Hicks Could Factor Big in Alabama Primary
For many Americans, the most important election of 2006 won't come in November--it's tonight's "American Idol" season finale. (Turnout should be through the roof.)
But in Alabama, the home state of Taylor Hicks, the chubby, Birmingham-born finalist, Idol has become a bit of a nuisance for some of the professionals whose business it is to focus on the old-fashioned kind of election -- and the state of Alabama has a big one on June 6.
So popular is "Idol" that the show's viewership in the state has exploded, dwarfing anything else on television.
Last week's show drew a record 42.6 rating compared to 4 ratings each for the perennially strong "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show."
The "Hicks Factor" has created an unprecedented opportunity for Alabama candidates and consultants for the upcoming primary: practically the entire state is tuning in to 'American Idol' and paying rapt attention -- and to top it all off, they're voters! (If you count voting for your favorite 'Idol' contestant, that is!) Problem is, the cost of associating one's candidacy with Alabama's new favorite son is enough to bankrupt lesser campaigns.
As "Idol's" ratings have skyrocketed, so has the cost of 30-second ads, which can range from $5,000 up to $20,000. The "Hicks Factor" has even spilled over into morning and evening newscasts, whose ratings have been boosted by countless Taylor Hicks tie-ins.
According to information provided to us by one top consultant in the state, Fox's late news has seen a 63 percent increase in ratings due to the 'Idol' lead.
Too bad for Hicks that the state's filing deadline has passed:
if he doesn't take home the crown tonight, he'd have to be the odds-on favorite for governor. [JOSHUA GREEN]
Speaking of:
I have it on good authority that Gov. Riley will again be on American Idol again tonight. Why bother with traditional advertising?
I mean, who really cares about tax cuts, surpluses, and Christianity anyway? Riley's a member of the Soul Patrol!
Justin, they're all still legal n Alabama, even if only supported in varying degress by the different candidates.
Now that's just an unfortunate title if ever there was one. Where d'you get off calling Alabama voters "hicks", anyway ;)
The real question is: Since he looks like a distorted George Clooney are his politics like a distorted George Clooney? That can't play well in Alabama.
He doesn't act like a racist or a big liar. Maybe he's a democrat.
I think it importent to pass this on. There is a blog called Tongue Tied. It is run by some Aussie named John Ray. He is editing posts to this blog to fill some sort of agenda he has and I don't think i thas the US's best interestes in mind.
I don't know if this is terrorist backed but seems possible. Keep your eyes open.
Taylor Hicks,e-mail me.Please!!!