Er... "boy band legend?" "Boy band" and "legend" in the same phrase? Really? Seems to me the BHC had already fallen by last year.

Boy band legend?!! Turned serious artist? It's obvious you are the moron. There were plenty of A list celebrities there, and Taylor Hicks may just be starting out, but he had the biggest following out there you idiot. Justin Timberlake is a boy band reject turned trying to hard artist. Get a clue.

And Chris Baldwin is just an old, balding idiot.

Geez..Moron??!!! Taylor Hicks??! I doubt that. What did that man do to you, other than make a hell of lot more money than you! Oh, and he's a lot more talented and wayyyyy better looking. So, tell me, what did he do to you?

Justin is an from the MICKEY MOUSE CLUB, dumped a great gal (of course, after
living with her), pulling Janet Jacksons
top down (acting like it was an
accident - Justin is a JERK!!!
Taylor is a gentleman who has never
said anything bad about anyone-was
nominated by the as #1 in the country this
year (along with 9 others) as Best
Mannered People of 2006

Crap! What Taylor did that dissess you? Poor Taylor Hicks, the one that stays true to himself and his music and this is how he is addressed as.

I bet you didn't only don't get Taylor, you doesn't like Ray C., B. Joel and others as well.

It's fine that you have diferent kind of music preference, but, please do not bash others artist that you don't like.

Thank you.

Why in the world would you dish Taylor
Hicks ? Do you even know anything about
him? I just don't get it. Here is a nice
guy, fantastic musician, singer who is
going to be around for a long time. I
just find articles like this very mean
spirited, unfair and unnecessary.
M.Bauer

Hey, you seem to forget that alot of people voted for Taylor Hicks and love him. I am 24 and NEVER would watch the GOLF channel till they had Taylor on...ARe you biteing the hand that feeds your industry?? When I spoke to two of my friends who were there they said he was very gracious signing autographs laughing, talking pictures and is a not only TALLENTED musician but a GREAT DOWN to EARTH MORAL guy !!!! He did NOTHING to you, and in his wonderful album called Taylor Hicks , he did not have to use the F word to make people listen or pull Gladys Knights top down when performing with her. Shame on you.

Seeing the people you seem to admire,Rush Limbaugh and Justin Timberlake I'm not surprised and actually relieved you don't get Taylor Hicks, someone with talent, dignity and class is definately out of your class.

It's your article and your opinion. The Bob Hope Classic did not draw the pro golfers that it used to, this is a fact. Justin Timberlake is a bad boy band legend and an interestig personality from hell....Taylor Hicks is a genuine , humble, determined, loyal, talented artist and musician . The adjectives used to discribe these two gentlemen , say it all..........The world needs people to admire and emulate like Taylor Hicks; not like Justin Timberlake.

And I like Rush too....

You would expect this level of commentary when a Golf blogger who admires a cigar-smoking drug abuser. Taylor Hicks' first CD just went platinum. Don't you wish you could have accomplished as much.

Try again...this comment form has a bug and cut off some of my sentence...

You would expect this level of commentary
when a Golf blogger who admires a
cigar-smoking drug abuser attempts to write
about recording artists. Taylor Hicks'
first CD just went platinum. Don't you
wish you could have accomplished as much.

I guess no one ever visits your blog, because the only comments you are getting are negative ones regarding your idiotic remarks about Taylor Hicks. It is amazing that so many people who don't even know him, have never seen/heard him, simply can't stand him. Your credibility, whatever it was before, has now sunk about as far as it can. Your pseudo-elitist attitude is really pathetic. Get a life, dude.

Chris Baldwin...I would have to call you

Chris Baldwin.....I would have to call you Chris Bald"lost" because if you don't get Taylor Hicks, then you have definitely LOST! I suggest you buy a ticket, see a concert and get back to me. Justin Timberlake, are you kidding?

LOL....Oh, man. I can understand not liking Taylor Hicks....but when you attempt to make Justin Timberlake look like a real talent in comparison, then you just have to be a complete friggin idiot.

I'll have to assume this Chris douchebag is doing this for some attention. Nobody is that stupid.

Hicks is a man who would continue to speak to you after the comments you just made about him. A real man.

Well, at least Rosie wasn't there. Think Positive Baldwin

It's sad when people actually get paid to be be rude.(mind you,I'm sure not very well)
I'm sure you are an avid golfer like myself and could only dream of being invited to play in the Bob Hope Classic, yet neither of us will ever have that opportunity. I guess I can accept that, you can't!! Don't let bitterness and envy eat away at you, it isn't healthy.

