The "Idol" is now idle

Just read how Taylor Hicks, he who won Season Five of "American Idol," is now without a record label. No, he's "Gonna Move" on to a new record label for his next CD.

Here's an actual photograph of Taylor waving good-bye to J Records! (No ... it's really a pic I snapped when Taylor was here in town back in August.)

You can click here to read the USA Today's short story about Taylor and his current contract situation.

Really, it's not hard to believe because, though no fault of his own, Taylor doesn't really get a lot of mainstream airplay. I mean, before they announced last spring that he'd be coming to Poughkeepsie in August, I'd never heard any of his songs on local radio stations.

Even when local radio was plugging his concert, they didn't play any of his music. This, despite the loyal following he has -- devoted fans from whom I often when I was covering Taylor's appearance her in town.

Given that his earlier, pre-"Idol" CDs received acclaim from his first fans, it might actually be better if he goes "out on his own" for his next release.

If this pic on the left is any indication (let alone the fan support he enjoys across the country), it looks like Taylor Hicks will surely survive this current career transition.