It all started with an idea, a concert sign, and a dream. Arriving in Atlantic City a day early for the June 24th Taylor Hicks concert at the House of Blues, I asked one of my travel buddies to create a sign that I could take to the show. This idea came to me when I heard Taylor’s backup singer would not be on this leg of the tour.
Taking a Gamble on Taylor Hicks in Atlantic City Definitely Paid Off
Taking a Gamble on Taylor Hicks in Atlantic City Definitely Paid Off
I wanted a sign that read, "Taylor’s New Backup Singer" with a big red arrow pointing downward that would, when held over my head, point right to me. Mind you this was to be ‘just for laughs’ but at four o’clock in the morning, while we were up preparing for the concert like excited teenagers, my friend asked what I would do if Taylor Hicks actually called me up on stage to sing. I laughed hysterically and brushed it off as impossible, never in a million years could she be right…
***
But it did plant a seed of hope. The next evening things got off to a great start. Not only was I carded by security at the House of Blues, which simply made my day, but I also ended up right in front at the stage thanks to two new friends who held a place for me and guarded it with their lives. Now armed with my trusty sign and the perfect spot, I was ready for a fantastic show.
After Mr. Hicks’ opening number I figured that was my chance so I held up my sign and called out his name. He stopped and read it, smiled and went over to his microphone to say, “I’ll think about it”, in that Elvis-like southern drawl.
***
Right then and there I would’ve been satisfied…but it gets better. After Hicks sang a few more hits, consisting of his pre-Idol standards such as “Heart and Soul” and “Hell Of A Day” coupled with fantastic covers of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In the Wall” and Rod Stewart’s “Young Turks”, I figured I was not going to get my wish. But in a last attempt I raised my sign once more, during a quiet moment between songs, and cleared my throat loudly.
Hicks looked over at me again and asked, “Well, can you sing?”
My buddies vouched for my singing ability, even though they’ve never heard me squeak out a real note. Then I thought about how I had just been screaming and singing along at the top of my lungs throughout the entire concert and wondered well, can I?
He then replied, “You never know what you’ll get if you only ask.”
***
That was enough for me to pull out my digital camera so I could have the video setting ready to roll—just in case. I had snuck the camera into the venue, only to not have much luck getting around the camera Nazis in yellow polo shirts to snap one picture. But there was no way I was not going to video this event…if it actually were to take place.
The concert continued as I waited with bated breath, but once I heard the distinct opening drum line of “The Runaround” I knew that would be the last song of the show. I decided to be satisfied with at least having my sign acknowledged, and grateful for the shout-outs from Hicks.
Then, halfway through the song he made his way to my side of the stage and signaled me to come up!
My heart stopped.
***
Of course I immediately went into panic mode, my buddy and I fumbling the camera between us in a strained effort just to turn it on, all while Hicks stood over us wearing an amused look of “are you comin’ or not?” Finally I managed to make my way through the crowd and took off for the back entrance of the stage.
The House of Blues should provide their security team with a hefty raise due to them giving me the hardest time in allowing me on stage, even after Hicks himself invite me. So there I stood, negotiating with two wet-behind-the-ears college boys who by then I had upgraded to Camera and Security Nazis while Taylor and the band, I’m told, were looking around for me to show up on the stage from somewhere—anywhere.
Eventually I decided to ignore security altogether and ran back towards the stage. I jumped up on the barricade step and realized there was at least a two-foot gap between the chest-high stage and me. There was no way I could vault myself that far without breaking or dislocating a major part of my anatomy. Fans behind me were yelling ‘jump!’ and as I argued that it was impossible to do, Taylor Hicks himself came over and extended his hand to help me up—chivalry does live! When he saw how terrified I was he took me by both hands and yanked me up onstage with the help of the wonderful fans behind me (a big thank you to those who groped my rear to assure my safe flight).
***
I must give major kudos to Taylor Hicks. It takes guts to pull a fan from the audience to perform with you for a number of reasons: first being not knowing for sure if that fan can actually carrying a tune and second, the possibility of that fan being a psycho who could attempt to carry out unmentionable acts with the presented opportunity. I believe Hicks had more faith in my not being a physical threat than my ability to sing, and he stood very near to hear a few notes before grinning a mile wide at the audience and exclaiming “She can sing!”
Now I understand why Hicks lives for life ‘on the road’. My being on stage in front of fans actually cheering for me was an incredible rush. At first I was nervous enough to pass out but he made me feel right at home and I was able to toss the nerves and try my best to keep up with him. Somehow, surprisingly, Hicks and I ‘doing the bump’ even snuck its way into the impromptu performance. I’m not sure what or who was the culprit but he was in an even better mood than usual! I’ve always enjoyed Hicks’ concerts and he seems to have the best times of his life onstage, but Sunday night was above and beyond anything I’m sure any of his fans have ever witnessed.
