Taylor Hicks Wins 'American Idol'

Washington Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes was online Thursday, May 25, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss newly crowned "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks , runner-up Katharine McPhee and all the highs and lows of the show's fifth season.

The transcript follows.

De Moraes has written " The TV Column " for The Post since 1998. She served as the TV editor for the entertainment industry trade publication the "Hollywood Reporter" for almost a decade.

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Owings Mills, Md.: So here we were, settling in for a couple of hours of Up-with-People production numbers. Well there was some of that, but who expected the pervy undertones of Al Jarreau singing about "cherries on the vine" to cute teen Paris, and the equally creepy pairing of Katharine with Meatloaf (Meatloaf?!) who sang waving a red schmatte. Or Kelly Pickler and a famous chef enacting "Hee Haw" meets "My Fair Lady." Chris and the lead singer from Live both taking their fashion cues from Mr. Clean. Mary J. Blige jerking and then swatting Elliott away. The wannabe who startled as if he'd come upon a rattlesnake when Clay Aiken walked out. Those nasty little "awards." Towards the end, Prince and two wriggly dancers show up, do a number, and then they're gone. My question is: has American Idol officially entered its Rococo phase?

Lisa de Moraes: Hi... I know just what you mean. I thought I'd have at least the first hour to put my feet up, relax and write "b" matter for the column while keeping one eye on the TV as they plowed through Up with People production numbers, the traditional march back stage to ask Taylor and Katharine "How nervous are you?" and "What has this journey meant to you?", and the traditional interviews with the little people collected at the high school gymnasiums back in their hometowns. Then out comes Paris Bennett, introduces Al Jarreau and it was just one thing after another for the next two hours. I mean, Prince as Taylor's warm-up act? It was exhausting. (Love the 'red schmatte').

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Fairfax, Va.: Ooooooh, the conspiracy theorists are running amok. Isn't this just a case of sour grapes? There would have been people complaining no matter who won.

Lisa de Moraes: Honestly, I didn't see much in the way of conspiracy theory babble this season. It was remarkably conspiracy theory free, compared to earlier editions.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for having this special chat!

Don't you think it was funny that they had a two hour special to announce the winner, and the show still ran long? Do you think that it was because Prince decided at the last minute to go on the show?

Lisa de Moraes: No. I think it's because the show was live and that's what happens sometimes with live TV. The good news is that Taylor Hicks was announced as the winner at two minutes before 10 p.m. so anyone who TiVo'ed the show will get to see that; what will get cut off will be the final part of him performing his Made For Idol Treacle Tune.

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Hyattsville, Md.: How could there be a bigger high than Prince?? PRINCE! When did American Idol get THAT HIP?

Lisa de Moraes: ...When the show started averaging 30 million viewers and performers like Prince who are trying to pitch their new CD start to see the value in doing so in front of that many people...

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washingtonpost.com: Surprise!!! Or Not. It's Taylor Hicks. , ( Post, May 25, 2006 )

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Thank You America: I would like to thank the American Idol voters for voting for the BEST contestant between the two. It's about time that McAnnoying was voted off. I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought that.

Lisa de Moraes: But we wish her all the best, because that's the kind of people we are. Oh, and, Elliott was the best.

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Va.: When the CD comes out will you listen to it so we don't have to?

Lisa de Moraes: You betcha!

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Boston, Mass.: Is it me, or did Toni Braxton and Mary J Blige sound _terrible_ on Idol? It almost sounded like there was a mic problem during Toni's song, but what's Mary's excuse for butchering "One"? Seemed like Clay Aiken had a mic problem too...

Lisa de Moraes: Funny, Mary J. Blige butchered the same song last week at one of the broadcast network's "upfront" presentations. Could it be that she's just not that good, and that she sounds much better on her CD's thanks to the miracle of modern technology and her producers?

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Alexandria, Va.: Why when I went to vote for Taylor Hicks last night, I either got a busy signal or one ring, followed by a chime and then a message that my call could not be completed as dialed. I tried for two hours--all with the same result on digits 02 and 04. On digit 06, I only got a busy signal. I verified the phone number so that was not the problem. Sabotage?

Lisa de Moraes: I should have known that, having said there weren't really conspiracy theories this season, I'd get them on the chat....I have no idea why you had dialing problems, sorry I can't help. Maybe others had the same experience and they'll write in too. Anybody out there who's a Taylor fan go through the same thing?

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Santa Fe, N.M.: What do you think was the behind the scenes reason for two songs ala Clay and Ruben?

