Taylor Hicks Audition

[@lewhite99]

Taylor Hicks is the real deal not a copy cat like everyone else. 100% talent! Wish we could hear and see more of Taylor.

[@JR-tr1df]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enyYfJdspZeXoJI still sounding great

[@judychandler8485]

It's fun to come back and reminisce ..I loved Taylor Hicks from the getgo !! Now it's 2022 and American Idol is going to crown a new winner. tonight...Time flies !! And BTW, Taylor sure proved Simon wrong...I LOVE IT !!

[@PlasticPellets]

you can easily conclude that Simon was right. Simon said it's not just singing talent that's required to be successful & that Taylor won't be commercially successful. He was correct in that assessment. Taylor Hicks was not a commercially successful artist, but rather, a flop

[@judychandler8485]

@PlasticPellets Taylor was always a fun to watch amazing entertainer..Not everyone has that gift.

[@andracatheduckking257]

Taylor Hicks should've been famous. this was the wrong avenue for him. i was so excited when he won though, he was my favorite from the audition all the way to the end

[@beastieboys5125]

chris daughtry was and is way better

[@jenniferjacobs7771]

@@beastieboys5125 You are confusing record sales with actual talent. Taylor is a better and more natural performer. His voice is more powerful than Daughtry's because he sings the proper way, from his diaphragm (not from his throat like Daughtry). He can sing country, blues, soul, pop, classic rock, jazz, you name it. He is also an accomplished harmonica player. You put the two side by side on a stage and Taylor will always come out on top, just as he did in 2006.

[@erickthomas6133]

@@beastieboys5125 They’re both amazing. I’ve seen Daughtry in concert and it was amazing. However, I’m still partial to Hicks and I believe his concert would be equally amazing. No reason you can’t like both or allow them to be comparable.

[@mary82585]

It was indeed a major disappointment…

[@thetruth4654]

@@jenniferjacobs7771 Which is why Daughtery is touring the world right? And Taylor Hicks has been largelly forgotten about right. You can mock record sales if you want to, but it is an indication that people like the music Daughtery is making, if people like the music then they are going to go see Daughtery perform live.

[@KishorTwist]

HIS WHEREABOUTS/UPDATE from 2019: _Hicks topped Katharine McPhee to win Idol in 2006 and released his winner's single, "Do I Make You Proud?" He's since released three studio albums and spent a period of time playing Teen Angel in Grease on Broadway. He currently is still making music and co-owns a restaurant in Birmingham, AL._

[@pevester]

Ooooooohhhh my favorite Idol ever!!! I've met him twice and it was soooooooooo awesome! He puts on a great show too.

[@robertjames7681]

Amazing I was so stunned when I first saw his performance I was in 4th grade a college senior now I still revert back to this vodeo

[@williamnimbach6419]

I remember this like it was yesterday. The first time I saw and heard hicks I knew he was going to win it. This guy has real talent

[@rm2399]

I actually really like this audition and thought this was the best of his performances. It's strange that he sounded better a capella than he did with music. I did like Taylor overall and am glad he won. A few of his performances on the show were outstanding, however. I just think his time on the show was his career...he was discovered here, people fell in love with him, he was good enough to win the show, and then at 29, that was a career. Nothing wrong with that. People shouldn't go comparing the success of Idol winners. Congratulations, Taylor.

[@GA001]

😂 he has done plenty and made a lot of money. What an absurd comment.

[@ladyofwisdom2]

Wow, his voice is beautiful. He's very talented. ❤❤

[@gigigregory3043]

I love Taylor Hicks. Voted for him all thru the season. So glad he won to prove Simon wrong. I actually met Taylor in Boston where he performed. I was right in front of his face, and got a picture. It was awesome!

[@marie-jodussault2441]

God I still love that he won despite Simon's every witch way possible to kick him out FAILED !!! Il llllooooOOoooooove Taylor baby, soul patrol for ever baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@christine6205]

When I used too watch that show I do not anymore but I remember him he was good

[@susandudak59]

From the first day, I knew he would win. He was original, different, and a fantastic soul singer. So so happy he one. Just wish he was more visable nowadays.

[@tinawheeler9370]

+Susan Dudak he is I've seen him in many venues he is awesome

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

When I heard him do Ray Charles version of Swanee River I knew he would win. In the end, he wanted nothing to do with all the phony glitter and glitz of Hollywood. He somehow knew that under all the false tinsel there was real tinsel underneath. He has a club in his hometown where you can go and hear him sing any night of the week. Very smart guy!

