dominic V. Fortuna as "Vince Fontaine", Erin Henry as "Patty Simcox", Roxie Lucas as "Ms. Lynch", David Ruffin as "Kenickie", Allie Schulz as "Rizzo" and Nick Verina as "Sonny".<br /><br />Rounding out the company of GREASE are Joseph Corella, Preston Ellis, Melissa Larsen, Ruby Lewis, Lisa Maietta, Dayla Perkins, Mark Raumaker, Mike Russo, Matthew William Schmidt and Brooke Stone.<br /><br />This new production of GREASE, which opened on Broadway on Sunday, August 19, 2007, was born out of NBC's landmark talent competition TV series, "Grease: You're The One That I Want." The weekly talent competition drew 90 million viewers, and America voted for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASE features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. <br /><br />After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady. The new production of GREASE features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production including "Sandy," the Academy Award nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want" - both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together."<br /><br />GREASE features scenic design by Tony Award nominee Derek McLane (The Pajama Game), costume design by two-time Tony Award winner Martin Pakledinaz (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kiss Me Kate), lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Wicked) and sound design by Brian Ronan (Spring Awakening, Curtains).<br /><br />GREASE is produced on tour by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32860.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32860.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFFAFyAEATKtFmxum``x1233944119``x(default)``xLos Angeles Chronicle (<a href="http://www.losangeleschronicle.com">http://www.losangeleschronicle.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks has heavenly role in 'Grease'``xalan``x<i>By Mary Carole McCauley</i> - <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.baltimoresun.com');return false">Baltimore Sun</a><br /><br />You might say that Taylor Hicks tailor-made the role of Teen Angel in Grease to his precise specifications.<br /><br />The Angel appears in the 1950s-era musical just once, to sing "Beauty School Dropout." And Hicks' version differs in key ways from the renditions of such pop legends as Chubby Checkers, Frankie Avalon and Davy Jones, all of whom previously performed the role.<br /><br />As befitting a man who won the fifth season of American Idol with more than 63 million votes, Hicks brings his own brand of bling to his solo. He croons his advice to a dazzled teenage girl who reacts as though she were a bonafide member of Hicks' Soul Patrol.<br /><br />The 32-year-old Silver Fox recently took a few minutes to chat by phone about his first foray into musical theater, his enthusiasm for the Baltimore Ravens, and his new album, which is being released next month.<br /><br /><b>You've been given an unusual amount of latitude to make artistic decisions for this production of Grease. Most performers are told, "Do it my way." They aren't encouraged to reorchestrate their solo or to design their own costumes.</b><br /><br />In a production like Grease, you can't change the look of Danny Zuko. But a teen angel from rock 'n' roll heaven could look like anybody.<br /><br />But, yeah, I wrote some R&amp;B horn lines for my solo, "Beauty School Dropout," and I helped design the costume to fit more of my style. It's a midnight-blue suit studded with rhinestones, kind of like Elvis Presley meets Gram Parsons.<br /><br />And as an encore at the curtain call, I sing a single from my new album, "What's Right Is Right," so my fans get to experience multiple facets of what I can do.<br /><br /><b>How is singing in a musical comedy different from performing a concert?</b><br /><br />Well, a theater audience is definitely different from a rock audience. They're more into the story line. And, in a theater, the fans don't rush the stage. They do whoop and holler sometimes, though, which is a blast.<br /><br /><b>You make your entrance in Grease from inside a giant ice-cream cone. What are you thinking as you're dangling in the dark 20 feet above the stage floor?</b><br /><br />It's an interesting thing. Each new market that I go into, I make it a point not to look out at the venue or at the crowd before I go on stage. I don't know what a house looks like or the audience looks like until the cone opens. It's exhilarating, and it help keeps each performance fresh.<br /><br /><b>But this isn't your first visit to Baltimore.</b><br /><br />No, and I'm looking forward to coming back. I'm a big Baltimore Ravens fan and have been for at least eight years. There aren't any pro football teams in Alabama, where I'm from, so if you live there, it's almost like you've got a free pick.<br /><br />Football is big in Alabama, and defense is big in Alabama, and there's not a better defensive team anywhere than the Ravens. My favorite player would have to be Ed Reed. He doesn't just play football. He's also an entertainer.<br /><br /><b>You're only playing Teen Angel for the first week the show is in Baltimore. After that, your understudies will perform.</b><br /><br />That's right. After [Sunday], I will be off promoting my new album, The Distance, which will be released March 10.<br /><br />But when I'm in town, I'm also going to be performing one concert at Rams Head in Annapolis [at 11 p.m. Saturday.] It's sold out, and I'm excited about it.<br /><br />What I'm trying to do in every city is a shadow tour with my band, and gear up for the release of my new record. I do Grease Saturday afternoon and Saturday night, and then a late concert. That's three shows in one day. It wipes me out, but it gives more of my fans an opportunity to see me.<br /><br /><b>Here's the obligatory question about American Idol. What do you think of the new judge?</b><br /><br />I worked with Kara DioGuardi on my last record, Heaven Knows. She's very driven, very creative, with a good knack for words. We came up with a lot of lyrics really quickly. With her songwriting prowess, she'll be able to understand how the singers are putting their own interpretation on the songs. I think she's going to be a great addition to American Idol.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32859.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32859.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFFAFyFppFKAfCflB``x1233943500``x(default)``xBaltimore Sun (<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com">http://www.baltimoresun.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks hams it up in 'Grease'``xalan``x<i>By Mary Carole McCauley</i> - <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.baltimoresun.com');return false">Baltimore Sun</a><br /><br />Let's just get it out of the way - American Idol star Taylor Hicks delivers a perfectly acceptable performance as Teen Angel in the touring production of Grease that just hand-jived its way into the Hippodrome Theatre.<br /><br />It's true that Hicks hams it up so much, he should be served with a jar of mustard. He turns his back to the audience and wiggles his butt, he rolls his eyes skyward like one of Raphael's winged cherubs, and he even gets off a few licks on his harmonica.<br /><br />But subtlety isn't necessarily an asset in performing a role as inherently kitsch as Teen Angel. And Hicks' fans in the audience lapped up his performance, cheering for their idol far more loudly than they did for the show's putative stars.<br /><br />The 32-year-old Silver Fox became famous by winning the fifth season of Idol in 2006. For those fans yearning to catch their hero up close, there are two important rules to follow:<br /><br />See Grease this week. Hicks is appearing at the Hippodrome only through Sunday; next week, understudies will take over.<br /><br />Finally, do not, repeat, do not, leave during the curtain call. After the actors walk off the stage, Hicks returns to perform an encore from his soon-to-be released album. He seems more relaxed in concert mode, and his charm is more unforced.<br /><br />The rest of the actors also deliver perfectly acceptable performances. (Yes, members of the Soul Patrol, there are other people on stage.)<br /><br />Having said that, Grease is what it is. Set in the 1950s at the fictitious Rydell High School, the musical recounts the romance between goody-two-shoes Sandy Dumbroski and bad boy Danny Zuko, leader of the T-Birds.<br /><br />Beneath its surface amiability and hummable melodies, I've always been bothered by the show's underlying sexism. Sandy finds peer acceptance and wins true love only by abandoning her full skirts and bobby socks and transforming herself into the epitome of male fantasies.<br /><br />Whatever happened to "to thine own self be true"?<br /><br />The musical has been around since 1971. Most recently, it was on Broadway, where the two leads were cast by votes from viewers of the NBC reality show, Grease: You're The One That I Want. The winners, Laura Osnos and Max Croom, did not join the national tour.<br /><br />Instead, Sandy is played by Emily Padgett, who looks the part and possesses a lovely soprano. Eric Schneider softens the edges on Danny, playing down that character's chauvinism and endowing him with an endearing awkwardness.<br /><br />The cast includes one contestant from the reality show: Allie Schulz, an understudy in the Broadway production. On the tour, she plays Rizzo, who rules her girl gang, the Pink Ladies, with an iron whip.<br /><br />Schulz has a natural sparkle and powerhouse vocals - but a limited emotional range, which becomes most apparent in Rizzo's big scene, when the character has a pregnancy scare.<br /><br />One nit: The sound mix is off for the big production numbers (though, oddly, not for the more intimate solos) and the orchestra drowns out the singers. The audience doesn't so much hear the lyrics to "We Go Together" or to the title song as much as it remembers them.<br /><br />Singing awards for the show go to two minor members of Zuko's gang: Will Blum as Roger ("Mooning") and Brian Crum as Doody ("Those Magic Changes"). The latter even has a number in which he imagines himself as a rock star surrounded by adoring fans - not unlike American Idol.<br /><br />Crum and Blum are relative unknowns, just as Hicks himself was a few years ago. If his campy rendition of Teen Angel brings in new audience members and exposes them to the soaring vocals of other performers, what in the world is wrong with that?<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32859.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32859.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFFAFVlFVakMSONMf``x1233943035``x(default)``xBaltimore Sun (<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com">http://www.baltimoresun.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks 'Grease'-ing his way into acting``xalan``x<i>By Richard O Jones</i> - <a href="http://www.middletownjournal.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.middletownjournal.com');return false">Middletown Journal</a><br /><br />Although he's never done any acting, "American Idol" Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks thought that a Broadway show like "Grease" would be an effective lubricant for his career.<br /><br />And even though his character, Teen Angel, has only one number in the show, Hicks was still able to make an auspicious acting debut suspended in an ice cream cone 45 feet over a Broadway stage.<br /><br />On Jan. 20, he reprises that feat when the national tour of "Grease," in which the American Idol plays the part of Teen Angel, the spirit that tries to convince Frenchy to finish high school.<br /><br />"It was an intense way to start an acting career," Hicks said. "But she stays in school every show, so I must be doing OK."<br /><br />He said he wanted to make the transition to acting slowly by taking a smallish, but flashy and important, part.<br /><br />"I'd been offered bigger roles," he said, "but for me, my career is a marathon, not a sprint, and I wanted to do something that I could build on. This particular role seemed a good way to do that."<br /><br />In addition to the grand entrance, Hicks said that he has been allowed to "Taylorize" the role — both costume-wise and musically, including the insertion of a harmonica solo into "Beauty School Drop-Out."<br /><br />The tour also features Allie Schultz, a singer and actress who also first came to the national spotlight via a television talent contest, "Grease: You're the One That I Want," the series that prompted this production, which opened on Broadway on Aug. 19, 2007.<br /><br />Though Schulz did not win the competition, she understudied the roles of Sandy, Cha-Cha and Patty on Broadway before joining the national tour in the role of Rizzo.<br /><br />The tour also features Eric Schneider as "Danny" and Emily Padgett as "Sandy." Schneider made his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys" and has also appeared in "Altar Boyz" both off-Broadway and national tour. Padgett also comes from the Broadway cast of "Grease," where she understudied Sandy. Her other credits include the national tours of "Cats" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32738.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32738.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFkkpApFFwKQOCuur``x1232216233``x(default)``xMIddletown Journal (<a href="http://www.middletownjournal.com">http://www.middletownjournal.com</a>)|x|``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol' Constantine Maroulis takes on Broadway - but can't save it``xalan``x<i>BY JOE DZIEMIANOWICZ</i> - <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nydailynews.com');return false">New York Daily News</a><br /><br />Can an "American Idol" belter save Broadway? <br /><br />In a word: no. <br /><br />It'll take more than that to rescue the Great White Way, which has been hit hard (nine closings last week, and more to come this month) by a nosediving economy. <br /><br />Still, it can't hurt for an Idol to try. And one shaggy-maned rocker from the popular TV reality contest is reportedly about to step up. <br /><br />While word isn't yet official, Brooklyn-born Constantine Maroulis is said to be on board for the Broadway transfer of "Rock of Ages," the '80s musical of Journey, Bon Jovi and Whitesnake tunes. <br /><br />The popular finalist from Season 4 cultivated a following while on the TV show. That helped draw audiences during the Off-Broadway run of "Rock of Ages" at New World Stages, which ended last week in advance of the Broadway run beginning in March. <br /><br />More than ever, producers need as many ways to get fannies in seats as they can come up with. And if history has taught us anything, it's that the right Idol in the right show at the right time can mean green in the bank. <br /><br />Take Fantasia Barrino. When it was announced in 2007 that the Season 3 champ would assume the role of the abused Celie in "The Color Purple," ticket sales spiked to the tune of $6 million. At the time, producer Scott Sanders told The News he expected the "Idol" champ "was going to kick things up." <br /><br />Taylor Hicks, the Season 5 winner known for his gray hair and smoky purr, had a similar kick on ticket sales when he played Teen Angel in "Grease," which closed last week on Broadway. The till got a heavenly $150,000 weekly bump. <br /><br />Now on the road in the national tour of the '50s-set musical, Hicks is still bringing in business. "He's doing great for the show," said a theater insider. <br /><br />And if members of Hicks' "Soul Patrol" of fans are showing up, so did Claymates. Fans of Clay Aiken came out in full force when he took over the role of Sir Robin in the spoofy musical, which closes today. <br /><br />Over the years, "American Idol" has become an express lane to Broadway, with producers and casting directors eagle-eyeing shows for prospective players. <br /><br />"They are a talented bunch," says Duncan Stewart, casting director for "Chicago" and all of producers Barry and Fran Weissler's projects. <br /><br />Over the years, Duncan has had conversations with many "Idol" contestants about taking over roles in the long-running "Chicago." Among them, Ruben Studdard, for the role of Billy Flynn, and Melinda Doolittle, as prison matron Mama Morton. So far no deals have been made, but the talks continue. <br /><br />"Ages" producers Matt Weaver and Carl Levin first encountered Maroulis during his run on "American Idol." "When we met Constantine, we instantly liked him and knew he would be perfect for 'Rock of Ages,'" they noted. "He has a real rock sensibility." <br /><br />That works for "Ages." And it doesn't hurt for a dude who's in a position to turn the ailing beat of Broadway around. <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32708.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32708.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFEZlEVuZzMVMZAYb``x1231788747``x(default)``xNew York Daily News (<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com">http://www.nydailynews.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Meet newest 'Idol' judge``xalan``x<i>By Jay Bobbin</i> - <a href="http://news.bostonherald.com" onclick="window.open('http://news.bostonherald.com');return false">The Boston Herald</a><br /><br />When "American Idol" starts season eight Tuesday, you can be the judge of its newest judge.<br /><br />Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson sometimes have had guest celebrities sitting in with them, but they're getting a permanent addition to their panel. Songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi turns the trio into a quartet.<br /><br />The two-part season premiere (Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. on WFXT, Ch. 25) showcases the sometimes poignant, often amusing auditions, staged last summer in eight cities ranging from San Francisco to San Juan. DioGuardi was on hand for the tryouts, so she got an early sense of what she's in for, but she realizes it will take the official on-air start of "Idol" for her to know it fully.<br /><br />"It's very exciting," said the composer or producer of such tunes as Hilary Duff's "Come Clean," Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" and first "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away." DioGuardi admitted she's "not sure how people will gravitate toward the idea of a fourth judge, but I guess I'm about to see that, aren't I? I'm feeling really good about it, though."<br /><br />DioGuardi had a brief warm-up for "Idol" when she was a judge on ABC's "The One: Making a Music Star," which lasted only two weeks in 2006.<br /><br />"It definitely wasn't of the same caliber, even in terms of the sound quality," she said. "That was a real problem for me. At times, I would go home and listen to a contestant (on a recording of the show) and think, ‘That's not what I heard when I was there.' Here, kids are singing a cappella, so there's no way around it. I can hear it exactly."<br /><br />As with singer-choreographer Abdul, music producer-executive Cowell and producer-manager-musician Jackson, DioGuardi believes she'll provide "Idol" professional expertise.<br /><br />"I'm somebody who critiques honestly. Whatever I feel in the moment, I'll tell someone, but I give advice to people every day with the idea that they're going to have careers over the long term. I'm always giving constructive criticism, and I think that's what I'll do on the show.<br /><br />"These kids have never been in front of professionals, so I'll critique them harshly at times and I'll be nurturing at other times - whatever I feel will help them be the best they can be," she added.<br /><br />At the same time, DioGuardi wants to be at her own best, especially because the call from the people behind "Idol" came to her out of the blue: "They knew of me, I met them, and a few days before (production on the new season of) the show started, they said, ‘Hey, it's happening.' Next thing I knew, I was on a plane to New York. Then I was staring at an ‘American Idol' sign. I didn't feel too different from the contestants."<br /><br />Joining three judges long attuned to one another's whims and quirks is a challenge all its own.<br /><br />"They have their own language," DioGuardi said. "They have all these inside jokes, and at first, I was kind of like, ‘Hello!' I just went along with it and hoped they would invite me into the club - and they did. I had to find where I would sit and when I should speak and this and that, but once I got the hang of it I started to have a really good time."<br /><br />DioGuardi isn't the only "Idol" change as the judges and the viewers, who can continue to submit weekly votes, seek the successor to 2008 winner David Cook.<br /><br />Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe ("So You Think You Can Dance") has left, though Ken Warwick remains in that capacity, and the number of finalists invited to Hollywood has been upped from 24 to 36. Also, there won't be an "Idol Gives Back" charity edition this time, but a "wild card" round that lets some eliminated contestants back in is being restored.<br /><br />"I've seen all aspects of the music business," DioGuardi said. "I've written songs, I've produced, I've helped great singers create records, I own a publishing company and I work at Warner Music Group. I wear a lot of different hats, but at the end of the day, I'm looking for great talent."<br /><br />Finding it may benefit DioGuardi beyond "Idol," because she could write tunes for artists discovered on the show. Her company is responsible for seventh-season runner-up David Archuleta's hit "Crush" and she also has creative ties to "Idol" veterans Abdul, Katharine McPhee, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks. Additionally, she has worked with Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Ashlee Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls.<br /><br />With that background, it's ironic DioGuardi will be new and untested to the masses when she becomes the newest "Idol" regular.<br /><br />"I think (viewers will) see someone who calls it like she sees it - and hopefully they'll like that," she said. "When you're nurturing someone, that doesn't necessarily mean you're being kind. You can be encouraging while still telling someone what you really feel."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32707.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32707.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFEZlpVAuBLdHNamc``x1231787794``x(default)``xThe Boston Herald (<a href="http://news.bostonherald.com">http://news.bostonherald.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Broadway tour 'Grease' missing some magic``xalan``x<i>BY PHILIP POTEMPA</i> - <a href="http://nwitimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://nwitimes.com');return false">The Times</a><br /><br />I love the story and music from "Grease."<br /><br />I was only 8-years-old when the film version hit screens in 1978, so when the original musical story created by Chicago great Jim Jacobs first danced on the stage at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 in the Windy City, I was still sitting in a high chair.<br /><br />Broadway in Chicago has "Grease" playing as part of a national tour now through Jan. 18 at the cavernous Auditorium Theatre at Chicago University.<br /><br />This latest mounted version features "American Idol" Season Five winner Taylor Hicks in the Frankie Avalon Teen Angel role made famous in the film.<br /><br />It's a "blink or you'll miss him" kinda role. But not to fear (okay, maybe a little afraid), he has his handy harmonica along for the ride assuring your ears will know when he's around.<br /><br />And as a bonus, Allie Schulz, a contestant on NBC's "Grease: You're the One That I Want," (remember that ill-fated summer reality show from a couple years ago?) stars in the role of bad girl Rizzo and certainly does a very nice job, adding a few of her own touches.<br /><br />But something is missing from this production.