Matt's Q&A

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  • When did you first start to sing?
  • 16.
  • Do you have any formal singing training?
  • Not too much. I was in Jazz Ensemble in college.
  • What other talents do you have?
  • I am a piano player and a drummer.
  • If you don't make it on American Idol, what will you do?
  • I will go back to performing at clubs. I will maybe try to put a band together and do bigger things.
  • What are your personal goals in life?
  • To be a respected musician in the eyes of my peers. And to be an inspiration and a blessing to other musicians.
  • What album would your friends be surprised you own?
  • The Best of Charlotte Church.
  • Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?
  • Big, deep breaths. Just remember that I'm here to do what I already know how to do.
  • What's your most embarrassing moment?
  • Can't think of one.
  • What's your proudest moment?
  • When I got a standing ovation in my Hollywood Week performance of "Georgia on my Mind".
  • If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?
  • I would like to be an amazing basketball player because I'm horrible at sports.
  • Who is your favorite judge and why?
  • Kara because she connects with musicians and can see when people are sincere and dedicated like myself.
  • What would people be surprised to learn about you?
  • I'm a huge Disney fan. The movies, the music, everything.
  • Do you have any good luck charms?
  • No.
  • Do you think the audition process was fair?
  • Yes.
  • What's been your favorite moment so far?
  • When I was told that I made it to Hollywood.
  • If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
  • I wish I was a little skinnier and a better interviewee.
  • How do you plan on differentiating yourself in the competition?
  • As a piano player and a passionate singer who feels the music.
  • Who are your musical influences?
  • Coldplay, Gavin DeGraw, The Fray, Dave Matthews, John Mayer.
  • If you have 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
  • Perform in front of 50,000 people and move someone to tears, but just have a great performance.
  • Who is the person that you would most like to meet?
  • Barack Obama.
  • Who's been your favorite Idol thus far?
  • Michael Johns.
  • If you could perform in any venue in the world, where would that be?
  • Madison Square Garden.
  • What was the first concert you attended?
  • Plus One featuring Stacie Orrico and Rachael Lampa.
  • How has music moved you?
  • It frees me from whatever I'm doing. I can get lost in it. It makes me feel like I have something very special.
  • What makes a great performer?
  • Confidence, swagger and talent.
  • How do you combat stage fright?
  • I keep my confidence in my skill.
  • What's been the scariest part of the Idol experience so far?
  • Making to Top 36 was wild. Walking in the room was intimidating and rough on the nerves.
  • What's been the most surprising part of the Idol experience so far?
  • Knowing that the judges keep giving me opportunities to show more of myself.
  • If you could redo any moment in your life, what would it be and why?
  • I wouldn't change anything.
  • If you could perform with any person or group, who would it be and why?
  • It has to be cool to be on tour with a group like Prince and his band. It seems like prince has a lot of fun on stage. I love the soul singing and the freedom he shows.
  • What song would you LOVE to sing on AI?
  • "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel.
  • What one moment in past AI seasons will you always remember?
  • When Fantasia won and sang "I Believe".
  • How did you make the final decision to try out for AI?
  • Someone told me they were driving to Louisville and I knew that second that I had to go with them.

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