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Taylor Hicks: Idol interview

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Taylor Hicks, the new American Idol, is caught in a whirlwind of media interviews. The Birmingham native spoke to reporters via teleconference earlier this afternoon about the meanest thing Simon Cowell said to him, why his dream woman should cook and what he would’ve sung (or not sung) on the show.

• The big secret

Honestly, I never watched the show until I was on it. While Bo (Bice) and Ruben (Studdard) were on “American Idol,” I was trying to work and perform. All the reactions were genuine because I didn’t know what was going to happen next. It was a great thing to go through not having watched it before.

• Going gray as a teen

I didn’t know what to make of it. It kinda just slowly grew on me, literally.

• Staying gray

Me and Dean the hair artist for the show had been battling back and forth on it. I didn’t change it when I was 18; I’m not changing it now.

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks performs ‘Do I Make You Proud’ on May 24 after winning ‘American Idol.’

• About judge Simon Cowell’s “Are you drunk?” remark after his performance of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”

That got under my skin a little bit. But I am the American Idol, so ha ha ha ha.

• And his comment at the Las Vegas audition that Hicks should “sing backup”?

He never apologized to me for that comment. But you know what? No more Simon Cowell scowl.

• His worst performance

“Country Roads” (during country week). I think I was flat the whole song. That was the one song and the one week that I thought I was going to go home. That was a tough week musically. I thought about singing “A Country Boy Can Survive” (by Hank Williams, Jr.), and I should have.

• Artists he wish he had sung

Van Morrison. Paul Simon. Bob Seger — I got “Night Moves” cleared, but I decided not to sing it.

• Why it’s important his dream woman can cook

It just is, getting in a kitchen together and cooking meals. When I’m on the road and performing, when I come home, I want to be around the house. Being around the house is what I like to do during my spare time.

• Bachelorhood

(The best part of being single is) freedom to do what you please. I’m going to settle down one of these days.

• His advice to “Idol” contestants

Sleep as much as you can. Conserve your energy. You can get caught up in expending a lot of your energy (on distractions). Any time you have downtime, you need to spend with your feet up. If you don’t conserve your energy, it doesn’t look good on camera, and it affects your performances.

• Has his style of dress changed throughout the show?

When I was performing back home in Alabama, I would always dress nice for work, so to speak.

• The first single, “Do I Make You Proud”

The single goes on sale June 13. I’ve Taylor-ized it, and I’m just glad to make it my own. I haven’t really thought about a B side yet.

• Why he’s looking forward to the tour

This is the most talented year of “American Idol.” And I love working with talented people, because the more talent that you work with, the harder it makes you work as an artist.

• When did he think he could win?

About three weeks ago, I started feeling comfortable, just really comfortable with the music. And if I was comfortable with the music, then I knew I could win this thing.

• How to win over “Idol” judges

You have to really sell the song and get into the lyrics. You have to stick with it and rehearse well.

• Has his life changed dramatically since winning?

I’ve been grooming myself for the possibility of a big break for 10 years, and that’s really helped me.

It’s a gradual process of becoming famous. If you stay in the competition, you slowly begin to be groomed for this fame and celebrity status.

• What were the final vote totals?

(The producers) did not tell me that. I’d like to see that.

• Best part, so far, about winning

As a musician and struggling performer, watching the “Tonight Show” and all the entertainers that come on it, to be interviewed on the “Tonight Show” was a moment that I’ll never forget in my career.

• Memory of Memphis

Going to Graceland was an honor for me. There was something magical about going there, because I had never been there before. Being from the South and from Alabama, I felt like I was at home.

• The most challenging part of being on “Idol”

Patience. The whole idea of hurrying up and having to wait from a production aspect. As a performer and musician, I was usually calling the shots. I’ve definitely learned how to be patient.

• And he’s looking forward to …

Sleeping (he’s slept six of the last 48 hours).

• • •

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3 Yips for “Taylor Hicks: Idol interview”

  1. belle
    Saturday, May 27, 2006, 10:59 am
    1

    Wow!! great read. Thanks!

  2. Jo
    Wednesday, June 14, 2006, 6:20 am
    2

    Thank you Taylor Hicks for making me reminding me of how special really good music and talent is! Living in the UK I “found” you by chance, but intend to track down all your music (pre-Idol). I hope you get to make the music that you want to make and forge a career that you can be proud of. In the meantime, enjoy all that you have worked so hard for – and if you ever get a chance please come tour in the UK. Can’t promise a huge crowd just yet – but I am spreading the word! ……. PS what are turnip greens???!

  3. Myra Grace
    Friday, October 6, 2006, 5:12 pm
    3

    ‘BRING ON THE HICKS’! This is our family’s coined phrase, because we love you and your music! Our 7 yr. old daughter, who has had some challenges in her young life, asks to listen to you before she goes to bed at night…KEEP ON LIGHTING UP THE WORLD FOR LOVE & HAPPINESS!!!

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