this season reminds me of season 3, where Latoya London got booted, denying the public a Latoya/Fantasia showdown. By booting Chris off this year, Taylor is gonna mop the floor with whomever is in the finals with him.
His version of You Are So Beautiful was AWESOME!

Yamin: 'I had the feeling my time was up'



By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY
The most recent American Idol reject, Elliott Yamin, 27, gave a phone press conference at 1 p.m. ET Thursday. He talked about not being engaged, about having more hair, about bonding with judge Paula Abdul and about wanting to work with Kanye West.
Here are some highlights:

• When he saw the three very-close percentages of votes separating him from Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, he said it was "really flattering."

"I had that intuition. I knew my name would be attached to that 33.08, that bottom number. It was easy to take in and grasp. It was a lot easier to make peace with that.

• When judge Simon Cowell said Yamin had "potentially" the best voice in the contest, "It hit me, like, wow. I can't believe he actually said something that awesome to me." But Yasmin points out, "he used that word 'potential'. … I love the fact that he said potentially — I had to remind everybody quickly — not me, because I heard what he said — that he said potential. I'm used to being labeled the kid with a lot of potential. I'm trying to reach that every day."

• As for why Yamin is emotional, he says, "It kind of runs in my blood, my family's blood." And he says, "I'm an underdog, I'm viewed as a kid who came from nowhere. People know that I've beaten a few odds here and there and I think people can identify with that. It's real. It's who I genuinely am. It's me."

• He explained that when the judges are looking down, they are looking at monitors on their table, not dissing the singers. "Basically, they're watching what America is watching."

• Paula Abdul seems particularly emotional about Yamin. Why?

"I don't know. I just think she loves my voice and enjoys my singing and I think she just likes me as a person and the feelings are mutual. She's just a sweetheart, man. She's a joy to be around and we've had some good talks after the show. she's lovable, likeable. She's got a big heart, like I do and I guess that's why she can identify with me. We're both Jewish, too. You know, us Jews, we have a bond at birth. Maybe that has something to do with it."

• Is he engaged this his girlfriend Amanda?

"No, I'm not engaged. That's not the case. But we do have a great relationship, but I am looking forward to getting back into her arms."But it will only be for a brief time, as rehearsals for the American Idol tour start June 13.

• What a future album might sound like:

"I want it to have a soulful sound to it, a real soulful R & B sound." But he said, "I think I've proven throughout the season that I can be as versatile as possible." And, "The studio is going to be my haven. That's where I'm' going to be able to really shine."

• Right after the show, there were hugs, kisses and fast food:

"I had the feeling all day long and all night that my time was up and I was able to make peace with that and accept it and it was okay with me. After the show was great, I did exit interviews and got to hug a lot of the staff. There are so many wonderful people behind the scenes who are underappreciated and don't get recognized like we do. I got a chance to hug and thank all them."

He also met up with his mother and brother. "Everybody was crying." But there was no fancy meal to cap the night. "We didn't go out to eat, I just came home and had to pack and I think I went and got some Taco Bell at the drive-thru."

• Yamin was asked with whom he would like to work.

"I'd love to collaborate with so many people. Quincy Jones. Kanye West." He added, "I'd love to work with John Mayer. I'm very eclectic and love all kinds of music."
• On Taylor Hicks:

"Taylor's a really high strung dude. He's got a lot of energy and passion. He doesn't seem too relaxed when he performs. He's a great entertainer and he's doing what he's done his whole life."

And, he says, "I'm really close with Taylor. That's my dawg, man. We're going to be friends for life."

And later, he said, "Taylor — that's my home boy, man. We've gotten quite close and we've built a relationship that's going to last forever. We've got a great fraternity here of guys and girls and we're all going to be bonded that way for the rest of our lives. Taylor's one of the funniest people I've ever met on this entire planet. He definitely knows how to keep things fun."

• On Kat McPhee:

"She's definitely very mechanical, you know what I mean? And that's a good thing. I've taken something way from that, too. She has a godly gift and she's got a beautiful voice and she's going to go so far. She already has. All of us are going to be successful and it's going to be awesome to watch us all grow."

• He's proud to be from the South.

"I love being a Virginian."

• Is it maybe better NOT to win American Idol?

"I don't want to use the term better. There are great things that come along with winning — you're guaranteed a record deal and hits and radio…The fact that I didn't win and won't have those obligations to the management company is not a bad thing. I'll have the opportunity to maybe go out and fish for the best deal I can possibly get. And I'm looking forward to that." Still, he added, "I wouldn't have minded at all to win the whole thing. "

• He has been approached already — indirectly, he says. "It's going to be great once that time comes to field those opportunities. But yeah, I've been approached indirectly and heard through the grapevines and wires what people think and what people want to do and that's… people are talking. That's what's awesome about it. I can actually see my future in front of my own eyes in the recording industry. I'm looking forward to getting started with whomever that may be."

