Matt Giraud=Rocky!

IDOL BEAT: History made! Cue theme from 'Rocky'
April 16, 2009 - 6:33 PM
Rhonda Cloutier
SAVED! Ode to Kara: Six Words! Best night in “American Idol” history!
This week’s theme was movie night and we got to see one of the best TV moments ever happen live with scenes played out from “Rocky Horror” to “Rocky” all in an hour show.
Yes, we had a villain (Simon), a devil’s advocate (Ryan), Meatloaf (Adam), Cougars/dancing girls (Paula and Kara), a Dawg (can’t leave out Randy), the choir, the spectators and then there was Matt Giraud (Rocky).
Matt showed his singing and dancing moves in the group song “Maniac.” It was one of the best live group songs we have heard this season and all the Idols had solos and a chance to shine.
Matt was also shown prominently in the Ford video, driving a Ford Mustang. So, the scene was set – Matt hadn’t given his best performance the night before based on two judge’s opinions but his solos in “Maniac” reminded the viewers why he is a great performer.
Fast forward to Lil Rounds and Matt standing next to Ryan, wondering if they were headed home.
When Ryan announced Lil was safe (really?), Matt was left on the stage to come to grips with his elimination.
“I’m never watching this stupid show again,” was heard across the world or maybe that was just in my head. Ryan reminded Matt that he would be singing “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” for his life, that the judges could use their “save” and that the pressure was on.
At this point, the temperature in the normally chilly studio shot up to 212 degrees, you know the point where water boils and going the extra degree makes you a contender.
Way to go Ryan. Let’s make Matt even more nervous. Matt took the microphone and started crooning – not cawing or flapping his wings but slowly, unfolded a tender love ballad that filled the studio with emotion and captured the essence of the song.
Was it perfect? No, he still had a few notes that weren’t quite reached but hope soared, and as he finished the song, he took it up a few notches from Tuesday night and ended on a sweet, sweet note. Matt made both Paula and Kara want him (in a good way) and the crowd began to chant “Save Matt.” The other contestants were on their feet, joining in the chant whole heartedly.
If Matt has never really ever felt the love before – he owned it last night. Simon as usual gave the last word – if he would have said anything other than “Good News” he would have been mobbed by the crowd and his head asked for.
A moment was made in “American Idol” history. Matt Giraud became the first Idol to ever be saved in the finals.
Matt, moved to tears, was group hugged and lifted up not only by his fellow contestants, who all thought he was worthy of the save, even knowing that it meant two people were going home next week but spiritually lifted as well.
Matt, you are back in it! Cue the theme from “Rocky.”
Rhonda Cloutier lives in Santa Rosa Beach. You can reach her at IdolBeat@gmail.com.