Hicks stumps for stuttering singer
Former “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks loves the “exceptional” grit of Season 12 sensation Lazaro Arbos, a stutterer who continues to defy the odds.
Hicks, the Season 5 winner who landed a headliner residency in Las Vegas last year, became one of Arbos’ biggest fans after attending the Season 12 semifinals Wednesday in the “Love” Theater at The Mirage.
“I just hope the voters vote him through so we can watch him grow as a singer,” Hicks said by telephone Thursday.
Hicks, along with millions of Americans, got their wish when the Cuban-born candidate with a severe speech impediment made the top 10 Thursday.
Arbos, whose “Idol” songs have gone viral, thrilled the judges Wednesday with “Feeling Good,” which includes the lyrics, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me.”
“The great thing about ‘Idol’ is it’s about the voice and it’s about the story,” Hicks said. “It’s such an exceptional story, and people want to see somebody become a star.”
And the happiest ending of all, said Hicks, would be if Arbos can overcome his stuttering through music.
“I think he finds comfort in singing. It’s the reverse effect of stage fright,” Hicks said.
CAN YOU SPELL O-U-C-H!
A cheer squad from Liberty High School in Henderson might be in hot water for an impromptu chant during Wednesday’s “American Idol” live show at The Mirage.
Early in the two-hour show at the “Love” Theater, the 27-member contingent started performing chants during commercial breaks to get the attention of the judges.
The group’s off-the-cuff creativity may end up in a trip to the principal’s office.
The squad’s cute cheers included a shout-out to singing star Nicki Minaj when they chanted “Hey Nicki, you’re so fine,” a nod to the 1982 hit song “Mickey” by Toni Basil, a Las Vegas High graduate.
But when Randy Jackson’s turn came, the teens chanted a risque routine that ended with the words, “Let’s get a little randy. R-A-N-D-Y!”
The judging panel appeared too shocked to respond with a “Yeah, baby!”
THE SCENE AND HEARD
“Vegas” needs some help from Lady Luck. The CBS drama based on legendary Las Vegas sheriff Ralph Lamb is being moved to Friday, with “Golden Boy” taking over the Tuesday time slot. CBS reportedly is making the move in hopes the switch will help “Vegas” survive.
SIGHTINGS
Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to perform a mic check on one of the stages. She’ll sing the national anthem Sunday in front of a crowd of 140,000 at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. She’s no stranger to big stages, having performed with brother Donny Osmond at the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. ... Dale Earnhardt Jr., with friends at Joe’s Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Wednesday. ... Minaj look-alike Lisa Crawford of Las Vegas got swarmed by Minaj fans at the “American Idol” show. During a break, Minaj made a heart sign for Crawford and later said hello to Crawford while exiting the theater. ... Verne Troyer, Mini-Me from the “Austin Powers” movie franchise, at the opening of the Fremont Country Club on Wednesday. Also joining club owner “Big Daddy” Carlos Adley was Mayor Carolyn Goodman and her husband, former Mayor Oscar Goodman, pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch and Robert Ortiz of Escape the Fate.
THE PUNCH LINE
“Wrangler is coming out with a pair of jeans that claims to fight cellulite as you wear them. Finally a pair of jeans your boyfriend can say you look fat in, but not for long.” — Conan O’Brien
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
