Talk:Taylor Hicks/Archive 1

Education
The Birmingham News says that Hicks attended Auburn, but it doesn't say whether or not Hicks was graduated from Auburn. The article also says that Hicks attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham:  "Hicks' focus has never wavered from that goal, although, for practicality's sake, he did attend Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A degree in broadcast journalism just didn't have the allure of entertainment, nor did it hold Hicks' interest for long." -- SwissCelt 04:44, 24 February 2006 (UTC)


 * In the People Mag Bachelors issue, Taylor says one of his biggest regrets was not getting a college degree. I think we should at least comment out that University of Alabama degree claim, for the meantime, until we can get confirmation. It doesn't help that the link cited is dead. NicolaM 03:27, 19 June 2006 (UTC)


 * I think that's best, but allow me to make this comment: A dead link does not preclude a citation, particularly when the citation points to a work in a printed medium (as it does in this case).  Newspaper websites drop articles from public view rather swiftly, but hard copies of the issues in which the articles appear (and/or filmed and digital copies) are maintained for decades in various archives. -- SwissCelt 11:07, 20 January 2007 (UTC)
 * Sure, got it. I only read about the guideline myself months after my previous comment. - NicolaM 03:49, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

First come, first served?
Under that theory, wouldn't the page about Hicks on WBHM's "Tapestry" come first in the list of external links? Hicks appeared on that program in December, 2005, before he appeared on American Idol. I believe all the fansites came after his AI audition. -- SwissCelt 21:06, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

More info
I've come under fire for deleting several external links from this page. While I understand everybody's eagerness to promote their Taylor Hicks blogs and fansites, Wikipedia is not a web directory.

Frankly, if somebody removed the "Sir Links a Lot" page I wouldn't shed any tears (I didn't add it). I haven't removed it because it does provide links to several fan pages. When it comes to fan pages, the guidelines say it's preferable to have one link to a page that lists several fan pages. The Sir Links a Lot link provides that service. See WP:EL for the guidelines.

If I've deleted a link that you think meets the guidelines set under WP:EL, state your case here or on my talk page. Lord knows, I've been wrong about this sort of thing before (frequently). -- MisterHand 21:44, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

So please explain why you are leaving the "Soul Patrol" thread on the page? Also, at this early stage of Taylor's "fame" wouldn't it be nice to leave some external links around. Personally, I see the sirlinksalot stuff as ugly spammy garbage. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.50.62.46 (talk • contribs)


 * If you don't like the SirLinksALot link, be bold and remove it (preferably replace with a better fansite listing. As for the Soul Patrol listing, I think I'll move it up as an in-line reference (since that's exactly what it is). -- MisterHand 03:14, 28 February 2006 (UTC)

Death to Sir Linksalot
Okay, folks, I killed the controversial Sir Linksalot link. While I agree with the Wikipedian who said it would be nice to have some external links, it would be even nicer if those links actually pointed us to helpful and verifiable info. Let me say that again: Our purpose here is to provide helpful, encyclopedic, verifiable information on the subject of the article, Mr. Taylor Hicks. It is not our place to ride the coattails of Hicks, basking in whatever reflected fame we might find from him.

I'm not opposed to adding more external links to the article, but they should be along the lines of links already in the article: News reports, official websites (remember, Hicks' own official site will likely come back online after AI5), media appearances, biographies, etc. Though of course Wikipedia is not a crystal ball, I'd like to set this article up for the long run. I suspect Hicks will be around a while. -- SwissCelt 06:52, 10 March 2006 (UTC)
 * I'll stand with you on this. --Dystopos 14:51, 10 March 2006 (UTC) (Veteran of Bo Bice and Natalee Holloway linkspam fights)

