Hey Guys, American Idol Isn't Helping
So far, American Idol has introduced two successful female singers into the country format - Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler. Unfortunately, time has run out on the guys. A finalist from the 2007 season, Phil Stacey has sold just over 25,000 copies of his self-titled debut album in the month since its release. Josh Gracin, who came in fourth in 2003, isn't faring much better - less than 45,000 in two months. The debut CD by Bucky Covington, the 8th place finalist of season six, started strong with "A Different World," but stalled at 345,000 units. Not bad, I guess, considering the current record-buying climate. However, country still hasn't had a male crossover champ yet - how long until Taylor Hicks, David Cook or Ruben Studdard gives Nashville a try?
However, consider the flipside. Former Idol winner Carrie Underwood raked in $7 million last year and has sold more than six million copies of her debut album, Some Hearts. Her new one, Carnival Ride, surged in sales following her appearance on American Idol last week, already beyond the double-platinum mark. And Reba McEntire's radio-friendly hit with Kelly Clarkson, "Because of You" (which Clarkson wrote), propelled the sales of Reba Duets beyond a million as well. You'll remember that Clarkson was the first Idol winner. Meanwhile, Kellie Pickler - another season six finalist -- moved more than a half-million units, even without a breakout country radio hit. ("I Wonder" did quite well in individual downloads - and justifiably so. I thought it was the best song on the record.)
Another feisty female, Miranda Lambert, also got her start on a reality singing contest, during the first season of Nashville Star. That show has moved to NBC, with second airings on CMT. Good luck to all the contestants. Guys, you're gonna need it.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Dustin says:
Carrie & Kellie are simply amazing! I love em both! I also am addicted to Kelly Clarkson too, and her teaming up with Reba is a super bonus, especially when they go on tour together AGAIN this Fall & Winter…
mikayla says:
i love kelly and carrie they are so talented crazy!! i am excited about david cook he can really rock out love him and i am crushing on him i’m a little disapointed he went on a date with kimberly caldwell she’s ugly and trashy oh well there not getting married!! it’s been 4 months since he’s been able to date i guess but kimberly ewwww i thought he’d crush on carrie underwood since she’s a hottie!!
Rick says:
Of the three male A.I. alumni mentioned in the first paragraph it perplexes me that Bucky Covington would have by far the most CD sales since I consider him the least talented of the bunch by a wide margin. Hopefully these poor sales numbers will dissuade the big Nashville labels from signing A.I. finalists unless the artists are truly outstanding talents, or at least beautiful women……
Bon Latino says:
Taylor Hicks has said some of the songs in the album he’s currently working on will have a country flair — he’s been writing lyrics in Nashville! I believe he has said he’s worked with some of Nashville’s top song writers. I, for one, can’t wait for anything he puts out that doesn’t have Clive Davis’ hand in the pie!
Bon in Bama
http://www.yourgifttome.net
Amanda says:
Taylor Hicks is more concerned with “being soulful” than recording anything that is even worth listening to. He’ll fail whether he is in the country scene or not.
AmyH says:
I keep hoping that Taylor will try to crossover into Country ground. A few of his original songs already have a slightly country feel and I could name two off the top of my head that would fit perfectly on country radio - but they were never released for airing on country radio.
How does that work? Does a label/artist have to be approved for whatever genre or can a DJ just say “Hey, I think this would work on our station” and play a tune regardless of its “classification”?
Jennifer says:
I believe Kelly Clarkson to be the best….she is simply amazing and so diversital its crazy….her smash hit with Reba on Reba Duets simply blew me away…
anne says:
I would love to see Taylor HIcks put a soulful spin on some music. I think he can sing anything and make it his own.
sweetsmoke says:
Amanda - I have a feeling that if Taylor found a cure for Cancer, you would diminuate it. Personally, I love his music and will continue to support him in his future endeavors. Likewise, those who have little to do in their lives but to put down a highly talented guy will continue as well, I suspect. What they don’t understand is that it has aboslutely no effect AT ALL on anything Taylor or his fans do or think or feel.
I for one can’t wait to hear his new album which will contain mostly originals. He has written with some of the best songwriters in the country and has the time and creative freedom to do it his way, totally, this time around.
Stephanie says:
PHIL STACEY is a talented, thoughtful artist that is blowing away crowds when he performs. American Idol can be thanked for jump starting his career and Phil’s is a name that will remain on the Country scene for some time to come. Keep your eyes and ears open and follow his career-it will be a fun ride!
