First it was the bush baby, now it’s Taylor Hicks’ love life. It seems “American Idol” is gaining more ties to Wisconsin by the minute. After just being named the new home of “Simon” the bush baby, Milwaukee is now being touted as the home to “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks’ new girlfriend.
Last week Hicks was photographed frolicking on a beach in Hawaii with a bikini-clad blonde. Well, it turns out Hicks’ female companion was none other than Caroline Lyders, a morning anchor at Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate. (Yes, I did work at various television news stations in Wisconsin, but since Lyders has only been at her job for a couple of years—-I did not get a chance to work with her.) Consequently, the city is abuzz with talk of the new couple. (Yes, this type of news creates quite a stir here. Hey, we are about as far away from Hollywood as you can get–can you blame us?)
According to a Milwaukee-based online magazine, Lyders first met Hicks when she interviewed him in March. They reportedly stayed in touch and just today Lyders told a reporter at the magazine: “Taylor and I are friends.” She also added: “And as a journalist I respect your asking. But beyond that, I’d rather not comment on my personal life.” Way to play coy. Of course, if they only met less than three months ago, perhaps, they really are “just friends.” (Though, how many people do you know who typically fly off to Hawaii after knowing each other for just a couple of months?)
When the online magazine questioned Hicks’ friends about Lyders one responded: “I don’t know about any new girlfriend, but I’m not surprised. Taylor always had girls following him even before he ever became famous.”
So did Lyders simply follow Hicks to Hawaii? I doubt it.
According to Hicks’ pal, going public with a girl at his side is a good sign (at least for Lyders).
“He is a romantic when it comes to women, and he treats them with respect,” Hicks’ friend told the online magazine. “So to be seen out in public with this girl makes me know that he likes her, because that’s just how he is.”
I’m not sure what to make of the new couple. But I will say this–if you ever thought that living in the antithesis of Hollywood makes you exempt from finding love with a celebrity—-Hicks and Lyders’ coupling proves you wrong.
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