[@user-wu4bo1hz3p]

Many years ago, I hated Simon's reaction in this video. But I have a different perspective now. He never denies Taylor's singing ability. In fact, he even suggests that he should be singing background vocals - this is seen as an insult but it's actually a compliment on his voice. Simon just doesn't get his vibe/performance potential. When Taylor says "I don't think some of these folks know who Joe Cocker is," that's not just an offhand diss. Simon is a record executive. A statement like that directly attacks his credibility. However, I respect Taylor for standing his ground. I think Simon knew Randy and Paula would put him through, so there was little risk in saying what he said, and he knew he'd get a reaction from viewers and increase viewership.

[@Matt92Machine]

At the end of the day though, Simon was right. Sure Taylor won the competition, but where is he now?

[@erickthomas6133]

@@Matt92Machine Performing his own shows in his hometown, owns his own restaurant I believe with live performances. Just because he isn’t in the public eye doesn’t mean he wasn’t a success. To be fair, he really should’ve ended up going on to do more. He had the potential for it and still does. Great singer, performer, and everything. His genre of music just isn’t the popular, hip-hop, poppy stuff that everyone is into rn.

[@mrkhoros]

Simon disagrees that he has good personality and is a good performer and you agree with him? What a douche.

[@otakugamer1629]

Haha looking back I can’t help but laugh. The 16 year old me, had a huge crush on Taylor Hicks. Haha when he was singing. I’d shut my family up just so I could hear him sing.

[@judymorton8372]

I have seen Taylor perform 28 times. He is an amazing entertainer with his own band playing harmonica/guitar/organ. I can't wait to see him again. His Las Vegas shows were "over the top" fun!

[@laurenmay2098]

Judy Morton yes, he is a great performer. I don’t understand why people like to shame him for his performances. He is great, but he is not for everyone, it is a particular people that will appreciated his thing. Like Joe Coker.

[@timmylong833]

Ummm you actually counted? Let me guess you are on his payroll? Or at least was...

[@DavidSmith-nm7un]

@@laurenmay2098 Joe Cocker*

[@laurenmay2098]

@@DavidSmith-nm7un LOL people knows, trust me.

[@SebastienIzambard527]

I want to say a big thank you for your love❤️❤️ and support for me and my career🤓🤓 I am really very pleased that all of you have been around all these years of my career. I appreciate your support and warm comments🎲 I want to say thank you very much 🙏 God Bless you

[@Kariannhopes]

Taylor has made money and is now in residency in Las Vegas. What a terrific entertainer!

[@connerreed6776]

Obviously I'm quite late to the comment section. I have watched this exact video many times over the years. I watched this episode live as well. I've finally decided to comment because I finally have decided that Taylor reminds me very much of one of my favorite singers: Elvis Presley. He does not remind me of the older Elvis much. He reminds me very much of Elvis who was on the Louisiana Hay Ride. The "country" sound. Although Taylor has more of a depth to his voice than the young Elvis I am referring to, he resembles the charm of his voice with a more mature tone. He has that "aw schucks" "Yes ma'am" , authentic, country accent that young Elvis had. When I listen to a young Elvis I can't think of anyone that sounds like him other than Taylor Hicks, in this audition. Likewise, I can't think of anyone else that Taylor Hicks sounds like in this audition, other than a young Elvis Presley. Call me crazy. I'll be back years later to read the responses to my comment.

[@adacres]

Loved him then and I love him now

[@1agaston]

i loved him.... he may have sold the least amont out cd's but i am glad he got just what he wanted.... to have his voice heard and it is great!

[@mrdgenerate]

And Simons take didn't age well for the show... But for real life he was spot on.

[@lisabrummett6075]

I love Taylor Hicks. Amazing.

[@chrisfaizon1156]

His audition is memorable, they left out the scene with him entering the audition playing his harmonica.

[@dlh7989]

I think you're remembering when they picked the Top 24

[@TRHclub]

6 years ago tonight...a voice was heard...

[@RhythmBulzara]

He is my favorite idol!!

[@laurenmay2098]

Kr 887 his personality is great. His soul is right there.