Adriana says:
Kelly Clarkson is by far the best (and most successful) Idol! And Carrie Underwood has done well for herself in the country genre.
I definitely wouldn’t be interested in seeing Taylor Hicks try his hand at country music though. What would that sounds like? Umm, no thanks. Not interested.
Marc says:
Taylor will never be a country artist, although he has hinted of a country “influenced” album coming up. He is, always was, and always will be a blues and soul artist first and foremost. Not pop. Not country.
I am definitely excited to hear what he has coming up. Yes, very interested.
JFeinstein says:
I honestly think Taylor is the most diverse and the most talented performer and singer ever to appear on American Idol. You see, talent is not and should not be judged by CD sales. It never influenced me to buy or not buy an artist’s music and most defintiely says nothing about longevity or talent.
Taylor’s voice is like silk with so much emotiveness and connection to the audience. I’ve seen him a few times live and it’s an unbelievable experience.
gingercake says:
JFeinstein I love your description of Taylors voice. I always said it was a combination of whiskey and honey. I love that voice. He is very diverse, capable of doing almost anything well. I could see him doing the perfect combination of soul and country. He has been writing with some well respected writers and they seemed to like him. Can’t wait for his album.
I also hope for Phil Stacey to do more, one of the few people on season 6 that I cared for at all.
carol says:
Phil Stacey has a dedicated and growing fan base and definitely will be in the picture for the long haul, for good reason. Incidentally, 25,000 copies sold in the first month during a (yes, we’re in one) recession when almost every retail agency is suffering severe drops in consumer spending is not necessarily a sign of unpopularity. If a book sells 25,000 copies today it is considered a National Best Seller. We may be seeing the same trend in CD purchases, especially for newcomers.
tophat says:
Carrie Underwood is without question the biggest STAR that show has discovered. Kelly and Chris are very good. Kellie should make it, but the rest it’s not looking good at all.
dontdothat says:
Carrie is a wooden, uninspiring robot. Sorry, but she doesn’t do anything for me musically - I don’t care how many “units” she sold. And Chris Daughtry is already a has been now that his superior rock competitor, David Cook, is on the scene.
tophat says:
^ Spoken like a true Taylor hick.
Paulette says:
I have bought Phil Stacey’s cd and I just love it. Phil has a strong fan base and it continues to grow. He is here to stay!!
Debbie says:
Bucky is by far my favorite American Idol. His charm and singing style won me over completely :) His new single “I’ll Walk” will be a number 1 hit I am sure. A stronger song than even A Different World was and very relatable to this time of year.
Catch Bucky at a live show and you will see what all the hype is about him, he ENTERTAINS completely!
Beverly C. says:
Bucky has done just fine with album sales which are steadily growing week by week and are not stalled. While he has not had the benefit of being the opening act for a lengthy tour for superstars such Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley or Keith Urban yet, he is out there week after week at county fairs, huge festivals and intimate bar settings playing for crowds from 500 to 30,000. The fans love him and his new single “I’ll Walk” is wonderful and getting great response from radio! BTW, Carrie is not a robot! I think all the idols/country artists are wonderful and I for one, would not be listening to a country radio station if not for Bucky and Kellie (Did not watch AI Season 1-4) Josh and Phil will be around also, just watch!
Jenny W says:
Bucky Covington, Is my Favorite American Idol,He is a down home country boy, and i beleive he sings from his heart, He loves his fans and we love him, His music is great! and if you are lucky enough to See Bucky at a live show you will see what he is all about,he knows how to entertain and keep his audience’s attention, I think I’ll Walk and Ole Kentuck will be number one hits! Rock on Bucky, You have a bunch of Dedicated fans behind you!!
sherry says:
I have to say by far Bucky is my favorite AI. I have met him several times and he’s just a sweety. I have also met many DJ’s whom would agree with me campared to meeting other idol contestants. His new single “I’ll Walk” is already touching many lives who can relate to this song. His music is from the heart and thats what I like about him.
Kgator22 says:
Bucky Covington is just what Country music needed, a rising star who enjoys what he does and connects with his fans. I don’t agree with the “stalled CD” statement. His very first CD is still selling and he will just be finishing up his first run at opening for a major artist, Dierks Bentley. Go to Bucky’s artist page and check out his tour schedule for the summer, it is non-stop! He is going everywhere, fair’s, festivals, little and big venues scheduled. This is Bucky’s life and career. Let him do what he does best, singing and entertaing, everything else will fall into place!