Lisa de Moraes: Do you mean that each finalist got his/her own made-for-Idol Treacle Tune? I'm guessing it's because they couldn't decide which one was worse, so they decided to use them both...

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Prince William County, Va.: Is the collective taste of America (in music) motivated by sound (as in Kat) or in physical entertainment (as exhibited by Taylor)? It seems to me that the younger audience prefers pyrotechnics and the older audience prefers raw talent. What do you think?

Lisa de Moraes: I think that women over 30 are most likely to vote during "Idol" so your theory goes out the window...

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Williamsburg, Va.: Oh, I loved the ending. I was shocked that they got Prince to perform (considering how limited his appearances are). Gotta love Prince!!! He's still got it after all these years. Oh and I'm glad Taylor won, I wasn't really not that thrilled with Katharine. I thought Taylor was more himself. Katharine seems fake. Her smiles seemed so Hollywood (I guess considering she lived in LA).

Lisa de Moraes: You say "Hollywood." I say "nervous." But yes, Taylor took command of the stage every time he performed. No apparent trace of nerves...Maybe he lacks the gene for Fear. Like that chick on that WB series from Bruckheimer that never made it to air...

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Paging Dr. 90210: Did Clay Aiken get plastic surgery?

Lisa de Moraes: I think it was just the new hairdo. Not a good look, by the way.

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Denver, Colo.: After Tuesday's final song, as Taylor began his manic "Soul Patrol" chant, my six year-old daughter got confused and started chanting along with him, "Sloppy Joe! Sloppy Joe! Sloppy Joe!" That seemed about right.

Lisa de Moraes: Cute, but she'll want to buy his CD, right?

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Lancaster, Pa.: Did it appear to any one else that Toni Braxton was lip-syncing? Her mouth was not moving the same with her vocals ...

Lisa de Moraes: Her mouth was not moving, period. You could barely hear her. And what the heck was she thinking, wiggling her heinie up against Taylor Hicks like a cat in heat, while singing 'In the Ghetto.' Talk about wildly inappropriate.

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Arlington, Va.: So when the American Idol tour comes around, will there be a side stage? ... I was kind of hoping for stand-up by Brian Dunkleman with Pete Best providing the rimshots .... just a thought

Lisa de Moraes: Great idea, I think. Wish I understood sports references.

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Atlanta, Ga. : Both of the male winners of A.I. were from Alabama --Studdard and now Hicks.

Lisa de Moraes: One more and we have a 'trend' story.

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Erie, Pa.: What happened to Clay Aiken? I don't find the revamped Clay appealing at all.

Lisa de Moraes: I don't know but I don't like it either. He appears to have put on weight and, as a critic at the Newark Star Ledger said in his coverage, Clay's new hair makes him look like he's auditioning to star in a Crispin Glover biopic..

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Washington, D.C.: I just don't see millions of people buying a Taylor Hicks CD. He is more entertaining to watch than to listen to.

Lisa de Moraes: I don't think he has to sell millions to be successful. One million will do...

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Lisa! Please tell me you watched the Pre-Idol show. I now believe that the reason Chris Daughtry lost was because of his wife alone. When they interviewed him she was butting in every chance she got, speaking for him and everything. It even lead Jillian and crew to ask him who makes all the decisions and she quickly said she does.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, she was annoying during the pre-show, but he matched her, annoyance for annoyance. Like when he blathered on about how much America loves him. Paleeze. Are you sure you're not just unhappy he's married?

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Bethesda, Md.: Although I'm not a huge fan of the show, I live for your column's reviews of it! Reason enough for me that the show be allowed to continue. Your characterizations are priceless!

Lisa de Moraes: Thanks, and given the numbers this show does, it will be around for quite some time. Last night the second hour of the show clocked nearly 41 million viewers...

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Leesburg, Va.: How did you know the "smart money" was on Taylor? Elliott got a third of the vote when he was in the final three. I figured Katherine would get the lion's share of Elliott's votes, because those were votes for a good voice rather than for the perceived best "party" singer. And Katherine's voice is clearly better than Taylor's, don't you think? I'm surprised Taylor wasn't eliminated months ago.

Lisa de Moraes: Taylor had been leading the voting -- yes,sometimes by a slim margin like two weeks ago -- for quite a while. And I think he was never in the bottom three/two.

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Richmond, Va.: Which one did you think was going to die onstage: Meatloaf or the kid who was surprised/scared by Clay Aiken? By the way, you were right-on with your critique of Mary J. Blige. What a spotlight grab!

