Matt Giraud: Not an Athlete, but a Darn Good Singer

Matt Giraud has a lack of sports prowess, but luckily he makes up for it with musical ability. His dream choice for an American Idol mentor would be Billy Joel. Read his comments and more in his Wild Card Show interview.

What did you think of Simon dishing out fashion advice last night to you on the show?
I don't know why he's always hating on me! I trusted the wardrobe people on that one and who takes fashion advice from Simon anyway. [laughs]

On your Idol Q&A, you talk about how you wish you were good at sports because you're so terrible. Can you tell me about what you tried to play?
I used to play soccer in high school, I was a third-string bench warmer. I think I did it just to get a workout at practice. I wish I was good at sports but definitely music is my thing.

You mentioned you are really into pop music and the judges are really into your bluesy, soulful side. Will you attempt pop musci again?
I definitely will attempt pop again. I think there are some themes where I can definitely pull off pop music. I definitely want to get back into it and maybe I'll even do a Jay-Z song in the future, who knows?

Who would be a dream mentor for you?
Because of being a piano player and just someone I love, Billy Joel would be ridiculous. That would be amazing.

What happened after you sang the Coldplay song last week? Did you feel like you blew it?
I definitely could not sleep that night. I felt like people thought I was going to do well and I let everybody down. But that's behind me and I picked the right song and now I'm back.

Your group, White Chocolate, was probably the best group song we've ever seen in Hollywood. How did that come about, who choreographed it?
I think me and Kris Allen took the reins on the vocal part. We wanted to make sure our harmonies were really cool but there was no drama in our group so we didn't get any airtime!

Which judge has given you the best adivce and what has it been?
Kara's given me the best compliments, but now Paula and Kara both say do what you're good at and make sure you anil what you're good at. If you try new things, you might like it, but if you can't nail it then it's no good.

What were your musical influences?
My three main ones were playing piano for choir, playing in Worship Band and playing down at the Marriott in Detroit. People would encourage me and tell me they like dthe way I played. I'd come into [the downtown Marriott] and just sit there and play for free.

Where did the nickname White Chocolate come from?
Cause I was one of the only white kids in the gospel choir in Detroit. [laughs]

What are you leaving behind in Kalamazoo? Do you have a girlfriend?
I have a girlfriend at home, holding me down and keeping me grounded. Also my little brother, I'm a mentor for Big Brother/Big Sister.

What was your family's reaction from last night?
I called my dad first and he was just screaming and his girlfriend was screaming. MY mom was so exicted, she was flipping out. Can I tell my friends this? Can I tell my friends that? One of the best parts of the show is mkaing your family so happy.