That is the stupidest article I have ever read!! You made yourself look like an idiot!! I have never met Taylor Hicks, but He has shown that he is very talented and a down to earth, well mannered person. I hate golf, but have found myself checking it out looking for sightings of Taylor. I suggest you look in the mirror and see if you were writing about yourself!

How's Taylor swing a club? Does he have any action through the hitting zone? Delayed release? Pronation or suponation? Uncoiling of the hips?

I could NOT believe what I was reading!
Taylor brought more NEW viewers to the Bob Hope Classic than Justin could ever DREAM of doing! How dare you make derogatory comments about an HONEST, kind-hearted, talented, and dedicated musician who worked small clubs & bars for ten friggin years before getting a break! Have you LISTENED to his CD? Give it a try and you'll hear what REAL music sounds like! Justin's latest was on a poll as one of the WORST songs of 06, but hey..YOU liked it! Go figure!!

" Justin Timberlake, the boy band legend turned serious artist "

Thank you, I needed a good laugh today!

A rush limbaugh AND justin timberlake fan? Haha

One trying to sound holy while abusing drugs, the other trying to sound notty while allegedly doing drugs. Role models indeed! I wanna be cool like them! Not...

Oh and "interesting" personality? Sure, if you've never run into the "phenomenon" rappers and rockers before. Otherwise, it's just your run of the mill superficial loser trying to be cool.

You should thank Taylor Hicks for getting you some attention. :)

Mr. Bald(lose) this article by far, has to be the most ridiculous and most unintelligent one written by the media thus far. Nobody reads your stuff and this is a way to boost readership. You need to get another job with more money because your jealousy has shown thru insulting Taylor Hicks. Your opinion is just that, your opinion. The sad thing is that YOU get paid to be nasty (probably lower many
others in your field thus the need to HIT IT BIG) May you can further your position now!

Chris Baldwin's article is one of the most mean-spirited I have read in a long time.

Because of Taylor Hicks, women all over the USA were watching golf this week for the first time--some even called their cable companies to purchase the Golf Channel.

"Vibe" magazine (the African-American music publication) recently called Hicks, "The embodiment of the last 50 years of American music." Pretty hefty praise for a funky white boy from Alabama.

Taylor Hicks was recently named "Best Mannered Celebrity" in the USA.

People magazine chose Taylor Hicks "Bachelor of the Year."

Featured on Larry King Live last Thursday night, the show with Taylor Hicks and Fantasia Barrino will be shown again tonight (Jan 21) "by popular demand."

Taylor Hicks' self-titled CD went platinum within a month of being released --and that with virtually no paid advertising and no single from the CD yet released to the public or radio stations.

Taylor Hicks' concert tours are selling out across the nation within an hour after tickets are going on sale - at virtually every venue, not just in the South.

Yes. Poor, poor Taylor Hicks.

As for Chris Baldwin?

Bless his heart.

The rath of the Soul Patrol has befallen you. The SP may commend Mr. Hicks for his beautiful manners, but speak against him or one of their own and be prepared for disembowelment.

Seriously, though, the Justin Timberlake comparison is is nauseating.

What a nasty thing to say. I didn't even vote for Hicks, but I know he's not a moron.

Is your wife spending too much time fawning over Taylor and you are feeling inadequate as a man? Let everyone form their own opinion about Taylor's music. People can go to taylorhicks.com and listen to his music, and see for themselves what real music is all about.

geeeesh....what crawled up your behind to hh bash the "The Best Mannered Celebrity of
2006"...Taylor Hicks is a true musician
and Timberflake is a repulsive joke...why
don't you go listen to "Sexyback" and then
listen to Taylor's "Just to feel That Way
".....Listen and Learn!!!!!

You discredited yourself by saying you long for Rush Limbaugh. Then you dug your hole deeper by revealing your crush on JT. The entire entry is laughable. If your beef is with American Idol in general fine but don't take it out on Taylor, who had to bite his tongue 1000 times during his tenure on the "worst show on TV". That man is pure class, unlike publicity hound JT. Pardon me, but I don't see how bringing SexyBack to the golf course is going to help the Bob Hope Classic.

By now you I'm sure you realize you've made a total fool out of yourself. My theory is that you are gay and you are attracted to Justin and not Taylor.

When I read an article such as yours (or hear Simon saying to a contestant to stick their gum on Taylor's face) my immediate reaction is shock. Then I wonder where the anger is coming from. I hope you find some peace in your life. LIfe is too short.

Did you get your sexy back? Good for you.

Soul Patrol!!!!