Lisa de Moraes: The Clay Aiken wanna be, for sure. Did you see Seacrest ask him if he was okay when Seacrest hauled him back off stage on to that chair, so Aiken could have the stage alone? I thought Aiken was gonna deck that kid if Seacrest hadn't moved in to give the poor guy the hook.

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Reston, Va.: Do you think there's any chance that Elliott will get a record deal? I think he's the only contestant I'd be willing to pony up money to listen to!

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, I think he has a good chance of making at least one album...

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New York, N.Y.: Pookie, I know you didn't have McPhever, but of the two finalists, I see her as having greater potential to sell more records than Soul Patrol. Some guy from Rolling Stone said the same thing on GMA today; your thoughts? BTW, loved the column today -- utterly hilarious!

Lisa de Moraes: She has a gorgeous voice. She isn't much of a performer however, though maybe if she keeps wearing low cut dresses with built in push-up bras like she did last night in that number with Meatloaf, that won't matter at all...

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Kensington, Md.: Lisa, what did you think of Kat's mothers dress? It looked like she got it in the teen dept.!!

Lisa de Moraes: Kat's mom is kinda creepy. Dad is too, crying every time she performs...

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Seattle, Wash.: Who was paying attention to Toni Braxton's lips?

Lisa de Moraes: ...um me. It's my job. But yes, I was also paying attention, as I said, to her wildly inappropriate outfit and gyration on stage while she was singing a song about a child who needs a helping hand because he's living in the ghetto. Wonder what she thought she was singing....Prince's I Just Want to Get You Satisfied, maybe?

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Washington, D.C.: That scene with the Aiken-wannabe was rehearsed, right?

Lisa de Moraes: I think it was rehearsed that the wanna be would come out and sing. I don't think he knew he was going to be joined on stage by Aiken...either that or he's some kind of actor.

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Lakeland, Fla.: You mentioned in your column that McPhee's finale song was the worst made-for-AI song you'd heard. I don't know enough to agree or disagree, but thought it was a clinker beyond clinkers and wonder this:

Would she have been helped if it had been in a different key? It seemed like she slid flat under most of the second half of its words.

I can't imagine that would have changed anything, and frankly think he deserved to win if for no other reason than she so stubbornly didn't grow as a singer over the course while he did. But in trying to figure out circumstances in which she could have won. I can only come up with two - her having the smarts to insist on dropping it maybe three half tones in key, and instead of reprising her triumph choosing to rematch "Can't Help Falling in Love" and nailing it.

Lisa de Moraes: It was over long before this week's final performance episode. By that time, people have already made up their mind who they like and will vote for them regardless, no matter what Flopsy, Mopsy and Tipsy would have you believe...

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Voting: Wouldn't it be neat to see a Presidential election in which citizens of all ages, especially preteen girls, could vote as often and as much as they'd like? I wonder how the results would compare with American Idol then...

Lisa de Moraes: Given how many people voted Tuesday night, I suspect we'd wind up with a president who has lots of grey hair, loads of charisma and wiggles like a speared snake during public appearances.

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Washington, D.C.: Lisa! Your column is too funny today! I've never watched a season of Idol - usually I have no clue what is going on by the finale, but this year I turned a new leaf. My favorite part was when Clay came out and the really awful guy almost passed out! My question is: Do you think Pickler is amusing? If she had a TV show I'd probably watch it before it failed miserably. They could put it on VH1 and she could do lots of things besides hanging out with Puck. That would NEVER get old!

Lisa de Moraes: I suspect some producers in Los Angeles is pitching it to her agents as we write....

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Ashburn, Va.: How much difference was there between the ratings for the first and second hours?

Lisa de Moraes: About 10 million more viewers in the second hour than the first, which is to be expected with a "results" show format...Overall, according to early numbers, the show averaged about 36 million viewers. If that number holds up this afternoon, when final nationals come in, it would be the second most watched Idol finale ever, behind the 38 million who watched the Clay Aiken/Ruben Studdard train wreck. But the comparison's not really fair because the Clay/Ruben finale was only one hour -- 9-10 p.m and this was a two hour show...Comparing the same 9-10 p.m. hour, last night's telecast beat the 2002 one...

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Niles, Mich.: Will the IDOL producers eventually figure out that they could have more drama by having a jury of rejected contestants decide which of three finalists wins the Top Spot? The technical proficiency of the singer didn't seem to shine forth for TAYLOR while Elliot Yamin seemed to have peaked at these final two shows. He should have gotten some form of "immunity". . .