Becky says:
Bucky Covington has been the most wonderful surprise from Idol (in my opinion)… his voice is beautiful and his stage presence is amazing! His humor and excitment for what he does is contagious… and along with his good looks, he is one great package!!!!
dontdothat says:
tophat - you know nothing about me or my musical tastes, so cut it out, okay? The nerve of someone who sits behind a friggin’ computer and spews hatred to people they haven’t met. Unfreaking-believable!
Jon says:
Taylor Hicks would do quite well in the country arena I think. Looking forward to his new CD in the Fall. I hear he recorded the entire thing in Nashville with some premium A List songwriters. A great great talent!
Robin says:
Carrie Underwood is by far my favorite Idol. She not only has personality (even if she is shy), she sings about her real life (for the most part) and throws a few fun songs in the mix. She doesn’t sing ‘what they make her sing’, this is truely who she is as an artist. The only country aritst out there that is her equal (although a different kind of artist) is Miranda Lambert. Long live reality music shows. And, thank goodness we have Miranda and Carrie.
Janie says:
My favorite artist from American Idol is Bucky Covington. He’s never lost his down to earth attitude. He treats his fans like they’re old friends and I just can’t get enough of his soulful singing.
Francies says:
I love Carrie Underwood, but didn’t really follow her until after American Idol. Bucky Covington caught my attention while on Idol, and I have followed him since.
I think it’s a little inaccurate to say his career is “stalled”. He is taking off, gaining new audiences and fans all over the country. His CD sales show steady and consistent growth.
Ilana says:
Bucky has got 2 top 10 songs and the 3rd is on hi way…how can you say that his carrer is “stalled”?
Kellie Pickler has sold more CDs, but she haven’t been able to put on a song on the top 10 list yet…let’s hope that this last single does!
And i love Carrie! Love her songs, she deserves everything she is getting….but it wasn’t untill Idol was over that I started liking her…my favourite was Bo Bice back then…
=D
Midask9 says:
Bucky, Josh and Phil all have great careers ahead of them. The current economy is to blame for the lack of album sales - food on the table or that new CD? Hmmm…
In a genre where new artists are popping up seemingly by the day, Bucky Josh and Phil all have a leg up thanks to AI. They came to Nashville with a built in fan base, it can only grow from there. Regarding Carrie - she is also phenomenal and helped pave the “country” path for other contestants. Thanks Carrie!
Bethany says:
As for Taylor Hicks coming to country i can see that but i dont see David Cook coming because he has a rock voice,he is amazing though.The only country guy from american idol that i like is Bucky Covington. I like his voice and his songs.
jdoe says:
agree with dontdo that complete, carrie has no stage presence. i caught a glimpse of her on the acm’s and that idol thing. she looked like a struting chicken with that neck thing and leg lifts. i thought she was going to start clucking and shoot an egg from her backside
deatle says:
Carrie Underwood is by far the best American Idol! She is a beautiful girl with crossover appeal. She has sold millions more albums then any other AI winner. She is a little shy on stage, but her amazing voice makes up for that fact. Kelly is an amazing singer, but her behavior a couple of years back shows her true character. Changing managers 3 times for “creative difficulty” and badmouthing AI in the press made her look like an ungrateful brat. Not to mention her last album sucked.
Jon says:
deatle - CD sales tells me nothing about how good a singer or performer anyone is. All it tells me is that she has a good promotion team behind her. I can list hundreds of artists that initially sold well and then faded into obscurity down the road. I can also give you a list of singers who, while never hitting superstar status, do quite well doing live concerts and doing their thing with a dedicated fan base. It’s those singers who sustain and are not subject to the whims of the musical landscape.
Tuscan says:
Oh, gimme a break. Taylor Hicks can’t make it in pop music, so he wants to cheat now and pretend he’s country? I thought he was going to be all “true to himself” and blah blah blah? Nobody is going to hand him a free pass. This man has the ethics of a snake.
Tuscan says:
Bucky Covington is the best new country singer of the last few years, with or without American Idol.
Jon says:
Tuscan - Taylor is a genius and the best American Idol winner/singer/performer ever to step on that stage. He’s NOT A POP SINGER, dude. Stop trying to insinuate he is. His primarily a blues and soul singer, but has done songs with a country influence on pre-AI CDs he produced himself. Have you heard them? If not, shut your trap since you know nothing of what you speak. Check out his new CD and DVD coming up in the Fall or better yet, check him out on Broadway this summer.