You are a joke! If you need people to read your articles, you did not have to go this route, man! There is a difference between a journalist and a tabloid reporter. Well, you are neither. In my opinion, you are just an amateur 8th grade writer. Are you sure none of your kids wrote this article for you? Maybe they just LOVE Justin Timberlake. Come on fess up, I'm helping you get off the hook!

Justin Timberlake's only popular with young girls and gay men.

Is there something you'd like to tell us, Chris?

Well, I guess you accomplished your goal - getting someone, ANYONE, to read your piece. Too bad you didn't make it worth my time.
All I know is, I watched the Golf Channel for 4 days - including all of the ads. Never turned it on before, never even knew we had it.
Why such interest? Taylor Hicks. He's a class act and a REAL musician. I'll bet the BHCC organizers, the sponsors and the Golf Channel are happy he played.

Mr. Baldwin, you have learned first-hand the wrath that is inflicted on any journalist who dares scorn the "Soul Patrol," a group of mostly middle-aged women reduced to fangirly schoolgirls by a one Taylor Hicks, aka "Tay-Tay" to the SP. Fact is, you are right. Taylor's 15 min. of fame are over, and sales of his album are fading fast. He has nowhere near the star power of Rush Limbaugh or Justin Timberlake.

A moron! You called Taylor Hicks a moron! You're kidding right? It's bad enough I wasted my time reading the crap you wrote (and tried to pass of as "journalism") but I must be out of my mind taking the time to respond. You, sir, are the moron! Too bad Justin Timber"fake" couldn't have caddied for Taylor. It might have allowed him the opportunity to see what real class - and real "sexy" are all about.

Taylor Hicks is a gentleman, which is more than I can say about you.

I'm a 32 year old male who would rather listen to Taylor Hicks belch out his own originals than anything else in the industry today.

And I certainly am not stupid enough to call an actual musician a "no talent" while pining for a true talentless hack like Justin Timberlake.

Hand Hicks a guitar and you got yourself a song. Do the same with Justin...and....well, hopefully there's a radio around somewhere.

But hey....boy bands are teh kool!! To Justin, from Chris!! With love!!

Go back to your mother's womb and start over, you probably wouldn't make it through the birth canal.

Taylor hicks is a talented singer, musician and songwriter, and a Southen gentleman. You have no right to degrade somebody you don't even know. Timberflake is a drug user, abuser and scum. Go bury your head in sand.

I bet the ratings will be higher than ever t this year because Taylor was playing.I wouldn't walk out in my front yard to see Timberlake.From what Justin said about Taylor that should tell you what kind of person he is.As for Taylor not having talent,he's gaining new fans everyday.You are driving would be new fans away from golf with comments like this.Taylor will have sussess in whatever he does.

HAHAHA! This has to be a joke!

I am a guy and enjoy Hicks , especially the pre AI songs and I like 6 songs off his album. Hey I hate AI too but this guy deserves better than what you dished out. I fell for ya son...these women , including my wife is going to be on you like WHITE on RICE !!! Totally uncalled for dude !!

I think that this writer has hit a new low, with his comments about JT being such a stat and Taylor Hicks being such a let down. Jt is a bigger star and there's nothing that we can do about it, however this is a golf match and I don't think that many people were very upset because JT couldn't make it and taylor could. A note for the writer next time your doing a story about nothing, think, because this comment makes you seem like the the scare crow in the wizard of Oz, you need to find a brain, follow the yellow brick road.

I do hope you are kidding

"Oh for the days of Rush Limbaugh"

I really have no words for that...

As far as no talent Hicks, you should take the time to actually listen to an artist before you say something like that. Taylor Hicks is a very talented artist. He is a musician and has written his own music before idol. Two of which are on his new cd, which is platinum now btw.

What you said is just wrong and you should apologize.

You brought this reaction on yourself by calling someone, anyone, a moron. You just can't go around calling people names like that. It makes you look bad and makes people dislike you.

Saying you like Rush Limbaugh automatically puts you in a certain category. Since so many people dislike him (including me) it isn't going to win you any points. And Justin Timberlake is truly not known for his musical talent, sorry.

You knew very well your blog would stir up some muck and bring some abuse ringing down around your ears. Apparently that's what you wanted.

Personally I admire Taylor Hicks and enjoy his music, along with many truly talented artists I also enjoy. JT isn't one of them, but to each their own. I hope you got what you wanted out of your blog. But it's a bit sad when you can only get attention by calling people morons

Don't let the Soul Patrolers fool ya; they are worse than the Claymates. Their boards are so upset you can almost see the heads spinning around until they fly off. Taylor Hicks has no talent. Let it be said. Then just stand back and watch the spit fly.