Lisa de Moraes: Good grief, a "Survivor" infiltrator! Pookie, look at the numbers for your show and "Idol." "Survivor" finale logged 17.1 million viewers -- its lowest finale yet. Idol finale logged around 36 million -- that could go up when final nationals come in this afternoon. Now, if you were the producer of "Idol" would you tinker with your show? Viewers love the current format. Much as I liked Elliott, the immunity idea -- not so good.

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Bethesda, Md.: What makes you just an expert on this?

Lisa de Moraes: Because I don't understand anything else? Oh, are you asking why I think I'm such an expert on "Idol"? I thought you were asking why I know so much about "Idol" and am an idiot about everything else. Actually I am a brainiac about many other things. Did you know, for instance that objects in motion tend to remain in motion? And that you should not wear open toed shoes after Labor Day? I'm a wealth of information.

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Baltimore, Md.: Do we really get you today and tomorrow? I'm not exaggerating when I say that would make my week. Yes, my life is sad.

Lisa de Moraes: Mine too.... Yes you get me tomorrow as well....

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Good column!: Don't know whether to be glad or sad that I tuned in just before the announcement of the winner!

Lisa de Moraes: Be sad. Be very sad. You missed one heck of a show. Live TV rocks...

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Washington, D.C.: About Clay's Aiken's hair, you don't suppose that he's already entered his Jacko phase?

Lisa de Moraes: I'm not going to think about that. I'll think about that tomorrow.....

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East Windsor, N.J.: You may call me crazy for this, but I really did shed a sentimental tear when Dionne Warwick joined Burt Bacharach on stage last night. She showed up all the Idol wannabes with real class, I thought.

Lisa de Moraes: she was great. Not much voice left, but it was fun to see them both on stage. Ditto Al Jarreau. Not so much Meatloaf -- what happened to his voice?

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Washington, D.C.: I loved Katharine- her singing and her clothes. She wore a gorgeous blue dress on Tuesday's show. Have you heard who the designer was?

Lisa de Moraes: No, but they definitely blew the wardrobe budget on her last night. One dress after another that I covet....

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Washington, D.C.: Is it me, or is Kellie Pickler trying to be Goldie Hawn a la "Laugh In"?

Lisa de Moraes: If only Kellie knew what "Goldie Hawn a la Laugh In" meant. If only Kellie knew what "a la" meant. I suspect the producers think so, and she's, well, clueless.

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RE: "That would NEVER get old!": Trust me. It would get old.

Lisa de Moraes: I suspect you're right...I'm liking the Goldie Hawn a la "Laugh In" idea better....

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Columbia, Md.: I just love how they keep announcing that the "Idol" had more votes than the presidential election. I bet if they allowed you to call in your vote and vote as many times as you can there would be more votes in the presidential election than any Idol.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes, everyone on the two candidates' staffs would be required to sign up for DialIdol and speed dial in votes....

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Manassas Park, Va.: I would just like to comment that I am very pleased with American Idol this season--I think they did a terrific job on the production and features of the finale. I am also extremely pleased that Taylor Hicks was declared the winner. Aside from being extremely talented, personable and genuine, he discredits all the stereotypes of what an "American Idol" should look like. Simon Cowell said from the start of the season that he had doubts about Taylor because he didn't fit the image of an American Idol. I, for one, would like to thank the public for proving Simon wrong. Congratulations, Taylor!

Lisa de Moraes: Simon didn't even want to send him to Hollywood to try out for the competition. And this year's finale was soooo much more entertaining than the previous four finales. Only the teensiest bit of high school gymnasium action in the first hour and no backstage "talk about your journey" drivel. Instead, Al Jarreau, Live, Meatloaf. Much more interesting.

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Baltimore, Md.: The "more votes than a presidential election" stat is very misleading. The TOTAL number of votes (over 60 million) is more than any presidential candidate has ever received. I think the '04 candidates each had more than 50 million votes.

Lisa de Moraes: Yes it's a stupid comparison... But we love stupid comparisons.

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St. Cloud, Minn.: This was my first season watching Idol, and my 7yo daughter and I had a great time with it. My theory is that Taylor won not only because he can sing, and the South is such a voting bloc, but because he was never cocky. Chris, and I think you said something similar, got cocky one night and the next night he was off. Katherine is a nice girl, but she was so nervous every week. She did her best singing and performing last night when the voting was over! My question, though, is what was it with Elliott? He has a great voice, no doubt, but he reminds me of Kermit the Frog and just didn't have much big-time performer in him. I'd love to hear his album, though. I wonder where Taylor will go from here? He needs to lose the double chin, sorry to say, but he does have a great voice. I heard someone compare him to Elvis...