"Prematurely" Grey Hair
Saying his hair is "prematurely grey" is POV. There's no set time/age for a man's hair to turn grey. Certainly it is prominent in the elderly, but there are also 16 year olds who have grey hair. This man is not "prematurely grey" as that implies that there is a definitive age for the greying of hair. There is not, thus the inclusion is the POV of the user who posted it. I have removed it. Batman2005 04:53, 16 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Good catch. Still, I wouldn't call it "the POV of the user who posted it", per se.  Hicks' hair has been described as "prematurely grey" in several sources.  An example:  "Mildly convulsin' harmonica-playin' soul man Taylor Hicks, meanwhile, seems poised to supplant Anderson Cooper as the nation's primary prematurely gray lust object."  -"The Better Half", by Michael Slezak.  Entertainment Weekly, March 16, 2006.  I don't know where this meme originated, but I'm pretty sure it's not Wikipedia.  Even so, I see no real reason for its inclusion here... again, good catch, Batman. -- SwissCelt 13:02, 16 March 2006 (UTC)


 * What percentage of men go grey in their teens and twenties, though? If they're a small minority, then they can indeed be said to be "prematurely" grey as compared to the average male. It's not an insulting observation, I think.--201.242.209.189 15:55, 29 May 2006 (UTC)
 * Prematurely means before he was at the proper age for it. Since there is no medically proper time for hair to grey, it doesn't matter if the statement is insulting or not, it is wrong. Staxringold talkcontribs 17:10, 29 May 2006 (UTC)
 * However, there is common scientific and popular consensus on a time range for the graying of hair, and he clearly qualifies as such. --Mystalic 06:19, 2 June 2006 (UTC)

as I learned in school is that wen ever you see a young man with gray hair,his dad/mom/grandma/grandpa might have grown grey hair at a young age.He can't change that,unless he accually dyes it black or brown the color his hair was wen he a just a young lad/boy.-Taylor Hicks rox

Albums
Does he really have 2 albums out? Why is he on american idol then? Tutmosis 00:20, 17 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Because they were independently produced with little or no visibility at the time, and because he's not currently under any management or recording contract.  Wasted Time R 01:24, 17 March 2006 (UTC)

Intresting... I am amazed they havent mentioned this yet on American Idol. Tutmosis 19:10, 17 March 2006 (UTC)

It's worth noting that like Taylor, Lisa Tucker have also started her singing career early. Although she didn't produce any album like Taylor. I think Idol should extend the "no contract" rule to mean total anonymity. To make it fair for the rest of the contestants. The bottom line is, any form of singing exposure, be it independently produced or not, still translates to some form of public exposure that will make voting bias. Once an artist starts to do public gigs they will surely gain some fans. And those fans will most likely vote for them. In the context of fairness in the show, do you think the "Crying cowboy" has the same footing with Taylor Hicks? Unless his turkeys can vote. Think about it. The guy is right, at some point they should address this issue on the show. Not to disqualify Taylor or anything but to tell the truth and let viewers decided for themselves. It may or may not matter. --- Hum 2:28 4/18/06

how was his album certified platinum if it never reached 1 million copies? the press release that was linked is no longer there by the way - seakyden —Preceding unsigned comment added by 199.232.78.73 (talk) 15:31, 15 January 2008 (UTC)

seakyden, certification counts units that are shipped even if the units aren't sold. The label shipped over 1 million units thus the certification; unfortunately for the retailers, the album didn't quite sell that many. Ducold (talk) 04:23, 8 March 2009 (UTC)

Birth date wrong
Taylor Hicks' birthday is actually 10-06-76. I don't know where the January date came from but it is incorrect.