[@bridgelaurie9490]

Me to he was the last great singer to really make it and not be just be a handsome or pretty face

[@RhythmBulzara]

Brad Hester well he is handsome

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

Mine too! The best season everr

[@swimmingdafree]

this guy has an amazing voice, i wish he was more popular. i voted for him from the beginning! go taylor!

[@11secretshopper]

I remember watching this audition and he charmed me from the get-go. N when he asked the judges "Gimme a chance, gimme a chance" that was it for me, I wanted him to win it from that first day.

[@luvhicks]

Taylor was sensational on AI and continues to grow as an accomplished entertainer. His unbeleivable live performances are opening many doors. He is constantly reinventing himself and now leads a top performing band. On one of his last concerts, Taylor played the organ for the first time on a stage much to everyones surprise, He is currently working on another album to be released later this year following a successful run of The Distance. Plus his is part owner of a new restaurant opening soon.

[@kathrynsevers8532]

I knew back then that he was going to win. I was happy for him when he did win. I was disappointed when several Years after my daughter and I drove to spend the night in Alabama where he was playing and I met him in person and even bought a shirt and when I asked him to take a picture considering Noone was at his table , he acted like he was too good to take a picture or sign the CD. He let his pride and ego get in the way. We haven't driven over 18 hours to see him since. Too Bad because he did have talent. God Bless him !

[@robocop2968]

He had the Alabama voting for him including the governor!

[@trumancollie9]

Loved him all along.

[@cathleenmallett8834]

Hicks had that "look" of a 'humble, undiscovered,' eagle" (from John Taintor Foote's "The Look of Eagles"). What I mean by that is, in this book about horses, it describes "The Look of Eagles". "The eyes seem to look on heights beyond our gaze. It is the look of a spirit that can soar. ...It is the birthright of eagles." This elusive quality of spirit is a measure of the essence of greatness found in the highest quality thoroughbred racehorses. Hicks was a somewhat humble, and undiscovered "eagle" not undeserving of success. He's the best that's come from American Idol.

[@lemurianchick]

It's funny--Simon looked at him strangely when he did "Swanee River" like 'WTF is that?'

[@ThePurpleBus]

My favourite...right from this moment.

[@TruckingCarsL48]

Taylor Hicks is like Taylor Swift just with a good voice.

[@TheInvincibleViolet]

OUTSTANDING !!!!

[@rainymoon9848]

Part of Taylor's appeal was as a songwriter. The 4 best songs on Taylor's post-idol debut, were the songs written or co-written by him. The best song not written by Taylor on that album was Gonna Move. They should have released Soul Thing and The Deal as singles. Heck, they should have just released Early Works as his firs post-idol album.

[@fallingstarr_-sr-71]

My all time fav

[@priscillaperez8957]

What a voice

[@jenpw1525]

I think they tried to dull him down cause producers wanted Katheryn to win. But people love an underdog and Taylor got the votes

[@garrygmc]

Wow, I just surfed on this clip. I never realized how adament Simon was that he wouldn't make it to the finals. I thoughte Daughtry would win, then McPhee but I give Taylor credit for being a entertainer dancing and getting the soul patrol vote.

[@howlingwaters2741]

Alabamians vote in big numbers. I knew he would win then, too. Went to see their first top ten tour. I had a crush on him. My Mama said, "He's looking at you!"🫠

[@athenagriego4561]

You better sang Taylor!❤

[@julievanderleest]

Whatever happened to him? He won the season but I don’t recall seeing him again after it was over.

[@Topkat311]

I don't recall this audition, but l did vote fie this guy. Simon can be very wrong sometimes. He didn't like Clay Aikin either. Taylor not only won, but is still very successful. I believe he had a show in Vegas & also owns restaurants there.

[@mollysouth3987]

His shows in Vegas were great, Saws Juke Joint, and others he co owns are in Birmingham.

[@BarbieMak225]

10 years ago it all started with.... this!!!!!!

[@BonesJJ]

I really wanted Katherine or Daughtry to win. But Taylor got it.

[@LuLu-on7gj]

And he actually won that season💙

[@KBvKB468]

And he never became big

[@matts6551]

@@KBvKB468 so what, not every winner makes it big, and to this day he still performs to many fans and his net worth increased exponentially, he was awarded opportunities of a lifetime…that’s a win to many people

[@KBvKB468]

@@matts6551 Daughtry bodied this guy

[@MrZakman09]

Even tho he never made it big.. his first two albums are gold.. still jam out to them today.. especially “Run around”.. great tune

[@csandford6011]

You are so beautiful to me. I like get by with a Little Help from My Friends too that's a good old tune.