***
You can view the full video of my stage debut (courtesy of EJ) here on YouTube:
The band, as always, was flawless. Loren Gold (keyboards), Brian Gallagher (saxophone/flute/percussion), Felix ‘D-Kat’ Pollard (drums), Al ‘Boogie’ Carty (bass) and Josh Smith (guitar) – those boys carry Taylor Hicks and do it effortlessly. There have been several times when I’ve stood in awe at what flows from their instruments, and I’m sure that night Smith caught me in the front row with my mouth dropped open—he amazes me, and I haven’t been this fascinated by a guitarist since Brian May of Queen. Musicians are captivating as a whole, and I still don’t understand how I have tried my hand at every instrument known to man and never succeeded at any of them…where was I when God was imparting instrumental talents?
Whether dressed in a suit jacket or T-shirt and jeans, Taylor Hicks makes his audience feel at home. And the more concerts a fan attends the more of a family reunion vibe he sets; always super-charged on a musical high and hell-bent on giving us a good time. Full of surprises, you never know what you will get at his shows, which is what I look forward to the most with every one I attend.
I am still waiting for Hicks to cover “Baby Hold On” by Eddie Money. I’ve been asking for a while now, maybe he’ll make that second dream of mine come true as well?
Maybe I’ll make another sign…
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
American Idol host hits the big screen
NEW YORK - Ryan Seacrest is known as a lot of things - slick "American Idol" ringmaster, hotshot radio deejay, ubiquitous E! channel host - but funny guy's not one of them. Which makes his scene-stealing cameo in "Knocked Up" such an amusing surprise.
Even more so because he's the butt of the joke.
Seacrest sends up his pompous image in the Judd Apatow-directed comedy about an ambitious entertainment reporter (Katherine Heigl) whose life is flipped when she learns she is pregnant. She takes her job seriously at E! Entertainment Television - but not as seriously as the film-version Seacrest, who launches into a riotous rant during a scene that lasts barely two minutes.
Seacrest, playing himself, becomes ticked off on the set when Jessica Simpson throws off his busy schedule by arriving at her leisure for an interview.
He angrily suggests that maybe he'll retaliate by asking for her thoughts on an "exit strategy" in the Middle East.
"I don't understand the young talent in this town," the movie Seacrest goes on. "It doesn't make any sense. I got four jobs - hell, I'm more famous than half the people we talk to anyway!"
The rant then escalates into an R-rated diatribe with Seacrest dropping the F-bomb and denouncing the superficial workings of the entertainment industry. The apoplectic host finally has to be ushered into the green room with a promise of a cookie in an effort to calm him down.
Seacrest is not nearly as divalike in real life. ... Or is he?
At the beginning of a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press, the 32-year-old took a moment to jokingly exercise his authority: "Hang on one second - "Linda, WHERE'S MY LUNCH?! ... Sorry, just kidding," he deadpanned, back on the phone.
Seacrest, whose poker-faced demeanor during those ominous "Idol" elimination shows was spoofed recently on "Saturday Night Live," said he relished exposing his not-so-serious side in "Knocked Up."
"Oh, I love it! I don't mind being the butt of the joke. ... It doesn't really bother me. I quite enjoy it," said Seacrest.
Even more so because he's the butt of the joke.
Seacrest sends up his pompous image in the Judd Apatow-directed comedy about an ambitious entertainment reporter (Katherine Heigl) whose life is flipped when she learns she is pregnant. She takes her job seriously at E! Entertainment Television - but not as seriously as the film-version Seacrest, who launches into a riotous rant during a scene that lasts barely two minutes.
Seacrest, playing himself, becomes ticked off on the set when Jessica Simpson throws off his busy schedule by arriving at her leisure for an interview.
He angrily suggests that maybe he'll retaliate by asking for her thoughts on an "exit strategy" in the Middle East.
"I don't understand the young talent in this town," the movie Seacrest goes on. "It doesn't make any sense. I got four jobs - hell, I'm more famous than half the people we talk to anyway!"
The rant then escalates into an R-rated diatribe with Seacrest dropping the F-bomb and denouncing the superficial workings of the entertainment industry. The apoplectic host finally has to be ushered into the green room with a promise of a cookie in an effort to calm him down.
Seacrest is not nearly as divalike in real life. ... Or is he?