 * Well change it then.  Wasted Time R 01:24, 17 March 2006 (UTC)


 * I added the reference where I found Hicks' date of birth. If this is incorrect, that's fine, but please include the source when you correct the date. -- SwissCelt 19:19, 17 March 2006 (UTC)


 * It's changed now. I didn't have the source when I first posted this, but the source already listed has 10/6/76, so I changed it here. -- Sher973 19:41, 21 March 2006 (UTC)


 * According to The Official Soul Patrol H.Q. biography: "...Hicks was born October 6, 1976 at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.". That site seems much more authoritative than the reference given in the text, American Idolblog, which gives 1-24-1977. I'm changing the reference and I think that barring further revelations, the October '76 date is authoritative. --Dystopos 22:41, 22 March 2006 (UTC)


 * Agreed. -- SwissCelt 03:37, 23 March 2006 (UTC)


 * The IMDB now has his birthday as 10/7/76. Also the 4/12/06 results show, showed his house with a plaque that read Taylor Hicks est. 10/7/76.  I couldn't figure out how to chage the date on here and add the reference.  I know I'm a bit technologically challenged.


 * Birthday updated - IMDB used as reference. -- Sher973 27 June 2006
 * We never reference the IMDB. They are a mirror site of Wikipedia and will accept any info. sent in. Michael 08:06, 31 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Has this ever been proved, he looks like he was born in 1966 and it's not just the grey hair, it is his entire appearance. Has anyone ever seen anything about an investigation into this guy's true age and birthdate? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.74.238.85 (talk) 18:59, 13 January 2008 (UTC)


 * Sorry,but IMDB has never been a "mirror site" of Wikipedia. IMDB has been around longer than Wikipedia. However,you're right that they'll just any facts given at face value.

Simon's "drunk remark."
I'm going to link to a video clip of the ET report, please keep it until I can get the proper clip.--DodgerOfZion 22:44, 20 April 2006 (UTC)

"Something" performance
Was just doing some looking around at past Idol performances and could not find anything that mentioned past performances of Beatles songs. So I looked into it and found very little except for someone mentioning in a blog somewhere about American Idol not getting clearance to do Beatles songs. Now Taylor does a Beatles song, and I think Clay Aiken did one back in Season 2. Anyone know what the deal is with Beatles songs not being done on Idol as much as you'd figure they would...I mean, Lennon /Mccartney...great songs.

Well, Michael Jackson owns the rights to most of the Beatles catalog, so they have to go through him to do most Beatles songs. --DodgerOfZion 00:46, 7 May 2006 (UTC)


 * I wonder if the recent, partial sale of the library to Sony has anything to do with AI's getting clearance? -- SwissCelt 01:46, 7 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Could be. --DodgerOfZion 00:14, 8 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Not really. "Something" is a George Harrison song, whereas Jackson and Sony own the Lennon-McCartney songs.

Background info

 * I'm not much interested in spending a lot of time with this article, but for anyone wanting some background details, the Birmingham News published an interview with his parents today: link. --Dystopos 13:10, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

TH Day
According to the City of Hoover document, Taylor Hicks Day is May 12. When the video clip aired on American Idol, either the mayor slipped and said 16th or the producers edited it to match the airdate. Or the document is wrong. Whatever the reason, I'm going to go with the 12th. ~chantessy
 * May 12 is correct. I covered the event as a reporter for the Hoover Gazette. Realkyhick 01:22, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

Trivia
"someone wrote "Taylor hicks blows and he doesnt make anyone proud," how come no one has fixed this, is this a verifiable fact, if so show me the source!"
 * Why was the trivia regarding the other Idol contestants from Birmingham removed? Any specific reason? --Nmajdan 19:30, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

He won....when?
OK, so he was announced as the big winner about 5 minutes ago, but this page was edited with the fact 4 hours ago. How did they know?


 * They're psychic? Who cares?

--Amynewyork4248 02:13, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

Uh, isn't all this stuff about Katherine beeing "cheated" a little biased?


