Just for Hicks: Walk the nine
By Wade KwonTaylor Hicks kicked off country night on “American Idol.” Even with Kenny Rogers’ help, could the soul man get his twang on?
Recap after the jump …
Updated with video, elimination.
‘Country roads, take me home to the place I belong …’
• Song: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver.
• Judges say: Randy: “I thought the vocal was just OK. … I didn’t see you exude any of your personality.” Paula: “The song choice didn’t allow you to shine. … I expected a little more out of you.” Simon: “I thought it was safe, boring, lazy. It sounded like … no rehearsal.”
• Kenny says: “When Taylor started out singing ‘Take Me Home,’ it felt weak to me. If he can make the song his, I think he’ll do really well.”
• We say: The judges were kind. John Denver? Really?? It’s the Buddy Holly 1950s week all over again, thanks to a lousy song choice and flat delivery. Only his considerable fan base can save him now — and likely will.
Sign of the times; actually, it’s Taylor’s grandma, Joni Hicks (screen says ‘Grandpa’)
• Idol thoughts: Wow, Kellie Pickler can sing country. Whoda thunk? And ohmygod, they shilled Kenny! Best of the night: Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee.
Voting closes at 10 tonight.
Update: Watch Hicks perform “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
Update: Eliminated on April 5: Mandisa(!).
• • •
This week’s roundup:
- Gray Charles has lots of posts and lively discussion.
- Can oldsters (29 is old?) be Idols?
- And the most searched finalist online is … Taylor Hicks.
- That catchy little ditty played when they boot someone? "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter, with “OC” cutie Samaire Armstrong in the video
- 2003’s Idol Ruben Studdard launches an after-school music program in his hometown, Birmingham
• • •
Read more on Taylor Hicks.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 1:10 am
Taylor should could have picked a better song … something by Alabama would have been good for getting the maxium in-state vote. I see Hicks in the bottom three this week.