He is writing his entire new CD himself and collaborating with A-list songwriters. Should kick some serious ASS!
Craig Shelburne says:
Just to clarify — The article doesn’t say that his career has stalled. It says that his *debut album* has stalled after selling about 345,000 units. Also, his second single didn’t go Top 10. It peaked at No. 11.
Joe says:
To Deatle. Do your RESEARCH before spouting off your mouth. For ONE: Carrie hasnt sold MILLIONS over all the other idols, Kelly actually has, carries cd has sold only 1 million more the kellys breakaway in the US but Kellys world sales kick all the other idols *** and Kellys almost to 20 Million in sales including all Albums, while carrie is at 16 million. She did change her managers to do creative difficulty because they wanted her to make hits, and she wanted to make music that was true to herself, shes not a sell out like most. And she has NEVER EVER ONCE badmouthed idol. shes only had great things to say about idol, so unless you can post a link to a video of her saying something negative about idol(which you wont be able to) then ide stop spatting lies. Also her last album which you said sucked, is now inching its way past the 1.5 million mark. yeah those are horrible sales. Kelly is an amazing person, and singer and my favorite idol. carrie and kellie are good too of course though.
peachy says:
Country is where the money is and there are alot of Idols who have topped the charts. Carrie, Kellie, Phil & Bucky all have incredible voices and have done very well because they CAN sing. Taylor is not good a singer, trying country will make him a bigger laughing stock then he already is.
Bobby Joe says:
Bucky Covington is my fav former AI contestant. He is a hard working talent who will continue to get better and has an extremely loyal fan base. Bucky is very humble and genuinely appreciates those fans. He aims to give his best performance every time he takes the stage no matter what the size of the venue.
Tuscan says:
After Taylor makes a jackass of himself with the bit-part in Grease, he will put out another lukewarm, boring version of his already lukewarm, boring CDs and the next stop will be a cruise ship. Country music will laugh him out of the music industry.
Audrey says:
Taylor Hicks a great singer??? Gawd he is aweful. Phil Stacey is a good singer. When I saw the Idols Live last summer his voice really stood out. I hope his CD has a hit that can improve sales.
Kelly, Carrie and Daughtry are the heavy weight stars so far to come off Idol. I am hoping that David Cook will be the first successful male winner. He has the chops and look as well as the personality to go far in the music biz.
So happy he won. I hope Castro puts out a CD he has that new folky sound like Colby Cailet and Jason M and Jack Johnson.
Sue says:
I, apparently along with many others, am looking forward to a long country music career for Bucky Covington. He continues to criss cross the entire country performing at a variety of events with enthustiastic fans cheering him on. CD sales will definately continue as he gains “new” fans everywhere he goes. I’m guessing that as an 8th place finisher in Season 5 of AI he’s done very well for himself. Bucky is grateful to country music and country music should be grateful to Bucky for bringing in so many fans that would never have given country music a second thought.
Jon says:
Audrey - you know absolutely nothing of which you speak. You sound like a friggin’ ill-informed parrot. Have you heard the MASTER of the blues sing “Sweet Home Chicago” or “NY State of Mind” or “The Right Place”? If not, shut the fuck up. And I mean that in the kindest of ways! LOL!!!
Jon says:
Tuscon - Taylor is going to blow the fucking roof off of the Brooks Atkinson Theater on Broadway while little baldy daughtry is picking his toenails, licking Clive’s ass, and shaving his head! LOL!
Did you know that Taylor outsold baldy by 1 million dollars in 2007 on tour revenue?? Baldy is a horrible tool that is owned by Nigel and Clive - oh wait - they fired fossil Clive! When Cookie outsells him, they’ll be through with baldy. In fact, he’s a hasbeen already. What’s he up to lately? Parking cars?
sweetsmoke says:
I agree with Jon. Daughtry is a tool of the corporation. When he not making a profit anymore, they’ll push him out the door so fast it will make his bald head spin. Mark my words folks. It’s a business.
SammyK says:
Bucky sold 300K. He’s considered pretty much a flop, isn’t he in the country arena? And Phil? What’s he sold? 20K? Come on folks, get real here.
