~ Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man spreads out and touches the lives of others ~

From The Soul of One ~ To The Hearts Of Many
TAYLOR HICKS MY IDOL
Taylor Hicks "The Distance"


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Red Carpets And Red Roses


photo caption:
Taylor Hicks ~ Kentucky Derby Red Carpet

The Kentucky Derby, also called Run for the Roses, is a $2 million stakes race held every first Saturday of May and is the first leg of the Triple Crown Races and is run at Churchill Downs Race Track in Louisville, Kentucky.

Some say Derby season is one non-stop party, from the time Thunder Over Louisville kicks off to the starry crescendo of Derby Eve's Barnstable Brown Gala, to the afterglow of the Louisville Urban League Guild Moonlight Cruise.



Not to mention the Kentucky Derby itself, which explodes with as much celebrity spectacle as one river city can handle.

Imagine my surprise when I first begin the search for photos of Taylor from the Derby's Grand Gala and a Yahoo photo search brought me face to face with my own photo next to George Clooney.
It really must have been some party, cause I can't remember being there with George!
I couldn't resist adding it here, though it would have been even cooler had Taylor's photo appeared on my left!



The stars were shining bright at the Crown Royal Playboy Lounge Party, held at the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center.
It was, by far, the biggest Derby-related Playboy party to date in terms of celebrities and guests.


photo caption:
Travis Tritt and Taylor Hicks arrive at the Crown Royal Playboy Lounge Party in Louisville (Darron Cummings/AP)


photo caption:
Taylor Hicks @ Crown Royal Playboy Lounge Party
Friday night at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center



Who is "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks rooting for on this season's show?

"David Archuleta. He kind of reminds me of Wayne Newton.
You know, the "Danke Schoen" at (17).
He's a young entertainer. (He'll do great) if he could just sustain himself when he tours.
From that show, it doesn't necessarily have to be music, it could be film.
The show form is television. There could be ample opportunities (for him) in the entertainment industry."


Hicks, meanwhile, will drop a new album this fall; a DVD called "Whomp at the Warfield," a two-disc set of his pre-"American Idol" songs and is planning tours in Asia and Italy.

"I never thought country boy from Alabama could go over to Asia and have a fan base," he said, sipping on a Jack Daniels and 7.
"The soul patrol reaches around the globe.
It's an international concept."



photo caption:
Taylor Hicks @ Crown Royal Playboy Lounge Party


photo caption:
Grand Gala Reception - 2008 Marriott Hotel
American Idol star Taylor Hicks chatted with admirers.
(By Geoff Oliver Bugbee, Special to the Courier-Journal)

The Grand Gala event has become one of the must-attend events during the Kentucky Derby weekend.
The gala benefits the 828 Foundation, which identifies and supports several non-profit youth services in the city, including the United Negro College Fund, Youth ALIVE, and the Oasis Life Center.


photo caption:
Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky
Betting With The Stars
Taylor Hicks @ The Grand Gala VIP Reception

"My buddy, I think his plane got hit by lightning.
So when he hit the ground I said, 'Well, I guess we're going to have to put some money on Smooth Air because that's what you need going on'."
His other pick: Denis of Cork. "My trying out for American Idol was a longshot, so I'm into longshot winners for sure."


Kentucky Derby Betting Update
(From Taylor's Myspace)
Taylor ended up taking the popular choice and put his bet for Studio By The Tracks on Pyro.
Since Big Brown ended up taking the prize, the bet was not won.
Taylor will still match his bet of $5000 with an equal donation to Studio By The Tracks.


photo caption:
Young Lifestyle deems Taylor Hicks one of the Best Dressed Guys attending the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Young Life Style is the Ultimate Guide to being Smart Young and Hot!!!


photo caption:
Taylor Hicks attends the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
"We are waiting for the former American Idol to grace the stage this season and put out a new album." ~ Young Lifestyles



And they're off ...


photo caption:
And though Big Brown won the race, Taylor Hicks, our own brown-eyed handsome man, wins the day!



Today's cup: Is A Daily Double
"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities:
It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."
~Thomas Carlyle~

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
~Art Linkletter~

1 comment:

KarinP said...

Bloom, I would say that the "country boy" could very well be a cover for GQ! Taylor looked absolutely stunning in his suits at the Derby.

It was a wonderful opportunity for him to make some valuable contacts and just simply have a fun-filled weekend!

Fabulous pictures of Taylor!

Thanks, Bloom!