Ryan Seacrest: (Introduction) Taylor is up first. Let's see what advice Kenny had for him...
Intro clip... Kenny: (To camera) When Taylor started out singing "Take Me Home Country Roads" it felt weak to me. It felt like he wasn't sure whether he liked the song or not... wasn't sure what the song was all about.
Kenny : (In the rehearsal room, talking to Taylor) The first note that comes out of your mouth makes a difference to the people listening... (as to) whether they listen to the second or third. It's a journey and if you don't get 'em in the first you're gonna lose them before the end.
Kenny: (To camera) If he can do that and make the song 'his' and make it feel important I think he'll do really well.
Taylor sings...
¯ Almost heaven ¯ West Virginia ¯ Blue Ridge mountains ¯ Shenandoah River ¯ Life is old there ¯ Older than the trees ¯ Younger than the mountains ¯ Goin' like a breeze ¯ Country Roads ¯ Take me home ¯ To the place I belong ¯ West Virginia ¯ Mountain mama ¯ Take me home ¯ Country roads ¯ I hear her voice in the morning hours she calls me ¯ The radio reminds me of my home far away ¯ And drivin' down the road I get a feeling ¯ That I could have been home yesterday ¯ Yesterday ¯ Country Roads ¯ Take me home ¯ To the place I belong ¯ West Virginia ¯ Mountain mama ¯ Take me home ¯ Country roads ¯ Take me home ¯ Down the country roads ¯
(Cheers and applause)
Randy Jackson: Yo-yo! A'right so you know what for me... for me dude it was probably a pretty good choice for you. I thought the vocal was just okay. I didn't think it was really exciting and my problem... (Boos from the audience) No, no, no, no... check it out... my problem is.. is I mean some people might think 'Country Week... the songs are easier' but I didn't see you exude any of your personality that we've come to know you for. It was just 'okay'.
Paula Abdul: Uhm... You know I love you Taylor... but I feel like you are so full of life and electrifying... but to me this... just, the song choice didn't allow you to shine, for me.
Taylor: (Nods) Okay.
Randy Jackson: It was kind of dull.
Paula Abdul: It was kind of like, you know, you just sing it as it is...
Randy Jackson: Yeah.
Paula Abdul: ...and I expected a little more out of you.
Taylor: Okay.
Simon Cowell: I thought it was safe, boring, lazy... (Laughter, including Taylor) ...it sounded like (Audience boos and jeers) ...it...
Randy Jackson: No, he's right.
Simon Cowell: It sounded like you'd chosen that song ten seconds ago, no rehearsal, and er, "I'll just sing a Country song!" Whoopee! Didn't do anything for you really.
Taylor: (Still managing to smile) Fine. Fine.
Ryan Seacrest: (Joining Taylor on stage) Taylor.
Taylor: What's up man.
Ryan Seacrest: Aghh! "Safe, boring and lazy"
Taylor: (Grinning ironically) Yeah!
Ryan Seacrest: (Gestures toward Simon) Simon's love life ladies and gentlemen. (Taylor laughs and applauds)
Randy Jackson: Whoa! Whoa!
Simon Cowell: (Grins sheepishly)
Ryan Seacrest: If you'd like to vote for Taylor and you 'love' Taylor Hicks... (Ryan gives out the voting numbers) All right Taylor, good luck buddy. (Shaking Taylor's hand) Good to see ya.
Taylor: Thanks Ryan. 'Preciate it.