Bucky Fan says:
Wherever the Soul Patrol shows up you can count on them trying to denigrate the accomplishment of others. And the 6th place finisher of Season 5 (Kellie Pickler)outsold “Tay” and all of his fans are eaten up with jealousy and therefore try to tear down the “Idols” of others. And FYI, Daughtry is not washed up. He is on hiatus for a month after successful tours with first Nickelback and then Bon Jovi. He has been touring constantly since Jan. of 2007. Please do not begrudge him a few days rest. So take you petty jealous, SPers and stick it in your ear; we don’t want to hear about it.
noname says:
Hey “Bucky Fan” eh… “Daughtry FANTARD” - Your boy IS washed up, my friend. He’s peaked. You know that and we all know that. AI has their Rock God now in David Cook who is a MUCH better singer and a much more likable guy. That’s where the money will be going now.
Tell me, is he still paying Bon Jovi up the rear end to get on their tour?
noname says:
Did you also know that Taylor Hicks OUTSOLD Daughtry in tour revenue in 2007 by almost 1 MILLION DOLLARS? LOL! Check Pollstar if you don’t believe me.
Casey says:
All I know, which is nothing to debate, is I LOVE BUCKY COVINGTON!!!! He is the best…There is no comparison between him and anyone else - He will be an icon…just watch and see…….
jennifer says:
This Bucky/Kellie/Carrie/Josh fan likes Taylor and when will the competition between the former idols end? Instead of continuous bashing of each other, we should all be supporting all of them. They all have done well in their chosen genres and I would not discount any of them at this point.(especially Daughtry although rock fans tend to be more fickle than country fans) I try not compare apples and oranges like some of you on here seem to do. Craig, it depends upon which chart you look at whether Bucky’s second single was #10 or #11 as there are 4 that I follow. Same with first song, #5 or #6. Both fantastic songs. Kellie’s album sales have been wonderful and she is out there all day almost everyday performing and criss-crossing the country just like Bucky and the others. Carrie did a tremendous of fairs and small venues her first year out and she remains tops with every song that comes out! I look forward to her third album and Kellie’s second album. 350K album sales for Bucky a flop? I think not! And give Josh’s second album a chance….everything seems a little slow these days. Once he is out on the road again, his sales should increase. I do not think any of these performers, including Phil, will fade away any time soon.
peachy says:
Taylor was suppose to be all about the music but has to resort to his version of country music to try to make some money. I’ve heard his Going Mobile…WTF is that? Sure ain’t country. He needs to go back to his cruise ship and take the Psycho Patrol with him, hopefully they’ll get lost at sea.
noname says:
peachy - Going Mobile? Who said he was trying to do country with that? That’s a friggin’ 30 year old WHO song - and a damn great ROCK tune that is. Can’t you tell a rock song from a country song? LOL!
You need to go back to your has been baldy fantards and figure out what eyeliner brand he uses!
See you tards on Broadway!! Wooooooooo! SP RULES!
jackie says:
From what I’ve heard, Taylor pulled in a few million dollars last year from personal appearances, tours, book sales, endorsements, CD sales and merchandise sales and whatever else he’s involved with. He also signed a deal to open a music club in the new 60 million dollar development in Birmingham called “The Forge”. His club is suppose to be about 6,000 square feet and is in the heart of the district. He’s got his hand in a LOT of business stuff as well as his music so I would worry about his finances in the least.
A
peachy says:
Hey noname - why don’t you do your homework?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc13TySc3Q4
Make sure you listen to the beginning where TAYLOR said he was tried to do country with Going Mobile.
Funny an SPer didn’t know about that??? Idiot!
Taylor RUINED a great rock song and he sure the HELL doesn’t sound country. He’s the washed up wanna be.
Taylor wanna be a blues singer, now he wanna be a country singer, wanna be a golfer, a basket ball player, no a fishermans…no wait he wanna be a Broadway singer, a cruise ship singer, a wedding singer…but all he ends up being is a FAILURE!
Bwahahahahah
Guess_Who says:
No Name, if you think that Daughtry are washed up, then you better think again. They sold 2.3 million++++++ more CD’s than Taylor “mallman” Hicks and are currently taking a much needed break after a highly successful tour that’s been going since their CD was released. You think you’re fooling anyone with your talk about Taylor grossing more for the year???? Let’s see, he grossed more after the first three months because he was booked into much larger venues, just because he was the winner of season 5, but were they all sold out??
