Matt Giraud
Allendale, Michigan, United States
Music
Press
In late December of 2011, the newly formed not-for-profit, The Friends of the Paw Paw District Library, choose an ambitious first big fund raiser…a live performance featuring Matt Giraud on St. Patrick’s day 2012 (90 days out!). It was important to The Friends that this event touch many in the community, celebrate our new beautiful library, increase membership, and raise funds. Matt Giraud not only agreed to the special show, but also offered a remarkable an opportunity for many high school choir students to participate in the production and performance of the show. The week before the show, Matt came to the Paw Paw School to practice with the Choir. His schedule stay of an hour expanded to most of the day, where he met with many small groups of the music students at the school, shared his experiences, answered questions, took pictures, signed autographs, and sang songs together. The day was magical and inspiring for everyone. On the day of the performance, Matt transformed a sound check and the preshow preparation into a special experience for everyone involved. His show performance both captivated and engaged the entire auditorium, from the very young to the community seniors. The event achieved and exceeded all the objectives. The opportunity Matt provided for so many to be part of this production and performance experience was priceless. After hours of performance, Matt stayed on long after the show until all of his fans, long time and new, had a chance to get a picture, an autograph, and a chance to say thanks. Matt’s touch with people is just like his musical touch… intensely personal, richly sincere, and performed with the techniques of a wise Savant. - Paw Paw Friends of the Library Representative
Matt Giraud is a true performer with a heart of gold. His performance was a huge success, captivating the audience and channeling their energy. Matt showed professionalism on stage and behind the scenes. His charming personality is infectious - simply he is a pleasure to work with. From the multiple classroom visits to his surprise visit at our high school choir's holiday concert, Matt sparkled with excitement and engaged our students! We can't wait for his return... - Marketing Assistant & Performing Arts Center Coordinator, Plainwell Community Schools
Discography
Matts success on American Idol led to more than just television appearances. While playing a private event in Los Angeles that was put together by Idol creator Simon Fuller, he was discovered by vocalist Anna Wilson. Anna flew Matt to Nashville to record a duet of the country classic You Dont Know Me, which was released on i-tunes and quickly rose to #1 on the i-tunes Jazz chart. That rendition also appears on Annas latest cd project, Countrypolitan Duets which also features singers like Keith Urban and Billy Dean. Matts soulful vocals also caught the attention of Jim Brickman, and Matt was the vocalist on Thank You, Brickmans 2010 single that reached #16 on the Hot AC and AC charts.
Photos
Bio
From his start as a young boy singing and playing percussion with his church choir in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to his American Idol success and then to the many sold out shows that have followed, it has become clear to America that Matt Giraud is a born entertainer.
Matt attended college at Western Michigan University where he studied vocal jazz under the legendary Steve Zegree. Believe it or not, Matt didnt play the piano until he got to WMU and found a piano in the lobby of his dorm. During his stint at WMU, he put together the Giraud Mattei project, which won a Downbeat Magazine Award for Outstanding College Performance, Blues/Pop/Rock Group. The Presidents office at WMU then awarded Matt a $1,000 scholarship, which, like all good musicians, he spent on an instrument. Owning that keyboard enabled him to join a cover band that performed all over west Michigan. With his new repertoire Matt was able to then get a job as a piano player in a dueling piano bar. It should be noted that the guy who began paying just a few short years ago now has an endorsement deal with Yamaha pianos.
Fast forward to 2008, American Idol Season 8. Matt went to his first Idol audition with no advance notice. He was asked by a friend to come along for moral support, and decided as long as he was there he may as well audition. Several stellar performances led him to the top 11, where he was eliminated in the voting but stayed on as a result of the first ever judges save. He eventually finished 5th, and his soulful performance of My Funny Valentine led to outstanding reviews from Simon Cowell. On the subsequent national American Idol Live tour Matt received rave reviews, and more than one reviewer wrote that he stole the show. He also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Access Hollywood, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Larry King Live Special featuring the Top Ten Idol contestants of that year.
Matts success on American Idol led to more than just television appearances. While playing a private event in Los Angeles that was put together by Idol creator Simon Fuller, he was discovered by vocalist Anna Wilson. Anna flew Matt to Nashville to record a duet of the country classic You Dont Know Me, which was released on i-tunes and quickly rose to #1 on the i-tunes Jazz chart. That rendition also appears on Annas latest cd project, Countrypolitan Duets which also features singers like Keith Urban and Billy Dean. Matts soulful vocals also caught the attention of Jim Brickman, and Matt was the vocalist on Thank You, Brickmans 2010 single that reached #16 on the Hot AC and AC charts.
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