Not Just Another Post About American Idol

If you don't already know it (and who doesn't) Taylor Hicks is the new American Idol. People have speculated all along that the producers had orchestrated the whole season with the idea that it was time for a man to win (henceforth, all the MALE guest artists, who coached the contestants through each week). There was also speculation that Chris (the bald-headed rocker) was the least liked of all the contestants, and was deliberately kicked off the show (again the proders are implicated in being instrumental in this). We will never know the exact truth of the behind-the-scenes workings of 'American Idol', but I, for one, am not unhappy with the choice America made. Like all of the winners who came before him, he is a southerner. His infectious smile and unique song interpretations are what got him all his votes. I will dare to compare him to another singer from years ago.....Barry Manilow. Yes, I know Clay has been compared to him since his earliest appearances on AI. Even Barry himself makes a joke in his Vegas show about how Clay will look like him in thirty years, but Taylor is similar in his own ways. He is not the typical sex-symbol, yet there is something sexy about him as he loses himself in his song interpretations. He is not a youngster by music industry standards, starting a career in his late twenties. He is different than other young singers in other ways as well and maybe it's that difference that drew him all those votes. Barry was all of things too some thirty years ago and he still has a vibrant career. Here's hoping that Taylor will do as well in his life!