Guess_Who says:
NO! Let’s see, the Warfield had 600 people at a venue that seats over 2600. Hmmmm, doesn’t sound like he was that successful to me! And let’s not forget about how he couldn’t even pull in more than 3500 at a 10,000 seat venue in his own home state! Meanwhile, after their initial “intimate venue” tour, Daughtry then went on to pull in crowds of 10,000 and 15,000+++++,and this was when they were HEADLINING! And where was mallman now??? Giving FREE concerts at state fairs before heading to his overseas three stop mall tour, where he once again played for FREE! Then back he came to the states, but guess what happened next?? He not only DROPPED out of site, he also was DROPPED from his label, and then found
his true calling as a wedding singer….but wait! He wasn’t getting enough wedding gigs to pay the bills, so he then makes plans to hit the high seas as a cruise ship entertainer. All this time he’s still working on his DVD that’s now over a year old, but still hasn’t been released. Then out of no where it comes……the offer that Taylor has been waiting for all his life…the chance to fly down in an ice cream cone on the Broadway stage, and sing a song about a Beauty School DROPout. Wow, and here we thought we’d seen the end of Taylor Hicks, but it looks like his next career is just beginning. Maybe his next part will even be longer than 5 minutes, but don’t count on it. After all, he’ll be to busy selling copies of his next CD out of his trunk to make any more “brief” appearances on Broadway. ;)
Keep it country, keep it real says:
Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler are the most talented singers, performers, and songwriters and made the best albums of all of the country artists and most everyone else who competed on Idol. Kellie was the only new artist nominated for and won CMT Music Awards Performance of the Year award for the best live country performance on TV during all of 2007!
I’m sure Kellie’s sales would be much higher than they are if her label 19/BNA and radio provided the promotion and airplay her great songs deserve. As you mentioned, her sales have done well despite no top 10 hit and getting far less promotion and airplay than Carrie, Taylor Swift, and others with singles always in the top 5 on radio. It’s ridiculous that I Wonder and other songs didn’t even break top 10! Kellie is one of the best new country artists in years and deserves more promotion.
Bucky’s album is also great and Josh is pretty good. Phil didn’t sound country on Idol and his music sounds more on the gospel side. I guess he didn’t have a well-defined genre and they wanted him to go country. Miranda is up there with Carrie and Kellie.
Idol isn’t going to help the country genre as much as other genres each year simply because Idol is mostly a pop show. However Carrie and Kellie make up for several years of not having a great new country artist coming off of Idol. Idol and country music should stop trying to get people to go country and promote the best real country artists already in the format more. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
So American Idol has helped some, and at least 1 Idol needs more promotional help.
jackie says:
Hey peachy/Guess_Who! I LOVED Taylor’s version of GOING MOBILE!! I’ve seen the video many many many times! One of my favorites! Isn’t he sexy?? Yum!! You obviously have no taste in music - that’s obviously why you’re a Daughtry fantard! You’re SO JEALOUS that Taylor is so diverse and multi-talented and all baldy can do is apply eye-liner, clip his chain belt, imitate Nickleback and lick Clive’s balls all day and all night. Woooo!!!!!!!
And isn’t baldy doing a series of fair dates this summer?? About 25 of them? FAIR DATES!! What a LOSER! What happened? Bon Jovi dumped him before their European dates? Extra baggage I assume or did baldy run out of payola money? He obviously can’t get booked into one of the huge arenas by himself!
So how much is baldy paying Bon Jovi to be his opening act again? Too bad he fell short concert wise - Taylor rolled over him there! Bwawawa! Have you checked Pollstar yet? As headliners, Daughtry pulled in 2.9 MILLION in 2007. Taylor pulled in 3.8+ MILLION. Those are facts sweetums. Eat that up.
And say what you want about Grease, they’re paying him at least 50K per week on Broadway - that’s would be 600K/week you freakin retard AND the press will be flying in from all over the country to cover this event. This is BIG sweetie, being that he’s an American Idol WINNER. I’m sure you saw all the AP stories reported by every major news organization out there.
You’re just jealous baldy came in a freaking FOURTH PLACE on AI and you still can’t get over it. Talk about a fucking LOSER! I guess it takes one to know one!
SOUL PATROL!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Tuscan says:
Well, well, I see that Wolftrap kicked Taylor to the curb and replaced him with Bo Bice. Or, did Taylor screw his fans who had paid big bucks for tickets, and just decide to be a no-show at Wolftrap so he could dress up like a circus clown and swish around a stage for five minutes in Grease? Either way, it sucks to be a Hicks fan today, huh guys.
