I just wanted to take a minute to clarify - and apologize - if my Phil Stacey post came off as critical. I got a comment from CFPhilfan made me go back and reread the post, and he/she is right: I was the one who jumped the gun.
I had been talking to someone recently about American Idol, because this music fan was saying that singers who got on American Idol got the fame without all of the work. I was arguing that many of the singers had been involved in the music business before getting on the show, and that winning doesn't necessarily equal success.
That conversation was fresh in my head when I saw the news that Phil had left Lyric Street and signed with Reunion, which was just a couple of hours after I saw an ad with Taylor Hicks in a touring production of "Grease." It kind of reinforced what I'd been telling this friend, that being on American Idol doesn't mean a free ride to the top.
I went to MySpace.com/PhilStaceyMusic, but there wasn't any note about the signing. It wouldn't be the first time that an artist posted news on their MySpace and had to take it down because they jumped the gun. (The labels like to be the ones to make the announcements.) There wasn't anything on his website either, and I really did search for that blog post, so I just figured that's what happened. I learn now that apparently Phil doesn't use that MySpace as his official page; he uses MySpace.com/joelphilip. I would have never found that.
But basically, I was just continuing the Idol conversation on the blog without better explaining what I was musing about. When I got a press release later in the afternoon which confirmed the signing, I did an update, but I guess it still came off as a critique at Phil, rather than a more pointed American Idol/success post I was writing in my head. So Phil Stacey fans, I apologize for that.
The one thing that I totally stand behind is what I said about Reunion in my comment to Meliss. The label is a great fit for him, and I think he'll grow musically and spiritually at his new home.
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Your clarification to your original post is very much appreciated. I feel Phil's first CD had a lot of really great songs on it but did not get the exposure it should have for whatever reason. I have seen Phil in concert four times and he really puts on a good show. If you weren't one before, you will walk away a Phil phan after seeing him perform. I wish Phil the very best with this new record company and can't wait for the CD.
I also did not care for the offhand remark as if staring in a Broadway show was nothing. Taylor Hicks worked extremely hard and more than paid his dues before he was on AI. And he has worked nearly nonstop ever since and is doing quite well. His new album called "The Distance" and out March 10 is going to be very good. He wrote with some of the best writers around and had a producer and musicians that have worked with Eric Clapton and Faith Hill just to name a few. He has started his own record label and worked out a deal with Grease to cross-promote the show and his album. He is not only touring the Grease show all over the country but at the same time doing his own concert shows for his album. He earns everything he gets.
His new single is out, you should check it out, its called "Whats Right is Right" and it is a song about commitment in a relationship. It is a beautiful song and can be downloaded at itunes or amazon.
Just type in Taylor Hicks whats right is right.
Phil Stacey was my favorite from the year he was on and Ace is a doll
Oh, I don't think it's a bad thing at all! But if you read what I wrote - and I think I was clear this time, LOL - I'm commenting on the idea that American Idol shoots a singer to the top of the charts. And that just doesn't happen. Idols are let go from their labels - and yes, Hick was let go, along with Reuben. They find success in other ways, but even winning American Idol doesn't guarantee success on the lines of Chris Daughtry or Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson.
Taylor Hicks might find incredible success via the stage. Look at Jennifer Hudson!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
CfPhilfan, you didn't offend me at all! I'm glad to apologize when I'm wrong, LOL.
Your info about Ace just further proves my point: American Idol is not a free ticket to stardom, like my friend suggested. These artists work their tails off, and many of them get to the show after years of work the TV fans never see. And while the exposure is great, it isn't a guarantee of chart topping success. Altho I didn't know Ace co-wrote that Daughtry song. That's awesome. See, you learn something new every day!
American Idol probably helps artists network and connect, and build a fan base, but they don't just show up and sing and win a Grammy. But that's what some fans of the show think.
You Phil fans are great and I appreciate you pointing out my errors. :)
Joanne
host of the GS blog
I think the first album, and Phil, got enough exposure, at least in the Christian market. Being on the Opry isn't a small thing, and the album was in the top 10. But it didn't spawn any huge radio hit or have huge sales.
One of the things music fans don't realize is that every week, when program directors at radio stations decide which songs are going to be added to rotation, they pick maybe 2 or 3 out of literally THOUSANDS of songs. It's impossible for any artist to compete, but even with the American Idol exposure, it's tough to break in. There are a million reasons why an album doesn't sell - it certainly doesn't mean that it's bad. The industry is fickle. I think he'll be happy at Reunion.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
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