 * Where is this comment in the article? It's probably a transient vandalistic edit. --HappyCamper 03:09, 25 May 2006 (UTC)


 * I heard a rumor today that the LA Times leaked the results shortly before the competition, apprantley from an inside source. Not positive on it though. --JOK3R 05:46, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

Are you sure you're adjusting for time? You might be reading it as a different time zone. --SeizureDog 00:29, 14 June 2006 (UTC)
 * Indeed. That's probably the case. Michael 08:05, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Goldfish
Somewhere along the edits, the names of the goldfish were lost. I removed them after noticing some ambiguity between the edits. Are the names of the goldfish "Lamont" and "Ray"? Some editors seem to think it is "Ray-Ray". It would be nice if we had a source. --HappyCamper 02:31, 25 May 2006 (UTC)
 * Try lamontandray.com for background on the goldfish. The height is, I believe, from the record of the marijuana arrest. --Dystopos 02:34, 25 May 2006 (UTC)


 * According to AL.com, thier names are Lamont and Ray. Source:


 * lol...alright, I suppose we can add this tidbit back into the article. Thanks! --HappyCamper 03:00, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

Birmingham
Can someone change the part where it says Diana Degarmo was also from Birmingham? I don't think that she is.Thefreakshow 18:40, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

She lives in Georgia now, but was born there. Just read her entry. DinobotTM2 21:27, 26 May 2006 (UTC)

63 Million votes?
The article says that he received 63 million votes. I remember Seacrest saying 63 million TOTAL VOTES were cast and never said what proportion Hicks received.

Can anyone verify either way?156.142.33.2 20:54, 25 May 2006 (UTC)


 * I agree with you. This article states that 63 millions votes were cast total. No figures on how many to which contestant though.--Nmajdan 21:06, 25 May 2006 (UTC)
 * DOH! My fault. I re-ref'ed and wrote the sentence and left the 63 Million as his vote count, sorry. Staxringold 21:20, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

63.4 million votes was the total for Taylor and Katharine. Two sources reported Taylor as having received 36.4 million votes, or 57.4%.

Do I Make You Proud?
Is there anywhere on the Internet that we can listen to Taylor's new single? TamYum

Yes - go here:.
 * It has no question mark...Why?-I do not know. Michael 08:03, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Infobox?

 * Was there a reason the infobox was removed?--Nmajdan 01:26, 30 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Beats me -- I think it somehow got lost in some of the adverse edits. Reverting back to the "12:55, 29 May 2006 Arual m (name)" edit should fix that -- the only thing that happened between then and now was the loss of content.  I'll wait a short bit before I do it, in case there are objections.  ArglebargleIV 01:32, 30 May 2006 (UTC)
 * Here's the infobox code, so we don't lose content:

Lookalike
Should it be added that Taylor Hicks looks a lot like Benny Hinn? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_hinn
 * No.--Nmajdan 00:41, 1 June 2006 (UTC)
 * That violates WP:NOR. Michael 08:08, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Notability for inclusion
Keep in mind that not EVERY concert he gives is notable enough for inclusion (I mention this because of the recent "Snoop Dogg" addition). Staxringold talkcontribs 17:36, 18 June 2006 (UTC)
 * In my opinion the concert you mention is quite notable for several reasons (a) his first performance in his hometown since winning AI, (b) a late-addition to Birmingham's primary music festival, (c) a performance alongside a notable artist from another genre which is unlikely to be repeated. I agree that touring dates for the AI tour would not be individually notable, nor would most appearances in the future, lacking any specific interest. --Dystopos 00:00, 22 June 2006 (UTC)
 * I was merely using the Snoop Dogg concert as a note, I was talking more about things like the line I deleted about him being in a Ford commercial. A well-referenced and written statement, paragraph, or even section about him as an advertising figure for Ford would be great, but a random sentence is not. And, as you said, individual concerts are not automatically notable because he was in them. Staxringold talkcontribs 02:42, 22 June 2006 (UTC)

GA failed
For these reasons :
 * It does not comply to the lead criteria. See WP:LEAD.
 * It is not compelling prose though accurate it is not written in literary english.
 * Try to remove the present in the text as an encyclopedia doesn't have any time dimension to it (e. g. Sean, is a student at Georgia Tech).
 * Re-nominate when adjusted. Lincher 23:53, 21 June 2006 (UTC)

