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TAYLOR HICKS
LOOK TO Joe Cocker and Michael McDonald. Use those lungs, Gray!
BEG TO WORK WITH Mary J. Blige. You know, ''to bring out that soulful side,'' says Universal's David Renzer.
YOUR X-FACTOR The Soul Patrol are the new Claymates. Says BMG Songs' Derrick Thompson: ''You've clearly got a loyal fan following.''

KATHARINE McPHEE
LOOK TO Streisand and Christina Aguilera. Be a balladeer with an edge.
BEG TO WORK WITH Song team David Foster and Diane Warren (''Un-Break My Heart''). ''Be the junior Celine,'' says Thompson. ''There's a market for that.''
YOUR X-FACTOR ''Play subtle,'' says EMI's Jody Gerson. ''With the right pop song, there's a chance of success.''


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Posted May 26, 2006 | Published in issue #879 Jun 02, 2006 | Order Article Reprints