<br /><br />It lacks luster. The sets seem small and cheap and get swallowed up by the large stage space at this beautiful venue.<br /><br />No worries though.<br /><br />The story is still the same.<br /><br />After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with "new girl in town" Sandy Dumbrowski played by Emily Padgett in the role Olivia Newton-John made famous in the 1978 film, tough guy Danny Zuko played by Eric Schneider in the John Travolta film role, finds his world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school.<br /><br />This new stage version of "Grease," also, for the first time ever in a Broadway production, includes many of the original songs from the smash hit 1978 film including "Sandy," and the Academy Award-nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You."<br /><br />But some of the staging and songs feel very out-of-sequence and oddly projected by actors and actresses as characters who seem to just be "going through the motions" rather than "emotions" and misses the heart, soul and sentiment which make this story and music so cherished.<br /><br />The new version of the musical also includes the songs from the film adaptation, "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want," both of which were Number 1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list.<br /><br />This newest and latest stage production of "Grease" opened on Broadway on Aug. 19, 2007, and was born out of the NBC reality show I previously described, a weekly talent competition that drew 90 million viewers and allowed America to vote for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway.<br /><br />The Broadway production, along with quite a few other of the big shows on the White Way right now, just closed on Sunday.<br /><br />For anyone who loves Hicks or any incarnation of this popular stage musical, this ticket will please. But for those looking for the dazzle and magic remembered by so many after the first time they watched the story on stage, alas, this version makes that recollect seem like a 1950s faded memory.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFEZZZAFZQIipeXhV``x1231785137``x(default)``xThe Times (<a href="http://nwitimes.com">http://nwitimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks poised to take post-Teen Angel flight``xalan``x<i>BY MOLLY WOULFE</i> - <a href="http://nwitimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://nwitimes.com');return false">The Times</a><br /><br />Taylor Hicks knows how to make an entrance.<br /><br />The "American Idol" crooner-turned-Teen Angel descends from heaven in a giant ice cream cone for "Beauty School Dropout," his big number in the Broadway tour of "Grease" (through Jan. 18 at the Auditorium Theatre).<br /><br />Hicks is fine with heights. Ah, but the hair issue is a different story. It's a second job, taming his signature gray mop -- Hicks started graying at 14 -- into a 1950s pompadour. The process takes "as long as it takes from 1950 to 2008," the 32-year-old singer jokes. "I don't think it would work in this day and age. I might not have won 'American Idol' with a pompadour."<br /><br />Simon would second that.<br /><br />Like many ex-Idols, the Alabama-born soulman's once-hot career is cooling. Arista dropped Hicks from its roster last year and J Records followed suit. Though Hicks boasts an ardent fan base (aka The Soul Patrol), his love of blues and R&amp;B have translated into low record sales. His debut major-label album "Taylor Hicks" yielded his lone No. 1 hit, "Do I Make You Proud."<br /><br />But Hicks isn't having a meltdown. He made his Broadway debut in "Grease," is enjoying the six-month tour, and is sneaking in side gigs to promote a new album on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. "The Distance" was recorded in Nashville and will be released in March.<br /><br />He wouldn't change a thing, said Hicks, testing out new songs next weekend at a Lincoln Park club.<br /><br />"To each his own, "he said. "Everybody has their own particular path they create for themselves. For me, I'm creating my own niche and my own career path."<br /><br />Now that he's got his feet wet in acting, that path includes music and Hollywood. His ideal film project: a serious, classy role opposite a serious, classy leading lady. Two Oscar winners top his leading-lady wish list. "From the past, Katharine Hepburn," he said. "The present, Sissy Spacek."<br /><br />Hicks will give one show at 10 p.m. Jan. 17 at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are $40.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFEVkupFpyxpKsvkY``x1231531230``x(default)``xThe Times (<a href="http://nwitimes.com">http://nwitimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Theater Review: 'Grease'``xalan``x<i>By Alan Bresloff</i> - <a href="http://en.epochtimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://en.epochtimes.com');return false">Epoch Times</a><br /><br />CHICAGO-When we think of "Grease" most of us think: large cast and gobs of glitz. But this musical, written by Chicagoan Jim Jacobs with the late (transplanted to Chicago from New York) Warren Casey, originated as a small scale show. Over the years it has grown into a mega-phenomenon. <br /><br />The road production that is now at The Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University has gone back to it roots-it is just what it was meant to be-show-casing strong talent and a cast of high energy performers. A total of 25 actors make up the entire cast. <br /><br />The story is simple. Danny (Eric Schneider) spent the summer at the beach where he met and romanced Sandy (Emily Padgett). Sandy didn't know that he was a "greaser" or that she would end up in the same school with him. Danny is Mr. Cool with his Rydell High School cronies, but played it a lot different with Sandy. Each now has to find a way to recapture what they found together but, this time, as their social selves. <br /><br />The show is a fun-loving, finger-snapping, dance-in-the-aisles type of show that appeals to "kids" of all ages (but for the record, it is a little deeper than the movie and has some language and "touchy-feely" moments that may not be right for little ones-you be the judge of your kids under 13). <br /><br />This version has added songs from the film, "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," and "You’re The One That I Want," as well as "Grease.” It also features former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as "Teen Angel," and he adds a special touch to "Beauty School Dropout" with his harmonica. His role has very little stage time and one song/no lines (yet he is given star billing).<br /><br />Padgett and Schneider are both strong singers and dancers and that's what this show calls for. Acting is optional.<br /><br />The pre-show gets the audience into the rock-n-roll mood with Dominic Fortunata coming on stage as Vince Fontaine, the oldie loving D.J. from WAXX, who emcees the dance scene in the gym. After 10 minutes or so the audience is ready to go back to high school and enjoy the show. He does a great job of getting the audience involved and his disk jockey character is solid.<br /><br />They say that good things come in small packages, and for a Broadway type production, this small cast gives us a lot of "good things." The ensemble members Joseph Corella, Ruby Lewis, Dayla Perkins, Mark Raumaker, Matthew William Schmidt, and Brooke Stone play a multitude of roles well. Ms. Lewis and Mr. Corella are terrific in the "Born To Hand Jive" number as the specialty dancers. The very sexy Dayla Perkins is dynamite as Cha-Cha DiGregorio. Roxie Lucas handles the role of Miss Lynch beautifully. I was very impressed with Ally Schulz as Rizzo and Kate Morgan Chadwick as Frenchy-both giving special performances, and there was some wonderful chemistry between Jan (Bridie Carroll) and Roger (Will Blum). <br /><br />David Ruffin (Kenickie), Nick Verina (Sonny), Brian Crum (Doody), Kelly Felthous (Marty), Erin Henry (Patty Simcox, the "goody-goody” cheerleader) and Scot Patrick Allan (Eugene, the school Nerd) round out the rest of the cast. <br /><br />I also want to give a bravo to designer Derek McLane who figured out how to transform a heap into a T-Bird for the "Greased Lightnin" number-sensational!<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFEVkFVuyphwhpQgr``x1231530746``x(default)``xEpoch Times (<a href="http://en.epochtimes.com">http://en.epochtimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Bring back our own, original R-rated 'Grease'``xalan``x<i>By Chris Jones</i> - <a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com" onclick="window.open('http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com');return false">Chicago Tribune</a><br /><br />If you're seeing the touring production of "Grease" at the Auditorium Theatre this week, you'll see one "Grease." It's a day-glow, mostly PG-rated affair. It features  "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks in the cast. It is based on a production that flowed from a reality-TV casting show, entitled "Grease: You're the One that I Want." And it comes from New York. <br /><br />But there's another "Grease," a Chicago "Grease," locked away somewhere. The purpose of this column is to persuade somebody in Chicago to bring it back. <br /><br />The opening number in the show I want isn't "Summer Nights," but "Foster Beach" (yes, that Foster Avenue Beach). There's much colorful 1950s-era slang - phrases like "eat me" and "suck wind." Songs are divided equally among an ensemble cast. There are references to Taft High School, the Palmer House, Lake Shore Drive and those accommodating Cook County Forest Preserves. In the place of "Born to Hand Jive," there is a number called "Boogie Man Boogie" (a "Monster Mash"-like affair). Sandy doesn't warble "Hopelessly Devoted to You," but a song called "Kiss It." And there's a title number, but it sure wasn't written by Barry Gibb. <br /><br />Now, if you're of a certain age - and have been going to theater in Chicago for a long time - this may all sound familiar. That show was the original "Grease," first performed in Chicago at the old Kingston Mines Theatre in Lincoln Park (located in a former trolley barn at 2356 N. Lincoln Avenue, where the parking garage for Children's Memorial Hospital now stands). The blues club, now nearby on Halsted Street, was in the front and the theater was in the back. <br /><br />This racy, edgy "Grease" was a huge hit in 1971. And as its refreshingly candid creator Jim Jacobs freely admits, "Grease" was never the same again after it.<br /><br />"When we went to New York," Jacobs said this week, "we were told it was necessary to make the characters lovable, instead of scaring everybody. The show went from about three-quarters book and one-quarter music to one-quarter book and three-quarters music."<br /><br />Jacobs, of course, was supposed to be promoting the latest version of his show. (He was even a judge on the NBC reality show). And, indeed, Jacobs says that he and his partner, the late Warren Casey, never resisted any of these changes. They were young Chicago guys writing their first show. They wanted to play by the rules. But Jacobs (who was an actor in the early days of Chicago theater and once worked for the Tribune) is a free spirit who has made enough money from "Grease," and made enough money for other people from "Grease," to say what the heck he likes. <br /><br />"The very first guy who saw the script in Chicago was Paul Sills," the late improv guru, Jacobs said, chortling away. "He asked us if we wanted him to direct it. We told him no, because we wanted to put it up in the next five years."<br /><br />They got it up. Chicago critics championed the show. Michael Feingold of the Village Voice (who was making one of those "to-the-boonies" excursions beloved of New York critics then and now) flew in to see it twice and also became an unlikely champion. Director Michael Bennett came in to see it (but decided that he'd add feathers and ruin it). And it went to Broadway.<br /><br />But the compromises kept on coming. The 1978 movie version, produced by Robert Stigwood, added disco-era songs (which are now part of the live show) and the star power of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, forever tagging Sandy as, ideally, a blond. The show was changed, but its title became a household name. Jacobs laughed and collected the checks - although "Grease 2" still brings a brief frown to his face. <br /><br />But you don't have to talk to him for long to realize that, like many Chicago-raised artists, the happiest days of his life weren't spent on Broadway or sitting in front of the NBC cameras bantering with Andrew Lloyd Webber. (Jacobs says he rejected the reality show for years, but was finally offered so much money and control, he says he couldn't say no.) Nope, it's pretty clear that Jacobs was happiest freezing his young butt off at the Kingston Mines, doing a show that actually depicted life at Taft High School. <br /><br />His life. In his town.<br /><br />"That original show is all in the original folder," he says. "I'd love to do it again in Chicago."<br /><br />So, Mr, and Ms. Chicago Producers, time's a-wasting. <br /><br />"There will have to be a sign in the box-office window," Jacobs says. "'Were this a movie, it would be rated R.'"<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFEuVuFVkwqFVgffy``x1231461552``x(default)``xChicago Tribune (<a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com">http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Grease' tours in an 'American Idol' age``xalan``x<i>By Chris Jones</i> - <a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com" onclick="window.open('http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com');return false">Chicago Tribune</a><br /><br />Once a musical about the real-life Fifties kids of Taft High, "Grease" has been blown up, cut down, sanitized, starred, Hollywood-ized, disco-ized, sequel-ized and otherwise forcibly extracted from its original Chicago roots and soul. So it seems churlish to complain about the latest indignity to befall this iconic show. Dignity went out the window back when they released the 1982 movie "Grease 2." <br /><br />In 2007, "Grease" was the object of a TV talent show. The winners got to star in Kathleen Marshall's Broadway revival, where it was revealed for the umpteenth time that training, experience and old-fashioned acting chops trump ability to belt into a TV microphone and win votes. <br /><br />That revival closed in New York last Sunday and its national tour arrived at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on Tuesday, where an enthusiastic crowd always greets this justly beloved property, even if the diminutive physical production looked lost on the Auditorium's huge stage (weirdly, there's several feet of stage at the front which the show refuses to cross) and if it took until intermission for the right sound-balance to emerge. <br /><br />Thankfully, the TV winners aren't here—apparently they're too busy for the road. So at least this touring version features a capable, energetic and mostly likable crew of young professionals. But the spirit of the TV contest abides. Taylor Hicks, winner of the 2006 "American Idol," has been cast in the less-than-taxing role of Teen Angel. He makes his first entrance from inside a giant ice-cream cone. (One wonders if, as he waits for his cone to open, he ponders the vicissitudes of a show-business life). But Hicks fits right in with this "Grease" for an "American Idol" age. <br /><br />Marshall's day-glow conception, which I respect but do not much like, is arraigned around fantasy. Oh, it's still the same material (albeit with the addition of the movie songs). But instead of the characters singing about their lives, they sing about their fantasies, which are realized theatrically in cartoonish style. You can see this in "Those Magic Changes," where Doody turns into a star of his own imagination, or "Greased Lightening," which is not about a car but an aspiration. And in Rizzo's famous "There are Worse Things I Could Do," Allie Schulz (who has a fabulous voice) heads right for downstage center and belts out the ballad to the paying crowd. It's not so much about a character's choices as behaving like a star. <br /><br />Eric Schneider (the best thing in this show) is a boyish, vulnerable Danny. Emily Padgett certainly looks and sings like a Sandy, even if she's not exactly a gaping wound of emotional vulnerability. There are some terrific voices in the ensemble and some appealing choreography. And I'd surely allow that fantasies are a part of "Grease," as they are of teen-dom itself. <br /><br />But when Hicks pulls out his signature harmonica, it typifies the night. It's a laugh, and there are worse things they could do. But poor old "Grease." <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32681.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFEFZkVuyJYkAMTsT``x1231379746``x(default)``xChicago Tribune (<a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com">http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Former 'American Idol' Contender Luke Menard 'Cancer Free'``xalan``x<a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.nbcbayarea.com');return false">NBC Bay Area</a><br /><br />Former "American Idol" Season 7 contender Luke Menard is cancer free.<br /><br />The Crawfordsville, Indiana based singer, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, just days after being voted off the FOX reality show this past March. But he told AccessHollywood.com that the holidays have brought him good news about his health.<br /><br />"I'm cancer free according to my last test scan that I had," Luke told Access down the phone from a wintry Indiana. "It's been exciting to get that news."<br /><br />The singer, who released his sixth album with a cappella group Chapter 6 - "With The Windows Down" — on December 2, still has a little over a dozen radiation treatments to go to target the scar tissue left over following months of chemo. But, the spirited 30-year-old said he was thrilled to end 2008 on a high.<br /><br />"We were always praying for this news — to be cancer free. When you're going through chemo, it's kind of a one-day at a time thing. You don't know how you're gonna feel when you wake up in the morning and sometimes you're kind of sick and you're throwing up. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "It's definitely been a year to remember and a year to forget — being on 'American Idol,' and days after I was eliminated being told I had cancer. It's been a crazy year."<br /><br />But his year was enriched by the friends Luke picked up during his "Idol" tenure; friends who came through when he received his cancer diagnosis while still in Los Angeles, following his elimination from the Top 24.<br /><br />"All the producers from 'American Idol,' 19 Entertainment... David Cook, who won 'American Idol,'... he has been extremely helpful, even financially with medical bills. 19 Entertainment has helped out with medical bills, so it's been way more than I expected," Luke said.<br /><br />And since his medical insurance didn't cover all the treatments, deductibles and X-Rays, more friends helped out when Luke returned home from the "Idol" experience.<br /><br />"People in my hometown have had eight or nine different benefits to help out with medical bills... Fans from all over the world, they would just send money and send checks and say, 'Hey, we just want to help you out.' It's really cool to look back and say, 'There's kind of a reason I was on that show.' This all kind of lined up that way."<br /><br />Though much of the year was taken up by treatment, the ruggedly handsome Midwesterner said he took comfort in his music - touring with Chapter 6 and working on solo material.<br /><br />"It's kind of been my therapy throughout the last seven months, being diagnosed and then going through chemo and going through radiation. It's kind of been my outlet to get away from the hospitals, to get away from the doctors and just kind of get away from everything," he explained. "I recorded a little bit in Nashville, when I first started chemo. I went down there about four weeks in a row."<br /><br />While in Nashville, Luke said he focused on writing Christian music. And, at times, he found partners to pen tunes with including notable Christian songwriters Jamie Moore, Jason Walker, Aaron Rice and one "Idol" alumni.<br /><br />"I met up with a lot of writers from different publishing companies in Nashville. One name that you might be familiar with if you watch 'American Idol' - Chris Sligh — was on last season," Luke revealed. "He's been doing really well in the Christian market and he's kind of established himself as a pretty good songwriter, so I actually co-wrote with him a couple of times."<br /><br />Though his band has wrapped up their tour in the run up to Christmas, Luke is lining up more music for next year, both with the group and on his own.<br /><br />"I'm hoping the first three months of the year can probably be a little bit of both," he said. " I'm hoping to still tour with them a little bit... [And] I certainly want to do some things of my own and hope to get some music out there as a solo artist."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32603.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32603.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFppuZkVydyqDwdql``x1230054456``x(default)``xNBC Bay Area (<a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com">http://www.nbcbayarea.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Why Is 'American Idol' Taking A Year Off From 'Idol Gives Back'?``xalan``x<b>Executive producer Ken Warwick also explains the addition of fourth judge Kara DioGuardi.</b><br /><br /><i>By Katie Byrne</i> - <a href="http://www.mtv.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.mtv.com');return false">MTV</a><br /><br />When "American Idol" bigwigs decided two years ago to use their show's cultural influence to raise money for charity, "Idol Gives Back" became an instant success. Huge stars - from Brad Pitt to Snoop Dogg to Ellen DeGeneres - took part in the events and helped raise millions of dollars for causes around the globe. <br /><br />So why have producers decided to take a year off from "Idol Gives Back"? <br /><br />"When we're making three, sometimes four hours a week of broadcast TV, to add the actual weight of making a huge charity show on top of that, at the same time, stretches the team like there's no tomorrow," executive producer Ken Warwick told reporters Monday. "And it's really very, very difficult to keep the standard of the main show up as well as make ['Idol Gives Back'] something special." <br /><br />Warwick said he plans to stage the charity special "every other year" from now on. "This is a difficult financial time for everybody, globally," Warwick said. "I think that the decision that was made was, 'Let's hold it over till next year and do it then.' " <br /><br />Warwick also addressed another big change for season eight: fourth judge Kara DioGuardi. He described the songwriter as "young, opinionated and incredibly talented." <br /><br />"It's just a question of mixing it up, slightly changing the dynamic," Warwick said. "If Simon hated somebody, then invariably, they didn't go through. This time, Kara and Paula - the two girls - if they thought someone showed potential, then they could kind of gang up on Simon, which was quite good TV." <br /><br />How does Simon feel about the new resistance? "Miserable," Warwick said. "He doesn't like it." <br /><br />Another plus, Warwick said, is the new judge's singing ability: "In the past, when the kid standing in front of you says, 'You sing it then, if you know so much about it.' This is the one situation where the judge has been able to say, 'All right ... you should have sung it like this,' and show the kid exactly how they should have sung it." <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32601.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32601.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFppuyppFBoGAirfV``x1230053203``x(default)``xMTV (<a href="http://www.mtv.com">http://www.mtv.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Carly Smithson's post-'Idol' blues``xalan``x<i>By Richard Rushfield</i> - <a href="http://www.latimes.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.latimes.com');return false">Los Angeles Times</a><br /><br />In the year following her audition in last season's "American Idol," Carly Smithson lived in one of pop culture's most public bubbles.<br /><br />The tattooed Irish rocker made it through Hollywood week, the big stage at Idoldome, the bittersweet national press tour after her elimination, the finale show -- which boasted the year's second-largest TV audience -- before finally ending with a grueling 53-city summer-long "Idol" tour.<br /><br />Then suddenly she found herself standing alone on the curb at Burbank's Bob Hope Airport with no road map for the future. For some, like Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry, the path led to riches and viable careers, but for many more, the post-"Idol" journey has been marked by disappointments, bitter misfires and struggles to find a place in an often unforgiving entertainment landscape.<br /><br />"When you're in 'American Idol,' you are in a fishbowl," said Smithson. "But as soon as you get out of the whole process, you're still in a fishbowl. But it's just a bigger bowl."<br /><br />For Smithson, arriving at such a crossroads has been especially poignant, as she has been here before. Six years prior to her "Idol" stint, Smithson came to Los Angeles as a 17-year-old singer, was signed by a major label and was represented by one of the biggest management powerhouse in the business. But her label melted down before her album was released, leading to it being dumped on the market.<br /><br />With "American Idol's" Season 8 premiere less than a month away, Smithson now finds herself in the conundrum of "Idol" alumni. They are famous, but without having their contract options picked up by the "Idol" co-production company, 19 Management, they must build their careers on their own. Her plan, as it took shape, involved ditching her former home in San Diego for an apartment in Hollywood, securing representation and eventually getting a deal to record an album.<br /><br />"It's kind of bizarre that you start this process of making your record and being an artist when you're already famous," said Smithson. "I did it in coming from Ireland as a girl and went into the record company, no one knew who I was, and I signed with them and they liked my voice and I went from there and made a record. But this time it's like I'm famous and I have nothing to show for it. It's weird like that."<br /><br />Drawing on her contacts from the first time around, Smithson signed with Arthur Spivak, a veteran entertainment manager whose clients past and present include Tori Amos and Three Days Grace. Spivak advised Smithson that, rather than seeking an immediate record deal, she should work with a co-writer/producer and record a handful of songs that would create an artistic identity.<br /><br />"American Idol," for all the fame it bestows, can be a marketing handicap. A surprising number of former contestants face the question, "What kind of artist are you?" This is certainly the case for Smithson, whose powerful vocal skills broke through the clutter in Season 7 but whose pop/rocker style was difficult to express around the songs of Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton and Broadway musicals.<br /><br />"On 'Idol' " Smithson said, "I don't feel . . . that I solidified with the music choices exactly, who I wanted to be music-wise -- the exact sound that I wanted, who Carly Smithson is. So I really felt that when I came back to L.A. before meeting with a lot of record companies and trying to explain who I wanted to be, I wanted to let them hear that this was my sound, that this is who I am."<br /><br />And so on a blustery afternoon three months after her moment of despair at the Burbank airport, Smithson labored in the Santa Monica studios of EMI on a series of songs she has fleshed out with producer and songwriter Chris DeStefano. Smithson developed the songs during the long nights on the "Idol" tour bus and by singing into her iPhone recorder on the freeway between San Diego and L.A.<br /><br />In the studio, two songs seem to be the full expression of the power she only hinted at on "Idol" -- an intense ballad titled "Lie With Me" and "Let Me Fall," a blazing power-rock anthem. The songs seem very personal (although she insists they are not taken from her life), about relationship anguish and tormented love.<br /><br />"I really love to sing my heart out," she said. "I like all the high notes. But I wanted powerful, powerful rock songs."<br /><br />In an industry in which so many Idols rush albums to market only to see them belly-flop, Spivak has urged Smithson to take her time.<br /><br />"There've been so many Idols who have failed," said Spivak. The music industry people scratch "their heads and they don't quite know what to do. They say, 'OK, you're a nice girl and that's nice.' And 'Arthur, we like you and you've been in the business a long time. But who's going to produce? Who's going to write? And we're so busy. And we have no money.'<br /><br />"She has all of the tools to be great. But Carly will need to have song after song that are just undeniable hits because her voice is there. Her look is amazing. She sells it live, so it's all there. If we give the community and the audience the hits, then what are people going to say, no to it?"<br /><br />Once the demo is finished, next is perhaps her greatest challenge after "Idol": recording and releasing a new album.<br /><br />"I don't want to just make a record to put a record out there," said Smithson. "I understand that when you come off of 'Idol' there's that window of opportunity that you have to grab ahold of, but at the end of the day it's very important to take your time and make something that you're so proud of."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32599.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32599.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkFppuVFupXngessgd``x1230052540``x(default)``xLos Angeles Times (<a href="http://www.latimes.com">http://www.latimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Youthful cast brings energy to familiar musical``xalan``x<i>By Michael Grossberg</i><br /><a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.columbusdispatch.com');return false">The Columbus Dispatch</a><br /><br />Smooth and slick and fun but emotionally as deep as a 1950s crew-cut, the new Grease lives up to its title in too many ways.<br /><br />The more-youthful casting works up to a point in the peppy Broadway tour, which opened yesterday at the Palace Theatre.<br /><br />The performers certainly sing and dance well, reflecting the spirit of vibrant but insecure adolescence. Yet, the acting mostly ranges from the generic to the cartoonish.<br /><br />Director Kathleen Marshall makes up somewhat for the one-dimensionality when she isn't causing or allowing it with nifty choreography, brisk pacing and elegant scene transitions.<br /><br />As disc jockey Vince Fontaine, Dominic Fortuna leads a pre-show with wisecracks, a sing-along and hand waving designed to set the mood and capitalize on aging boomers' palpable desire to fall in love again with a favorite musical about idealized high-school rites of passage.<br /><br />Such expectations falter a bit as the two-act show progresses, buoyed here and there by the energetic reprise of Summer Nights, Greased Lightning, We Go Together, Born to Hand-Jive and a few other golden sequences.<br /><br />Even those great songs are undercut by a blaring oldies-rock orchestration that occasionally obscures lyrics. That may especially irritate those who walk in without already knowing all the words (but for the baby-boomer generation, who doesn't?).<br /><br />While the 1978 movie was a star vehicle partly because of the many close-ups on John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Stockard Channing (the definitive Rizzo, much missed onstage) the stage version always was more of an ensemble piece.<br /><br />Without the star quality needed to add personality and nuance to their roles, the young actors playing the leads tend to approach individuality only during their solos such as Sandy (by Eric Schneider as greaser Danny), Hopelessly Devoted to You (by Emily Padgett as school newcomer Sandy) and There Are Worse Things I Could Do (by Allie Schulz as tough-but-tender Rizzo)<br /><br />A pleasant exception: David Ruffin, whose sensitivity as Kenickie can be felt throughout his scenes.<br /><br />Predictably, the strength of this tour, which reflects the movie more with added songs, is its ensemble and crowd scenes. Among the supporting players adding vivid humor: sweet but hapless Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick), gawky Doody (Brian Crum), nerdy Eugene (Scot Patrick Allan) and Miss Lynch (Roxy Lucas).<br /><br />Taylor Hicks, an American Idol winner, seizes his magical moment. As Teen Angel, he sings Beauty School Dropout with a stirring voice and charming presence that nods with a few grins to his celebrity. Others may prefer the golden-oldie singers who filled the role on film or previous tours, but Hicks gets my vote.<br /><br />The candy-colored design and glow of idealized nostalgia extends through Derek McLane's scenery, Martin Pakledinaz's costumes and Kenneth Posner's lighting.<br /><br />Many fans will walk into this revival wanting to like it more than they will when they leave. Even so, the songs are such catchy favorites that just about everyone should have a good-enough time.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32598.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32598.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkFppuuFAuAIZvxhUy``x1230051594``x(default)``xThe Columbus Dispatch (<a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com">http://www.columbusdispatch.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks moves on``xalan``x<a href="http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress" onclick="window.open('http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress');return false">The Grand Rapids Press</a><br /><br /><i>By Lorilee Craker</i><br /><br />"American Idol" 2006 winner Taylor Hicks has one thing to say to those who have walked in his reality-show-winner footsteps -- or will be: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," the 32-year-old said in a phone interview from a rehearsal of the national Broadway touring company for "Grease." <br /><br />"The energy from 30,000 people a night for five weeks will make anyone's head spin. It's exhilarating, and you have to keep your feet on the ground." <br /><br />Hicks is referring to the dizziness that set in during his own twirl around the country with the "American Idol" live tour in the summer of 2006, and the expectations that rose and fell as a result. <br /><br />After triumphing over Katharine McPhee in the fifth season of the ratings-busting TV show, headlining the live tour to packed arenas and releasing a major-label debut album, Hicks experienced a quick reversal of fortune. His record label, Arista, dropped him exactly one year after his self-titled debut CD went platinum. Still, the salt-and-pepper topped singer is philosophical. <br /><br />"I've played for about 10 people at the Steak and Ale on Tuesday nights," he said. "I know there are peaks and valleys." <br /><br />He wouldn't even call it a "valley" to be dropped by a label -- just another bend in the road of a "working musician." <br /><br />Here's another twist in the journey: Hicks played Teen Angel on Broadway this summer and is in a 25-city tour of the show that will roll into East Lansing's Wharton Center Tuesday through Dec. 14. <br /><br />Inhabiting the role famously occupied by Frankie Avalon, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker and others is a way to put his face and voice before a whole new crowd who never may have tuned in to "Idol." <br /><br />"(Grease) is giving me a brand new audience," he said. "I've really kind of adopted the role. It's a way for me to learn about acting and musical theater." <br /><br />When he's not guiding beauty-school dropout Frenchy in "Grease," Hicks sinks his musical choppers into his passion. "I'm really excited about songwriting," the Birmingham, Ala., native said about the tunes he is crafting for a forthcoming CD, to be released on his own label in 2009.<br /><br />"It's an introspective idea (becoming big-label-free). You have control of your own art, and the only finger in the pie is your own." <br /><br />Describing his musical style as "Modern Whomp -- it's boogie woogie meets blues meets zydeco" -- Hicks is excited about trotting down the artistic road, no matter where it takes him. <br /><br />"You're always learning to become a better artist," he said. "You have to stay true to who you are and keep working, whether it's a pub down the street, the 'Idol' experience or wearing rhinestones as Teen Angel." <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32544.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32544.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklZVAVZEBCLTlSWr``x1228766771``x(default)``xThe Grand Rapids Press (<a href="http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress">http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Grease big hit at PPAC, while Broadway's show nears close``xalan``x<a href="http://www.projo.com" onclick="window.open('http://www.projo.com');return false">The Providence Journal</a><br /><br /><i>From Bloomberg News and staff reports</i><br /><br />When one door closes another opens. As Grease launched its national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center this week, producers of the New York production announced the 1950s-era musical will close on Jan. 4, the ninth Broadway show scheduled to fold next month.<br /><br />The revival will have played 554 performances, compared with 3,388 for the original 1972 show. The new version, which like the original is set in and around the fictional Rydell High School, attracted national attention by casting its leads from a television program.<br /><br />But the new national tour, headlining American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, is doing well at its first stop in Providence. Lynn Singleton, president of PPAC, said he expects the show to gross about $1.1 million this week, or about 10 percent better than Legally Blonde, which opened its national tour here in September.<br /><br />"We're very pleased," said Singleton. "The market has responded well in a daunting time, and on top of that the crowds seem to love the show."<br /><br />Singleton said he expects the show to play to about 80 percent capacity before it closes in Providence tomorrow. From Providence the touring show leaves for stops in 13 other cities by the end of May.<br /><br />Seven Broadway shows will close on Jan. 4, including Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, Boeing-Boeing, 13 and holiday engagements of White Christmas and Slava's Snowshow.<br /><br />"January historically is a terrible time for Broadway," said Drew Cohen, president of Music Theatre International, a New York company that licenses musicals to theaters and schools. "The tourists go home. That's when a show that's on shaky ground takes the opportunity to close."<br /><br />Cohen said that given the recent suffering of investors, it's not clear how many new productions will fill the vacant theaters.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklZVlyFleQOBjdqO``x1228765838``x(default)``xThe Providence Journal (<a href="http://www.projo.com">http://www.projo.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Review: GREASE at PPAC``xalan``x<i>by Randy Rice</i><br /><br />The current tour of Grease features performers from the reality show Grease: You're The One That I Want, which chose the 'Danny' and 'Sandy' for the current Broadway production, which will close January 4th. Some of the actors from the Broadway production are on tour with this production. The tour is also a vehicle for former 'American Idol' Taylor Hicks, who has a turn as 'Teen Angel', a role he first tackled in the Broadway production.<br /><br />The last tour of Grease I saw starred Rosie O'Donnell as 'Rizzo'. That script was molded around Rizzo's pregnancy scare, to give the star as much stage time as possible, which made for a very funny show. This production is more true to the original story.<br /><br />The evening begins with an artistically weak, but effective, opening, in which Dominic Fortuna, as WAXX DJ Vince Fontaine, is essentially an opening act. Fortuna warms up the crowd with some Golden Oldies sing-a-longs and dance-a-longs; finally, the play begins.<br /><br />Danny (Eric Schneider) and Sandy (Emily Padgett) are reunited on the first day of School at Rydell High after a magical summer by the beach, but peer pressure may keep them apart. Kenickie (David Ruffin) loves Rizzo (Allie Shulz), whether or not she is having his baby. Frenchie (Kate Morgan Chadwick) drops out of school, before she can flunk out, goes to beauty school, flunks out and goes back to graduate from Rydell.<br /><br />Schneider and Padgett as Danny and Sandy, and Ruffin as Kenickie and Schulz as Rizzo are fine performers. Each of them in perfectly prepared and can sing and dance quite well. There is not a lot of chemistry between the two pairs of lovers, but as they are surrounded by an exceptional supporting cast and a fast-moving story, it hardly matters.<br /><br />The cast shines in the all-ensemble numbers like 'Summer Nights', 'We Go Together' , 'Born to Hand Jive' and for the first time in the play, 'You're the One That I Want'. The all-guys 'Greased Lightning', pops. The choreography in these numbers is fresh, clever and tight. The are some moments of real "Oh, wow!" brilliance.<br /><br />Paul Crum as Doody and Scot Patrick Allan as Eugene stand out in their supporting roles. Crum for his deep, rich, voice and Allan for his dancing.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks, whom the audience adores, has a magical entrance and does a fine job as Teen Angel. While Hicks may be a draw to bring the audience into the theater, he does not rely on gimmickry. Hicks understands the campy nature of the role but approaches Teen Angel with artistic integrity. He gets to wail a few bars on his harmonica, which adds another dimension to the character.<br /><br />Martin Pakledinaz's costumes are brilliant. The colors, proportion and style and cut are all top-notch. The bright-red jacket Danny wears at the beginning evokes James Dean, which is a nice touch. The sets, designed by Derek McLane and the lighting design by Kenneth Posner, feel more substantial than I expected for a touring show. The malt shop set is especially dreamy.<br /><br />If Grease shares the same place in your heart that it does in mine, you will adore this incarnation. Everything you are looking for in a production of Grease is here. A word of advice to the folks who like to sneak out, just before the show ends, to get to their car quicker. Don't. If you do, you will miss a really terrific curtain call number.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkkluuZyEunGfRRfdO``x1228454814``x(default)``xBroadwayWorld.com (<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com">http://www.broadwayworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Grease' still gets your toes tapping``xalan``x<i>By Gwenn Friss</i><br /><br />PROVIDENCE, R.I. - "Grease" opens with DJ Vince Fontaine (Dominic Fortuna) leading the audience in a singalong - and dance-along - to oldies and goodies, such as Dion's "Run Around Sue" and Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire."<br /><br />Fortuna is one of several cast members who was a contestant on the NBC TV show, "You're the One That I Want," in which the grand-prize winners earned a spot in the 2007 Broadway revival of "Grease" that spawned this national tour. It opened Tuesday at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Fortuna's corny charm (he offered to meet a woman in the audience who said she was celebrating a divorce) and pulsating energy not only gave latecomers a chance to get seated Tuesday but also set the tone for a rollicking trip back to Rydell High in 1959.<br /><br />The "Grease" band is electrifying. The score that has had people singing, "ooh, ooh, ooh, you're the one that I want" for decades seems to leap effortlessly from their instruments. It's a chore to stay in your seat, rather than dance in the aisles.<br /><br />And Kenneth Posner's lighting design is breathtaking. A veteran of 30 Broadway plays and musicals, Posner makes heavy use of spotlights - sometimes two dozen at a time - to create the 1950s warm optimism of a country coming out of World War II. (It is a feeling reinforced by Derek McLane's almost surreal set design.) The lights come in bright blue, orange and green as well as white, and are sometimes filtered: In the number "Greased Lightnin'," silvery strands of spotlight fall like rain against a starry night's backdrop in a scene that deserved its own standing ovation. (Lighting people are so underappreciated.)<br /><br />Those are the things I will remember about this production of "Grease."<br /><br />I'll also remember that I'm glad "American Idol" fifth-season winner Taylor Hicks brought his harmonica.<br /><br />Playing the role of Teen Angel, Hicks descends to earth encased in a giant ice cream cone to counsel Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick) in the song "Beauty School Dropout." The song brings Hicks back to the crooner style he displayed in the singing contest. Having seen Hicks touring with his band, I think his strength is in Southern rock, not ballads. His singing is fine, but he doesn't bring out the humor and whimsy in this wonderful song that both pokes fun at and pays tribute to '50s love songs. Two bright moments: Hicks' brief harmonica performances and Frenchy's sidling up next to him and saying, "I voted for you."<br /><br />Tour producers announced early on the casting of Hicks, who made his Broadway debut in the role last summer. It felt like casting meant to sink a celebrity hook to carry a mostly unknown cast, with only a few experienced Equity actors. Eric Schneider, who played Frankie Valli in the Broadway production of "Jersey Boys," is Danny Zuko, a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for Sandy Dumbrowski, a girl from the other side. Schneider is passionate and sensitive, although he seems a little light on the tough attitude you'd expect from the greaser gang's leader. As Sandy, Emily Padgett is incredibly graceful, seeming to float through life like Sandra Dee, to whom she is compared.<br /><br />The voices are fine throughout, and some of the big production numbers (namely "Greased Lightnin'," "We Go Together" and "Born to Hand-Jive") are toe-tappingly enjoyable. But the only couple that has real chemistry is Roger and Jan, chubby misfits played by Will Blum and Bridie Carroll. Individually, there's nothing wrong with other performances, but the actors are emoting like crazy without seeming to connect very often. That infectious energy that starts this production waxes and wanes, making for an uneven visit to the '50s.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkkluEEukEEXWtoqOt``x1228418621``x(default)``xCape Cod Times (<a href="http://www.capecodonline.com">http://www.capecodonline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Broadway's 'Grease' To Close``xalan``x<i>By Dave Itzkoff</i><br /><br />Summer heat, boy and girl meet, but uh-oh: those closing notices. The current revival of "Grease" has become the latest Broadway show to announce that it will close soon after the new year; it will play its final performance at the Brooks Atkinson Theater on Jan. 4. This latest revival of the musical tribute to fast cars, faster women and 1950's nostalgia was spawned by the NBC reality series "Grease: You're The One That I Want," whose winners, Laura Osnes and Max Crumm, became the show's original Sandy and Danny; the "American Idol" contestants Taylor Hicks and Ace Young have also played key roles in the show. At its closing, "Grease" will have played 554 performances and 31 previews.