Criticisms
I don't see any value in the "criticisms" section as it is currently written. There is no citation for the claims about what "some say, others think, etc". The claims are not matters of fact, but of opinion, and even the opinions lack substance. It shouldn't be hard to find some quotable critics (though they might not have created enough noise to merit including their words in a biography). --Dystopos 13:06, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

Agreed. I added the Weasel Words to it in case there is any merit for criticism. --DodgerOfZion 07:13, 7 July 2006 (UTC)


 * There could possibly be a merit for criticism. Please discuss before deleting. 65.10.162.46 21:08, 7 July 2006 (UTC)


 * I have no problem with citing sources that might criticize an artist. But the paragraph as is has NO sources.  It is just vague statement of possible opinions.  Without a source for the comments, it does not belong in the article.  Triage 01:03, 8 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Fair enough. --DodgerOfZion 23:49, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

??
At 12, Taylor's singing talent was clear to the family when he sang Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" for her. "Her", who? User:Zoe|(talk) 23:52, 15 July 2006 (UTC)
 * That completely violates WP:NPOV. Michael 07:32, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

Time of birth
Is it just me, or is that entirely irrelevant and moderately stalker-ish information to include? Michael 08:02, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Democrat?
Is there a source for this? Michael 08:07, 31 July 2006 (UTC)


 * No. User:Arual 14:11, 14 August 2006 (UTC)
 * It was said on a FOX interview that he looks up to Bill Clinton and that he is one of Taylor's favorite presidents. That is where the rumor has sprung from but he never stated which party he is in. ~Deiji 00:12, 21 August 2006

"Big Ladies"
I hardly think a section on his interests in women should be there.
 * Nor do I. Michael 06:26, 8 August 2006 (UTC)
 * When did he allegedly say that? Michael 04:34, 14 August 2006 (UTC)
 * In People's magazine it was said he has usually had an interest in older women. ~Deiji 00:07, 21 August 2006

Nick News
Taylor Hicks will talk about his adolescent years on Nick News - - might be informative, there's the source if anyone plans to use information from it. Arual 02:31, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

About the birthdate
Nobody knows for sure unless they know him, some fan sites for taylor say october 6 and others say october 7 Soulpatrol 23:07, 2 September 2006 (UTC)Soulpatrol

→ On the American Idol episode that the article references (Queen results night), there is a sign hanging outside his apartment that clearly says "Taylor Hicks, est. 7 Oct 1976". --NicolaM 02:27, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

Little Memphis Blues Orchestra
The name of his band was "The Taylor Hicks Band" up until the time he started to pursue America Idol. The rest of the members now play under the name "Little Memphis Blues Orchestra", which is the same band, minus Taylor.

Isn't this subjective?
At the end of the "American Idol" sub-section:

"And producers believe he will be the most successful idol that the competition has produced so far."

Since there is no citation, shouldn't it be removed?

Munaim 15:52, 9 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I would think so, myself. -- ArglebargleIV 16:04, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

Picture replacements
Which picture do you want this to replace? It is a free image, the others are not. -- Zanimum 15:46, 30 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I have apparently used your photo for the article, thanks! I just didn't think it was compelling enough for the lead photo, but I used it anyway. NicolaM 11:05, 23 November 2006 (UTC)

Pointless Statistics?
Do those statements about him being the first this or that to win Idol seem ridiculous to anyone else? There are only 6 Idols, and only 5 have already finished. The information doesn't really mean anything as the configuration of the contestants is the luck of the draw (i.e., if he had tried out for 4, then he would have been finalists with a man). This type of statistic is only useful if there is an inherent bias or prejudice to overcome, and out of 5 I don't think we can say that. Someone please re-read this section in this light and edit accordingly (BTW: I believe the age statistic is important, just not the Male vs. female and second male ones) Garnet avi 04:48, 15 December 2006 (UTC) P.S.: I had difficulty adding to this talk pages because previous posts contain banned links. FYI.
 * Noted. I've done some edits, but I've left the Birmingham-related stats. NicolaM 15:12, 23 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Thank you. The statistics now in the article are relevant information. Good choices. Garnet avi (talk) 08:00, 14 February 2008 (UTC)

