Taylor Hicks singing the National Anthem: Talladega

Don't we all just miss him? This is another one of his excellent renditions of this patriotic song. Bravo, Mr. Taylor Hicks!





In addition to this, Taylor Hicks will also be in Kentucky for this event (among the superstars, hello, he'll be with MJ??)
And to think that I have a fascination and a big admiration for MJ having played for the Chicago Bulls. Oh yeah, Taylor Hicks just because.... for all different reasons. I cannot count.



Here's the article:

Guests set for Derby Grand Gala
By Mary Meehan mmeehan1@herald-leader.com


Comedian Chris Tucker, Dr. Ian Smith of Celebrity Fit Club, basketball greats Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will be among those attending the Grand Gala 2008 Derby party in Louisville.


Earth, Wind & Fire will perform.


Since 2002, the Grand Gala has become an annual Derby Night party featuring an array of A-list actors, athletes and hip-hop artists.


Tickets for the event are sold out, but for more information about the party, go to www.grandgala.com


Other scheduled attendees include:


■ Football players Adewale Ogunleye, Amobi Okoye, Byron Leftwich, Keith Bullock, Kellen Winslow Jr., Michael Irvin, Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora,Vince Young, Warrick Dunn and Will Demps.


■ Basketball players Dwyane Wade and Ron Harper.


■ Actresses Gabrielle Union, Sanaa Lathan, LisaRaye McCoy, Lynn Whitfield, Tichina Arnold and Tracey Edmonds.


TV hosts Star Jonesand Jamal Munnerlyn.


■ Rapper Master P.


■ Sports executive Max Siegel.


■ Models Nicole Murphy and Selita Ebanks.

And they dare say that Taylor Hicks is a "has been."

NOT!

Taylor Hicks to receive own Exhibit at AMHF

More great news for our favorite soulman. Right after being inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in February, he is going to have his very own exhibit that will showcase his infamous purple jacket that he wore on the Final Two showdown between him and Kat McPhee (sorry Simon, I think that jacket rocked!) Another shirt that would be on exhibit is that Paisley print that he wore when he sang "Play that Funky Music" and we all still remember that Taylor Hicks had an embarassing moment that night. Remember the "kick the mic stand" failure? Hahahah! I would have been embarassed too. But we all laughed about it and thought it was cute, and yeah, it was Taylor, that was unforgettable. Musical instruments will also be on exhibit, including harmonicas, some donated by fans and supporters.

The unveiling of the Exhibit is scheduled in May 10, 2008, at 10 am.
Information is available on their website ALABAMA MUSIC HALL of FAME" Or call Phone: (800) 239-AMHF Email: info@alamhof.org

Good luck to Taylor Hicks and CONGRATULATIONS! You are truly deserving.
I wish I could attend, but, be there in spirit!

****The 2008 Induction Banquet and Awards Show will be aired on Public TV on April 14th, 19th and 24th all starting at 7:00 pm CST.

Taylor with the great Percy Sledge

Journey's Arnel Pineda rocked Las Vegas

The rock group Journey debuted their newest lead vocalist Arnel Pineda in Chile this February and they did not disappoint their fans. Based on the videos posted by fans who were in attendance, the performances were so powerful that Arnel Pineda was accepted with "Open Arms" by the Chilean Journey fans. Great for them, as a Filipina, I am very proud of Mr. Pineda. I totally commend Mr. Schoen for his dicovery of Arnel, although unconventional because it's through YouTube, he nevertheless hit the jackpot.

Just recently, March 8th to be exact, Journey performed in Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas. A throng of fans came to witness the new Journey with Arnel Pineda as their lead singer. Most of the people in attendance were Filipino Americans who showed their love and support for their fellow Filipino who now has to fill the big shoes of Steve Perry, the original Journey vocalist. Arnel stated that he is aware that comparisons will be made between him and Mr. Perry and he will be judged but he knows that there will never be another Perry and that he will sing the best he can. Smart man, smart answer, Arnel. He again rocked the place.

A DVD of that show will be coming out June 9 this year and a tour is planned for July. Ohhh, I can't wait! Rock on Journey, you are back!

Here is FAITHFULLY



Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'