Taylor Hicks' advice for "American Idol" contestants: get off the phone!

He says people who yak on their cell phones for hours will show up to the "Idol" set with a weak voice. It makes sense that the kids would be on their phone's alot since they are away from family and friends. Put a weak tired voice and couple that with nerves and maybe that's why everybody has been dissapointing.

Hicks also adds that he'll be sad to see Simon Cowell leave as a judge but he thinks the show is not about the judges anyway. He says "the concept of watching the American dream unfold is what makes 'American Idol' 'American Idol."'

Hicks remembers Simon telling him he wouldn't make it past the final 24, but says he did apologize when he won, telling him he was wrong.

Hicks is currently touring in the production "Grease."