It's also the exact opposite of the truth... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.173.48.122 (talk) 18:56, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Squidoo
I removed the link to Squidoo.com above, because it prevented a template from being added. It appears to be on the blacklist. | A ndonic O Talk 23:20, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Image:Taylor hicks epk.jpg
This image's license claims album cover? If so, maybe source from AMG or Amazon, etc. Otherwise, the license needs to be changed. Good article. Cricket02 20:04, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

GA on hold
I have put the article on hold. A few issues that need to be addressed before I will pass it: That's it. I will be back in 1 week to check on this. If these issues are not fixed in the next week, I will have to fail the article. Good luck! --Jayron 32 03:45, 19 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Copyediting needed:
 * According to his father, when he was five years old he sang to random strangers the music of Kenny Rogers or Michael Jackson. --Phrasing is weird. Rewrite for clarity
 * Done. NicolaM 10:14, 21 December 2006 (UTC)
 * the first and only white man Unnecessary. May be true, but racial details like this are unneeded.
 * Done.' NicolaM 10:21, 21 December 2006 (UTC)
 * but it is difficult to trace its exact origin, as relevant Web pages have since been deleted. Unneccary and awkward. The exact origin seems moot.  It is a noted term, it exists.  Thats enough.  Leave it at that.
 * Done. NicolaM 10:14, 21 December 2006 (UTC)
 * On the discography, several "TBD" notes need to be removed. per: WP:NOT, wikipedia is NOT A CRYSTAL BALL, and thus, if it hasn't happened yet, don't report it.  Leave those sections out entirely.
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Unreferenced statements:
 * He recorded, produced, and released a second album, Under the Radar, in 2005. Despite releasing two albums prior to appearing on American Idol, he did not violate their requirements for contestants, as he had never held a recording contract.
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Hicks signed a recording contract with Arista Records in conjunction with 19 Recordings Unlimited, the label managed by AI creator Simon Fuller, in May 2006. Hicks's debut single "Do I Make You Proud" debuted on the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was subsequently certified gold by the RIAA. Refs to these certifications are needed.
 * Done. NicolaM 10:14, 21 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Hicks made guest appearances in concerts by Snoop Dogg, the Allman Brothers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Widespread Panic, and Willie Nelson. Hicks also joined his fellow Top 10 Idol finalists on the American Idols LIVE! Tour which ran from July to September. The members of the former Taylor Hicks Band regrouped as the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra and shadowed the Idols' tour route. Hicks occasionally appeared as a "special guest" when circumstances permitted, and was even accompanied at times by the other Idols, such as Yamin, McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Ace Young, and Bucky Covington. This entire paragraph is unreferenced. It needs some or needs to go.
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * On December 14, 2006, Hicks became the first ever artist to be featured on the Artist Voices program on the online video network GoFish, launching a two-month online video series. This show will feature ten weekly installments that offer Hicks' fans an opportunity to interact directly with him through the GoFish user-generated video platform. The series will also feature footage of Hicks as he promotes his new album needs reference
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Hicks became the subject of two Weekend Update skits on NBC's Saturday Night Live on April 15 and May 20, 2006, portrayed by cast member Jason Sudeikis. In an allusion to Hicks' quirkiness and disposition, Sudeikis mocked playing Hicks' trademark blues harp and repeatedly shouted out "Soul Patrol!" Hicks, when interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on the subsequent episode of American Idol on April 18, 2006, as to whether or not he saw the imitation, admitted that he had and that the impression made him "fall out on the floor" with laughter. needs reference
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied Hicks on his 2006 album, Straight Outta Lynwood, with a parody of "Do I Make You Proud" called "Do I Creep You Out?". Yankovic impersonated Hicks on a music video for the song, which can be seen on JibJab. needs reference.
 * Done. NicolaM 15:14, 22 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Images issues:
 * The infobox image is not covered by fair use. Album covers may ONLY be used to illustrate the album itself, and should only be used in-toto.  This is a part of an album cover, and should not be used to illustrate the artist.  This image could be replaced by the one lower in the article with him playing the harmonica, since it appears that this image IS liscenced under CC and thus can be used for all wikipedia applications.
 * Done, thanks to Durin. NicolaM 10:14, 21 December 2006 (UTC)
 * The "as a child" image has the wrong liscencing tag, and it is unclear where this image comes from or if it is covered by fair use. Please clean up and fix OR remove.
 * Done. I can actually vouch that that picture did indeed come from a screencap.... I've specified the episode air date, and alternative source. NicolaM 15:42, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