At the beginning of a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press, the 32-year-old took a moment to jokingly exercise his authority: "Hang on one second - "Linda, WHERE'S MY LUNCH?! ... Sorry, just kidding," he deadpanned, back on the phone.
Seacrest, whose poker-faced demeanor during those ominous "Idol" elimination shows was spoofed recently on "Saturday Night Live," said he relished exposing his not-so-serious side in "Knocked Up."
"Oh, I love it! I don't mind being the butt of the joke. ... It doesn't really bother me. I quite enjoy it," said Seacrest.
Movie debut for American Idol star
Katharine McPhee, the runner-up on last year's series of 'American Idol', is to make her movie debut in a "dark romantic comedy" called 'The Last Caller'.
The Hollywood Reporter says the film is a coming-of-age story about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) looking for love and meaning in her life.
Shooting on the film is due to begin in the autumn in the New York area.
McPhee released her debut solo album earlier this year.
The Hollywood Reporter says the film is a coming-of-age story about a self-obsessed woman (McPhee) looking for love and meaning in her life.
Shooting on the film is due to begin in the autumn in the New York area.
McPhee released her debut solo album earlier this year.
American Idol Taylor Hicks & Caroline Lyders Love Triangle
Caroline Lyders and American Idol Taylor Hicks may have a very good reason for the "just friends" mantra they dished out after being spotted getting cozy on a beach in Hawaii. Lyders the co-anchor of the weekday edition of WISN 12 News This Morning has a longtime boyfriend, insurance businessman Aaron Ruffcorn, reports Star magazine. Is Taylor Hicks the 'other man'? Is Taylor Hicks singing on the cheating side of town?
American Idol Taylor Hicks & Caroline Lyders Love Triangle
American Idol Taylor Hicks & Caroline Lyders Love Triangle
Quite the buzz was created when the "American Idol" winner was recently photographed with a bikini clad Lyders, The two insisted they were just friends — but they were later spotted smooching in a more-than-friendly way. They looked cute together.
***
But that hit a sour note with Lyders’ fella. “[Lyders] was with our family for the [Christmas] holiday and we all had a lot of fun,” Ruffcorn’s father Michael told the tab. “I know they have been talking about marriage for some time.” The two have known each other since high school, reports MSNBC.
His mother told Star that the two are currently dating, but Ruffcorn himself seems less certain. “There is nothing but love and respect between Caroline and myself,” he told the tab. “There is a lot of history between us; all decisions we make are together. Whether there’s a future for Caroline and Taylor, I don’t know. As to whether there’s still a future [for us] at this point, stranger things have happened."
American Idol Taylor Hicks & Caroline Lyders Love Triangle
American Idol Taylor Hicks & Caroline Lyders Love Triangle
Quite the buzz was created when the "American Idol" winner was recently photographed with a bikini clad Lyders, The two insisted they were just friends — but they were later spotted smooching in a more-than-friendly way. They looked cute together.
***
But that hit a sour note with Lyders’ fella. “[Lyders] was with our family for the [Christmas] holiday and we all had a lot of fun,” Ruffcorn’s father Michael told the tab. “I know they have been talking about marriage for some time.” The two have known each other since high school, reports MSNBC.
His mother told Star that the two are currently dating, but Ruffcorn himself seems less certain. “There is nothing but love and respect between Caroline and myself,” he told the tab. “There is a lot of history between us; all decisions we make are together. Whether there’s a future for Caroline and Taylor, I don’t know. As to whether there’s still a future [for us] at this point, stranger things have happened."
American Idol Carrie Underwood Fans Emailed By Hacker
Country singer and former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's page on online networking website MySpace.com has been hacked by a mobile phone ringtone promotion.
Over the last 24 hours, fans of the American star have been receiving emails claiming to be from Underwood herself, urging them to check out "these amazing free ringtones", reports website Tmz.com.
The spam emails read: "Hey, this is Carrie Underwood. Ok here's the deal, I need every single MySpace friend to stop what he/she's doing and go here right now and put your cell # in. You'll receive every ringtone from every myspace artist (including my favourites)..."
Underwood's management have been made aware of the hack.
Over the last 24 hours, fans of the American star have been receiving emails claiming to be from Underwood herself, urging them to check out "these amazing free ringtones", reports website Tmz.com.
The spam emails read: "Hey, this is Carrie Underwood. Ok here's the deal, I need every single MySpace friend to stop what he/she's doing and go here right now and put your cell # in. You'll receive every ringtone from every myspace artist (including my favourites)..."
Underwood's management have been made aware of the hack.
