Taylor Hicks vs Radar Magazine

The Taylor Hicks' fans, at least in the on-line world, have been following a story about a brief vacation Mr. Hicks enjoyed many months back, in Maui with a blonde companion, later named as being Caroline Lyders. The world of the Taylor Hicks on-line fan world, has experienced its ups and downs since the man competed on Idol. The situation that has arisen, stemming from the romp in the surf in Maui, has become yet another issue creating division among some of the fans of Taylor Hicks'. Focus of the topic, subject for division, Taylor Hicks' companion, as well as the subject whether celebrities really should or can expect fans to remain out of their private lives.

Venturing into many of the mainstream fan forum type sites a reader will find the majority of the posts revolving around Mr. Hicks' music, questions about future albums and tours. There are the typical 'fangurlly' posts about Taylor Hicks' physical appeal and his dancing styling. Seldom, though usually presented delicately in a 'politically correct' manner, mentions are brought up about Mr. Hicks and Ms. Lyders.

Many of these fan forum sites have no desire to wander into a territory that could be considered potentially libelous or smack of any legal ramifications. As in the world of tabloid magazines, web sites that venture into tabloid territory can be held accountable for any misinformation or lies they might spread and therefore perhaps be held under cause for a law suit. Too, with fan forums, the goal is recognition from the subject, preferably positive. Having a 'good name' in the fan world, especially any mentions by the subject, drives memberships, and so go hits. This enables the owner of the site to increase the viability of their site. It might be denied by most of the site owners, but goal in mind for these sites possessing forums, to generate some kind of income for their time and efforts, and of course to cover that precious bandwidth. Not an easy task.

Trouble in 'Taylorland' began again cropping up following the frolic in the surf with a mystery companion. As his fan base buzzed with questions about her identity, an e.mail was issued to the fan forums complete with clues about her identity allegedly sent by a member of Hicks' inner circle. The clues lead to Ms. Caroline Lyders of WISN in Milwaukee. Problem that arose, a further rumor that it was not actually Ms. Lyders on the Maui sand with Mr. Hicks.

Initially I thought nothing of Mr. Hicks having some fun in the sun. The guy works hard, has ample opportunity to meet attractive women to spend quality time with, so good for him. Curiously rumors began to surface and persist that there was some type of bait and switch in progress. That the lady on the beach was not Caroline Lyders. The legs of this story walked straight to the now infamous site, MFOYA. Claims are that the lady on the beach with Mr. Hicks was someone who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ms. Lyders but did not perhaps possess her 'pedigree'. This story of the possibility of a 'fake girlfriend' scenario sparked more talk and debate. This story too, seemed to follow rather closely on the heels of another gossip rumor that speculated and questioned Mr. Hicks sexual orientation. Someone - of course - their name "Anonymous" - had come forth with stories that Mr. Hicks' appeal to his female fans, the majority of his fan base, would be in vain. Said rumors brought up Rock Hudson and Doris Day comparisons.

Ms Lyders, although she has not come out with direct confirmation that she and Mr. Hicks are in a relationship did agree to be interviewed, published in the Milwaukee On-Line, submitted by Drew Olson, Bobby Tanzilo, Andy Tarnoff and Andrew Wagner. In an excerpt from the interview, "Yes, Taylor and I are friends," Lyders told Tanzilo Wednesday morning, "and as a journalist I respect your asking. But beyond that, I'd rather not comment on my personal life."

When this story was emerging regarding Ms. Lyders becoming a friend of Mr. Hicks, information also came forth that she was already engaged in a long-time relationship with another man, Aaron Ruffcorn. Seemingly when the pictures and the story broke about her accompanying Mr. Hicks to Maui, Mr. Ruffcorn was unaware of the state of his relationship with her. Speculation arose that somehow Mr. Ruffcorn was involved in generating the doppleganger story, which has proved unfounded. Currently, Ms.Lyders is no longer in the employ of WISN, and in pursuit of other options. Regarding the status of Mr. Ruffcorn and Ms. Lyders, no more information has been issued.

The on-line presence known as MFOYA has stood by their findings that a 'sham' has been established in an effort to cover for Mr. Hicks. Whereas "Anonymous" had inferred that reasons for the photo shoot was to negate rumors that Mr. Hicks was gay, the focus at MFOYA has remained simply that Ms. Lyders was selected as a 'front'. She was to be a cover up for whatever the Hicks' camp thought needed coverage and paint a happy relationship picture with an individual of good credentials.

Frankly I can't see the logic nor the common sense for anyone in the Hicks' publicity corner to perpetrate this scenario, but then I am not privy to the ideologies behind 'making celebrity'. I'm not one to 'wrap my brain' around that type of scheming or machinations. As has been pointed out repeatedly by MFOYA, Hollywood creates this type of illogical bait and switch story line all the time. To MFOYA's credit this has proven true time after time in the world of Hollywood.

The Radar Magazine article that hit the newstand this week and is posted on MFOYA, does not state anything of definitive fact nor name names of the supposed real players involved. It remains unsubstantiated whether or not the tale of two women really, is truth and indeed has 'legs'. Instead, the Radar Magazine publication choses to take the path of revisiting the topic of Mr. Hicks' sexual orientation, writing, "Mindful of long-standing gay rumors about the star, Hick's camp was quick to publicize the canoodling as the soul singer's hetero coming out party..."

Radar Magazine follows this up with retelling the cover-up story which coincides with MFOYA's perspective, concluding that no one from either Ms. Lyder's camp nor Mr. Hicks' camp would step to the fore and confirm either the relationship or lack of one. It's still an unresolved issue and so will more than likely continue talk among interested parties in the on-line and now, possibly, outside the on-line fan world. Some say this is the 'tip of the Iceberg' with more news imminent. Regardless of whether this is indeed the tip of an iceberg that could sink the Hicks' ship or just a flash in the pan that will sizzle and fizzle out, it is indeed a winding maze of a tale.

"The Maze" c/o stacy311 (one of my favorite Hicks' songs)