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32525.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32525.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklFVylpASbieiffO``x1228364009``x(default)``xThe New York Times (<a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com">http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Grease and holidays: They go together``xalan``x<i>By Clemencia Marshall</i><br /><br />Slick your hair back, put on your jacket, and put on those oh-so-tight pants. Run to auto class and tell all your buddies the news: It's "Grease" and it's playing in Columbus. You could turn your TV to VH1 and watch the continuous loop that the station seems to play once a year or just get off the couch. "Go couch potato, go couch potato. The chicks will flip for couch potatoooooo." OK, so maybe the lyrics don't work in that sense, but this show is still a classic. <br /><br />In 1971, "Grease" made its first appearance on stage and, in 1978, was made into a full production feature film. Most people remember "Grease" because of the movie - and John Travolta's dancing skills and tight pants. Yet the theatre production is so much more magical for viewers. "Grease" has been performed by tons of movie stars, such as Richard Gere, and even TV show stars, such as Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess"). <br /><br />The current production features Taylor Hicks (yes, the guy who won "American Idol" and was never heard from again) and Ace Young (also from "American Idol" but was like 7th place - what is going on in the world?). <br /><br />The problem, though, is that there are two shows currently running: a Broadway show and a touring show. So don't get confused when looking at the "Grease" Web site or when searching for information on the performance at the Palace Theatre in Downtown Columbus. The Broadway version stars Ace Young, and the tour version stars Taylor Hicks. Which one is coming to Columbus, you ask? The tour version. So if you got excited by the idea of Ace Young singing to you, sorry. You just have to travel all the way to New York City to see him. But don't cry. The show will still be just as amazing with Taylor Hicks. <br /><br />A larger cast list for those who are interested is Eric Schneider (Danny), Emily Padgett (Sandy), Taylor Hicks (Teen Angel), Allie Schultz (Rizzo), Scot Patrick Alan (Eugene), Will Blum (Roger), Bridie Carroll (Jan), Kate Morgan Chadwick (Frenchy), Brian Crum (Doody), Kelly Felthous (Marty), Dominic Fortuna (Vince), Erin Henry (Patty), Roxie Lucas (Miss Lynch), David Ruffin (Kenickie) and Nick Verina (Sonny).<br /><br />You can expect many of the classic dancing and singing numbers. This allows you to feel comfortable if you happen to find yourself singing along with the characters while watching the performance or if you just like repetition. The show has added the songs that were made originally for the movie, which adds that extra bonus for those who haven't seen anything past the film. <br /><br />The tour is supposed to hit 14 cities and run through 2009. So if you want tickets, you won't have to rush to get them. The show will be playing from Dec. 16 to Dec. 21 at the Palace Theatre. Tickets cost anywhere from $22.50 to $69.50 depending on the day you pick. You can buy tickets online from CAPA's Web site or strut yourself down in your T-Birds jacket to the Palace Theatre ticket office because, "You know that you wanna. You really want to. Woop woop woop honey. You know that you wanna…." OK, definitely should stop trying to inspire people by ruining "Grease" lyrics.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32522.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32522.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklFEuuyVtTUfoUhT``x1228321665``x(default)``xUWeekly.com (<a href="http://uweekly.com">http://uweekly.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
JENNIFER HUDSON'S BROTHER-IN-LAW ARRESTED OVER KILLINGS``xalan``xWilliam Balfour, the estranged brother-in-law of American Idol star Jennifer Hudson, has been arrested over the murder of her mother, brother and nephew.<br /><br />Hudson's mother and brother were found dead at the Oscar-winning actress' family home in Chicago on October 24th.<br /><br />After a police search for her missing seven-year-old nephew Julian King, he was found dead in the backseat of an abandoned SUV three days later, all three victims having died from gunshot wounds.<br /><br />Twenty-seven-year-old William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia King, has been in custody on a parole violation for the last month.<br /><br />And he has now been transferred back into police custody following an arrest warrant, a Cook County sheriff's department spokeswoman confirmed.<br /><br />He had previously only been identified as a "person of interest" in the case.<br /><br />"He vehemently denies that he is guilty in this case," Balfour's attorney Joshua Kutnick told reporters outside police headquarters on Monday night.<br /><br />"Any evidence pointing to Mr Balfour is not even thin. It is very, very weak."<br /><br />Balfour, who has served prison time for attempted murder and car hijacking, was arrested soon after Hudson's mother Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were found dead.<br /><br />Jennifer Hudson's career was launched after her appearance as a contestant on American Idol in 2005. <br /><br />She then won an Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls and was also seen in hit film Sex and the City.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklFEFFyAqOUfMHAY``x1228320569``x(default)``xContact Music (<a href="http://www.contactmusic.com">http://www.contactmusic.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks greases the skids of his career``xalan``x<i>BY RICK MASSIMO</i><br /><br />Taylor Hicks' Broadway debut was an uplifting experience, the R&amp;B-belting American Idol winner says.<br /><br />"My debut was not actually on a Broadway stage; it was in an ice cream cone 40 feet above it!"<br /><br />Hicks and the rest of the cast of the touring production of Grease start their national tour with a six-night run at the Providence Performing Arts Center beginning tonight, and during a break in rehearsals Hicks, who will play Teen Angel, says that he's not only enjoyed the experience but says that the gig is another way of staying "a working musician."<br /><br />Hicks hasn't had any acting training - "Never in a million years did I think I would be in a Broadway show," he says. He says he'd been offered roles after Idol, but as an untrained actor he wanted his first role to be something that fit his personality and singing style, "kind of a type-casting idea that will allow my personality to be exposed, and a comfortable fit for me ... instead of diving in [to acting] head-first and not knowing."<br /><br />While performing in the musical theater is more structured than a live concert, and he obviously won't be singing as many songs, he says, "It's very similar to performing musically with a band and interacting with different people in the band... It's definitely a treat to work off of someone. Little nuances and stuff like that - that's what's great about musical theatrics."<br /><br />Hicks says that he'd be interested in taking on another role once the six-month run of Grease ends, not only for its own sake but because stage appearances bring him to markets that he hasn't toured on his own.<br /><br />And theaters are good places to sell records. "I think this is a great model for a live entertainer who can act a little bit and be a musician who can perform in different markets all over the country. It's a cool way for fans to get to experience an artist."<br /><br />Toward that end, beginning in January Hicks will add a post-show nightclub concert performance in every town where Grease stops.<br /><br />Part of the reason for the nightclub shows is that Hicks's new record will come out in February and the Grease tour runs into the spring, so this setup is the only way he'd be able to get any touring done. There is no such appearance planned for Providence, but Hicks says "You never know; I might pop up with a local blues band. I'm not afraid of that."<br /><br />After 10 years playing in clubs in and around his native Alabama, winning American Idol in 2006 was a blessing. "I'm thankful for the opportunity that it gave me to continue to keep exploring my artistic expression," he says, and it gave him the chance to learn the ins and out of recording.<br /><br />At the same time, Hicks was "a working musician - that's who I am, and that's who I'll always be" - before the TV show came along, and the pop-chart game is a different deal.<br /><br />"It definitely has its positives and negatives. It's very short-lived, it seems, along that side," says Hicks, who was dropped from Arista Records this year. "And for me, the key is that you always have to stay in front of people and work," says Hicks, who adds that he did 282 shows in 2006, the year his self-titled post-Idol album came out. "That's something that I'll always hang my hat on."<br /><br />Touring is also where the money is, because it's something that can't be taken away from you, and because you can always sell your records at a show. "If you're a working musician, you're always going to have a chance to sell your records."<br /><br />Hicks has some serious backing players - guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. - on his forthcoming record, and says that "I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised about me as a songwriter. ...<br /><br />"I think this record is going to allow me to touch on a lot of different styles, not just from a songwriting aspect but from a musical aspect as well." The record will come out on his own label, and Hicks has signed a distribution deal with A2M. He says that going his own way was the way to go.<br /><br />"I must admit, having your own label is being out on the edge in your art. You don't get the cushion, but I like that. ... "I think this release is going to define who I am as a singer-songwriter. And I want to put myself on the edge that way, because I feel like that's where I can create my best work ... without people telling me what songwriters I need to work with, or what I should do."<br /><br />But for now, the gig is Grease, a show that Hicks says is close to his musical heart.<br /><br />"I've always been into songs, and this show has just got some great written music. This was a pop-culture smash at one time, with songs that are timeless. I like to get around songs that are timeless, because you learn from those. ... " ‘Greased Lightning,' night in and night out, it doesn't get old."<br /><br />He says that he wanted to take "a really hard-line, rock 'n' roll mentality to the role," and toward that end he plays harmonica in the show and wrote some driving horn lines to his big number, "Beauty School Dropout," along with orchestrator Christopher Jahnke.<br /><br />And the role of Teen Angel spoke to him as well. "It's kind of like rock 'n' roll heaven - all the rock stars coming down from heaven and [saying] ‘Do something that's solid.' I think there's a hidden message: Education will set you free."<br /><br />Some of the appeal to the role wasn't quite that elevated, though.<br /><br />"I get to wear a rhinestone-studded Nudie suit every night. It's not a bad gig at all!"<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklEZkZyyfryGNkyH``x1228179966``x(default)``xThe Providence Journal (<a href="http://www.projo.com">http://www.projo.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell bugged over getting bugged``xalan``x<i>By ISADORA LAPOWSKY</i><br /><br />It's easy enough to bother Simon Cowell, but it's getting bugged that really raises his ire.<br /><br />The infamously grouchy judge of "American Idol" recently found a piece of tracking technology attached to the underside of his Bentley Continental, Britain's Daily Mail reports. <br /><br />"Simon is completely freaked out by this," a source said. "He can't believe someone has gone to so much trouble and expense to monitor his every movement. It's extremely sinister."<br /><br />The discovery was made after Cowell realized the same motorcyclist had been following him to privately scheduled meetings. Members of Cowell's security team are the ones who found the device.<br /><br />"He was aware that someone kept turning up a few minutes after he went everywhere. He couldn't work out how that person knew his movements," the source said. "The tracking device was quite sophisticated."<br /><br />The scandal comes on the heels of Cowell's highly publicized split from girlfriend Terri Seymour. Though he's busy now with his British show "The X Factor," sources say Cowell wants to get to the bottom of this bugging incident.<br /><br />"It is a hassle he could do without - especially with 'X Factor' in its final stages - but it has to be done," said the source. "But he can't take any chances."<br /><br />Earlier this year, a piece of listening technology was found beneath a backstage table at the show "Britain's Got Talent." At the time, Cowell noted, "This shows the extent to which people will go to get inside knowledge."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32516.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32516.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklEZkpZyOogJdiVY``x1228179276``x(default)``xNew York Daily News (<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com">http://www.nydailynews.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Interview: A Conversation With Taylor Hicks``xalan``x<i>Written by Sherry Lipp</i><br /><br />Taylor Hicks has kept very busy since winning American Idol in 2006. Despite speculation he might've faded into obscurity following his mutual split with Arista Records earlier this year, Hicks has been hard at work reestablishing himself as an artist. In addition to starting his own record label, Modern Whomp Records, he spent this past summer on Broadway playing the Teen Angel in Grease. And now, as he prepares to reprise the role in a national tour, Hicks is also finishing a new album for release early next year. Hicks took some time to chat with me about these exciting new developments in his career.<br /><br /><b>How did the upcoming Grease tour come about for you?</b><br /><br />I think that after we had such great success on Broadway, they approached me with the idea of doing a national tour for Grease. I also have a brand new record coming out. We decided it would be a really cool and cutting edge thing to do, releasing a brand new record within the national theater tour. <br /><br /><b>So you will be cross-promoting the album within the tour?</b><br /><br />Yes.<br /><br /><b>How are you doing that? I heard you're performing a song as part of the show?</b><br /><br />Yes. Once the album is finished, I will be doing a single off of the record. And then I will be doing a very intimate national club tour alongside the Grease tour, hopefully in each market we perform in. I'm pretty excited that the new music will start to grow legs from a live perspective. I'm actually going into really cool, intimate clubs across the country, performing new material before I go out on tour myself.<br /><br /><b>How will your fans know about those dates?</b><br /><br />Well, they can go to my website [TaylorHicks.com]. Or they can go to Pollstar. In each of the markets I go to, I'll hopefully do some radio [promotion]. Being in a particular city during a lengthy stay, I'll be able to get the word out about the show. And about Grease, also!<br /><br /><b>When you took the Broadway role, did you know you were going to be able to add harmonica, blending the character with your own personality?</b><br /><br />I think we all went in with an open mind. I mean, we thought about how can the part be "Taylor-made?" I knew that the setting was in the '50s. I took a lot of those different aspects, and they let me play harmonica with the song. The role is making sure Frenchie puts down her teasin' comb and goes back to high school. Any way we could get that point across, we would try it. And it's just been a great success. I think it's a great part for me to start learning how to act. It's a very good start for me in that particular field.<br /><br /><b>Is acting something you hope to continue with in the future?</b><br /><br />I think it is. It's definitely something I'm going to think about for the future. It's been an interesting thing to learn: how to act and play a role, while also playing music. Because they're very similar, one's musical and one's theatrical. It's been a wonderful learning experience. <br /><br /><b>Getting back to your live shows, my husband and I saw you when you played Seattle in 2007 and we were surprised by parts of your set-list - such as combining "Another Brick in the Wall" with "Hell of a Day". How do you come up with those ideas?</b><br /><br />Well, I think it's just comes from years and years of playing live music. If a song has some space where you can perform another song within it - and it fits the style of the song you're already playing - there's a creative aspect to that. That's the spontaneity, and there's a creative outlet for all of that. And that's what I love. I enjoy being able to have songs within a song. I just think for me, I try to put myself outside and look inside. I know I would want to go to a show where that type of spontaneity and creativity were present. <br /><br /><b>Regarding your upcoming new album, what can you tell me about it stylistically?</b><br /><br />My idea for this record was to try and find the greatest songs I possibly could. For me, having the time to be able to write and to be able to have those songs around me for an extended amount of time... I wanted to kind of live with the songs for awhile. I feel like my instincts on Idol were very similar to my instincts on this record. I've tried to really put great songs around me. In today's music - if you buy a CD, a whole album of songs - a lot of the songs are often similar in the way that they sound. But for me, there's a lot of different styles that I think are reflective of my artistic expression. I think with this record I've been able to hopefully take the listener on a musical journey into the songs I've written, and a lot of them touch on different styles. But the common thread is my voice. There's a lot of storytelling in the songs. I've been able to hop into different genres and pull out the greatest music that I can.<br /><br /><b>Did you collaborate with any writers on this album?</b><br /><br />Yeah, I did actually. There were some writers in Nashville that I wrote with. And there were a lot of different styles of writers - one of the writers is Gary Nicholson in Nashville. Also a couple writers that are friends of mine, Wynne Christian and Alan Little. There are a lot of different people that have come together. I've been able to have the time to be able to really focus on what I feel a great song is. <br /><br /><b>Is it all original material, or did you do any covers?</b><br /><br />There will be a few surprises on it. What's been great about this record is I've had total creative artistic freedom. That's really a great thing for me, because I allow myself to focus on what's best for creativity's sake and what's best for the audience's sake. It allowed me the opportunity to pick songs, like I was allowed the opportunity to pick songs on Idol. For me, you get around the music easier. It's been a great creative experience for me. <br /><br /><b>On your post-Idol album, you weren't able to do that as much?</b><br /><br />Not as much. I think there's obviously some time constraints when you're under the Idol umbrella. I loved doing that record because I loved being in a great studio and learning how to become a better recording artist. And I think I'll always enjoy learning the art of recording music. I've done so much live work that [being in] the studio is interesting. <br /><br /><b>Your band for the new album - were you working with people from past albums, or new musicians?</b><br /><br />Yeah, I hired studio musicians for the record. Nathan East is playing bass. Abe Laborial Jr. is playing drums.<br /><br /><b>Paul McCartney's drummer, right?</b><br /><br />Yes. Also Doyle Bramhall is playing guitar. Just an array of musicians that have come together because they heard about the album and wanted to make a great record. You know, I can honestly tell you that it is a great record. I'm really excited about it.<br /><br /><b>And it's coming out in February?</b><br /><br />February 10th. The single hasn't been picked yet, but hopefully we'll be releasing the single for the new year.<br /><br /><b>You also have a new DVD coming out, Whomp at the Warfield?</b><br /><br />We are planning on a release. You have to space products out and make sure they don't overlap. I spent my own money to record Whomp at the Warfield, and I know it's been awhile since it was recorded. It's not that it won't be released, it's just that the timing needs to be right for it to have the most impact. So we can get my live band, and my live feel, out to as many people as we can. It's been in the hopper for awhile, but we're about to put a bow around it and present it to everybody. <br /><br /><b>And the Grease tour is right around the corner?</b><br /><br />Yeah, the Grease tour starts next week, December 2nd. And I'll be gearing up to start rehearsing with the band for this intimate club tour. I'm just going to be back out on the road, coming to a city near you with all kinds of fun stuff for the fans. I'm excited to get back out on the road and visit with everybody!<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32514.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32514.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklEuAuZpkAtcOsCO``x1228156670``x(default)``xBlogcritics Magazine (<a href="http://blogcritics.org">http://blogcritics.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Grease' ready for Chicago stage return``xalan``x<i>BY PHILIP POTEMPA</i><br /><br />I've seen plenty of stage versions of the Broadway musical "Grease."<br /><br />And every time it comes to town, there's always a new headliner.<br /><br />To date, actresses Cindy Williams, Brooke Shields, Rosie O'Donnell and Sally Struthers have all taken turns playing the main female leads, in addition to one frigid version I watched with Olympic ice skater Nancy Kerrigan doing an "on ice" version. (*groan*)<br /><br />I've also watched Davy Jones and Frankie Avalon appear in versions.<br /><br />Up next, Broadway In Chicago is bringing "Grease" back to Chicago next month Jan. 6 to 18 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University for a limited engagement.<br /><br />"American Idol" Season Five winner Taylor Hicks will star in the Avalon Teen Angel role.<br /><br />And as a bonus, Allie Schulz, a contestant on NBC's "Grease: You're the One That I Want," (remember that ill-fated summer reality show from a couple years ago?) will star in the role of bad girl Rizzo.<br /><br />After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with "new girl in town" Sandy Dumbrowski played by Emily Padgett in the role Olivia Newton-John made famous in the 1978 film, tough guy Danny Zuko played by Eric Schneider in the John Travolta film role, finds his world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school.<br /><br />This new stage version of "Grease," will for the first time ever in a Broadway production, includes many of the original songs from the smash hit 1978 film including "Sandy," and the Academy Award-nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You."