Taylor Hicks Teething on Broadway and the Magical Mystery Musical Megastar

Taylor Hicks once again holds a "convo" with another MTV reporter. This time it was with Garth Bardsley. By the way, if you're wondering why MTV is spending so much time with Taylor Hicks lately, well, they're neighbors. Yes, the glorified offices of MTV, the same folks who had no clue how to spell Gram Parsons' name, are located right around the corner from the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Now at least Bardsley spells everything correctly and doesn't have any names of past or present musical artists to misspell, instead we have this clever cliche; " American Idol season-five champ Taylor Hicks is cutting his teeth on Broadway." "Cutting his teeth"? Really.

Readers also learn about Taylor Hicks' upcoming surprise, apparently Taylor, "spilled the beans" about someone considered as a "megastar" who may be considering recording one of his newly penned tunes. Ever enigmatic, Mr. Hicks wouldn't spill who this 'bean' in question might be but he did drop the gender; apparently it's a female "megastar".

Naturally, Taylor Hicks fans are expending time and keyboard strokes contemplating the 'who' of the news. Some of the fan exploration of this exciting news (!!!) included, Tina (Turner), "If it was Tina......I would flippin die! I just LOVE her!", Carrie Underwood, "...some articles regarding Taylor next album will be little country like, hmm, the only mega country i know is Carrie Underwood.", then that jumped to Celine Dion, "I will die from over excited(sic) if Taylor has a duet with Celine Dion...".

Other speculation included Reba (McIntire), Dolly (Parton) and Faith Hill. Bonnie Raitt was considered, but this poster added, "I think Bonnie Raitt has a rich blusie sound that would work well with a Taylor tune, but I'm not sure she qualifies as a 'mega-star'. "Legend" or something perhaps...". Then the talk switched to Macy Gray and Alicia Keys. Of course Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera's names popped up, as well as Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, and even Beyonce'. What, no Madonna? No Mariah Carey? After all, Carey was a previous 'guest' on Idol. I was also surprised Joss Stone wasn't included, perhaps the "megastar" label not the right moniker for her. Also absent, Amy Winehouse, although with her "rehab" experiences, she's quite 'last year' and has tumbled off the "megastar" charts.

Even though it was written and stated in the MTV interview, this 'megastar' was of female persuasion, a speculator on this Taylor Hicks fan site added Maroon 5. That's a whole group - of guys - sweetie; yet another fan excitedly added she hoped it was Lionel Richie or Stevie Wonder. Once more with feeling, folks, Mr. Hicks mentioned it was with a FEMALE. Add the "fe" and well, these three brilliant pieces of speculation, while entertaining don't fit. Let me add a cliche' - the one about the square pegs...

What do all of these names in speculation have in common? A couple of things. The most glaringly being, a lack of cohesiveness regarding concepts into who would work well within Mr. Hicks' form of music. This opens the door to his fans' obvious confusion about who he is and what type of sound he intends to embrace. Is Taylor Hicks 'Pop', is he blues, is he country? That circles back around to that "Modern Whomp" thing.

The names being thrown into the discussion are for the most part, entertainers who appear weekly in the latest edition of People Magazine or Us, with the exception of Bonnie Raitt and Macy Gray. Naming 'guys' and entire bands completely random. (Okay, so maybe they did not read the Beardsley MTV article, and just splashed off of that Soul Patrol diving board into the conversational pool.)

It would be interesting to see how Winehouse and Hicks would match up musically but in the MTV piece, there is not a mention of a duo in reference to this song, rather it sounds as if this gal is recording it on her own. Whether it would be included in the next Taylor Hicks' album along with whatever other tracks he has been working on is also not specified. Still, to have some sort of 'megastar' with your song you wrote on the charts, not a bad accomplishment.

"You Know I'm No Good" Amy Winehouse


"Right to be Wrong" Joss Stone

video c/o Conosuke03

Taylor Hicks Blinded by the (Broadway) Lights

Taylor Hicks tries to retain eyesight - blinded by the light. It looks like a pretty chaotic greeting for Mr. Hicks as he prepares for his time in the Broadway spotlights.

video c/o DeeDee56tay
The lights are bright on Broadway.
"Beauty School Drop Out"

video c/o Tappanga

Hicks does the '50's back comb man-do, descending from that Soda shop in the sky. Sadly the wings were a no-go but I'll give Hicks those virtual wings and a spiffy halo. I do love the sparkly glitter black suit.

"Blinded by the Light" Bruce Springsteen LYRICS

video c/o danumosh

Taylor Hicks vs Schedule: Teen Angel Taking the Priority

Taylor Hicks is backing out of scheduled appearances almost as soon as they're announced lately. First Wolf Trap is canceled, and Bo Bice steps up to fill the void, and now it's known that Mr. Hicks went and simply no-showed for the Los Angeles Share Charity event. Perhaps it was the thought of honoring ol' 'Uncle' Nigel Lythgoe that turned him away? That might do it for me. He did make it to Italy to fulfill his obligations there, and man, who wouldn't make sure they were on that flight for some Mediterranean fun in the sun.

Realistically, looking at the travel time, the looming of - this weekend - Taylor's making his Broadway debut, it's understandable that he must select where his physical presence and time be spent. This Broadway gig, although mourned and panned by some of Taylor Hicks' fans as well as some of the Soul Patrol groupies Is a Big Deal. It's something new, inventive. It's Mack-Daddy wild.

To play that Guardian Angel from above who sings to guide Frenchy when she drops out of beauty school, a pivotal yet small role. Past Teen Angels have been Donny Most, Davy Jones, Chris Colfer, Eddie Mekka, Chubby Checker, John Farnham, Mary Bond Davis, Jennifer Holliday, Al Jarreau, Darlene Love, Felix Healy.

Speaking of Davy Jones, it made me think of this: (Davy Jones and The Monkees)

video c/o sarame287

Back to Angels and the angle, I think if Taylor Hicks works this part the right way, makes it something spectacularly cool, even while wearing (I hope) those fluffy wings, it will turn his career. Certainly the man could use a new slant and change is often a good thing. Many folks fear change, but not this guy!

Really, for Taylor Hicks to dive into this "Grease" gig, it is a very brave, fabulously outrageous and daring move. I love this quality the guy seems to own. Times like this when he just goes off the wall, remind me of why I continue to follow his news, his career. He's just bloody fascinating.

Taylor Hicks obviously, is not afraid to put himself out there - as in the American Idol era - with wild abandon. This is one of the main qualities I first adored in this guy. The fact he had a distinct way of presenting himself, musically, did not hurt either. Naysayers, I understand where you're coming from, but there's something about Mr. Hicks doing this Broadway gig that glimmers of potential genius. You might just have to look at this issue while standing upside down and looking sideways.

Man, Taylor Hicks, you go put those wings on baby, show them how to fly.

"Hard Sun" Eddie Veddar, just because I like it. Lyrics

vidoe c/o LoremlpsumDolor

TAY on BWAY, or So the Sign Said...

Taylor Hicks interview on the Today Show, May 16 in which he announces his Broadway debut.

I think it a brilliant move. It's like 'free' promotion and publicity to debut the CD planned for release in the Fall. I read on Griz's site that he may descend on an ice cream cone? Now that's quirky. I still remain in hope for wings, and of course, being an angel, Taylor needs a harp.

His interview reminded me of one of my favorite movies, it's just quirky enough.

The ending is brilliant. Now, that's a proper send-off.

Instead of a suit, how about this look:
(I kid.)
"They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway".