Lasting friendships often happen in the rarest places and unusual circumstances and when a common chord strikes between two or more people, it's bound to connect them and keep them together for a long time.
Taylor is a man who never gave up, he knew he had a voice that he wanted to share to the world and he did all he can and faced all he can to get to the place where this opportunity would be given to him. On the other hand, Elliott was being told he had the voice, but somehow seemed hesitant to pursue a career in music, at times being insecure and thinking he will never be good enough.
This is exactly what happened between American Idol Season 5's Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, Bucky Covington, Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks who call themselves the "AI Rat Pack". Most especially true is the friendship between 2nd runner up Elliott and AI 5 champ Taylor. So naturally, I was so psyched when I heard that Elliott was dropping by the Philippines for a 10-day mall tour to promote his self-titled debut record. I promised myself I will do all that I can to see him live and re-live his great moments on AI and his extraordinary friendship with our Soul Man.
While watching and listening to Elliott's performance, I begin to see what has drawn me to them and what made them great artists, despite coming from such humble beginnings and discouraging experiences.
Taylor is a man who never gave up, he knew he had a voice that he wanted to share to the world and he did all he can and faced all he can to get to the place where this opportunity would be given to him. On the other hand, Elliott was being told he had the voice, but somehow seemed hesitant to pursue a career in music, at times being insecure and thinking he will never be good enough.Finally, an opportunity came knocking on both men's door, an opportunity that also presented a plethora of options to fail. Both men mustered all their inner drive and put their heart and soul into each and every performance to show that they had what it takes, all they needed was the proper venue to show it.
Though Elliott did not go all the way and win season 5, he continued on, with renewed vigor and support from his loyal fans to push through with an album that he committed himself into. He did things his way, and ended up having a blast of an album that he can truly be proud of. His good friend Taylor, did go all the way and had his record as well, something that he also poured much of himself into resulting in an effort that made a positive impact on his fans' and music lovers' lives.
Looking at the humble beginnings of these two wonderful artists, I can't help but be very proud of what both of them have achieved so far and excited to see what the future will bring for them in their respective careers. And hopefully along the way, though they may be going separate ways, may their friendship be something they keep themselves faithful to.