If you are going to blog responsibly, then please try to be objective and not let your our personal crushes interfere with your ability to be a good journalist. It's unfortunate that Justin couldn't be at the Bob Hope tourney so that you could salivate over him. That isn't Taylors fault. So why diss Taylor for stepping in to fill the slot? In a recent golf world blog you confessed your affection for justin here is the quote ...


"I love Justin Timberlake! There, happy? I just love the NYSNC, boy band, Mickey Mouse Club man with the high-pitched singing voice and twirling dance moves."

Just because you are let down doesn't give you the right to bash Taylor.

After the hardcore obsessed fans finish buying what they can afford of his music, it will drop out of sight. THANK GOODNESS!

Taylor Hicks may not be the golfer Rush is and you're certainly entitled to your own music preferences, but calling the man a moron simply shows that you have about as much class as Justin Timberlake.

I'd only read your blog once before, but you can bet I certainly won't bother to read it in the future.

I hope you're getting some kind of credit for every hit on your site. The loonies on the Hicks message boards are flocking here to slap your hand. Enjoy!

Did you see him on Ellen? She held her nose and had him on because she had to. She hates his no-talent music and has said so. He huffed and puffed so much, you can tell he's still a smoker.

If you have to call someone a moron to
get hits on your site what does that say
about your journalistic ability!

So, first of all, you obviously don't know anything about music or music artists. Comparing Justin Timberlake to Taylor Hicks is like comparing saw dust to sugar; There's no point really.

It's all great and dandy that you have your own opinions on the matter, but really, these are extremely harsh. Taylor Hicks is an amazing artist and I'm frankly quite sick of hearing people go on and on about "how terrible he is" when actually, he's one of the better american idols so far and a HELL of a lot better than Justin Timberlake.

So leave your Taylor bashing private please, unless you want a mob of angry soul-patrol (does Justin Timberlake have a soul-patrol?)members after you.

Oh, and fyi, I'm actually 15. Yes, a "snot-nosed, stuck up" teenager likes Taylor Hicks. Oh, and quite frankly, I really don't like Justin Timberlake either; He sounds like a bird on helium who got hit by a train

I stumbled upon a Taylor Hicks appearance on the Tonight Show. Believe me, moron is putting it very politely. He made even Jay Leno look brilliant by comparison.

Just call me the gentleman of all gentleman in bloggers.

As TravelGolf's official authority on pop music, I would have to say Baldwin's right on point. Hicks shows how much mainstream music has slid in the last few years. The fact this guy could have "charisma" is almost laughable, yet all you brainwashed robots who watch American Idol eat it up. Every time I hear that show is the most watched in America, I look to see if there is any empty spots on my passport.

Timberlake does have street cred, comparatively. He was in a boyband, and was also one of the first to jump ship. His solo career ain't too shabby compared to the rest of the poop on the radio. By all accounts he can golf, too.

I hate to say this, but for a music critic, you're a lousy golf blogger.

I don't suppose you've heard of that little thing called Google wherein you can find out information about all sorts of things in a manner of seconds! For reals!

For example, my Google search reveals that Justin Timberlake is on a nationwide tour right now, and one could easily conclude that he wasn't "replaced" by anyone but was otherwise engaged and unable to participate in the Bob Hope Classic. That 30 seconds of Googling is what commonly referred to as "research", a handy practice for someone who "writes" blog articles, although now that I think about it, if you admire Rush Limbaugh, you'd probably think research is for sissies. Heaven knows, he certainly never practices it.

Now, I really think you should THANK Taylor Hicks. Really. For this brief shining moment in time your blog is getting lots of traffic from his fans. Today you win the prize - "Worst Blogger in the Known Universe" from the Soul Patrol. Wear this honor with pride, Dude, because tomorrow you get to go back to being fairly irrelevant and ignored.

But while I'm here, let me offer some helpful advice (because I care!):

When using snark for the purpose of macho posturing, it's probably not a good idea to demonstrate a man crush on a former boyband singer (not that there's anything wrong with that) even one who purports to bring the sexy back.

Don't get me wrong. I personally find your little crush on Justin Timberlake to be absolutely PRECIOUS, but in my limited experience, most men above the age of junior high school are a bit more circumspect in their fanboyishness. Just sayin'. I'd hate for people to get the wrong idea about you.

You can thank me later.

Obviously, Timberlake wasn’t bumped from the tournament. He’s a real star. The point is that when Timberlake tells you he’s not coming and you get the brainchild, ‘Hey, how that American Idol faker’ for a replacement “musician” golfer, you’ve sunk to new celebrity tournament lows.

Again, there wasn’t a Frank Sinatra impersonator in Palm Springs they could find? A 15-year-old kid with a harmonica?

