Lacy Hall writes over at TVSquad.com that she is bucking for Taylor Hicks to win ‘American Idol’ after the shocking departure of Chris Daughtry last week. “With Chris gone, I have a new reason to watch ‘Idol’,” she writes. “I want Taylor to destroy them. Destroy them all. When we first met Taylor, he seemed the most unlikely candidate for ‘American Idol’. He’s got gray hair. He’s kinda tubby. And he looks like he’s taking a dump when when he sings. This whole season has been absurd, so why not end it with a fireworks display of absurdity.” Read more.

‘American Idol’ frontrunner Taylor Hicks visited his hometown in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday (May 12) and received a hero’s welcome. The trip home included a parade, a performance at Alabama’s largest shopping mall and a meeting with the governor. Fans swarmed Hicks for pictures and autographs at every stop. TMZ.com has since removed video.

TMZ has learned that ‘American Idol’ finalist Taylor Hicks was offended by Simon Cowell’s remark after Taylor’s performance Tuesday night. Simon’s comment — “Are you drunk?” — pushed a sensitive button with Taylor.

TMZ has learned, beginning next week, ‘American Idol’ finalist Taylor Hicks will undergo a hair color transformation. Each week, over the next few, Hicks grey will become less prominent.