[@LindaBlanset-js5mt]

Had alot from our state

[@bartboop]

If you can sing, you can sing. Taylor you can sing, my homie!

[@kornesican]

Simon was actually dead-on about the commercial thing. He said that Taylor Hicks wasn't commercial material. And he was right. Where is he now?

[@positivepessimist6853]

Exactly. At the end of the day, Simon was right.

[@mollysouth3987]

They didn't really support him for reason known only to them. But hes doing well, has new music out and does many, many live shows.

[@Yasaiona1278]

This man knows music.......luv im!!

[@mrdave777]

You have to admit. Hicks lost in regards to voice, McPhee and Daughtry had that covered. But they didn’t exhibit the personality of Hicks. Boom.

[@jd0879]

Huh lol. Daughtry was way more successful

[@hellboy20007]

Wow I thought it was father Ted at first. Amazing voice very talented.

[@dds9563]

The ... 1st. Male AI winner Non bottom 3 nor bottom 2 in the entire top 12 finals !!! He may not as popular or making ... Gold/platinum records sale but ... He gets the title !!!

[@MsLoveTheSummer]

Simon called it. This guy isn't even famous, Daughtry became WAY MORE famous and he was the 5th runner up!

[@pancakemuffinberry21]

Taylor's actually has been successful after the show. He has his own Vegas show and owns a restaraunt chain. Forbes said he earned $2.5 million in 2014. He may not be making a lot of records but he sure is doing well for himself!

[@khevinpasaway]

4th place

[@XxadamlambertfanxX29]

Chris Daughtry came in 4th place not 6th that was Kellie Pickler.

[@jmzsil]

@Chommppy he still has one of the most soulful voices out there.

[@KishorTwist]

I love it when Paula ask for 20 seconds more to test him further.

[@brokendoll7286]

I love Simon but he was wrong with this one and with Chris Daughtry.

[@dlambert9801]

Oh that's music right there

[@NiGHTSaturn]

1:59 that run stays so iconic after all these years.

[@priscillaperez8957]

Genius.

[@javajen19]

Just because he won does not mean that he would do well commercially. Have you heard any of his music on the radio, other than the one song that was out after he won?

[@melissavidal5159]

❤️

[@mabelparedes8367]

Ejemplo de autenticidad.

[@randyw.9916]

Taylor Hicks was my favorite all time American Idol performer. He just seemed so down to earth, genuine and different from all the others. It’s really too bad that his music career never really took off but I’m not really surprised because people today are stupid and don’t have good taste like me. They don’t know what’s good. I bet even Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan would have a hard time starting out today.

[@flaming_eazy]

Even though he won, Simon totally called it......he never became big at all

[@serratop]

He made 3.5 million dollars in 2014, did you make more?

[@hunterstewart3920]

+ryebread710 He made more in a year than you'll make in your whole life. lol broke sorry bitch. bye felicia.

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

Maybe not in music but he has his own food show now

[@MrJ0mmy]

chris daughtry should have one

[@user-vi3tb3bw5t]

MrJ0mmy I feel really bad for people who can't tell the difference between won and one

[@bridgelaurie9490]

Simon “you’ll never make it to the final” Taylor “wins it all” This is the first “aged like milk” comment caught on tv.

[@uiomi]

No, it's not.

[@javajen19]

Thank you. I agree! I'm still watching AI though, there's a local girl that made it to Hollywood so I want to see how she does.

[@babyinblack]

SIMON AT HIS WORST!!! I love when he totally gets it wrong!

[@MrJ0mmy]

yeah but chris daughtry should have won idol

[@suzannemckinnon5272]

babyinblack. Like when someones really real

[@jyotichikkurmath7541]

he was spot on?

[@willgibbs9882]

Jyoti Chikkurmath Dont use a question mark when you're making a statement. That annoys me.

[@brocklee5000]

It's not that Taylor couldn't become big but he just didn't want to. You could tell that he wasn't used to all the attention while on the show. But he is a good entertainer but I don't think he was ready for all the calamity that comes with being a celebrity. Do I Make You Proud did well on the charts even though that was not his type of music. If only he could have wrote his own music and showed who he was on the show he could have been bigger.

[@abc_xyz_123]

he is one of my favorite winner cause he's so unique!

[@Sasukereturns]

Oh, I thought he was just old. He's only 34.

