Stop reading if you haven’t watched last night’s American Idol and think you’re somehow going to get through the day without a SPOILER…We good?…You gone?…Okay. Matt Giraud’s performance of "My Funny Valentine" was my favorite Idol goodbye ever. It made me understand exactly what Simon Cowell meant in his critique on Tuesday, when he said that Matt was the only one in the Top 5 who really got the genre. There was an ease and a patience in his vocals last night, the kind of f— it all freedom that most of us only get after we’ve had a few drinks. (Very Rat Pack.) He caressed those notes, killed those runs, and made you feel the words he was singing. That’s what standards are about — creating a mood. They take you to another time, and yet, remind you that some emotions (oh hell, it’s always love) are timeless. Maybe that prose is a little too flowery for you. All I’m really saying is that as someone who’s seen Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Michael Feinstein, and Michael Bublé in concert, I appreciated Matt’s vocals last night. Seeing the judges’ standing ovation and remaining Idol contestants’ reactions to it, I know I’m not the only one. But since I couldn’t find a clip of it on YouTube this morning, I’m starting to question it. It was one of the best Idol goodbyes, right?
More American Idol:
Michael Slezak recaps last night’s show
Adam B. Vary: On the scene at the Top 5 results show
Michael Slezak’s five-part video interview with Anoop Desai
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I felt the same way about Matt’s exit performance. I only wish he had performed ‘My Funny Valentine’ that well on Tuesday night’s show.
Matt will be missed, especially with Gokey left in the competition. Gross!
I can’t listen to My Funny Valentine without hearing Jimmy Fallon as Harry Connick Jr. being harrassed by James Van Der Beek and Tracy Morgon with a lazer pointer.
I totally agree! I thought it was the best goodbye ever! I do think that if he had done that Tuesday he would still be on the show today! I loved his performance and those runs killed!!
The shock wasn’t that Matt went home. He should have gone home 2 weeks ago. His performance last night was so much better that it was the night before. The shock was that Adam was in the bottom two. I’m glad he was, but it was still shocking. Maybe he won’t make the finals.
http://www.joenothetube.com
You saw Frank Sinatra in concert?! How old were you? Or were you referring to Frank Sinatra, Jr.?
Bye Matt,
We’re gonna miss you.
http://americanidolexposed.wordpress.com/
It was good. Maybe as good as Carly’s you-can-kiss-my-a** rendition of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ last year.
Nope. Sorry. Have seen Buble (and HCJ) in concert, and that made Tuesday night Laughable. Listening to the greats just puts in perspective exactly what kind of talent these kids have. P.S. Nothing can stand up to Buble’s fabulous concert-only rendition of MFV.
No thanks.
To BrandonK:
Frank Sinatra’s only been dead for 11 years. If she saw him when she was, say, 22, she’d only be 33 now.
Glad to see him gone. He looked confused between The Fray, J.T and a bunch of others. Never seem to found HIS style.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/30/upfront-preview-how-leno-will-hurt-nbc/
Mandi, you rule ! I thought Matt’s version was much much better on Wednesday than on Tuesday, for sure. Althoug, even if it was really good, I’m still happy he was the one who got the boot instead of Adam.
Now, there’s only one thing left to say : Put the “go” in Gokey !
Matt was good last night but someone had to go and that’s tough. I like Matt and he could become a recording artist that could sell a million records.
Personally, I see Allison who could improve enough to run second to Adam. She has that power house voice which has what it takes to make it to the finals and overtake Chris. Of course, everyone has their own opinions and I value others.
Through the magic of DVDs you can see almost anybody in concert now.
I believe ALL of contestants are very talented. It comes down to which flavor you like the best. Matt did have some pitch problems when he sang on competition night, much better on his closing night. Natalie Cole did too but I like her a lot.
There’s no real loser here, some have a little more maturing and guidance necessary, but it really is a good group…I hated to see Matt go.
Sorry but I never did see what people saw in Matt, although I wanted to. He just has a regular voice. No star quality to his voice or to his appearance.