There are rumors all over the net as to what the American Idol winner receives. My favorite rumor is that they win a million dollars. Well, not quite. That would be Survivor.
So, here’s what Taylor Hicks will receive. A management contract with Idol creator Simon Fuller’s 19 Management and a recording contract with a division of the BMG Music Group that’s headed by industry legend Clive Davis. He also received a Ford Mustang convertible, but so did Katharine.
Most likely, Katharine will also receive a recording contract with BMG, so it’s hard to say what the real advantage of winning is— other than bragging rights and extra publicity.


I picked Taylor after the 12 were finalized.
There was something about him——I guess his enthusiasm that set him apart from the others.
This does not mean that I did not like the others. There may be even more talent amongst them, but being a good singer is not really enouth to be The American Idol. Has anyone noticed that Taylor looks a lot like Elvis? Call me crazy, but I could see Elvis all over again when he first appeared on Television in the 50’s. CONGRATULATIONS TAYLOR! Now go out there and MAKE US PROUD!
Taylor, I have watched American Idol since it was born in the USA, however I have never gotten as wrapped up in as I did this year!!
You are the reason for that, truly I mean that from the bottom of my heart!!
I first layed eyes on you during tryouts, I thought you were a silly sorta of guy, bringing something fresh to the plate, but my biggest impression was that you truly remind me of my late brother Richard, the salt and pepper hair the winning smile and the adorable funny personality..
I have held my breath for you each show and the more I watched you perform the more I knew you would be the winner…
You are one of a kind, it will be hard to imulate you in any sort of fashion…You will be remembered and go far in your future!!
I truly believe you will be the biggest icon of American Idol ever!!
My biggest hugs and congratulations to you!!
I love you and I will miss tuning in to you each and every week..I am a Taylor Hicks seeker and I love you as much as I loved my brother.
I am planning on seeing you in Tampa with the American Idol tour!! YOU MAKE ME PROUD!!
I am so very happy that you are our new American Idol and I believe you are the best that we have had. I love the soul that you bring into your performances and your winning personality and essence! Congratulations to the best of the best! YOU!!
I’m also one who became a Taylor Hicks fan with his first auditioning tape broadcast for AI. I still find his performance then, and his curly hair style back then, my preferred Taylor Hicks.
Before the conformists slicked him up, wound him up, and advised him on pleasing the younger crowd, or the urban image makers. It may have sent him to the winning circle of AI, but now I hope Taylor returns to his roots & style that he has developed so uniquely.
Taylor never had curly hair. At least not in any footage they showed on American Idol. It was pretty long but VERY straight.
I like him either way. Old, new, whatever— I just like to hear him sing. I expect he’ll become even more smooth as time goes along. It happens.
I am a Canadian and not able to vote but I watched every show this season and loved Taylor right from the start. He appears to be “real” and hope that truly is his way and will remain so.
One question I have is, was there a reason why his mother never spoke or was interviewed? It seemed such a contrast between Elliot’s mother and Taylor’s.
I wish Taylor much success in his new career and will follow his path as he climbs to the top.
You have made us all proud, Taylor and I’m sure you will continue to do so.
well i just want 2 say i loved taylor since the day simon said that he would not make the top 12,ouch simon how wrong u were! yes! i love simon,but i love taylor more!i agree that he looks like a little bit of elvis n a little bit of george clooney,either way it makes taylor handsome as hell!n i loved what they did with him-ya kno cleaned him up a bit,i also think he likes it himself! bottom line, he has made a big part of america unbelievably happy,happy,happy!
i have loved Taylor also from the very start ,, with the hermonica and everything ,, he is something new and fresh that America needed ,, yes i think he will go far and be known for a very long time ,, i will buy his albums
I like Taylor but I thought Katharine’s voice is beautiful. They are both going to go far.
i think the best perosn one american idol. Taylor was a much better singer than Katherine, although she was mighty fine. I wish i scored the mustang convertibles. they are nice
Honestly, I was really hoping Kat was gonna win, she had the total package. She looked incredible and had an awesome voice. The poster marianne gardner is right, Taylor is definitly a sign that Idol is trying to head in a new direction artist wise. Who knows, maybe he will have alot of success. Bein the huge American Idol fan that I am, I was surfin the net for Idol related news and found this hilarious American Idol cartoon spoof at www.WhoWillCare.net, check it out.