Finished with Taylor! says:
Don’t get me started about Wolftrap! I already had plane tickets and hotel rooms and I spent almost $400 on good tickets! I can’t believe he did this! And HQ was still scamming us on tickets even when they knew he wasn’t going to be there! I didn’t want him to be in Grease anyway, I think it is embarrassing and it is not what a serious musician would do! I’m done. I will not be suckered into anything else by Taylor Hicks.
Jackie says:
I thought Taylor was all about the music, but he has proven time and again that he is all about the money. It’s ironic, because if he had just stayed true to the music, the money would have followed. Now he is losing fans by the hundreds, and he didn’t have that many left to begin with. Maybe the whole thing was a ruse from the get-go. The Taylor Hicks we thought existed was just a group halucination. It’s over.
Tuscan says:
The word is that Wolftrap gave him an ultimatum — be at rehearsals or be DROPPED. There was a big fight, and Taylor hung up on the guy. End of story.
Pat says:
Phil Stacey has a fantastic voice and should go a long way in the music industry.Carrie , Kelly ,Josh, Bucky,Kellie and Daughtry have already. I for one think if all you have to do all day is sit around passing judgement on singers , you need to get a life,or a real job. P.S. Judgement already belongs to a higher up. Enough said.
LilLynna says:
Taylor never should have won. He was not good on AI and he has proved to be the flop everyone but the SP felt he would be. Not only is he a flop but he is mean to fans. When he played in my state he would not sign autographs or shake hands but Chris, Ace, Bucky and Kellie did.
Now this Wolfgang fiasco. Taylor stuck it to his loyal fans good this time. Sorry that is just WRONG! He had a prior commitment and could have written that into his Broadway Contract.
Danny says:
I hadn’t heard Phil Stacey but I just looked him up. I think he has a very nice voice.
Backstage rumors at Grease say Taylor Hicks is being a real pain in the ass, and might not even open.
diver says:
Craig, perhaps you and I keep records from different sources but according to my Mediabase records, Bucky’s first single went to #5 and his second single went to #9. Here is a copy of the time “It’s Good to Be Us” was in the Top 10:
3/26/08 14 10 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2749 2537 212 20.058
3/28/08 14 10 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2780 2555 225 20.222
3/30/08 12 10 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2794 2603 191 20.512
3/30/08 12 9 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2794 2603 191 20.512 (PM)
3/31/08 13 10 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2786 2607 179 20.363
4/01/08 11 10 BUCKY COVINGTON It’s Good To Be Us 2007 Lyric Street 2783 2745 38 20.439
Likewise, as a close follower of Bucky’s CD sales, I do not understand where consistently selling a 1000 units a week as he has done most of the year can be described as “stalled”.
I am not trying to argue with you, I just hope you can be fair. Perhaps you are not as big a fan of Bucky as I am, as I noticed that you omitted mentioning him when you did your recap of Stagecoach. See, I am a detail person and a big fan of yours.
Mitzi says:
Some of you guys are just mean! This is the first I’ve heard of Taylor skipping out of a concert, but if this is true he may not be able to recover from it…it seems like he might be drowning in a sea of terrible decisions! One thing I have to mention here is that Josh Gracin had one of the all time best songs I’ve ever heard a few years ago..”The Brass Bed”…my teenage daughters used to play it over and over and over…and we still listen to it. I didn’t even know he had another album out but now that I do, I’ll buy it tomorrow. As far as who sells more CD’s, take it from someone from Nashville who knows…it’s all in the marketing, folks. And if you don’t have the backing to entice those radio station producers to push those songs every hour, you won’t sell any. Talent has almost nothing to do with it unfortunately.
peachy says:
noname didn’t come back? how disappointing, I wanted to hear what they had to say about Taylor trying to sing country. Not much you can say though, he is no Phil Stacey. I heard Taylor was always a pain in the ass during American Idol, and didn’t want to work with the label. I totally believe he is an ass at Grease too. He even screwed over his fans who paid for flights and hotel just to seem him, maybe Grease was paying him more and he didn’t care about his fans. I think that Wolftrap announcement was an April fools joke.
Audrey says:
Hey SP you are all out of your minds. I just read Daughtry is recording their new CD, to be out this fall. Daughtry washed up? Guess you do not listen to the radio because Daughtry is played all the time and they have a new single coming out June 16.
