Will Taylor Hicks Bite the Hand That Fed Him?

Posted Jun 28th 2006 10:41AM by TMZ Staff

Grumblings are already reportedly coming from Taylor Hicks' camp about his first single "Do I Make You Proud."  It was painfully obvious right away how bad the song is, which is of course not a reflection on Hicks since he didn't write it. Now, it seems Hicks may agree.

Hicks' former producer Will Smith of Baldwin Entertainment in Nashville tells In Touch Weekly magazine that Taylor wanted to release a song he wrote called "the Fall" instead of the tune written for him. Says Smith, "He wants to be known as a songwriter, not a karaoke singer." 

Of course, he just won the biggest karaoke contest on the planet so it might take a little time to shed the image.  But, Kelly Clarkson pulled it off and successfully distanced herself from Idol. Given Hicks' years of pushing his own songs prior to the contest, don't be surprised if Taylor goes the same route.   Since Clarkson is by far the biggest success to come out of the show, it would make sense for him to follow her path. 



Filed under: Music, American Idol, Sound Bytes

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1. "He wants to be known as a songwriter not a karaoke singer..." It's a shame, but it ain't happening until that contract is up- he knew going in what he'd be facing if he won.

Still, bite the hand, dude... I recommend recording their drivel, but be real sarcastic about it at performances- Kind of like a strange version of 'VH-1 Storytellers: "...this next song is a song I didn't write soon after I won Idol... the joy & gratitude I felt then are in no way reflected in this song, because I didn't write it..."

Posted at 1:06PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Dave

2. I really liked the song "Do I Make You Proud". I followed Idol for the entire season and to think that Taylor would want to abandon the song that will begin his success is unheard of. Kelly Clarkson made it big with her American Idol debut song "A Moment Like This". Its only one song- and I think the song is beautiful!

Posted at 1:11PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Amie

3. The song is not bad. It is the type of song that is reserved for the winner and, to be truthful, it is the only song besides Kelly Clarksons "A Moment Like This" that is actuallly any good. It may not be his style or reflect who he is, but as far as the song for American Idol goes, it is very good and he does a great job with it. There are requirements when these singers audition for American Idol and responsibilities they have. There will be time for Taylor to take off in his own direction and I imagine he will do well. I wasn't too crazy about him in the beginning, but once the session progressed and I put aside his looks (which someone throw you) he is very talented in a non-American Idol sort of way.

Posted at 1:25PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Sarah

4. No he will not bite the hand that feeds him. He has the southern charm of saying things in a way that would never ...truly...insult you!!! With a hell of a SMILE !

Posted at 1:31PM on Jun 28th 2006 by R. Baumgartner

5. This story is actually bogus - it is being planted by his former producers and does NOT reflect how Taylor actually feels.

Posted at 1:35PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Colette

6. Taylor don't make the mistake of saying too much at this point. You have an obligation as the "A. I. Winner" to record the stupid song. Yes, I agree with you the song sucks but what can you do other than record it like a gentlemen and await the passing of time to do "your thang", which I am sure will be great. You are the type of musician/singer I become a fan of, DIGNIFIED!!!!

Posted at 1:42PM on Jun 28th 2006 by K.O

7. Gee, I wonder what "Will Smith of Baldwin Entertainment"'s agenda is in all this. Maybe, oh, I don't know, selling copies of "The Fall" that he has rights to? Can anyone say "cashing in on Taylor's success"?

I'm doubt Mr. Smith has even spoken to Taylor since American Idol began. This is the same group that was selling burned CDs of this tune for a mere $5 for S&H.

Personally, I really like "Do I Make You Proud". The version Taylor recently did on Leno was truly up to par. He had a hot band and had done a good deal more "Tayorizing" with soulful licks. Good stuff.

Posted at 2:07PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Jane

8. I don't care what Taylor sings I will buy it....he is exactly what we need in today's music....real songs, real soul, real passion for the actual music. Not some overproduced POP crap.

Can't wait for his album this fall.

Posted at 2:17PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Kerri

9. I think this is bogus, I don't believe that Taylor said this. He has commented how much he likes the song and made it his own.

Posted at 2:29PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Jean

10. Taylor Hicks is a smart, savvy, experienced musician who knew exactly what he was getting into. He knows he has certain obligations to fulfill. Once those are over, he will do HIS music, HIS way. While I will support him as a fan throughout the early process, his music his way is what I am most looking forward to. Bring it on.

Posted at 2:33PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Tracey Brogan

11. This person who fed this article is a con artist who is selling cheap bootleg copies of a demo CD that Taylor did 4 years ago.

Taylor has said repeatedly that he loves "Do I Make You Proud'. He chose it out of over 100 songs offered to him. He believes in the lyrics and message it sends and feels it is perfect for graduations, Fathers & Mothers days, etc.

In Touch and TMZ should check their facts before publishing lies. It would be easy enough to go direct to Taylor's publicist.

Posted at 2:34PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Twig

12. This story is a plant by the former owner of Tyler Music Group in Nashville. TMG has been trying to peddle some Taylor demos since he won Idol. Will Smith is the former owner and has a vested interest in slamming Taylor's single because he wants to re-release "the Fall." I sincerely doubt Smith has even spoken to Taylor!

Taylor has said on numerous occasions that he's very happy with his first single. I hope he will re-release his first CD "In Your Time" which includes "The Fall" but I hope this Smith and TMG get handcuffs for being a bunch of scammers.

Posted at 2:38PM on Jun 28th 2006 by yvonne

13. Don't bite that hand Taylor man....
a lot of us out here loved you, love the song and have paid money for the song...

Making us proud is a good thing.

(need serious effort on his part to stay seemingly cool, sweet and smart...otherwise the lowlifes are going to try and turn him inside out,)

Posted at 2:41PM on Jun 28th 2006 by j

14. I love the song Do I make you proud! I think Taylor is a wonderful human being and he will do well with whatever comes his way. He is one of a kind and a real breath of fresh air in an otherwise carbon copy music world. I wish him all of my best and will continue to follow his every success!!!

Posted at 2:42PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Elizabeth

15. Taylor does any song "proud". He's an amazing singer and I'll personally buy anything he records. I haven't paid for a song in years, but since Taylor that has changed. He's smart. I have way to much confidence in him to worry about any comment on a website or in a paper.

Posted at 2:42PM on Jun 28th 2006 by Sheila

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