[@MJFan625Moonwalker]

He was 29 here.

[@josephedwards8992]

Does anybody know what the second song he sang is called

[@LindaBlanset-js5mt]

Birmingham Alabama yea thats where we live!

[@mrdgenerate]

Anyone else always feel like randy said "ray" because of the goofy way he moves around like he friggin blind lol

[@Yup71719]

The only time I ever voted on this show was for him to win

[@Agent77X]

Simon is right again!

[@RhythmBulzara]

How is he right?? He won the competition. He said they wouldn't put him through and they did.

[@tarikestrada708]

Til this day I would say Taylor hicks winning American idol is biggest upset behind that being Kris Allen winning Idol over Adam lambert

[@81animallover]

Simon was spilling the truth tea about him and it pissed people off. They voted for him out of spite.

[@kellymckay5874]

He was the most entertaining Great season

[@SebastienIzambard527]

I want to say a big thank you for your love❤️❤️ and support for me and my career🤓🤓 I am really very pleased that all of you have been around all these years of my career. I appreciate your support and warm comments🎲 I want to say thank you very much 🙏 God Bless you

[@robocop2968]

By receiving lots of votes from his home state. He should have been 4th after Yamin, Mcfee, and Daughtry. Simon did not like him and wanted Mcfee to win as he is partial to females! He nevertheless lost because of Soul Patrol active voting (the entire state of Alabama)

[@xavierbeauchamp4440]

isn't it funny how Simon sorta had a point? lol I think he's a great singer but he really didn't do anything significant after idol...

[@Ali08]

Well, according to some of the commenters on here, he became successful in other ways, not necessary in mainstream music.

[@ryanjamieson8779]

@@Ali08 I mean he won the competition, that's the whole point of the show.. simon was 200% wrong in this particular instance.

[@carltonthepug]

I’m sure he doesn’t care. The guy became a millionaire anyway lol

[@TheMacC117]

I never understood what Simon was actually disagreeing with, that Taylor had a great personality? That's literally what won him the competition ironically.

[@milverde4281]

Simon didn't like his looks. He thought he was too old looking. He disliked the gray hair,& the fact that he was overweight. He felt he would never be popular with young people who were the majority purchasers of recordings. Well, Taylor was one of the top money makers among Idol winners for 2013.

[@mikebdb1]

Mil Verde exactly simon thought he was like50

[@AssassinKillua15]

Mil Verde I know this is old, but I don't think Taylor was making more money than other winners in that year. He definitely wasn't making more than Kelly Clarkson

[@Tayfancier]

Favorite audition of all time.

[@2thebottom168]

Even now, I'm still bitter at the fact that this guy beat out Katherine McPhee.

[@JimInNashville]

A travesty. But as someone once said, you'll never go broke underestimating the taste of the American public.

[@Korpionix]

... And he ended up winning.

[@CoreyChampagneTV]

If you would've told me he woulda won the whole thing I wouldn't believe you...but hit did his thing!!!!

[@jlrayburn92]

Love Taylor but notice how he changed key at the end

[@javajen19]

He's definitely talented, had a bit of the Joe Cocker vibe going. Unfortunately, that kind of music isn't commercial right now so that's why he didn't do well.

[@angelcollins2437]

Ohhh how wrong Simon boo boo was!!! I think he went just a tad bit farther than the final round!

[@Sasukereturns]

@Chommppy Actually, that would be Kris Allen.

[@railenherman6482]

Funny how Simon said “No” and Taylor went on to win. Granted, Taylor’s definitely one of the more controversial winners.

[@jd0879]

He won and nothing came out of it lol. Daughtry was the real winner

[@Sarahmac2008]

...I actually kinda like it. He isn't as old as he looks. and I love the accent. :)

[@welshdragon182]

29? he looks about 49

[@leobergmiller873]

Simons all "They will eliminate you in the next round." like 4 months ir whatever later, he wins. You should be a PSYCHIC Simon!

[@setofreakinkaiba8553]

Lol no one will know this guy in the next 3 decades. When y'all old fucks are dead

[@tezterz]

Simon was right , and wrong. Taylor was not commercial just as Simon predicted , his records didn't sell that well. But the fans did vote for him. Once Chris was voted off it didn't matter who won. The best was gone.

[@funnybusiness6491]

No to Chris Daughtry, no to Taylor Hicks. Way to go Simon.