Matt Giraud

Matthew Scott Giraud, born May 11, 1985, is a former contestant on American Idol 2009 from Kalamazoo, MI. He auditioned in Louisville, KY, singing Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Wanna Be." Prior to Idol, Giraud worked as a dueling pianist, having taught himself the piano at age 19. He also plays the drums. During Hollywood Week, Giraud sang "Georgia On My Mind" and received a standing ovation from the judges. He was chosen by the judges to advance to the finals as a Wildcard. Giraud performed "Human Nature" in the top 13; "So Small" in the top 11; "Let's Get It On" in the top 10; "You Found Me" in the top 9; "Part-Time Lover" in the top 8 and "Have You Really Ever Loved A Woman" in the top 7. He received the fewest votes in top 7 week, but was saved by the judges by using the one and only save in the competition. In second top 7 week he sang "Stayin' Alive" and advanced to the top 5, where he sang "My Funny Valentine." Giraud was finally eliminated on April 29 and left in good spirit, calling himself "the cat with nine lives." Most recently, Matt moved to L.A.