Will Matt Giruad sing for his life?

American Idol Beat 4/15/09
By Rhonda Cloutier
Will Matt Giraud Be Singing For His Life Tonight?

Will the judges finally use their save? Stay tuned! Last night was puzzling. Quentin Tarantino, the guest mentor, is a mastermind at directing but did he really help the singers improve their songs or their deliveries? I was visualizing him casting all seven of the remaining idols in his next movie – we have the Rocky Horror lead, the boy next door distraught by tragedy, the teen heart-throb and then the supporting actors – who at any point can turn in a performance so great that they steal the show from the lead. It’s the supporting actors/singers who have the story arc right now. In every movie (and Reality Shows), as in life, we love to root for the underdogs.
Let’s talk about one of the underdogs, Matt Giraud. This is where the arc is for me. The tortured (yes, I’m talking to you judges) piano player, with a perceived identity crisis, struggles to find himself. I envision Phantom of the Opera meets Rocky, minus the horror. Of all the remaining contestants, he doesn’t need to scream to be heard, he doesn’t need unnatural hair color (I still love you Allison!), or tragic background to elevate him to the forefront. The short-lived, teen heart-throb is not his angle either – he is a “Musician”, with broad appeal. How did he get an identity crisis? The judges gave it to him! Why does he have to be labeled anything? I have enjoyed his repertoire of soul, rock, pop, country and blues. When he sang “So Small”, the Carrie Underwood country hit, he combined all of these elements successfully, without having to stay in the prescribed r&b box. Instead of the Michael Buble or Justin Timberlake comparisons, on this song he reminded me of Darius Rucker. If he goes home tonight, my disappointment will be that we didn’t get to hear a full version of “Georgia on My Mind” (or get to buy it on iTunes!) or my guilty pleasure of “What Goes Around”.
Matt, if you happen to read this, please sing these songs on tour! It will be the only way I will get over the heartbreak of you leaving the show early.
The story, I’m afraid, has already been written. But, it’s not too late; the “Save” could be used. Matt is deserving of the Judges’ free pass. Let’s hope they use it on him!