I mean why are you SP and Daughtry fans still argueing? Daughtry is a superstar and Taylor flopped. It is done. Bucky is NOT a flop. He is doing quite well. Not Daughtry level of success but I am sure he is happy.
Oh and SP get over the Wall Street first quarter reports, Daughtry was just recently reported as earning 9.1 million is concert revenue in 2007 far eclisping any Idol in 2007 Concert revenue. This is not counting CD sales, merchandising sales or money Chris was paid for Home to play as the Idol boot song, his writing songs for other bands and the usage of his songs on TV, in Movies and for the MLB or NFL.
Being a Cook fan I hope he is successful like Daughtry and not a flop like Taylor
Joe says:
As much as i like mostly all of them and i have nothing bad to say about any of them, i think Kelly Clarkson is the best idol. shes not only huge in the u.s., shes a huge world star, her music is popular everywhere, and on top of all that she is the most diverse(my opinion of course)Shes able to sing country, pop, rock, classical, blues, ext. What idol is a star all around the world and can sing that many genres and pull it off? Only Kelly of course. (just an opinion once again) Go kelly!
Danny says:
Rumor off Broadway has it that Taylor Hicks spent last night at a party given by a well-known gay actor on the Upper East Side. He was supposed to fly to California for some charity event. Apparently the Big Apple is harboring a slimy worm named Taylor Hicks.
Mikki says:
I love Phil Stacey & Josh Gracin. I have Josh’s first cd & LOVE it. I need to get Phil’s. He seems to be a sweet guy. I heard him interviewed on a local radio station the other day. Very kind & down to earth.
As to those of you who have turned this into a Taylor bash fest once again, get a life. If you want to see true talent all you need to do is see & hear Taylor live.
Taylor Is The Word says:
DANNY, have you heard the word SLANDER? There are alot of people jealous because Taylor won American Idol. They can’t get over it and move on. Making up lies about Taylor shows your true colors. I have seen Taylor in concert. He is extremely talented and very generous with his fans, meeting them, signing autographs, etc. He was named the most polite artist. He is constantly doing charity work. He never says an unkind word about anyone, why don’t you try that, you might feel better.
Danny says:
Reporting the truth is not slander. What part of what I said bothers you? The word “gay”? So what if Taylor is gay. If you don’t like it, I’m sure he will change his preference for you. Right after he brings gas back to a dollar a gallon.
Just because you think this 45-year-old man is talented doesn’t mean the rest of the world agrees with you.
Taylor Is The Word says:
Hmmm, DAN, the fact that you call Taylor a 45 yr. old man, just shows how how grossly you exaggerate. You have a right not to care for Taylor’s music, I don’t care for Daughtry’s music. You just can’t get over the fact that he won Season 5, so you create hateful lies about him. Do you feel better now? I doubt it, because you would have to be a miserable individual to post such hateful comments about Taylor. Go do some charity work like Taylor does you might make a difference in this world!
Steve says:
Taylor is no “one-note wonder” like a number of artists. He can sing any type of song with true emotion and feeling. He is diverse in that he not only sings, but is a musician, song writer, businessman, producer and will now be appearing on Broadway. If you haven’t seen Taylor at once of his concerts, you don’t know what you’re talking about. He puts on one of the best concerts that I’ve ever seen in my life.
I Guessed says:
Guess_who = _BonJovi_/DaughtryAreHot/Taylor144 — The biggest chroll out there.
Danny says:
I think it’s funny (strange, not haha) that you Taylor fans see a Daughtry fan lurking behind every lamppost in cyberspace. You really are very insecure, as if you were all Taylor Hicks himself. If he’s not insecure, why are you acting out like this? Are you living your lives through him? That’s what it looks like. Taylor is bound to know some of this shit that goes on.
Taylor Is The Word says:
Which shit is that Danny, you calling him gay? Sounds like you are the insecure one, Danny boy/girl. You must have some pent up desire for Taylor the way you speak.
Flip says:
My roommate caught Taylor in rehearsal and said he isn’t half bad. And yes, he left with the boys afterwards, not the girls, and went to a nearby gay bar. This is life in the big city, kids. Get used to it.
Justine says:
Oh really Flip, you resort to spreading gay rumors conveniently using a “roommate” story. After he won idol, Taylor had several ex-girlfriends which were interviewed in People magazine. He’s straight, unless you think he may have had a 4 year sham relationship in Alabama on the off chance that he might win American Idol and need a cover story later on. Yeah right. Grow up.