American Idol is pulling out all the stops this season, the show's 23rd. First they hired former Idol winner and singing legend Carrie Underwood to replace exiting judge Katy Perry. Then they landed the ever-popular Jelly Roll as the show's first Artist-in-Residence. Now they are bringing on folk and rock music icon James Taylor to mentor the remaining contestants. That will be a real treat all around.
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Taylor has won half a dozen Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million albums in his distinguished and lengthy 60-year career. He has so many beloved classic hits like "Fire and Rain," "How Sweet It Is," and "Your Smiling Face." The Boston-born artist is now 77 years old and happily going stronger than ever. Taylor is also in the Massachusetts Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Next Episode Of 'Idol' Should Be Super Exciting
Per masslive.com, the 14 contestants will be singing songs by artists in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jelly and Taylor will be giving their guidance and encouragement along the way. Should be fascinating!
According to the outlet, as we know, Taylor has truly prestigious and remarkable credentials. He "was inducted into the esteemed Hall of Fame in 2000 alongside artists like Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Earth, Wind & Fire."
Some Extraordinary Women Have Been Part Of Taylor's Life and Career
Joni Mitchell And Taylor Were In A Relationship Many Years Back
James Taylor has had relationships and marriages to some very special women. He was involved with Joni Mitchell back in the early 1970s. That was when each of them was getting established in the music industry, per Woman's World. "While the relationship didn't last long, it had a major musical impact, as they performed together and Taylor played guitar on her famed 1971 album Blue."
Per the outlet via The Guardian, Taylor said five years ago, "We've continued to have a friendship and, well, I recently sort of re-engaged with Joni, and that's been wonderful. She came to a show of mine recently, at the Hollywood Bowl, which was an unusual thing for her to do."
Taylor And Singer Carly Simon Wed
He and singer Carly Simon tied the knot in 1872. They performed together and had a pair of hits in that decade, "Devoted to You" and "Mockingbird." They also had two children, Ben and Sally, but Taylor's substance abuse issues were a reportedly a problem for the couple. In 1983, they called it quits.
He Strode Down The Aisle With Actress Kathryn Walker
He said that Walker played a key role in helping him deal with his addiction. However, the couple divorced in 1995.
Caroline Smedvig Has Been Mrs. James Taylor Since 2001
Smedvig, who was formerly doing PR for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has twin sons with Taylor. Rufus and Henry "were born via surrogate."
