Taylor Hicks joins Ruben Studdard on the dole

All you American Idol fans take note: Your favorites all seem to be losing their jobs.

Entertainment Weekly says that besides Ruben Studdard losing his contract with J Records (he recorded three albums with them) just before Christmas, Juice* reader favorite Taylor Hicks has been bounced from the label for just plain not being very good.

"Taylor is going to record his next album on his own," a label rep said. "He is no longer on the J Records roster."

Taylor's last big performance was at the Autozone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 29 in Memphis, in which UCF lost to Mississippi State by the yawner score of 10-3. That must mean the next big Barnes & Noble opening will be the only place you'll be able to hear him. At least Studdard kept his management contract with 19 Entertainment.

[Photo: Getty Images]

Comments

[Cara]

This doesn't surprise me either....and I thought he was TOO GOOD for American Idol. We haven't seen or heard the last of Taylor.

[liz]

Taylor Hicks sucks and that hair what's with it? He looks old enough to be my grandpa. American Idol should have booted him out! Maybe he could go to Siberia and be a hit singer.

[Neil]

Taylor Hicks doesn't really fit into any conventional music category. I thought he was a good singer but I didn't see a big market for what he does. He sort of has that old school Joe Cocker thing going on. I mean, I sitll wouldn't bet against him, because it only takes one hit song to get a career jump started but if I was his label, I probably would have given him one more chance to see if he could make it.

[Neil]

Taylor Hicks doesn't really fit into any conventional music category. I thought he was a good singer but I didn't see a big market for what he does. He sort of has that old school Joe Cocker thing going on. I mean, I sitll wouldn't bet against him, because it only takes one hit song to get a career jump started but if I was his label, I probably would have given him one more chance to see if he could make it.

[Yoly]

Taylor Hicks has the looks,voice and the moves. If he really puts his determination and expertise to work, he could become the next Elvis Presley. That's great Taylor Hicks you can do it on your own, you don't need Jrecords.

[Skeptic]

You his manager, Gregg?

[Gregg]

This split was by Taylor's choice. He got next to no promotion or back-up from this label! He will be much better off able to make the CD of his choosing. Congratulations, Taylor!

[Pete Bogs]

if he got to record three albums for them over the last couple years he should feel lucky - there are a lot of veteran artists who can't even get a record deal nowadays...

[Lee]

I didn't think he was good on American Idol and didn't think he should have won. This doesn't suprise me.