Taylor Hicks says ‘American Idol’ still makes stars, uses himself as an example

by Rickey
May 26, 2012 at 11:57 am

TMZ e-mailed me this interesting post this morning: “Taylor Hicks – ‘Idol’ STILL Makes Stars… Just Look a Me!” LOL! I love how TMZ is able to make a backhanded promotion for Taylor. He’s headlining a show in Las Vegas, which Taylor says is proof that Idol is an incredible platform.

This of course is a follow up post to Kris Allen saying that “the show has been on too long.”

Both Taylor and Kris won American Idol. Taylor was dropped by his label in 2008 and Kris released his second album Thank You Camellia this week.

Details:

From TMZ:

“American Idol” champ Kris Allen is DEAD WRONG … the show has life in it yet … at least according to Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks — and his own shining success is proof.

Taylor tells TMZ, “American Idol is a juggernaut … Because of my American Idol win, I am able to do the thing that I love most, which is to be an entertainer.”

Taylor adds, “The fact that I am headlining Vegas 6 years after auditioning there and then ultimately winning AI is testament to the incredible platform the show continues to provide for me.”

Taylor Hicks Taylor Hicks says American Idol still makes stars, uses himself as an example

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15 comments

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takakupo

1 Like

Mr. Hicks is certainly correct that Idol provides a path to success. He isn't a star per say, but I'll be damned if you can put him down for earning six figures like Melinda DooLittle or other working singers that have walked through the show. A album or label isn't always the proof in the pudding and the pessimism be oozed from the commentary here like TMZ is utterly mesmerizing in a bad way.

Joystickenvy

4 Like

Is Taylor Hicks a superstar? No. But he does have a point that he's been able to have a career that he would most likely never have had without the show. Even poor selling artists like Lee, Kris, etc likely have managed to make a living doing something that would at best been a hobby that made them a few dollars on the side without Idol. Selling 100k records is peanuts when compared to the sales of a Lady Gaga, but it's a heck of a lot more records than someone playing in a local band is like to ever sell. It's true that Idol hasn't made many "stars," but they have made a few and they've also provided decent careers for many of the people who have competed.

Airaheta1fan

Him and James durbin are so clueless..

SammyIAM

2 Like

He is the only second to Lee as being Idol 's biggest embarrassment.

bonniecrocker

@SammyIAM

What nonsense! How does he embarrass you Sammy? In what way? He hasn't done a thing to you and I'm glad he is finding success. Yes, success. I call working in Vegas a success.

Why people insist on being ugly for no reason is beyond me.

Storm

4 Like

Success, stardom, fame, .. it's all pretty relative and subjective. I say that if a person is doing what they love to do and can pay their bills, they are successful. Anyone that has followed Idol knows the name of Taylor Hicks whether or not you like him, and he is ' starring ' in Vegas, so he has reached a level of stardom and fame that none on here can also make a claim to, that I am aware of. If he is happy and he appears to be, he has it all. And Idol helped him get there ....

mwk89

1 Like

@Storm but if you don't follow Idol, then its Taylor "who?", and that's the point to being a "star", being known outside of Idol, and he largely isn't

bonniecrocker

@mwk89

That's the point of becoming a star? Really? Who says? How do you know who knows him and who doesn't? He found success in doing something he has a passion for. I say good for him and wish him well.

mwk89

2 Like

Realistically, the last 2 stars idol produced are Carrie Underwood and Kat McPhee. Jordin Sparks has found success, but I wouldn't classify as "star" status

takakupo

1 Like

@mwk89 I think her turn in "Sparkle", especially with Whitney Houston, will change that for her. She had a huge hit with "No Air" but she is certainly building a path for herself much like Kellie Pickler, working hard on the steam that she has.

2 Like

Katherine McPhee begs to differ Taylor! She has her own TV show. Now THAT is a star. :)

mwk89

1 Like

Taylor Hicks? Star? *laughs manically*

tallrob

1 Like

@mwk89 do u have a show in Vegas?

mwk89

1 Like

@tallrob I'm not in the music industry, so what's your point? plain and simple, he's not a star

goodvibes27

1 Like

@mwk89 My guess is Taylor Hicks doesn't give a damn whether you or anyone else considers him to be a "star" or not. His point was he went from a struggling musician to a household name in 2006 and he has since made millions from his music, specifically his live concerts. American Idol definitely worked for him although he may not have lived up to everyone's standard of "success" (i.e. who gets the most mainstream exposure). And lest we forget, American Idol is about having a music career. It's not called "American Actor"

For someone who is not a star, he sure seems to generate a lot of interest, 6 years after winning American Idol.