Lisa de Moraes: Elvis: the Pudgy Years. Yes, Chris had to go before his head got too large to fit through door frames. And yes, Katharine seemed to suffer from nerves throughout the competition. Last night was the most relaxed we've seen her throughout the show, which is a shame....

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Lisa, who do you think has a shot at a "real" career after Idolmania has passed?

Lisa de Moraes: You mean this round of "Idolmania" and these particular contestants. And how do you define "real career." You mean big as Kelly Clarkson, or someone who gets roles on Broadway, which is also a fine career. And, how much do you hate it when I answer a question with a question? Anyway, I'm a terrible person to ask this question because the parameters for success in the music industry are so much punier than in the TV industry. One million people buy your CD and you go platinum and everyone's writing about what a big deal you are. One million viewers gets you cancelled -- except on Comedy Central.

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Rockville, Md.: Ok, I admit it. I think I like Clay Aiken, especially after last night. I didn't realize how good of a voice he had...maybe when compared to the other contestants and guests! I'm scared..what's happening to me?

Lisa de Moraes: You've grown older...it happens. Clay has a nice voice -- bad fashion consultant apparently, but a nice voice...

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Washington, D.C.: Did you notice that when they cut to "McPheever's" fans, they kept the camera quite close to Tamyra Grey? Those 17 fans were all trucked in from a taping of the Price is Right, I'm guessing.

Lisa de Moraes: Man, you are cold! It's over, she lost, cut her some slack.

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I'll admit it....: I voted for Taylor just because I wanted to see how they would try and market him. I figured Katherine would be easy to market, Taylor....well that's another story entirely...

Lisa de Moraes: I'm with you all the way on that. I'm really looking forward to the Marketing of Taylor...

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Boring Season: I have to say I've been an Idol fan for years and have found it to be very entertaining.

This season was sooo boring I barely watched the last few episodes. In watching last night's final episode, I was reminded how many really talented kids there were in this season.....and what a shame it was that the final show didn't include any of them. Just two singers who really weren't very talented at all. It was extremely embarrassing watching those two try and sing like professionals. Worst season ever.

Lisa de Moraes: You're not the only one who has suggested that maybe they should not have brought back some of the finalists so that viewers could compare their voices to Elliott's and Katharine's. Mandisa, for instance...

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Silver Spring, Md.: When is Idol going to get beyond the schlock and get some really good song writers on the show? How about a Randy Newman night?

Lisa de Moraes: You mean to write those Made-for-Idol Treacle Tunes. It can't happen soon enough for me. And this year's Kat song, "My Destiny" was hands down the very worst Treacle Tune in the history of "Idol." I gag just thinking about it.

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New York, N.Y.: will we ever know the exact number of votes either Kat or Taylor got? Thanks.

Lisa de Moraes: No.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm cold? I suppose that is a compliment coming from D.C.'s reigning Queen of Snark.

Lisa de Moraes: It is....

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Rosslyn, Va.: A little informal poll around the office: Everyone loved Taylor and wanted him to win, but buy his CD? Not so much.

Lisa de Moraes: I'm hearing that a lot.

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Anonymous: I agree with the comments on Katherine's mother being kind of creepy along with her weeping father. I don't think Elliot's mom did him any favors either. Who wants an American Idol who only has eyes for his mom? Lisa, the talented, had a beautiful but overbearing mom too. I think its the producer's fault for focusing on the families too much, don't you?

Lisa de Moraes: I too could do without so much of the family blah, blah, blah. It gets old real fast. But I'm guessing there are focus groups who've told the Idol producers they love it.

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Sharking the jump?: Imagine this.... Fox Network producers asking PRINCE to be the the opening act for Justin Guarini.

I think last night's royal coup must be given a place in pop jargon. Is there such a thing as a reverse jumping of the shark, where a program actually leaps beyond all expectations into (near) legitimacy?? I'm open to all suggestions.

Lisa de Moraes: I think it's called "getting better." This year's finale was laps better than previous finales. Maybe because the producers knew there was no suspense, since everyone had been forecasting a Taylor win, they'd have to actually spend a nickel on the show, especially that first hour....I'm out of time. Bye.

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