What can I possibly add? I take my hat off, and give a deep bow, to everyone who has set this poor sad blogger straight.

Or perhaps not. A fan of both Justin Timberlake AND Rush Limbaugh most certainly will never, EVER get the talented, gentlemanly, good-natured, intelligent Mr. Taylor Hicks.

Baldwin, 1 - Fish In Barrel, 0.

Geez, I guess you have been hit in the head with too many golf balls. What you had to say was just plain wrong. Are you, by any chance,related to Simon Cowell, cause you sound just like him. Rude.

The very well respected music industry
website, www.allmusic.com, has selected
Taylor Hicks' new album, as one of the
best albums of the last 3 months. They
are certainly unbiased and have a
superior musical knowledge. Read their
well thought out and reasoned review--
they really liked his new album.
Golf uses the celebrities for publicity
and to attract additional viewers. Why
such a vituperative reaction to a man
who is just doing what he was asked
to do? Go to youtube and listen to
Justin's a capella version of the
National Anthem, and THEN you will see
how weak his voice really is, without
the use of the studio pro-tools.

You are entitled to your opinion.. and others who actually KNOW what good music is are entitled to theirs...

Allmusic.com
Relix Magazine
Vibe magazine

All credible music sites have given Taylor and/or his cd great reviews. If Justin Timberflake makes you happy then good for you... What you said was down right mean and uncalled for.

Talk about being brainwashed.. thinking what's on top40 radio today is good music ... that's brainwashed.

Check out this trailer

www.beforethemusicdies.com

I think you should take a look at Graycharles.com and check out some other artists and listen to Gray Charles radio. You might be surprised at what you are missing out on.

Do some research before you blog!

Chris, Chris, Chris,

your commenting on comments ..... poor judgement. I had no thoughts one way or another on who the celebs were.... just enjoy the game of golf...... until the girlfiend made me read your dribble..... stick to golf and lay off this Taylor dude.... and for Gods sake Justin Timberlake???? Rush Limbaugh????? couldn't you find more credible celebrity golfers to crush on???

First of all American Idol is the number one rated show, so as far as moron goes look in the mirror. Second, Taylor has more talent in his left um.... putt then JT has in his entire Mickey Mouse Club body. You need to stick to the actual game of golf and leave the celebrity comments to the professionals. Or at least to people who know a little more about music and talent. I would do a little more research on popularity of the celebrities before making such ingnorant comments. Andy Garica was in the God Father! Are you kidding me!

Me thinks you are a "wee" man

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:45rz284305na~T1 this is Taylor's review of his music...BTW just a few weeks ago he performed for the USO for the troups and wants to do more . Bob Hope would have loved that quality about him. I am a nurse and I love that Taylor supports 2 main charities , one which transports sick kids to medical appointments ( KID ONE ) and a art and performing center for autistic and handicapped adults and children called Studio by the Tracks. Other projects included cd and supplies for the troups, veterans and special olympics. We as Soul Patrolers are not only about the Love of real music but helping others because of Taylor's example. He dontated $100 to Kid One when he was a struggling musician. He told them that if he ever was in the position to help the kids he would and he has kept his promise. He is a kind compassionate man.

As someone who follows golf, I find your comments out of line. Shouldn't you stick to golf reviews and not musical talent. You probably wouldn't know talent if it hit you in the face. Justin Timberlake, please. Rush Limbaugh, are you kidding? Dude, you have really bad taste.

I've heard lots of rude things come out of Simon Cowell's mouth, but YOU have sunk to an all-time low. Taylor Hicks has something in spades that your "golden boy" Justin Timber-Fake doesn't, and that's actual talent. Taylor is truly real, he uses his musician's instincts and has a heart of gold - he didn't need any fancy pro-tooling to record his album, he used real musicians. All Timber-Fake did was sell himself out at a young age to Mickey Mouse. Boy-band legend? I should say not! More like a boy-band reject to me. Oh, and if you still think Taylor is a moron, then how did he win American Idol and help make Season 5 the best season to date? How did he end up producing a platinum-certified first album before a single was released to radio?

BTW: I am a 27-year-old Canadian and I adore Taylor. Get your facts straight in the future and grow up, because years from now we'll be the ones laughing at you when Taylor will be an international superstar and Justin Timberlake will be a washed-up has-been.

Gotta be short man syndrome! What other
excuse could there be for this drivel..
Moron would be a step up for you, sir.

Thanks for the laugh! Not the comments, but your blog!

one would think you'd just appreciate all who supported this charitable event!
nothing else needs to be sad here-think you got the attention you wanted and i guess needed-glad the soul patrol is looking out for our man!