Selection
By Josh Murray and Bob Yehling

While other contestants caved under pressure, and complained incessantly about stress, 29-year-old Taylor Hicks sat quietly at the bottom of a winding staircase in Los Angeles' Orpheum Theatre. During the mania of the Hollywood audition rounds, he slipped on his headphones and studied his songs in solitude.

Taylor was dedicated and focused from the start. Perhaps it was his long history performing covers and originals before crowds at weddings, smoky bars and lounges all over the steamy South. Perhaps it was his passion for the craft that helped him stay present. Perhaps it was his experience as a performing artist that made him the greatest song chooser in Al history. Whatever the reason, his simplicity, calm demeanor and rather frenetic dance moves became the elements that converged to make a star.

In early March, after sending a strong message with his throw-down-the-gauntlet rendition of "Takin' It to the Streets," Taylor made an observation: American Idol is not only about song choice, but about the way songs are condensed and re-arranged. That — and not merely changing the vocal pitch — creates ownership of the song.

While the importance of song choice is not news to anyone — the judges lectured contestants about it every week — the fact Taylor spoke as a musician, and not just a singer, spoke volumes during the competition. As a songwriter-guitarist-harmonica player with two self-produced CDs, including the fine Under the Radar, Taylor knew he held an edge in this area. "Taylor knew what he wanted, and we could work right away on subtleties," Al band leader Rickey Minor said. "That's not normally how it works."

Michael McDonald. Joe Cocker. Otis Redding. Ray Charles. Elvis. Part of the heart and bite of Taylor's music has been gleaned from years of listening to these greats. The soul is all his, though. It is a soul many worried might be too outdated for modern audiences familiar only with grillz, milkshakes and Mariah-isms.

Taylor is not outdated. He's classic. That's a major distinction.

In terms of evolution, pop music needs to return to its roots often, and now. The industry is bogged down in over-produced dance hits with little personality and maudlin rock bands so indistinct they all sound a little like Cher on a bender.

Each time Taylor took the stage, he did so with an air of anticipation. Taylor genuinely yearned to step into the spotlight and wow us. Recall the literal bounce in his step during "Not Fade Away." Witness his reserved take on "You Are So Beautiful." Remember his passion during "In The Ghetto" and "Try A Little Tenderness." He never once forged ahead without a clear faith in his mission.

People dug it. And they dig him.

Approach
By Kathy Day

I had a strong feeling from the beginning of the season that Taylor Hicks would be named this year's American Idol. We needed a winner that would have a different approach to today's music. Taylor accomplished this with his sometimes-quirky dance moves, harmonica, and love of soul music.

I admire his dedication, enthusiasm, and energy. His style is unique, with the added benefit of being true to himself. Taylor is timeless, easily relating to any age group or gender, and delivers performances with an upbeat attitude.

Compared to the other contestants this season, Taylor won hands-down with his diverse choice of songs, performing incredibly in all genres. His ability to take an otherwise humdrum tune and turn it into something special (as in the finale with his first single, "Do I Make You Proud") shows his great flexibility.

I really look forward to seeing what his future brings and can't wait to purchase his first album. In conclusion, I just have three words... "Go Soul Patrol!"

(Kathy Day is a rabid AI fan based in Northern California)

Performance
By Melissa McGhee

From the first day I met Taylor, I knew he was on original! I think America got that too! Taylor Hicks won American Idol Season 5 because he is an entertainer, period. Of course, it didn't hurt that he is a genuinely, down-to-earth good guy. Maybe it's because I'm from the South, too, but we really clicked. I loved his soulful spirit and he said he recognized it in me, too. We continue to be good friends.

I'll never forget the first time I saw him onstage in Hollywood during the final auditions. He wore this crazy Hawaiian shirt, and was woo-ing and kicking all over the place. I thought he was nuts. In fact, none of us really knew how to take him at first. However, it was in his second performance with the group when I really took note of his voice. He opened his mouth and magic happened. I'll admit it was sometimes difficult to focus on his music, but man, has he got the pipes. Don't get me wrong-and no offense Taylor, if you're reading this-but his voice maybe wasn't the best in the competition (mine was... right). Performance is what Taylor seemed to master. The combination of the two is what set Taylor apart.

Uniqeness
By Mrs. Jones

Here's my two cents on snagging the crown, people! Gotta go back... way back.. .to January when America first met the "Gray-Haired-Dude." The foundation was set in stone by the "guy with the harmonica."

Name? Not important...yet. Why? We liked his soulful, easy, and honest style — a cool cat with a different sound and unique angle — NICE! His head? Steady and screwed on tight as a drum. Nothing shook him up. He had focus and drive from the day he rode down the elevator from his hotel room at Hollywood auditions, walked the plank, and took the hot seat before the judges. What was in his hand? His harp. He left an impression in millions of heads with that great AI Chess move. His mark was on the Amercian Idol Map right out of the starting gate. The GHD was the first contestant America let into their hearts.

My take: The GHD's DNA spells one thing — a PhD in playing that funky music! And that, my friends, spelled "Pass me the crown" in a HUGE way!!!! Hey Taylor! ""Lay down the boogie and play that funky music till you die?"

Oh, and by the way.. .he definitely got slammed one too many times by Simon for sounding like a lounge singer and/or karaoke artist. Simon the Great needs to find better joints to hang out in! DONE!