• About his changing look throughout the season:

"I love it. I love the clothing I was draped in and the style that's been suggested. The main thing about my look is: all I did was let my hair grow out. I never knew there was this much to begin with. Having hair enables you to style it. I love the fact that I have hair. I've got something to hold on to up there. "

• And as for how he has changed:

"Before this contest started I was lost. I was still trying to find my way as a human being, as an employee, all of the above, you know. And now I've just feel like I've grown a lot, with confidence. I've accomplished what I set out to do. I've actually followed through with something in my life and that's something I haven't been accustomed to over my adult life. It's been a very humbling experience. I'm more responsible now. I'm more patient now. I'm all of the above. Anything you can think of to better yourself, I've gone through that. I'm a better man for it."

Posted 5/18/2006 2:35 PM ET
[Edited 5/18/06 12:23pm]

woohoo...SOUL PATROL!!!

been routing for Taylor since his audition.

his performances tonight were smack on!!

DAYUM i wish i could vote.

I really enjoyed watching Tayor tonight

Taylor kicked serious ass tonight. I've already voted for him. I hope he wins.

SOUL PATROL!!!!!

purplecam said:

taylor!!!!

i would love for him to win.

I cant get through to vote for him

Do the lines close at midnight?

I think AI is done, personally.....I'm personally done with it, it's boring to me now.

ThreadCula said:

you know i don't know. i would just keep on trying. plus the west coast hasn't seen it yet so that might keep it on for a while,

SOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOUSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROL
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SOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOUSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROLSOULPATROL
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Yeah, been rootin for Taylor since his audition --- you just can't deny his energy and personality makes for a better performance! And with him he really shows that he is genuine about it, that he really enjoys the music from his soul. Gotta give it up for the man . . . .

4everYoung said:

Exactly. The judges have been right about him, he's having fun up there and that is what makes for great stage presence. In a way, he reminds me of Fantasia in how they both feel the songs they sing. He's been a great joy to watch this year. I do wonder how they will market him once the show ends, regardless of if he wins, but I sure do believe that he has a bright future ahead of him. Go Taylor!

purplecam said:

i agree! like i was saying before, latoya london was a better pure singer than fantasia, but she didn't show an ounce of personality until she sang her last song AFTER she got booted off. Chris was a better SINGER but not a better PERFORMER, so i wasn't surprised he got the boot (dude, you can only pick obscure rock songs but soo many weeks).

meltwithu said:

i hear what you're saying and even though i was more for chris, i understand what you're saying. if there is one thing that separated chris from taylor, it was the fun factor. chris was very serious on stage and it looked like it was a job rather than just something that he loved, though i think he loves it. taylor isn't afraid to show it and it makes for good tv.

meltwithu said:

He always looks and acts constipated. I also kinda think it looks like he belongs in the special person club when he keeps shouting that. He wasn't that good, neither was Elliott really. Katharine's take on Somewhere Over the Rainbow was gorgeous. Otherwise, it was a lackluster show.

RipHer2Shreds said:

He reminds me of a slimmed down John Belusi.

Taylor rocks but that Kat is some damn sexy!!

I think Taylor's going 2 win. Even though he's not my cup of tea, I think he deserves it. I still think Katherine was the only really likeable 1. Elliot is the best singer left, but dude's got a serious yawn-inducing effect. I was sure Kat was going home 2night until last night's show. Now I think it will b a showdown in the finals between the pageant girl and Jethro Clampett, with Taylor 4 the win.

I love me some Taylor!!! Katherine is great too, but she sounds too much like other artists out there.

GO TAYLOR !


he's my favorite, has been all along... i just him




however, Katherine's "Over the Rainbow" brought me to tears... her voice was perfect on that song the other songs she did last night though didnt quite do it for me.


and Elliot... well, last week he did fantastic... this week he just didnt quite get it in my opinion


i think it will be Taylor and Katherine in the finals, with Taylor winning

they all bored me..really dissappointed in Elliott...

at this point i could care less who wins.

None of them are "special". At least no to me.....
I just want pictures of Mcfee....she reminds me of Jessica Alba.

meltwithu said:

I heard that the reason that Chris got booted off the show was that they found out that he had signed a contract with FUEL 2 weeks prior. That is a no-no!!! They didn't even take the votes into consideration, they just let him go.


M

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

no way..so not true...fuel offered him the job the day after the show...

btw: how was jimmy scott? i totally forgot about it and missed it...money down the drain..

I tried to vote for Taylor ALL night. The lines were busy
I didnt want to send in a text vote

ThreadCula said:

cheap ass...

sosgemini said:

Jimmy was AMAZING. His band was incredible. I was going to start a thread about it but it's been a busy week. He sang the hell out of BLUE SKIES and PENNIES FROM HEAVEN. My best friend and I cried when he did HOUSE ON THE HILL.

m

Taylor-Really good but I thought his note for note imitation of "You are so Beautiful" was a tad overrated.

Elliot- Sleepwalked through the night...looked like he was conceeding third place without a fight.

Kat- Oversang on first and third song but "Over the Rainbow" was inspired. She should sit down for all her performances. It chills her ass out.

sosgemini said:

Yeah right!!! I dont want American Idol spam

ThreadCula said:

they seriously do that?