<br /><br />The new version of the musical also includes the songs from the film adaptation, "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want," both of which were Number 1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list.<br /><br />But remember, long before this was a movie on the big screen, it first was a stage musical and all those original Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production also will be included, such as "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin' " and "We Go Together."<br /><br />This newest and latest stage production of "Grease" opened on Broadway on Aug. 19, 2007, and was born out of the NBC reality show I previously described, a weekly talent competition that drew 90 million viewers and allowed America to vote for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway. <br /><br />The first stage incarnation of "Grease," which originated in Chicago and premiered at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971, made its New York premiere off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on Feb. 14, 1972.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32512.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32512.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklEFEpVZbbCHmmLa``x1228138257``x(default)``xThe Times (<a href="http://www.thetimesonline.com">http://www.thetimesonline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Grease comes to PPAC Tuesday with a chance to break box-office record``xalan``x<i>By Channing Gray</i><br /><br />When Legally Blonde The Musical launched its national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center back in September it grossed just under $1 million during the week it was in town.<br /><br />Now another national tour is getting its start at PPAC, Grease, and organizers, based on advance ticket sales, are hoping to top that figure. In fact, Nick Scandalios, a vice president for the producing Nederlander Presentations in New York has a one-dollar bet with PPAC's Lynn Singelton, wagering that the run of Grease, which opens Tuesday, will break the $1.2-million mark.<br /><br />One reason for that, said Scandalios, is that despite tough economic times, Grease is a proven commodity. Patrons might not be willing to plunk down $70 for a ticket to an unknown show, but who doesn't look forward to slipping back into the late 1950s, to a more innocent time of fast cars and raging teenage hormones, along with the on-and-off-again relationship of high school sweethearts Danny Zuko, the tough guy greaser, and sweet Sandy Dumbroski?<br /><br />Even if you haven't seen the musical a lot of people know tunes such as "Greased Lightning." And a lot of fans have seen the popular 1978 screen adaptation with John Travolta as Danny and Olivia Newton-John as innocent Sandy. That has bred "affection" for the show, said Scandalios, who played Danny when he was a high school senior growing up on Long Island. <br /><br />"Say Grease to people," said Scandalios, "and they start singing the songs. It's unique that way. It's sort of special."<br /><br />Grease was at one point the longest-running show in Broadway history until it was unseated by A Chorus Line. Still it remains a staple of regional theater, summer stock and high school drama groups. Just because you're under 30 doesn't mean Grease is unfamiliar fare.<br /><br />"So many kids have grown up performing it," said Scandalios. "People get personally attached to it."<br /><br />The show, which opened in New York in 1972, was originally a play with incidental music staged at a theater in the Old Town section of Chicago. A couple of producers saw it and suggested it might fare better as a full-blown musical.<br /><br />Grease was successfully revived on Broadway in 1994.<br /><br />But his current touring version is slightly different. It contains for the first time several songs from the film that were not in the original Broadway show, tunes such as "You're the One That I Want," "Sandy," and "Hopelessly Devoted to You." That has given the show a "fresh dynamic," said Scandalios.<br /><br />It also has at least one popular face among the cast, Taylor Hicks of American Idol fame, who plays Teen Angel. Hicks, who won the season-five sing off, made his Broadway debut in that role this summer.<br /><br />The show has also gotten a boost no doubt from the American Idol-style television contest Grease: You're The One That I Want, which aired on NBC almost two years ago. The winners of that show - Laura Osnes and Max Crumm - went on to star in the Broadway production.. (Allie Schulz, one of the runners-up in the show, has been picked up by the tour as Rizzo.) <br /><br />The TV show was a ratings loser but was a huge boost for the Broadway revival, which opened in August of last year. By April of last year, advance sales had topped $9 million, or 90 percent of co-producer David Ian's investment. The show is now making a profit - always a good thing, Scandalios noted. <br /><br />At this point Scandalios said there's no end in sight. <br /><br />"It's looking great in other cities," he said. "We couldn't be happier."<br /><br />Scandalios, who started out answering the phones at the Nederlander organization, was instrumental in picking the leads for the tour, and lining up Providence as the starting point. Scandalios has long been a fan of PPAC. He attended a performance of Dream Girls there when he was a senior at Boston College in the late 1980s getting a finance degree. While there was competition among cities to launch the tour, Providence won out because of its proximity to New York, where many of the crew and cast are based, and because it is less expensive to do business here than some bigger and better known locales.<br /><br />"It was the right combination of a sophisticated audience and the economics," said Scandalios.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkklpZyFEZHWhekWSD``x1228083517``x(default)``xThe Providence Journal (<a href="http://www.projo.com">http://www.projo.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks Takes His (Broadway) Show on the Road``xalan``x<i>by Joyce Eng</i><br /><br />It's been quite a year for Taylor Hicks. After mutually splitting with his record company, Arista, in January, the former American Idol champ took his career into his own hands by starting his own label, Modern Whomp Records, and taking a little music breather to get into acting. And no, there was no From Justin to Kelly monstrosity. Hicks made his Broadway debut in Grease as Teen Angel, the one (role) that he wanted and loved so much that he's joining the musical on a nationwide tour. Before the festivities kick off Dec. 2, the man behind the Soul Patrol chatted with TVGuide.com about jump-starting his acting career, his upcoming, as-yet-untitled album and why he loves working overtime.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: Let's start at the beginning. How'd you land the role of Teen Angel?<br />Taylor Hicks:</b> I've been offered to do some parts on Broadway before I took it, but I didn't really want to dive into the theater and acting without starting from a really good point. I wanted to get my feet wet in the acting field and the theatrical field and we wanted to find a role where I'd be able to learn about the process for future acting jobs and this is a great start. Being musical, I'm starting to understand the little nuances and stuff about acting because it's very similar to playing music with its rhythm. It's just in an acting sense instead of musical sense. I'm still learning.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: How nervous were you about not only making your acting debut, but having it be on Broadway?<br />Hicks:</b> Oh, yes, I was so nervous! Not only was my first acting gig of [my] life on Broadway, but I was suspended 40 feet in the air, so I wasn't actually on the stage! [Laughs] So, I was definitely feeling a little queasy before I actually opened the cone. To say the least, it was a grand entrance.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: And now you're gonna be suspended across America. Are you nervous about the tour? It's different going on the same stage every night as opposed to traveling across the country.<br />Hicks:</b> A little bit, but there are a lot of things I'm excited about. Being able to be with the cast, to do Grease on the road and take it to the different places - places I've never been before - I'm very blessed to have that opportunity to do that. <br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: You obviously took a break from music to do this. Was that a conscious choice?<br />Hicks:</b> I knew that I had to reinvent myself. I think reinvention is key. Being an entertainer, you have to cover all your bases, so to speak. That's something that's allowed to write music for the next record. It allowed me to do a lot of things that wasn't the norm for a standard musician or entertainer. I had the time to write, reflect and obviously try a new venture out.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: And you started your own label -<br />Hicks:</b> Yeah, I started Modern Whomp Records. I'm aligned with a distribution company, A2M. It's just a learning process. The inner workings of a label - I'm understanding them. Every label has the standard procedure and practices, so I'm just now learning. I'm excited about that process. Hopefully, it'll allow me to sign other acts in the future too.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: After you left Arista, did you decide right away you would start your own label or were you looking at other homes?<br />Hicks:</b> I'd been offered traditional record deals and I just felt like it was best for me to be able to start my own label and partner with distribution. Having your own label really allows you to be out there and have total control of your art and how you want to sell it and how it best fits you. You really live and die by the sword, which I think really makes the artist drive a lot more - drive to succeed. <br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: What's the update on your new album?<br />Hicks:</b> It's coming out Feb. 10. I should have a single the first of the new year. I can honestly say that some of the instincts that I had picking songs on Idol, I was able to use picking songs for this album, which has really been a great experience. I've been able to wrap my artistic expression around these songs and I've had some time to live with these songs and be able to visualize what I want for each of them. I'm really excited about the record because I feel like from the style aspect, nowadays you listen to records that sound very similar on each track, but this album, I wanted to take the listener on a musical journey and touch on the stylings that are reflective of who I am as an artist.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: How different is it from your first one?<br />Hicks:</b> There's definitely soul. I think it all starts with soul, but this time around, I think the songs are touching on a lot of different styles that reflect me, so that's different in a way. On the last record, it was kind of an R&amp;B influence. This is my journey as a songwriter. But what's really interesting and cool about it is I'm gonna be able to play my single within the Grease show. It's a very unique aspect. It's like I'm gonna be performing as Teen Angel, but then I'll also be performing my single to the record, so everybody who comes and sees me as Teen Angel can also experience me as a musician.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: Really?! How is it gonna be incorporated?<br />Hicks:</b> It's gonna be a big surprise! [Laughs] We're still working the details out. What's even cooler than that is I'll be doing an intimate club tour in each market, hopefully, to be able to start working on this record from a live aspect. <br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: When will you start that? After the Grease tour?<br />Hicks:</b> No, actually, that's gonna be during the Grease tour, like after the shows.<br /><br /><b>TVGuide.com: Aren't you gonna be exhausted?<br />Hicks:</b> This business isn't for the faint of heart! [Laughs] Yeah, it's a lot of work, but at the same time, it's very fulfilling from a creative aspect. It's like the time is now.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32493.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32493.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklpZpEuyWTflAYSW``x1228077346``x(default)``xTV Guide (<a href="http://www.tvguide.com">http://www.tvguide.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Idol' Taylor Hicks comes to PPAC in 'Grease'``xalan``xThe national tour of the Tony Award-nominated new Broadway production of "Grease" launches at the Providence Performing Arts Center Tuesday.<br /><br />"Grease," starring "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, will be at PPAC through Dec. 7. The Season Five winner made his debut on Broadway in the role this past summer.<br /><br />Also starring will be Eric Schneider as Danny and Emily Padgett as Sandy. Mr. Schneider made his Broadway debut in "Jersey Boys," while Ms. Padgett made her Broadway debut in "Grease," where she understudied the role of Sandy. Starring as "Rizzo" will be Allie Schulz, a contestant on NBC's "Grease: You're the One That I Want." She comes directly from the Broadway company of "Grease."<br /><br />This new production of "Grease," which opened on Broadway on Aug. 19, 2007, was born out of NBC's landmark talent competition TV series, "Grease: You're The One That I Want." The weekly talent competition drew 90 million viewers, and America voted for its favorite contestants to play the lead roles of Sandy and Danny on Broadway. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall ("The Pajama Game," "Wonderful Town"), "Grease" features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.<br /><br />The new production features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture for the first time ever in a Broadway production, including "Sandy," the Academy Award-nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease," and "You're the One That I Want," both of which were No. 1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production, including "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32508.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklpyAkZAYwkbBitD``x1228076479``x(default)``xSouth Coast Today (<a href="http://www.southcoasttoday.com">http://www.southcoasttoday.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks "Saddened" by Death of Paula Abdul Fan``xalan``x<i>by Joyce Eng</i><br /><br />Former American Idol champ Taylor Hicks was "very saddened" to hear about the recent death of ex-Idol hopeful and Paula Abdul fan, Paula Goodspeed, outside of Abdul's home.<br /><br />"My thoughts and prayers go to her and her family," Hicks told TVGuide.com.<br /><br />Goodspeed, 30, was found dead in a parked car in front of the Idol judge's L.A. house on Nov. 11. Hicks said he hasn't spoken to Abdul since the death and hasn't, "thankfully," experienced any extreme incidents with his own die-hard fan-base, the Soul Patrol.<br /><br />"You just try to be as nice and as courteous as possible to all your fans," he said. "But as far as that goes, that kind of stuff is completely out of your control."<br /><br />Since his crowning moment on Season 5 of the Fox juggernaut, Hicks has starred on Broadway in Grease, started his own label, and recorded his sophomore LP, slated for a Feb. 10, 2009 release. On Dec. 2, he starts a nationwide tour of Grease.<br /><br />But Hicks hasn't forgotten his roots. The silver-haired crooner will make time on the road to catch Season 8 of Idol and its new judge, Kara DioGuardi, with whom he penned "Give Me Tonight" on his first album.<br /><br />"I think she's gonna bring a very positive and a good message," he said. "She's gonna be a good judge. She's a really great songwriter. She knows the business and I think that she definitely will be a good voice of reasoning."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32507.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32507.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklpylylpYnLsHNJS``x1228075880``x(default)``xTV Guide (<a href="http://www.tvguide.com">http://www.tvguide.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
JORDIN SPARKS DESIGNS CLOTHING FOR WET SEAL``xalan``x<b>'American Idol' winner introduces line of holiday dresses</b><br /><br />Teen-favorite clothing store Wet Seal is carrying a line of holiday dresses designed by 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks. <br /><br />Appropriately called "Sparks," the line will begin with an assortment of holiday dresses and will later include casual apparel and accessories. <br /><br />"I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before. The holiday season is my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to see girls look cute, feel good and celebrate in style," Jordin says in a released statement.       <br /><br />Wet Seal’s CEO Ed Thomas, couldn’t be happier to have the singer on his team.       <br /><br />"Jordin is a great role model for the young girls that shop Wet Seal. Not only does she have a youthful, yet refined, fashion sense, she has not lost sight of who she is through her rise to stardom," he said in a press release.        <br /><br />Jordin’s "Sparks" line of dresses is already available online at wetseal.com. The dresses range in size from XS to XL and in price from $30-55. <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32506.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32506.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklpyZyZuZezNHdOK``x1228074874``x(default)``xEURweb (<a href="http://www.eurweb.com">http://www.eurweb.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Idol' David Cook's debut album sells 280,000 units, debuts at No. 3``xalan``x<i>By John Bracchitta</i><br /><br />David Cook's self-titled debut album dropped at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 album sales chart after selling 280,000 copies during its initial week of release, according to Nielsen Soundscan data for the week ending November 23.  <br /> <br />The American Idol seventh-season champ's first-week debut album sales were significantly higher than that of Idol sixth-season champion Jordin Sparks -- whose self-titled debut sold 119,000 copies and dropped at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 in its first week of release last November. <br /><br />Cook's first-week debut album sales were also quite a bit higher than those of seventh-season Idol runner-up David Archuleta, who sold 183,000 copies of his self-titled debut during its initial week of release one week earlier. <br /><br /><span class="ptd-dfn-dta-c3-dfs">Cook's first-week debut album numbers rank fifth among Idol's seven winners, behind Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, and Kelly Clarkson but ahead of Fantasia Barrino and Sparks.  The numbers also rank seventh among all Idol debut albums, behind Studdard, Underwood, Hicks, and Clarkson and the debut albums from Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry's Daughtry band.</span><br /><br />Aiken's October 2003 debut "Measure of a Man" remains the highest-selling Idol runner-up debut ever.  It moved 613,000 copies and dropped at No. 1 on The Billboard 200.  <br /><br />Cook's album finished third on The Billboard 200 album sales chart behind new album releases from Beyonce's "I... Am Sasha Fierce," which sold 482,000 copies, and Nickelback's "Dark Horse," which sold 326,000 copies. <br /><br />Cook's debut outsold Taylor Swift's "Fearless," which fell to No. 4 and sold 280,000 after debuting at No. 1 the previous week. Il Divo's "The Promise came in at No. 5, selling 162,000. <br /><br />Rounding out The Billboard 200 Top 10 were the soundtrack from the newly-release Twilight film at No. 6, "Now That's What I Call Music 29" at No. 7, Disney's High School Musical 3 soundtrack at No. 8, Enya's "And Winter Came" at No. 9, and AC/DC's "Black Ice" at No. 10.  <br /><br />Cook's release replaces third-season finalist Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut album as the best new album debut by an American Idol alumnus this year. Hudson's album dropped at No. 2 after selling 217,000 units during its initial week of release last month. <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32505.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32505.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkklpyyylZCmDxKFRR``x1228073887``x(default)``xReality TV World (<a href="http://www.realitytvworld.com">http://www.realitytvworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Did 'American Idol' Play Part in Former Contestant's Death?``xalan``x<i>By Allison A. McGevna</i><br /><br />When the body of a former "American Idol" contestant who was obsessed with Paula Abdul was found outside the "Idol" judge's home Tuesday, several reports suggested that the woman's harsh rejection during her audition on the show may have sparked the downward spiral that ended in her apparent suicide.<br /><br />But neither the "Idol" judges nor the show are to blame, a well-known psychiatrist told FOXNews.com.<br /><br />"Goodspeed's apparent suicide was certainly not just because of her experience on ‘American Idol'" said Dr. Keith Ablow, a FOX News contributor, pointing to the likelihood that Goodspeed, 30, suffered from several other serious mental health issues that led to her death.<br /><br />"It's certainly possible that someone who is emotionally vulnerable could be deeply injured by a perceived failure in the public eye," Ablow said. "But her apparent suicide was certainly not just because of her experience on the show."<br /><br />During the Season Five auditions in 2006, Goodspeed's rendition of "Proud Mary" was roundly criticized by "Idol" judge Simon Cowell and rejected by Abdul and judge Randy Jackson.<br /><br />Goodspeed's appearance, in addition to her performance, was trashed by bloggers and mocked by Cowell. On her MySpace page - which had not been updated since 2007 - she blogged about her experience:<br /><br />"It's very hard reading such awful things being written about yourself," she wrote. " ... Just because I made the mistake of trying out for a singing competition before I was even ready vocally, emotionally and physically."<br /><br />Ablow said Goodspeed may have used her "pathologic obsession" with Abdul as a shield against a number of problems - possibly including a feeling of worthlessness. In her blog, Goodspeed had shown signs of loneliness and depression.<br /><br />"I have to believe there is something good about me," she wrote.<br /><br /><b>Goodspeed's Family Led Authorities to Abdul's Home</b><br /><br />Capt. Ross Bonifiglio of the Ventura County Sheriff's Dept. said Goodspeed's family had indicated that she was unstable and feared that she might overdose when they filed a missing-persons report. They had not seen her since 11 p.m. Monday.<br /><br />"The caller informed us that Ms. Goodspeed might be in the area of Paula Abdul's home, and we notified Los Angeles Police," Bonifiglio told FOXNews.com.<br /><br />When her vehicle was located at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, police found a photo of Abdul in the mirror. According to published reports, Goodspeed had been spotted outside Abdul's home several times over the past few weeks.<br /><br />In June, the department checked on Goodspeed at her home in Thousand Oaks after deputies received a tip from Los Angeles police that she might be at risk of harming herself, Bonfiglio said.<br /><br />A source close to Abdul told FOXNews.com that Goodspeed had been aggressively stalking Abdul for as many as six years. According to the source, she would park her car and lurk around the house, but never initiated direct contact with Abdul other than at her "Idol" audition.