Who Needs American Idol?: Timberlake Label Signs YouTube Phenom
Dutch teenager Esmee Denters, who shot up the Web video charts last year with cover renditions of songs by Beyoncé, Alanis Morrisette and Alicia Keys, is the first musician to be signed by Justin Timberlake's nascent imprint Tennman Records.
Denters, who used a simple Web cam to shoot the clips of herself, has racked up over 21 million views on the 59 videos she has posted on the site. Most recently -- perhaps having signed on already -- she posted a clip of herself singing Timberlake's "What Goes Around." People mag quotes Timberlake as calling her "the real deal," and gives some details of what's now to follow:
An album she will write and record is slated for release later this year, and this month she will kick off a concert tour, mostly in Scandinavia.
"Words can't describe how amazing it is. I am so excited!" Denters says in a statement. "It is something I have always dreamed of doing. I have to thank YouTube and its viewers for giving me the opportunity to show the world my voice. I also have to thank Justin, one of the biggest artists in the world, for believing in me and making my dreams come true."
Denters, who used a simple Web cam to shoot the clips of herself, has racked up over 21 million views on the 59 videos she has posted on the site. Most recently -- perhaps having signed on already -- she posted a clip of herself singing Timberlake's "What Goes Around." People mag quotes Timberlake as calling her "the real deal," and gives some details of what's now to follow:
An album she will write and record is slated for release later this year, and this month she will kick off a concert tour, mostly in Scandinavia.
"Words can't describe how amazing it is. I am so excited!" Denters says in a statement. "It is something I have always dreamed of doing. I have to thank YouTube and its viewers for giving me the opportunity to show the world my voice. I also have to thank Justin, one of the biggest artists in the world, for believing in me and making my dreams come true."
Film for 'Idol's' McPhee
Season five "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee will make her feature-film debut in the indie romantic comedy "The Last Caller," Zap2it.com reports.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, "The Last Caller" is budgeted for $5 million to $8 million. Production will begin this fall in and around New York. The film will focus on a self-obsessed woman (Miss McPhee) looking for "love, hope and meaning" in the big city. Miss McPhee's role won't involve any singing, the trade publication says.
Peter to play pope
Peter O'Toole will follow his Oscar-nominated turn in "Venus" by playing Pope Paul III on Showtime's "The Tudors," Variety reports.
The legendary actor has booked a seven-episode arc on the second season of the cable network's successful freshman drama. The season two story line will pit Mr. O'Toole's pontiff against Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry VIII.
"Peter O'Toole is the holy grail for 'The Tudors,' " Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt told Daily Variety via e-mail.
Mr. Greenblatt noted that though Mr. O'Toole has appeared in TV miniseries before, this will mark the actor's first regular role in a recurring series.
Interestingly, Mr. O'Toole has played a King Henry before in two movies — but not a Tudor king. He played Henry II in 1964's "Becket" and 1968's "The Lion in Winter."
Also joining the Showtime roster: Keith Carradine, who will be on "Dexter" as a series regular. He'll play an FBI agent who comes to investigate a series of murders that turn out to be the work of the show's title character (Michael C. Hall). He'll end up romantically involved with Dexter's sister (Jennifer Carpenter). Mr. Carradine's recent TV work includes a role as Wild Bill Hickok on HBO's "Deadwood."
According to the Hollywood Reporter, "The Last Caller" is budgeted for $5 million to $8 million. Production will begin this fall in and around New York. The film will focus on a self-obsessed woman (Miss McPhee) looking for "love, hope and meaning" in the big city. Miss McPhee's role won't involve any singing, the trade publication says.
Peter to play pope
Peter O'Toole will follow his Oscar-nominated turn in "Venus" by playing Pope Paul III on Showtime's "The Tudors," Variety reports.
The legendary actor has booked a seven-episode arc on the second season of the cable network's successful freshman drama. The season two story line will pit Mr. O'Toole's pontiff against Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry VIII.
"Peter O'Toole is the holy grail for 'The Tudors,' " Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt told Daily Variety via e-mail.
Mr. Greenblatt noted that though Mr. O'Toole has appeared in TV miniseries before, this will mark the actor's first regular role in a recurring series.
Interestingly, Mr. O'Toole has played a King Henry before in two movies — but not a Tudor king. He played Henry II in 1964's "Becket" and 1968's "The Lion in Winter."
Also joining the Showtime roster: Keith Carradine, who will be on "Dexter" as a series regular. He'll play an FBI agent who comes to investigate a series of murders that turn out to be the work of the show's title character (Michael C. Hall). He'll end up romantically involved with Dexter's sister (Jennifer Carpenter). Mr. Carradine's recent TV work includes a role as Wild Bill Hickok on HBO's "Deadwood."
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