Pop Culture Recommendations

Great Music: Taylor Hicks on American Idol

Taylor Hicks is a 29-year-old soul singer with a mop of gray hair and spastic dance moves -- not exactly your prototypical "American Idol." But I challenge you to watch Taylor and not break into a full-face smile. Go ahead. Try. You can't stop smiling. Even Simon can't hide his grin.

This is cheesy as hell, but Taylor somehow transcends cynicism. Seriously. There's no good reason why he's a favorite in this season's "Idol" -- he doesn't have the look, he certainly doesn't have the moves -- but each and every week his performances are a must-see event. When he's really on (as he was two weeks ago during a jaw-dropping version of "Takin' it to the Streets"), Taylor is joy incarnate.

So stretch out those smile muscles and tune in to next Tuesday's "Idol." You're gonna love this guy.

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Posted by Mac on March 19, 2006 5:06 PM
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I agree, but even better than Taking it to the streets, was last weeks performance of Living for the City. I have watched that performance of Living for the City at least 20 times and I smile throughout. I absolutely love him. I think he is the greatest performer ever on American Idol.

-- Posted by: leigh at March 20, 2006 3:20 AM

He is what America needs who sings from his heart and soul and loves what he does best. He is also not trying to impress anyone other than make everyone happy and joyful. That is what we all need today to be your own person.

-- Posted by: Anthony at March 20, 2006 4:57 AM

Apparently the 'dark horse' (Or should I say gray?) of this season's AI5 competition is providing an injection of 'soul' into an otherwise 'pop tart beauty' contest.

Something this talent show had been missing, and something the fans of Idol had been craving without knowing it, until now. The Soulman has elevated the phenomena called American Idol.

I knew the man was special from the first audition.
Groove on Soulman!

-- Posted by: SunnylovesSoul at March 20, 2006 7:20 AM

He is the best ever!. He does n't look good until he open his mouth.

I can't say he got the greatest voice but he has a kind of delivery which makes us feel it is real. He makes us smile.

Also his addition tape and top 24 tape is a moment in TV history.

A must see clips for anyone.

I always disliked the American Idol for cheesy promotion of average singer. Kind of manufactured pop.

Taylor is real deal. Listen to his own georgia on mind song(extended version).


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