<br /><br />According to Ablow, her obsession with Abdul could have easily provided an impetus for her to audition for the show, although her MySpace page indicated that she had desired a career in music.<br /><br />"Someone in Goodspeed's position might possibly place exaagerated importance on experiences like being picked to audition," Ablow said. "She may have interpreted those moments as added validity to her belief that there was a real relationship [between her and Paula Abdul.]"<br /><br />In a statement yesterday, Abdul said she was, "deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday" and that her "heart and prayers go out to her family."<br /><br />Still, according to the source, Goodspeed had caused her "great concern for a long time."<br /><br />Representatives from "American Idol" did not comment.<br /><br /><b>Could "American Idol" Have Known About Her Mental State?</b><br /><br />"Idol" contestants are required to sign a release form before auditioning. By signing, they agree to allow the show to reveal information that may be "personal, private … embarrassing or unfavorable," which may expose them to "public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation."<br /><br />According to Ablow, it would be very difficult for "Idol" or other reality shows to screen potential contestants for mental instability.<br /><br />"It is difficult even for psychiatrists to determine whether or not a person is suicidal," he said.<br /><br />A screening process could also raise potential ethical and discrimination issues as well, Ablow said.<br /><br />Former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood defended the judging process and Simon Cowell in particular in an interview with FOXNews.com earlier this year.<br /><br />"[Cowell's] role, I guess, is to be the 'bad guy,' so I get angry when I see contestants up there arguing with him," Underwood said.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32463.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32463.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkyAFAFFuMshbdpwm``x1226946534``x(default)``xFOXNews (<a href="http://www.foxnews.com">http://www.foxnews.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Paula Abdul fan who was mocked in American Idol audition commits suicide``xalan``xA obsessed fan of Paula Abdul who was mocked for her braces when she auditioned for American Idol has been found dead in an apparent suicide in a car near the home of the pop star and judge she adored. <br /><br />Paula Goodspeed, whose rendition of Proud Mary was strongly criticised by Simon Cowell and rejected by Ms Abdul and fellow judge Randy Jackson, appears to have committed suicide by overdose, police said. <br /><br />Her body was discovered on Tuesday night in a car with the personalised licence plate "ABL LV" in a Los Angeles Lakers frame, parked in a Los Angeles street not far from the home of the 80s pop singer, a former Lakers girl. <br /><br />Investigators found prescription drugs in the 30-year-old's car, along with Paula Abdul CDs and pictures. Her parents had reported her missing some hours earlier and expressed concern that she might hurt herself. She had apparently been last seen on Monday night.<br /><br />"It appears to be a suicide by overdose," Detective Robert Bub of the Los Angeles Police Department said. <br /><br />Ms Goodspeed's audition was aired during season five, which began in January 2006. She told the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, that she was a huge fan of Ms Abdul and showed him life-size drawings of the singer which she said she had been creating "ever since I was a little kid." <br /><br />When she appeared in front of her idol Simon Cowell noted a physical resemblance to Ms Abdul, to which Ms Goodspeed replied "She's beautiful." <br /><br />However following her performance of the Tina Turner hit Ms Abdul declared herself "speechless", going on to add: "That's not a good thing." Mr Cowell then went on to make fun of her braces saying he did not know how anyone could sing with "that much metal in their mouth." <br /><br />"You have so much metal in mouth," he repeated, holding his hands far apart to indicate size as he added: "That's like a bridge". <br /><br />She spoke of the criticism in a MySpace posting some months after the broadcast, also expressing her hurt at how her appearance had been trashed by bloggers. <br /><br />In June, officers from the Ventura County Sheriff's department checked on the woman at her home in the LA suburb of Thousand Oaks after deputies received a tip from city police that the woman might be at risk of self-harm, Captain Ross Bonfiglio said. <br /><br />Jeff Ballard, a representative for Ms Abdul, told celebrity TV show "Entertainment Tonight" that the singer and her staff had known about Ms Goodspeed for years. <br /><br />"I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday," Ms Abdul said in a statement. "My heart and prayers go out to her family." <br /><br />The singer joined American Idol as a judge in 2002. The producer of the reality show, Fremantle Media North America, declined to comment on the death. <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32463.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32463.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkyAFlVVFliGjikMk``x1226945753``x(default)``xTimesOnline (<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk">http://www.timesonline.co.uk</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Schneider, Padgett, Schulz, Allan, Blum and More Will Join Hicks in Grease Tour``xalan``x<i>By Andrew Gans</i><br /><br />Complete casting has been announced for the upcoming national tour of the fifties-themed musical Grease, which will launch Dec. 2 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI.<br /><br />As previously reported, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, who played a summer stint as Teen Angel in the Broadway company of Grease, will reprise that role for audiences across the country in the musical's national tour.<br /><br />Hicks will be joined by Eric Schneider (Jersey Boys, Altar Boyz) as Danny, Emily Padgett (Grease, national tour of Cats) as Sandy, Allie Schulz ("Grease: You're the One That I Want") as Rizzo, Scot Patrick Allan as Eugene, Will Blum as Roger, Bridie Carroll as Jan, Kate Morgan Chadwick as Frenchy, Brian Crum as Doody, Kelly Felthous as Marty, Dominic Fortuna as Vince Fontaine, Erin Henry as Patty Simcox, Roxie Lucas as Miss Lynch, David Ruffin as Kenickie, and Nick Verina as Sonny.<br /><br />The ensemble will comprise Joseph Corella, Preston Ellis, Melissa Larsen, Ruby Lewis, Lisa Maietta, Dayla Perkins, Mark Raumaker, Mike Russo, Matthew William Schmidt and Brooke Stone.<br /><br />The current tour schedule follows:<br />Dec. 2-7, 2008 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI<br />Dec. 9-14, 2008 at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing, MI <br />Dec. 16-21, 2008 at Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH <br />Dec. 30, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN <br />Jan. 6-18, 2009 at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL <br />Jan. 20-Feb. 1, 2009 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, OH <br />Feb. 3-15, 2009 at the Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD<br />Feb. 18-22, 2009 at the Omaha Performing Arts Center, Omaha, NE<br />Feb. 24-March 1, 2009 at the Music Hall, Tucson, AZ<br />March 3-8, 2009 at the Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA <br />March 10-22, 2009 at the Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA<br />March 24-April 19, 2009 at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA <br />April 21-26, 2009 at Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR <br />April 28-May 10, 2009 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA <br />May 12-30, 2009 at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA<br />June 2-7, 2009 at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, WI<br />June 9-28, 2009 at the Fisher Theatre, Detroit, MI<br /><br />Grease will be produced on tour by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.<br /><br />"After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town," Grease press notes state, "Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady."<br /><br />Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, Grease features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Brian Ronan.<br /><br />Grease features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The new production also boasts songs from the hit 1978 film, which co-starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Among the film songs heard in the Broadway revival are "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want."<br /><br />The new cast recording of Grease is available on the Masterworks Broadway label.<br /><br />Grease debuted on Broadway in February 1972 with a cast that included Barry Bostwick (Danny), Carole Demas (Sandy) and Adrienne Barbeau (Rizzo). The musical closed in April 1980, after playing 20 previews and 3,388 performances. The 1994 revival cast Rosie O'Donnell in the role of Rizzo.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkkVkpVVAudJKNJIxC``x1225212794``x(default)``xPlaybill (<a href="http://www.playbill.com">http://www.playbill.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Boy's body found on Chicago's West Side``xalan``xCHICAGO - Police searching for Jennifer Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew say they've found the body of a young black boy in an SUV. There is no confirmation on the identity of the body.<br /><br />A spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner's office says they've sent investigators to the scene. A spokeswoman for the Chicago Police Department refused to comment Monday.<br /><br />Julian King hasn't been seen since Friday. That's when Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home.<br /><br />Authorities issued an Amber Alert for the 7-year-old and were looking for a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban. The Oscar-winning actress offered a $100,000 reward for his safe return.<br /><br />Julian is the son of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia Hudson.<br /><br />Police on Sunday transferred custody of a "person of interest" in the killings to state authorities.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVEEyVpFtHPGzyif``x1225123703``x(default)``xYahoo! News (<a href="http://news.yahoo.com">http://news.yahoo.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Former 'American Idol' Castmates Offer Prayers, Support For Jennifer Hudson``xalan``xJennifer Hudson's former "American Idol" Season 3 finalists have offered their support and prayers for the Oscar-winner, following news that her mother, Darnell Donerson, and brother Jason Hudson, were shot and killed at the family's Chicago home.<br /><br />"I was completely shocked and stunned when I heard about this tragedy," Diana DeGarmo, who finished second on Season 3 of "Idol," told Access Hollywood. "I know how important Jennifer's mother and brother were to her, especially because her father was never in the picture. They were so nice and so pleasant. Jennifer always spoke about her mom, how close they were and how much of a ‘big sister' role her mom played in her life."<br /><br />"I can't imagine what she is going through," she continued. "I hope everybody gives Jennifer her space to deal with this because I know how much they will be missed by her. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jennifer and we are here for you."<br /><br />"My heart, my prayers and love go out to Jennifer and her family," LaToya London, who placed fourth in Season 3 told Access Hollywood. "I will constantly keep them in my prayers. Jennifer, stay strong."<br /><br />"Senseless beyond speech. Infuriating. Confusing. Heartbreaking. There are no words that could describe the loss you must feel," Jon Peter Lewis, who finished eighth in Season 3, said in a statement to Access. "I love you and I am with you in these turbulent days ahead."<br /><br />"I'm shocked," Camile Velasco, another "Idol" Season 3 cast member, said. "This news caught me off guard. I met Jennifer's mom when she came to the set in L.A. and I also went to Jennifer's home on the South Side of Chicago during the ‘American Idol' tour and spent time with her mom."<br /><br />Velasco told Access Hollywood that Darnell Donnerson, Jennifer's mom, was a wonderful woman.<br /><br />"She was a great lady, real sweet and a great supporter of Jennifer's who was happy and glad for her daughter's success," Velasco said. "Jennifer has great faith in God and is loved by so many so I hope that will get her through this ordeal. She has my love and support and I am here for her if she needs me." <br /><br />And Jasmine Trias, Season 3's third-place winner, also offered her prayers for her former "American Idol" co-star.<br /><br />"Jennifer has come so far and has been so successful that it's so unfortunate to learn of this tragic, heartbreaking news," Trias told Access. "My heart and prayers go out to her. I hope she will pull through this. Be strong. Continue to be successful. [I hope]… that all that she has going on right now in her career gives her the strength to carry on. My condolences go out to her and her family."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVpuppEZbJogOwYr``x1225047217``x(default)``xAccess Hollywood (<a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com">http://www.accesshollywood.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol: Jennifer Hudson's Mother and Brother Found Dead``xalan``xTMZ and The New York Times have reported that former American Idol contestant, and Academy Award dinner Jennifer Hudson has suffered a serious personal tragedy. Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death inside her mother's home, in the South Side of Chicago, this afternoon. It is also reported that police are searching for Hudson's 7-year-old nephew. Police have confirmed that Hudson's mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, was one of the victims. A neighbor told TMZ that the other victim was identified as Hudson's brother Jason S. Hudson, 29, but the police have not released an official statement.<br /><br />TMZ has updated its site throughout the night regarding the incident. "An all points bulletin has been issued for a boy, believed to be Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, who may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X584859," TMZ posted on their site. Law enforcement officials believe that Hudson's nephew is with William Balfour, who is currently on parole after being jailed for attempted murder. Balfour is Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia.<br /><br />In their statements to the press, the police said that there were no signs of forced entry at the Donerson home. WLS-TV, Chicago's news station, said that neighbors reported hearing shots early Friday morning but the bodies were not found until the afternoon.  WLS also spoke with Rev. Willie Davis, pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church, where the Hudson family were members. "That says a lot about the fact of the kind of family Jennifer comes from," Reverend Davis said. "They're a family of faith. They want to be attached to their roots."<br /><br />TMZ reported that Jennifer Hudson left Florida immediately today to fly home to Chicago to be with her family.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32372.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVpFAVAFDCBmstgx``x1225046793``x(default)``xBuddy TV (<a href="http://www.buddytv.com">http://www.buddytv.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American idol winner immortalised in wax``xalan``xLondon, Oct 24 (IANS) "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood has been immortalised in wax by Madame Tussauds museum in Times Square, New York, this week.<br /><br />The singer was in the middle of a tour when she was approached by a team of artists for the "figure sitting", which took more than an hour, reports thesun.co.uk.<br /><br />She also donated a replica of the dress she donned for the 2006 Country Music Association Awards to be worn by her wax likeness.<br /><br />"I am honoured to have been asked to pose for a Madame Tussauds wax figure as this is truly a once in a lifetime experience,” she said.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32376.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32376.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVpFlFZpmTbARAyc``x1225045570``x(default)``xMangalorean.com (<a href="http://mangalorean.com">http://mangalorean.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Woman to stand trial over US Idol stalking claim``xalan``x<i>Georgie Pilcher</i><br /><br /><b>A WOMAN who allegedly sent obscene e-mails and made phone calls to an American Idol star was today ordered to stand trial.</b><br /><br />Tanya Maree Quattrocchi, 22, of Oak Park allegedly sent emails to family, friends and work colleagues of US pop singer Diana DeGarmo, 20. <br /><br />The Melbourne Magistrates' Court today heard Ms Quattrocchi was obsessed with the Tennessee singer, who performed in Hairspray the musical, and sent fictitious emails about the star's sex live to Ms DeGarmo's friends. <br /><br />Ms Quattrocchi has pleaded not guilty to four counts of stalking the American star between November last year and January. <br /><br />Police arrested her in April after they seized her computer and mobile phone. <br /><br />The victim said in documents tendered to court Ms Quattrocchi had called her almost nightly, had hacked into her MySpace account and sent messages pretending to be her including vulgar emails. <br /><br />"I have moved twice and she still finds me. I cannot have any private or professional life without her infiltrating it,'' Ms DeGarmo said in a statement. <br /><br />"No matter what I do I cannot get away from her. She is still to this day stealing my online identity and harassing my friends, family and myself,'' she said. <br /><br />The court heard Ms Quattrocchi allegedly sent emails stating the singer wanted to have sex with her brother, loved older men and was a lesbian. <br /><br />"Diana is a lesbian whore. I don’t want her small hands touching me. I love guys and have sex with them,’’ Ms Quattrochi wrote to the singer’s sister-in-law. <br /><br />Ms Quattrocchi was released on bail under the condition she not use any computer or device that allows internet or email access and not communicate in any way with Ms DeGarmo. <br /><br />She must now appear at the County Court in January 2009.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32375.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32375.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVpFZFZkpLANdypa``x1225044572``x(default)``xHerald Sun (<a href="http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun">http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun</a>)``x53071149601226``x
David Cook To Be On Saturday Night Live``xalan``x<i>by Paulene Hinds</i><br /><br />On November 1, American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook will appear as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. David Cook's appearance will mark the earliest appearance post win/finale for any Idol who has appeared on the show.<br /><br />Cook will become the fourth idol to appear on the show, but the three previous American Idols who graced the 30 Rock stage did so well after their albums had been released or later in their careers.  Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood both appeared after their albums had been out for several months and Kelly Clarkson appeared in support of her second album.<br /><br />David's self-titled debut LP is due in stores November 18. He will perform the first single, "Light On," in his "SNL" appearance, which will mark the first televised performance of the song, as well as Cook's first public outing with his new band. The song is already available for download on iTunes.<br /><br />His publicity tour in support of the album will also include a live, open-to-the-public performance on "Good Morning America" booked for Nov. 17.  He has planned a national tour for early 2009.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32374.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32374.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkVpFkuEERWEHIadx``x1225039611``x(default)``xReality TV Magazine (<a href="http://www.realitytvmagazine.com">http://www.realitytvmagazine.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Former 'American Idol' contestant Paris Bennett gives birth to daughter named Egypt``xalan``x<i>Associated Press</i><br /><br />MINNEAPOLIS - Former "American Idol" contestant Paris Bennett has given birth to a daughter named Egypt.<br /><br />Bennett was in labor for five hours before her 5-pound, 15-ounce baby was born Monday.<br /><br />The first-time mother is reportedly doing well.<br /><br />In a news release, the 20-year-old says she's "so excited to finally see my little angel." Bennett adds, "Man, does she have lungs on her. I guess she's gearing up to be the next American Idol."<br /><br />Bennett is scheduled to release her first Christmas CD, "A Royal Christmas," on October 14th.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32307.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32307.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkFuplAlZyuysrQuz``x1223416187``x(default)``xStar Tribune (<a href="http://www.startribune.com">http://www.startribune.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks Inks Indie Deal For New CD``xalan``xFormer "American Idol" champion Taylor Hicks has aligned with artist services company Artist to Market for the release of his next album, due Feb. 10. The as-yet-untitled set, which Hicks is working on with producer Simon Climie, will carry the artists Modern Whomp Records imprint.<br /><br />"In this digital age, when artists can connect more directly with audiences, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense," says Hicks.<br /><br />Hicks released a lone album, a 2006 self-titled effort, via Arista following his "Idol" win. The album has sold 703,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.<br /><br />After splitting with Arista early this year, Hicks launched Modern Whomp with the compilation "Early Works," drawn from his two, pre-"Idol" indie albums. Also in the works is "Whomp at the Warfield," a live DVD taped at the San Francisco venue.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Hicks will reprise his role as the Teen Angel in "Grease" as part of a national tour beginning Dec. 1.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32299.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32299.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkFuplVAymXGgGpDn``x1223415796``x(default)``xBillboard (<a href="http://www.billboard.com">http://www.billboard.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks Exclusively Partners With A2M to Release Album, Due Winter 2009``xalan``x<b>Birthday Boy Hicks Signs Cutting Edge Deal Unlike Any Other Idol</b><br /><br />LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- He's "Takin' It to the Streets" on "American Idol" -- now Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks will be takin' it more directly to the people. Celebrating his birthday today, Hicks has tapped the independent artist services company Artist To Market (A2M) to release his much-buzzed-about new album, due in stores on February 10, 2009. The platinum-selling singer-songwriter will be releasing the new title with complete control of direction and ownership of his masters on his solely owned and operated, Modern Whomp Records label. Hicks is currently in the studio with producer Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill).<br /><br />"In this digital age, when artists can connect more directly with audiences, this is a partnership that makes a lot of sense," says Hicks. "I'm very much enjoying being in the studio with Simon working on the new album and look forward to releasing it through A2M early next year."<br /><br />"We at A2M are very excited to be working with the team at Modern Whomp Records on this release," said Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M. "As the industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to see significant artists approach the marketplace in a new way, and truly take control over their own destiny. This is exactly why A2M was built in the first place -- to provide a service platform for these artists to prosper on their own terms."<br /><br />During the last two years, Taylor Hicks has seen his self-titled Arista debut album certified platinum, performed with the likes of Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Jackson Browne, toured through Asia, penned the brisk-selling Random House memoir Heart Full of Soul, spent time in NY this past summer for his three-month Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease, and will take Grease on a national tour beginning December 1.<br /><br />In August Hicks' Modern Whomp Records released Early Works (a reissue compilation of his two independent albums, In Your Time and Under the Radar) through the Welk Music Group. Hicks is also planning the release of Whomp at the Warfield, a DVD showcasing a live performance by Hicks and his band at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32299.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32299.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkFFAkVEpvRRSJFGv``x1223399710``x(default)``xSys-Con (<a href="http://uk.sys-con.com">http://uk.sys-con.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol star Taylor Hicks to join "Grease" tour``xalan``x"American Idol" champion Taylor Hicks is hitting the road with "Grease."<br /><br />Hicks, the gray-haired soul singer who won the fifth season of the hit Fox reality show in 2006, will star as "Teen Angel" in an upcoming national tour of the popular musical. He played the role on Broadway over the summer.<br /><br />The national tour launches Dec. 2 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where it will play eight performances.<br /><br />Hicks said in a statement Monday that he had a great time on Broadway and was excited to take the show around the country.<br /><br />The "Teen Angel" character is best known for the song, "Beauty School Dropout."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkkEVZZpluNkWAOBGy``x1221584284``x(default)``xThe Edge (<a href="http://www.bostonherald.com">http://www.bostonherald.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks: From teen 'Idol' to Teen Angel``xalan``xThe Soul Patrol has a new reason to dance: Taylor Hicks is coming to Chicago.<br /><br />It's not a concert, this time - the season five "American Idol" winner will star in the first national tour of the stage musical "Grease," playing Chicago in a limited engagement Jan. 6-18 at the Auditorium Theatre.<br /><br />Hicks made his debut on Broadway in the role of "Teen Angel" this summer.<br /><br />The current production of "Grease," based on the hit movie, opened on Broadway in 2007 and was born out of NBC's reality TV competition, "Grease: You're The One That I Want."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article and find links to buy tickets</a> on our forum.``xEkkEVZyuypYdPprUhR``x1221583660``x(default)``xSun-Times News Group (<a href="http://www.suntimes.com">http://www.suntimes.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