GA Passed
All reasons to put on hold have been fixed. It now passes all criteria at WP:WIAGA. Good job and congrats! --Jayron 32 05:33, 27 December 2006 (UTC)
 * A very belated thanks. =) NicolaM 06:57, 19 January 2007 (UTC)

Soul Patrol subgroups?
I've taken out this unsourced paragraph in the Popular Culture section...which seems should have belonged in the Soul Patrol section.

''The Soul Patrol has several subgroups, most notably the Goldfish Patrol, The Hicks Chicks, The Gerns, The Misfits, and The Lurkers. The Goldfish Patrol are fans of Ray and Lamont, the goldfish, and blog. The hicks chicks thud regularly over Hick's music. The gerns are a group of buddies who base off Steve Martins character. The Misfits are similar to the Genrs, but larger and not forgotten. The Lurkers lurk.''

There is a missing citation, which places doubt that it came from a reliable source. But I do highly suspect that this is original research, which is not allowed on Wikipedia, and especially violates the criteria for a Good Article.

In a related vein, I also took out this long-standing sentence about Lamont and Ray from the Soul Patrol section proper:

'' Hicks also has two goldfish, named Lamont and Ray, around whom fans have created and maintain a blog. ''

Just so that the second paragraph can seamlessly run on the topic of prominent politicians who are Taylor fans. I don't mind including the goldfish bit, but that sentence seems out of place with the other current content. - NicolaM 04:03, 27 January 2007 (UTC)

Taylor Reuben or Taylor Simon?
Both names are listed, and there is no explanation (like maybe "Taylor Simon Hicks, born Taylor Reuben Hicks"...). Anybody have a clue? CallidoraBlack (talk) 03:56, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

Bot report : Found duplicate references !
In the last revision I edited, I found duplicate named references, i.e. references sharing the same name, but not having the same content. Please check them, as I am not able to fix them automatically :) DumZiBoT (talk) 21:00, 11 August 2008 (UTC)
 * "AI5" :
 * AI5
 * "GrayCharles" :
 * "Taylor Hicks Bio"
 * Taylor Hicks Bio
 * "NYT" :
 * Newsome, Melba. "Overnight Star?".
 * "NYT" :
 * Newsome, Melba. "Overnight Star?".
 * Newsome, Melba. "Overnight Star?".

Label Drop confusion
The paragraph where it talks about Taylor being dropped is confusing. It says: "Arista Records confirmed in January 2008 that it had dropped Hicks from its roster. J records, a subsidiary of Sony BMG, also announced that they were releasing Hicks from his recording contract." The second sentence should probably be removed because it makes it sound like Taylor was signed to two labels when he was only signed to one, and J is part of Arista anyway (actually, it merged with Arista). Now I realize the referenced articles refer to J and not Arista, but the reference to 2 labels only produces confusion, especially since under Post-Idol career, it indicates he was signed to Arista. I don't want to change it myself or at least not yet since someone might have had a good reason for writing the paragraph the way they did and it should perhaps be discussed first. Perhaps references to Arista should be changed to Arista/J (both for the signing and dropping information) and the second sentence (about also being dropped from J) removed? Ducold (talk) 04:36, 8 March 2009 (UTC)