HERO SPOTLIGHT: TAYLOR HICKS

What is a Hero? According to The American Century Dictionary, ‘hero’ is defined as:

(n.) person noted for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc.

Today, I will highlight one of my personal heroes. Many of you will know him as the season 5 winner of American Idol – TAYLOR HICKS!

I never watched American Idol before season 5. Usually I would only watch the first few episodes of the season from the auditions that showcased the rejected and atrocious singers. I honestly thought the show was a bit hyped up and overrated. My opinion changed soon after as I was watching the Las Vegas auditions. I distinctly remember it was one of those sketches in which we, the viewer, were left to guess whether or not the singer had the vocal chops judging only by their physical appearance. They really milked out the suspense for Taylor and showed his audition toward the end of the episode. Sure he had gray hair and did not fit into the physical mold. I did not want to judge him until I heard him sing. He came into the audition room and Simon asked him,

“Why do you want to be the next American Idol?”

Taylor’s response was,
"I want my voice heard.”

Just this clever response, alone, caught my attention, because all the singers who auditioned before him gave the judges the same and boring answer to this question. He was a stand out from the get co. Finally, the moment I waited for – the acappella performance. WHOA, did I just hear what I heard? I honestly believe the judges were just as blown away as I was at that moment. Paula asked Taylor for an additional thirty seconds of a different song. The second song expressively showed Taylor’s personality as he was rhythmically stomping and clapping along to “Swanee River”. I thought this enigmatic singer was cool. I was hoping that he would make it through the audition. Fortunately, he did make it to Hollywood thanks to Randy and Paula but despite Simon’s apprehension.

It was from that point on that Taylor’s soulful and resilient spirit came into my world and completely changed my outlook on life. Throughout my adolescence and high school years, I was an awkward, apprehensive, and insecure girl. I always had a self-doubting attitude towards everything, and at that point in time, I was also gloomy about my dreams and goals for the future. He gave me a reason to take charge of my life, and now I’ve turned into a more confident and fearless person as a result.

A lot of people knew I was a huge fan of Taylor’s right from the beginning. Every Tuesday I would wear my homemade Taylor Hicks t-shirt under my school uniform. I would yell throughout my school “It’s Taylor Tuesday!!!!” “Vote for Taylor.” Some of my fellow classmates at school did not know me personally, but they knew me as the person who “likes the gray-haired guy on American Idol.” My friends at school thought I was crazy and a lot them (starting from the top 24 competition) told me Taylor would not make it through the competition because of his looks. I didn’t care about their cynical comments; I would vote for two hours straight every Tuesday believing not only in his incredible and passionate talent, but in his dream as well.

Taylor completely amazed me each week as he revealed another facet of his amazing vocal talent. His infectious dancing and passionate attitude towards each of his performances kept me obsessively following the show each week. I can honestly say his performance of “Livin for the City” (during Stevie Wonder week) made me realize that he was going to win the competition.

It was THE NIGHT we’ve all been waiting for! It was the season finale and it was down to Taylor and Katharine McPhee. I voted until one in the morning the night before the finale. My goal was to get in 1000 votes because I usually got in at least 300 votes in the Tuesdays prior to the finale. I was content to get in 643 votes considering the phone lines were at their busiest out of the whole season. I remember I rushed home to watch the season finale.The world basically stopped in those two long and grueling hours, and nothing else mattered except for Taylor. My adrenaline was in first gear and my heart was beating fast. I just thought to myself “This is HIS night! He’s going to win.” Here it was, the moment we’ve all been waiting for:

“Here we go. The winner of American Idol Season Five is….
… (Dramatic Pause)...
TAYLOR HICKS!!!”

This had to be one of the most beautiful moments I have ever witnessed. I remember jumping, applauding, and screaming at the top of my lungs while tears were streaming down my face. I did not go to sleep until 3:30 in the morning and I had a Psych final the next day. Thursday was a dress down day for our school and I made a new Taylor Hicks shirt to proudly commemorate this special event. The front read “Taylor Hicks”, and on the back it said, “It’s a soul thing.” I went to school that morning with the biggest smile on my face while I failed my Psych test.

What good hasn’t already been said about this amazing man? I could write several pages describing and highlighting his positive attributes, but words can do him little justice. Taylor’s inspirational life-story is a good example for all those who want to go for their dreams. He gives me the belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. His journey to the top is a testament to all that dreams CAN come true. Thank you, Taylor for changing my life for the better!

*This picture was taken from www.taylormadesoul.com