David Cooks Up Album Release Date``xalan``xSome rock-solid news regarding the rock-heavy release from reigning American Idol champ David Cook: His debut album finally has a drop date.<br /><br />The 25-year-old's as-yet untitled album is set for release on Nov. 18, his label, 19 Recordings/ RCA Records, revealed this morning.<br /><br />The announcement of the album's release coincided with the launch of DavidCookOfficial.com, which, as the site's name implies, is the official website of the newest Idol and the go-to source for his written and recorded blog musings.<br /><br />As for the album, Cook has been busy recording the tracks over the summer in between gigs on the American Idols Live! Tour, which wrapped this weekend. The album's first single is also due out in the next few weeks, though the title has yet to be unveiled.<br /><br />Last month, the reality-show crooner confirmed he was working on the album with well-connected producer Rob Cavallo, whose previous collaborations include a host of cred-heavy acts such as Green Day and Kid Rock, among others.<br /><br />Meanwhile, yet another battle of the Davids is shaping up to take place this fall, with sources telling E! News that David Archuleta, who has already announced his album will be released in November, may pencil in his debut for the same day.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32182.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32182.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkEVZVylZOhFmDVMl``x1221582887``x(default)``xE! Online (<a href="http://www.eonline.com">http://www.eonline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
"Idol" Winner Hicks to Star in Grease National Tour``xalan``x<i>By Andrew Gans</i><br /><br />"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, who recently completed a summer stint as Teen Angel in the Broadway company of Grease, will play that role for audiences across the country in the upcoming national tour of the fifties-themed musical.<br /><br />The national tour of Grease - starring Hicks - will launch Dec. 2 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI. Full casting will be announced at a later date.<br /><br />"I had such a great experience on Broadway for the last three months," Hick said in a statement. "This is such a great opportunity to visit old fans and new fans across the country while bringing them a great Broadway show!"<br /><br />The current tour schedule follows:<br />Dec. 2-7, 2008 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI<br />Dec. 9-14, 2008 at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing, MI <br />Dec. 16-21, 2008 at Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH <br />Dec. 30, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN <br />Jan. 6-18, 2009 at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL <br />Jan. 20-Feb. 1, 2009 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, OH <br />Feb. 3-15, 2009 at the Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD<br />Feb. 24-March 1, 2009 at the Music Hall, Tucson, AZ<br />March 3-8, 2009 at the Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA <br />March 10-22, 2009 at the Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA<br />March 24-April 19, 2009 at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA <br />April 21-26, 2009 at Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR <br />April 28-May 10, 2009 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA <br />May 12-30, 2009 at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA<br /><br />Grease will be produced on tour by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.<br /><br />Taylor Hicks was named "American Idol" in 2006, besting runner-up Katharine McPhee. Born in Birmingham, AL, Hicks toured the Southeastern U.S. during his teenage years and released two independent albums. Following his "Idol" win, Hicks signed a recording contract with 19 Records Limited/Arista Records. His eponymous debut album, "Taylor Hicks," debuted in the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was later certified as a platinum album. Hicks' memoir is titled "Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way."<br /><br />"After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town," Grease press notes state, "Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady."<br /><br />Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, Grease features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Brian Ronan.<br /><br />Grease features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The new production also boasts songs from the hit 1978 film, which co-starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Among the film songs heard in the Broadway revival are "Sandy," "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease" and "You're the One That I Want."<br /><br />The new cast recording of Grease is available on the Masterworks Broadway label.<br /><br />Grease debuted on Broadway in February 1972 with a cast that included Barry Bostwick (Danny), Carole Demas (Sandy) and Adrienne Barbeau (Rizzo). The musical closed in April 1980, after playing 20 previews and 3,388 performances. The 1994 revival cast Rosie O'Donnell in the role of Rizzo.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32176.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkEuAAAuFsQPIdYYn``x1221507143``x(default)``xPlaybill.com (<a href="http://www.playbill.com">http://www.playbill.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
RENT vs. Taylor Hicks vs. Whoopi Golberg``xalan``x<b>Three Shows and Three Broadway Farewells</b><br /><br />It is a battle for the weeping fans of Broadway. This weekend is the last for Taylor Hicks in Grease, the final performance for RENT, and the last weekend of Whoopi Goldberg in Xanadu. So, who will leave the biggest vacuum in their wake when Monday morning rolls around. RENT is getting all the attention, and Whoopi Goldberg was always just a visitor in Xanadu (though perfectly fitted to the fun of the show), our guess is that it is Taylor Hicks who might be most missed come next Monday. It is hard to imagine RENT will ever go away…in a touching bit of news we offer you this from Adelphi University where RENT creator  Jonathan Larson was a student. It is a sweet and smart way to welcome RENT to the larger universe beyond Broadway:<br /><br />"Adelphi University is proud to present the first licensed full production of RENT, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by alumnus Jonathan Larson B.F.A. ‘82, after its Broadway closing. This completely new and reconceived version of RENT will kick off the inaugural season in the University’s new Performing Arts Center (AU PAC), and run from September 23 through September 28, 2008."<br /><br />Best of luck to all. Very poignant news. Thanks for making great Broadway!<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32078.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32078.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkpyVkVVVBnoGuGUq``x1220659755``x(default)``xBroadway.tv (<a href="http://www.broadway.tv">http://www.broadway.tv</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks and his harmonica have made 'Grease!' groovy``xalan``x<i>Posted by Mary Colurso</i><br /><br />Hoover native Taylor Hicks, who's been performing on Broadway in "Grease!," will bid farewell to the musical on Sunday after a three-month run. His performances as Teen Angel have drawn fans to the show in droves, according to a report in the New York Post. <br />"An insider says Hicks is worth at least $150,000 in extra ticket sales a week," columnist Mike Riedel has said. "Whenever Hicks whips out his harmonica, the audience goes nuts. They're having such a blast that the 'Grease' megamix at the end of the show -- this is where the critics ran screaming from the theater -- now runs 10 minutes, with Hicks singing the title song and then playing it on his harmonica." <br /><br />That's no surprise to the Soul Patrol, a group of enthusiasts who discovered the gray-haired soul singer on "American Idol." They've followed Hicks' career, and cheered his accomplishments, ever since he won the crown in 2006. <br /><br />Meantime, producers for "Grease!" must be hoping to extend the "Idol" worship. They've hired singer Ace Young, another veteran of the reality series, for the role of Kenickie. He joins the cast on Tuesday.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32076.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32076.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkpykAkFlBKdNtqDx``x1220636438``x(default)``xThe Birmingham News (<a href="http://blog.al.com">http://blog.al.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
TAYLOR MADE``xalan``x<b>MIDTOWN RENTAL IS FIT FOR AN 'AMERICAN IDOL'</b><br /><br /><i>By MICKI SIEGEL</i><br /><br />"This apartment has been perfect for me and what I wanted to achieve," Taylor Hicks says of his Midtown rental. "I wanted to write some music, have friends over, be comfortable and be close to Broadway."<br /><br />But his stay is now coming to an end. The season five winner of "American Idol" is winding down his first role in a Broadway musical as a soulful, Elvis Presley-ish Teen Angel in "Grease." His last performance will be Sept. 7. (Not to worry, "Idol" fans: On Sept. 9, another season five contestant, Ace Young, will join "Grease" as Kenickie.) For the past two months of his run, Hicks, 31, has been living in the posh Atelier condominium on 42nd Street. This sort of "Hollywood on the Hudson" building, a half-block from the river, has residents including Lindsay Lohan and Nick Lachey. The building features a roof deck, swimming pool, fitness center and basketball court.<br /><br />Hicks' two-bedroom, one-bath corner unit, which rents for $4,600 a month, includes floor-to-ceiling windows that offer river views as well as city views to the north and south.<br /><br />"It's a wonderful apartment," says Hicks, who likes the convenient location. "I run in the Hudson River Park, I swim in the pool and I practice my golf swings at Chelsea Piers. It's close to the theater, and I really enjoy being near the water. It's just the best of both worlds."The apartment came furnished, but, Hicks "spruced it up a bit."<br /><br />Together with decorator Marne Cahn, he bought new pieces that are both handsome and practical.<br /><br />"This is my first time of having new things," the gray-haired, Alabama-born singer says. "Everything I've always had in my apartment have been my grandmother's hand-me-downs. This is the first time I've actually been able to go out on my own and buy a piece of furniture that hasn't been handed down over generations in my family."<br /><br />One of his new pieces is a soft avocado suede couch daybed in the second bedroom. It can open out into a queen-size bed for friends who stay over.<br /><br />"This room is kind of my sitting room," he says of the second bedroom. "I write music in here, I talk on the phone. And the view - it's just about a 180-degree view of whatever you want to see in New York. At night, with the city lights, it's absolutely stunning." The living room is outfitted with a deep brown, almost black leather sofa, which "is really comfortable," Hicks says. "Some mornings I wake up and realize I slept the entire night on the couch. That's how comfortable it is."<br /><br />It's also the room where he has a wall of guitars.<br /><br />"I keep the two guitars I like to write with hanging on hooks on the wall," he says. "They're handy, so, if the muse hits me, I can corral her before she gets away." In addition to playing guitar and singing, Hicks has many other talents that he didn't get a chance to display on "American Idol." Like his green thumb - almost every window is filled with thriving plants.<br /><br />"Because there's so much light in this apartment, there's an equal opportunity for lots of plants to grow," he says.<br /><br />That extends to the coffee table, which has a glass top with plants and peat moss inside it.<br /><br />"I just thought it would be real cool to have some greenery within the table," he says.<br /><br />Hicks is also quite the cook. The open kitchen has seen him whipping up dishes for guests. His specialties are lasagna and chicken piccata.<br /><br />"A few days ago a fan sent me five slabs of barbecued ribs," Hicks says. "They were already pre-cooked, so I just put them in the oven to warm them and brought them to the theater so we could all eat them. Needless to say, we danced a little slow that night."<br /><br />Now that he's leaving the show, Hicks is about to record his next album. There's no title or release date yet (he's hoping for early next year), but he's quite excited about it.<br /><br />"I had time to really create and write the songs," he says. "It's going to be very creative."<br /><br />And ending this run in "Grease" doesn't mean he's saying goodbye to Broadway. He's hoping for another musical in the not-too-distant future.<br /><br />"I've had a wonderful time," Hicks says. "I'll be back here again. I'll be putting all my new furniture right back in a place somewhere around here.<br /><br />"I'm really thankful that I was able to come here and experience New York and help spice up the place a little bit. It's definitely country come to town."<br /><br /><br /><b>Taylor Hicks' FAVORITE THINGS</b><br /><br />* A painting of his band playing at the House of Blues in New Orleans<br /><br />* A T-shirt he got when, at 18, he worked in a roadhouse called the Flora-Bama Lounge<br /><br />* His TaylorMade golf clubs<br /><br />* His collection of old music magazines: "I learn from the singers I read about. They helped me create my own style."<br /><br />* His case of 12 harmonicas, all in different keys<br /><br />* His book "Heart Full of Soul"<br /><br />* The plants all over his apartment<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32069.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32069.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkpVFlAAknHxtdolS``x1220546192``x(default)``xNew York Post (<a href="http://www.nypost.com">http://www.nypost.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Taylor Hicks Broadway Deadline Update``xalan``xNo word yet on whether or not Taylor Hicks will re-up for more time with Grease, now that they've added Ace Young to the group. Star Derek Keeling told Broadway.tv that he's enjoyed his time with Taylor Hicks in an exclusive interview, so it sounds like the cast likes him in. Fans have voiced both the hope that Taylor will stay, but also seem to think that he may head on the road to tour instead of holding court on Broadway. He's brought fire to Grease, which has a solid cast across the board with Ashley Spencer and Derek Keeling anchoring the show. With the flood of tourists about to descend on the city for the holidays, one would suspect the show would want to keep Hicks in…but who knows? The clock is ticking...<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32056.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32056.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkpklukkEmBGUkXEA``x1220291421``x(default)``xBroadway.tv (<a href="http://www.broadway.tv">http://www.broadway.tv</a>)``x53071149601226``x
American Idol's Jason Castro: Lost in Oklahoma City``xalan``x<i>By Kandace Dodson</i><br /><br />It's true. My friend, Alli Vaughan, works in downtown Oklahoma City where the American Idols Live! Tour will be tearing up the town tonight. Her co-worker spotted a lost, familiar dreadlocked fellow wandering the streets and exclaimed: "Hey! Jason Castro from American Idol! Are you lost?" Turns out he was, and she escorted him to his destination: Hallmark.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32041.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32041.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkkppEAuVkcRMljuwB``x1220026652``x(default)``xNeighborsgo Blog - Dallas Morning News (<a href="http://neighborsgoblog.dallasnews.com">http://neighborsgoblog.dallasnews.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol': The 'Scarecrow &amp; Mrs. King' of Our Time?``xalan``xForget the hype. Ratings-wise, American Idol is a jugger-not. <br /><br />Here's why I say that: With reports now pouring in from the latest round of Idol auditions around the country, it's only a matter of time before media critics head back to their thesauruses to find words to express just how culturally dominant this show really is. <br /><br />The problem: It isn't, really.<br /><br />American Idol, at its most popular, was watched by roughly the same percentage of television households as were watching Scarecrow &amp; Mrs. King in 1986. <br /><br />Hard to believe? The proof, after the jump.<br /><br />In case you have completely forgotten Scarecrow &amp; Mrs. King, which you probably have, it was a spy show in which Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson played a federal agent and a housewife who got into all kinds of scrapes with poison darts and killers posing as cooking-show hosts (really!) and all that good late-Cold War Russian-accented espionage business.<br /><br />In its highest-rated season (the spring of 2006), American Idol averaged a household rating of 17.6. This means that 17.6 percent of television-owning households were watching. In the 1986-1987 season, Scarecrow managed a 17.4. <br /><br />So among people who own a TV, your odds that a household was tuned in to American Idol at the absolute peak of its alleged death grip on the national consciousness were about the same as your odds that a 1986 household was watching a show on which, once upon a time, "Lee and Amanda pose[d] as prospective buyers of a fast-food franchise to catch those responsible for poisoning a batch of hamburger sauce." <br /><br />Lest you conclude that this is because more people lived television-free in 1986 (which would mean the same percentage of TV households was a smaller percentage of the overall population), it doesn't look that way: The ratio of television households to total households has been nearly stable since then.<br /><br />"But it's the young people! Young people drive culture, and American Idol is the obsession of the young people!" <br /><br />Not really. According to Nielsen Media Research, 62 percent of the Idol audience is between 35 and 64. Only 15 percent is under 18. (According to the U.S. Census, 24.6 percent of the U.S. population was under 18 in 2006.) <br /><br />So Idol is not driven by its disproportionate appeal to teenagers. As a matter of fact, 11 percent of the audience is 65 or older, compared to 12.4 percent of the total population, meaning your chances of picking a senior citizen out of the Idol audience are about the same as your chances of picking one off the street.<br /><br />It's not that Idol isn't huge, particularly from a business perspective. The thing is a towering behemoth if you compare it to other individual shows. Nothing else this season even came close to it. <br /><br />Whatever the relatively puny cultural penetration of Idol, everything else is even ... well, punier, mostly owing to the scattering of viewers from networks to cable. That makes it, quite logically, the envy of everybody. <br /><br />But if you look at culture rather than at business, the show just isn't that mighty. Throughout its entire history, at least 82 percent of TV households have abstained.<br /><br />And despite all the talk you'll frequently hear about what the success of Idol means about us, not only is it not particularly big for a dumb show, it's not particularly dumb for a big show. <br /><br />In the 1979-1980 season, 26.3 percent of TV households watched Three's Company. Not dumb enough for you? How about the 24.1 percent that watched The Dukes Of Hazzard? <br /><br />The next season, 1980-1981, 34.5 percent -- more than a third of everybody who owned a TV, and twice the percentage that has ever routinely watched Idol -- watched Dallas. <br /><br />That same year, 24.3 percent watched The Love Boat. That's one-quarter of TV owners. And that's Charo. What were you thinking, viewers of 1980? <br /><br />Disclaimer: I like plenty of dumb television. I'm just saying, it's important not to long for a past of pervasive good taste that simply never was.<br /><br />So yes, Idol is crass and silly, and yes, the audition weeks go on far, far too long. And yes, I watch it and unashamedly enjoy it, despite my list of grievances.