Taylor Hicks Sings the Blues - Dropped by Record Label

January 7th, 2008 • Filed Under

Taylor Hicks Sings the Blues - Dropped by Record Label

Taylor Hicks may have landed the top spot on “American Idol,” but he doesn’t have a record label to call home anymore. The soul singer, who claimed the “Idol” title in 2006, has apparently been dropped by J Records, a label within Sony-BMG, which signs the show’s singers.

“Taylor is going to record on his own for the next album,” said J Records publicist Liz Morentin, who did not give further details regarding Hicks. Another “Idol” winner — Ruben Studdard of season two — left his contract with J Records late last year, but continues his contract with 19 Entertainment, the company managed by “Idol” creator Simon Fuller.

Studdard is now at work on an upcoming album, but it will not be distributed by J Records, Morentin said. Studdard’s previous album, 2006’s “The Return,” has sold only 236,000 copies.

Roger Widynowski, spokesman for 19 Entertainment, did not immediately return phone and e-mail messages seeking comment on Hicks’ situation.

Hicks’ self-titled, post-”Idol” album, released in December 2006, debuted at No. 2 on the charts. In the weeks after it was issued, however, the disc slid down the charts. While it sold a respectable 699,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan data, it did not reach the 1 million mark, unlike all the other debuts from previous “Idol” champs. It also did not register a hit song, unlike other “Idol” winners.

There Are 4 Responses So Far. »

Comment by lynne on 25 April 2008:

How can he NOT sell records, it was completely unfair how they treated them. The song they made for him to sing was a crappy corny one. They didn’t give him a chance to sing SOUL music. As if they made sure he sang a song that will NOT be a hit and he’ll fail. He’s made to sing blues soul music. That is why people voted for him. For sure if J. Records or Mr. Clive created a song that fits Taylor Hicks, it would have been a hit. I went and bought all his records online. I will buy more on any of his release. You to remember this people… Taylor Hicks is the highest voted American idol (around 60 million people voted that night). That is how much this is liked. J.Records should make him a song that will be a hit and take advantage of Taylor’s BIG fan base. Give Taylor the SOUL music he deserves!!!
Comment by Mary on 6 May 2008:

I love Taylor Hicks and am extremely disappointed that he did not receive the support that other idols have. I agree with above. The song was crappy but he made something of it. He has a beautiful voice and as Simon always says. He just needs the right song.
Comment by darlene on 17 May 2008:

I am disappointed that Taylor Hicks has not made an appearance on American Idol last season or this season. He does have a good voice and I really liked him. It is true I did not like his more recent songs and I dont like the picture shown here, makes him look hard. I would like to see him come back and prove himself.
Comment by Barbara on 30 September 2008:

Taylor Hicks is a talented singer and I love his dance moves. He’s also a great personality, handsom,charming and a gentlemen. For them to treat him that way after the response he received with all the votes is unbelievable. The pictures does make him look hard and that is not the way he is.

I have some recordings of him on “Good Morning America” and I will always cherish them. A great man and a great singer. Give him a great song that will bring out his talent as a blues soul singer. Personally I think he can do well with most any type of song putting his own spin on it.

Taylor don’t let them knock you down rise up and show them what you’re make of . I read your book. You can do it.

Barbara