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Just for Hicks: 12 anguished men

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Saving the best for last, Taylor Hicks sang last against middling competition in tonight’s “American Idol.” Shouldn’t be hard for him to nab one of the six men’s spots, given the weaknesses among the group.

Recap after the jump …

Updated with video, eliminations.

Taylor Hicks

Showing off that soul.

Song: “Levon” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Judges say: Randy: “Dude, you’ve got it going on. … I love you, I love this performance.” Paula: “We saved the best for last.” Simon: “I said in the beginning that you shouldn’t make the finals. I was wrong. … You are just into the singing.”

We say: Good song choice, not the best performance, but easily enough to avoid elimination this week. Hicks certainly leaves an impression, especially when just energetically chatting with the judges or host Ryan Seacrest.

Taylor says: “If music’s in your heart, you feel it, you play it, you sing it, you perform it, you bust your buns doing it. And that’s what it’s all about.”

Idol thoughts: The early men to beat? Jose “Sway” Penala, Kevin Covais and Elliott Yamin. Plus, two hours is a long time to wait for your hometown guy.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Taylor Hicks

Reacting to Paula and Randy’s praise; Hicks’ parents, Brad and Linda; horsing around with Ryan.

Update: Hear Taylor Hicks perform “Levon” at Rickey.org.

Update: Eliminated on Feb. 23: Bobby Bennett, Patrick Hall, Becky O’Donohue and Stevie Scott.

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