<br /><br />As for those out there who spend a lot of time gnashing their teeth and asking why everyone else loves the melismatic caterwauling of rank amateurs -- and whether the rise of American Idol means we're sinking feet-first into a cultural tar pit from which we will one day be extracted as brittle fossils -- it's worth remembering: (1) everyone doesn't, and (2) we've liked worse.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32018.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32018.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAZZFZppYJyixBJA``x1219780900``x(default)``xnpr (<a href="http://www.npr.org">http://www.npr.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Paula uncertain about new 'Idol' judge``xalan``x<i>By Ree Hines</i><br /><br />Paula Abdul's reign as the lone female voice on "American Idol's" judging panel is over, and she's not convinced that's such a good idea. <br /><br />Following the announcement that Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi would pull up a chair and join her, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell at the big table, Paula took to the airwaves to give her take on the turn of events<br /><br />"I am concerned about the audience and acceptance," the singer-choreographer told KISS FM's Johnjay &amp; Rich. "Time will tell. We'll see."<br /><br />While the show's executive producer, Simon Fuller, confidently announced that Kara "will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show," the resident softy remained unconvinced.<br /><br />"They always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, 'Pop Idol,'" Paula said. "We haven't had much luck with that working, but we're going to give it another try."<br /><br />Paula's biggest concern seems to be that an extra judge could mean less power for her and more for her on-screen nemesis, Simon.<br /><br />"That's going to be weird if it's a split decision," she said. "I'm sure Simon will get to make the final (judgment). ... (But that) takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through."<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32008.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32008.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAZZFEFFPhnSnpQv``x1219780333``x(default)``xmsnbc (<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com">http://www.msnbc.msn.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'Idol' alum Ace Young to make Broadway debut``xalan``x<i>By ERIN CARLSON</i><br /><br />Another "American Idol" alum is heading to "Grease" on Broadway.<br /><br />Ace Young, who competed on season five of the Fox show, joins the cast Sept. 9, playing Kenickie in the revival of the popular musical.<br /><br />The 27-year-old singer-songwriter - known for his pretty looks and falsetto vocals - will make his debut two days after fellow "Idol" Taylor Hicks completes a two-month stint as Teen Angel. Hicks took home the "Idol" title in 2006.<br /><br />Young will perform through Jan. 18.<br /><br />"I'm really excited," he said. "I had a lot of things kind of open up for me and when the role of Kenickie was offered, it's something that I've always wanted to do as a kid. That's always been my favorite role from `Grease.'"<br /><br />Young likes that Danny Zuko's right hand man is a guy's guy.<br /><br />"That's a big side of me that a lot of people don't know," he said. "They didn't get to see that on `Idol.' You know, I have four older brothers. I was never trying to even care about what I was wearing. I was just trying to survive at the household." <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31937.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31937.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAZZEAEyXkrmczOx``x1219779116``x(default)``xAssociated Press (<a href="http://ap.google.com">http://ap.google.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Idol Adds a Fourth Judge``xalan``x<i>by Gina Serpe</i><br /><br />It's time to get a bigger table.<br /><br />Five months before the new season of American Idol is set to kick off (and apparently trying to steal some of Dancing With the Stars' thunder), producers are shaking things up in a big way, messing with what was until now a winning formula and adding a fourth permanent judge to the table.<br /><br />Joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when the eighth season of the reality juggernaut begins in January is prolific singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi.<br /><br />"Believe me, it's outta nowhere for me, too," DioGuardi assured shocked viewers on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show this morning.<br /><br />"I got a call from my agent, saying, you know, they're looking for a fourth judge, and I was like, 'Uh, do you have the wrong number? Why are you calling me?'<br /><br />"So they met with me, and three days ago I got the call to go to New York—and here I am."<br /><br />The Grammy nominee's name may not be familiar to Idol viewers, but her sound should be. DioGuardi has strong ties to the behind-the-scenes world of Idol, writing tracks for David Cook, David Archuleta, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks.<br /><br />She has also more than earned her credentials outside the Idol universe, penning hits for Britney Spears, Jonas Brothers, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Paris Hilton, Avril Lavigne, Lindsay Lohan, Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Santana, Hilary Duff, Simpsons Jessica and Ashlee and just about any other artist who's cracked Billboard's Top 10 in recent years.<br /><br />And if viewers are wondering where on the judges' scale of causticity she'll fall...<br /><br />"It's hard for me to not be honest," she said. "I'm known to be very exclamatory...My vibe is to the point, and I can be pretty tough at times, but also nurturing when I need to be."<br /><br />The Idol brain trust, meanwhile, doesn't seem too concerned with altering the show's chemistry, despite the fact that they have tried and spectacularly failed once before.<br /><br />"We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters.<br /><br />"We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."<br /><br />Fellow executive producer Cécile Frot-Coutaz added that the series had intended from the outset to have a four-judge panel, as both its British predecessor Pop Idol and current counterpart X Factor do.<br /><br />"We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers."<br /><br />But not always the judges.<br /><br />Producers tried once before to add a fourth judge to the Idol mix, hiring New York DJ Angie Martinez to join the second season of the show. She lasted just five days before quitting, after revealing she had never bothered to watch an episode before signing on.<br /><br />Martinez issued a statement at the time saying it was "too uncomfortable for me to tell someone else to give up on their dream," and producers quickly reverted back to the three-judge panel.<br /><br />Until now.<br /><br />For her part, DioGuardi said she's worried about being the "new kid on the block," warning her fellow judges to "kind of, like, go easy with me a little bit," but said she was nonetheless "just flattered that they asked me to join them."<br /><br />And lest any haters try to pit her against fellow female judge Abdul, DioGuardi actually credits the onetime pop star with being "one of the first people to believe in" her—she cowrote a song with Abdul for Kylie Minogue when she was first starting out.<br /><br />"I owe Paula a lot, yeah. I'm gonna give her a big fat kiss when I see her."<br /><br />As for her other new colleagues, DioGuardi called Jackson, whom she has worked with in the studio, "the most jovial guy with the greatest energy...I'm a big fan of his."<br /><br />And Cowell, she said, gave her a congratulatory phone call over the weekend. "He was very encouraging and cool and welcomed me...made me feel like I don't need to be so scared."<br /><br />Since DioGuardi only just joined the panel, she will likely not make her Idol debut until slightly later in the season, having missed out on the majority of the open auditions, which kicked off in San Francisco July 17.<br /><br />She joins the judges' table for the first time this week with the New York auditions.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32008.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=32008.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAZZEVVyurqLOXHx``x1219778756``x(default)``xE! Online (<a href="http://www.eonline.com">http://www.eonline.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard owes more than $193,000 in back taxes``xalan``x<i>By STAN DIEL</i><br /><br />American Idol Ruben Studdard owes more than $193,000 in back taxes to the state and federal governments, according to court filings. <br /><br />The developer of a planned downtown entertainment district said Friday he's trying to reach the singer's representatives to make sure the debt won't stall plans to open a club bearing Studdard's name next summer. <br /><br />The IRS and the state of Alabama have placed liens on "all property" belonging to the Velvet Teddy Bear for unpaid income taxes in 2003 and 2005. According to an Internal Revenue Service filing in Jefferson County Probate Court, Studdard owes $171,911 in federal income taxes. Two separate liens filed by the Alabama Department of Revenue indicate he owes $21,731 in state income taxes. <br /><br />The federal lien was filed in May and the state liens in July. A lien is a legal claim on property to cover unpaid debt. <br /><br />Efforts to reach Studdard Friday were not successful. A Birmingham lawyer representing him said he was unfamiliar with the liens but that Studdard is in good shape financially and should be able to pay his debts. <br /><br />"Ruben is doing well. We think he'll probably be able to take care of this," said Byron Perkins. <br /><br />Studdard has a new CD coming out Dec. 1 and a national tour in the fall. Both should generate enough revenue to settle any debts, he said. Perkins said he believed Studdard's New York accountant, whose name he could not recall, is dealing with the situation. <br /><br /><b>'Six-figure investment':</b><br /><br />John Elkington, the developer behind the entertainment district planned for the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, said he was trying to reach Studdard's New York entertainment attorneys to determine whether the liens would affect plans for Studdard's investment in the project. <br /><br />The singer has agreed to make a "six-figure" investment in a club that would bear his name, Elkington said. That club and one named for fellow "Idol" winner Taylor Hicks likely would be among the district's biggest draws. <br /><br />Studdard has "got some explaining to do," Elkington said, but may be able to proceed with his involvement in the club. <br /><br />"Ruben's is a money problem," he said. "You can always solve that somehow." <br /><br />Efforts to reach Studdard's New York attorneys were not successful. <br /><br />Studdard, who grew up in Birmingham, won the televised "American Idol" talent show in 2003. He had been a successful musician on the local scene, but was vaulted to international stardom by the show and subsequent recording contracts. <br /><br />Elkington's Performa Entertainment Real Estate Inc. is best-known for its management of Memphis' Beale Street district. Performa officials won the contract to develop the Birmingham district last year, and initially said it would be built at a cost of more than $50 million and could draw 6 million visitors a year. The company also said last summer that construction was expected to begin in the fall of 2007. <br /><br />More recently the company has said $30 million will be invested in the project. Construction has yet to begin. <br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31994.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31994.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAVEZVupbhvMaTNZ``x1219524740``x(default)``xThe Birmingham News (<a href="http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews">http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Fans visit 'Grease' star on Broadway``xalan``xNEW YORK CITY -- They came, they saw, now they're gushing.<br /><br />A busload of Putnam County residents rode through the night last week to see Winfield's own Derek Keeling perform the lead role of "Danny" in "Grease" on Broadway.<br /><br />"The long, uncomfortable trip to NYC was more than worth it to see an old high school classmate perform on a Broadway stage," said Katie Toney. "I spent three years of middle school and four years of high school with Derek. We were in show choir at Winfield together for four years and he sang at my wedding in June of 2000.<br /><br />"It was an awesome opportunity to watch him, knowing that he has worked so hard to get to this point in his career. He did an amazing job as Danny and I look forward to being able to see him in many more Broadway performances to come," she said.<br /><br />The Winfield Show Choir Booster who planned the trip knew she was taking a chance. Would people be more willing to spend the money for a hotel stay in New York City to see Keeling, or would they prefer to save money on a whirlwind trip with overnight accommodations on a motoring bus?<br /><br />Maybe trip coordinator and booster Kathy Carney should have asked, "What won't fans do to see Derek Keeling?"<br /><br />She chose the second option, and the drive-up-one-day, back-the-next-trip, appropriately dubbed "Greased Lightning," was born.<br /><br />"Some people were stunned about the 32-hour run," Carney said. "No hotel? No shower? For each who shunned the idea, we had twice as many with no second thoughts. New York and Derek Keeling were worth sacrificing a night in a comfortable bed and a frothy shampoo.<br /><br />"We filled 50 open slots within days. A second bus was possible, but the show tickets made us sweat a little bit. It took a week to confirm we could get another batch."<br /><br />Participants decided the sleep deprivation was worth it.<br /><br />"Even though the bus trip was a little uncomfortable, it was well worth it," said Arianna White. "I could not have asked for a better first-time trip to New York! I want to go back and be able to visit the few sites that I didn't get to visit."<br /><br />"'Grease!' was phenomenal, said Jillian Carney, of Winfield Middle School. "I have always been a big fan of the Olivia Newton-John/John Travolta movie and the storyline itself. It was so well-performed; I think Derek (Keeling) and Ashley (Spencer) made the perfect Danny and Sandy couple. One of my favorite parts was when Taylor (Hicks) was the Teen Angel that Frankie Avalon plays in the movie. He came out wearing a stunning glitter-studded blue suit and was basically just Taylor in angel form."<br /><br />The show was followed by a meet-and-greet with the cast, and Keeling was more than gracious, Kathy Carney said.<br /><br />"Derek had arranged this. Even Taylor Hicks came out and dropped down on the stage with the gang to talk with us," she said. "Afterwards, we joined the crowd packed around the stage door for autographs and pictures with cast members. Taylor Hicks appeared to have security with him. Most made a quick pass through the fans and then disappeared back into the theater. Keeling was the first out and the last to leave. I know because I left him pounding on the door trying to get back into the theater."<br /><br />Fans were enthusiastic, not just about the show, but also about Carney's organization of the trip and being part of the Putnam County link to the Big Apple.<br /><br />"A big thank you to Kathy Carney for organizing the trip," said Cyndie Ray. "I was able to witness Derek's talent in show choir for the four years he was in it with my daughter. Having seen him on TV last year, I knew he would be on Broadway soon, no matter how the voting went. Now he's actually there, and I'm so glad that my daughter and I had the opportunity to see him on the Broadway stage. He was fantastic!"<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31993.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31993.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAVEVykVBKWfaEWc``x1219522825``x(default)``xThe Herald-Dispatch (<a href="http://www.herald-dispatch.com">http://www.herald-dispatch.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
'American Idol Rewind' to be tweaked, air on TV Guide Channel this fall``xalan``x<i>By Christopher Rocchio</i><br /><br />Viewers will reportedly receive a more in depth look at American Idol's heyday beginning this fall.<br /><br />American Idol Rewind's format will see a tweak when the syndicated weekly series' third season debuts this fall, TV Week reported Sunday.  The show's third season will document the Fox mega-hit's third and fourth seasons which aired in 2004 and 2005. <br /><br />"This year will be more highlight-driven as we focus on the journeys of some of the contestants from seasons three and four who became household names," American Idol Rewind executive producer Tracy Verna Soiseth told TV Week.<br /><br />"With some of the names ranging from Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia to Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice coming out of these shows, there is a lot of fun stuff for us to explore where you get to see the best and worst of Idol, including William Hung." <br /><br />Each one-hour American Idol Rewind episode includes performances and results from original Idol broadcasts; never-before-seen previously shot footage; additional behind the scenes facts and details; new footage that focuses on how contestants got through the competition; and present-day interviews with finalists. <br /><br />The show's upcoming installment will focus more on the "memorable moments and unaired footage," according to TV Week, which added producers are planning a Carrie Underwood-themed special for the third-season finale. <br /><br />"Carrie walks us through her Idol experience from her audition to her win, and discusses with us the highs and lows she went through as part of the process," Soiseth told TV Week.  "She gets very specific with her greatest challenges and uncertain nights as well as what she thought about the competition." <br /><br />In addition, Trifecta Entertainment will start serving as American Idol Rewind's new distributor, according to TV Week, which added "new stations in major markets" have signed on to air the show's third-season episodes. <br /><br />"Distribution of the series has been great and we expect to be above 95% for the new season," Trifecta CEO Hank Cohen told TV Week.  "Stations are excited about the changes to the show, and [Soiseth] is putting together a more complete book as we rewind the journeys of people that audiences care about." <br /><br />Trifecta recently inked a deal with TV Guide Channel, which will air episodes of the series a week after they hit broadcast stations. <br /><br />"Rewind has always been a phenomenal show, and we are now able to make the show the best it can be," Cohen told TV Week.  "American Idol is such a juggernaut that we can now give fans a show that better reflects what fans love about the show." <br /><br />American Idol Rewind premiered in September 2006 and averaged a 1.8 rating in syndication entering last month, TV Week reported.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31961.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31961.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEAkykEkuZUTeTMmI``x1219269324``x(default)``xReality TV World (<a href="http://www.realitytvworld.com">http://www.realitytvworld.com</a>)``x53071149601226``x
Music Review: Taylor Hicks - The Early Works``xalan``x<i>Written by Sherry Lipp</i><br /><br />Taylor Hicks' The Early Works is a compilation of two independent albums Hicks recorded before appearing on - and winning - American Idol in 2006. With a couple of exceptions, Hicks' post-Idol debut Taylor Hicks (released in late '06) did not represent what kind of singer/songwriter/musician he really is. This album does.<br /><br />Hicks has hinted that an album of new material should be coming out soon. It wouldn't surprise me if he is using this compilation as a preview of the musical direction he is headed for. The Early Works contains twelve tracks, ten of them Hicks' originals: six songs each from 1997's In Your Time and 2005's Under The Radar. Both albums were recorded on a low budget - especially In Your Time, which was recorded live as a money saving tactic. This release has been remastered and the sound quality is very good. <br /><br />Hicks fans may be somewhat disappointed that "Hell Of A Day" from Under The Radar was left off this album. It's a great bluesy track, and its absence is a mystery to me. Also missing is his nice acoustic guitar version of "On Broadway," from In Your Time. I'm assuming that omission might due to licensing issues. A new (and very different sounding) version of "Hell of a Day" was recorded for Taylor Hicks, and can be found as a Wal-Mart exclusive bonus track.<br /><br />That said, there really isn't anything to be disappointed about because there are some outstanding tracks on this album. Two of Hicks' best song from Under The Radar, "Soul Thing" and "The Deal," were also re-recorded for Taylor Hicks (and were two of the standout tracks on that album). The original versions found here have a rawer, less-produced sound. On this album, Hicks' voice is the emphasis and the subtler arrangements suit him well.<br /><br />The Early Works is sequenced almost like a live set-list. The album opens with his signature song, "Soul Thing." "Soul Thing" is a nice, soulful take on life as a musician that serves as a good introduction to Hicks. In the liner notes to the album, Hicks states that he was going for an Al Stewart-type of sound with these early recordings. That jazz-soul style is what he achieves here. The next track, "The Fall," comes from In Your Time and it is one of Hicks' best songs. It's an introspective acoustic ballad about love, loss and disappointment. Hicks' understated vocals give the song its power and meaning.<br /><br />This release effectively weaves together tracks that were recorded eight years apart, showcasing more versatility than what might be expected from Hicks' detractors. "Hold On To Your Love" has a Latin influence, "West Texas Sky" sounds a little bit country, and "Heart And Soul" has Hicks' signature soul sound. The tracks from In Your Time are distinguished by their loose, improvisational feel. Conversely, the Under The Radar tracks have a more complex and mature sound. It's an interesting way to see Hicks' growth as a songwriter. The only slight misstep is the inclusion of "Tighten Up." The song is a cover of an old R&amp;B-funk song that is almost entirely instrumental. Hicks' throws in some vocals here and there, but the song is more of a loose jam. It is a bit long at seven minutes and not all that interesting. <br /><br />The "set-list" closes with the upbeat and fun classic R&amp;B-style track "My Friend," which features Hicks' trademark harmonica playing. Then there is the "encore" – Hicks' exceptional take on the classic "Georgia On My Mind." This performance alone makes purchasing the album worthwhile. Hicks' vocals on this song are truly outstanding. Accompanied only by a couple of acoustic guitars, Hicks' singing starts off with a soft richness reminiscent of Ray Charles himself. But Hicks builds to an emotional and vocal intensity that is all his own. It is a very powerful performance; a reminder that there is more to Hicks than dancing or gray hair or being an American Idol winner. <br /><br />The Early Works is available exclusively at Target. It is a must have for anyone who wants to hear the real Taylor Hicks.<br /><br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31931.0" onclick="window.open('http://www.theofficialsoulpatrol.com/forum/index.php?topic=31931.0');return false">discuss this article</a> on our forum.``xEkEllyVpFADltsfazz``x1218872239``x(default)``xBlogcritcs Magazine (<a href="http://blogcritics.org">http://blogcritics.org</a>)``x53071149601226``x