Great article from Grand Rapids!

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/entertainment/x244358779/The-Farr-Side-Idol-stars-shine-on-stage-at-Van-Andel

Quote :

Sturgis, Mich. -
The Giraud Squad was in full force Sunday night at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids as Kalamazoo’s own Matt Giraud made his “American Idols Live” appearance.

It was obvious he helped fill the seats despite the sluggish economy. But, he wasn’t the only draw. Being a people watcher, I saw “Gokey Grandma” T-shirts, homemade Adam Lambert attire and signage, and more fedora hats than I’ve ever seen. It was also pretty cool to see some local fans at the show, too.

Clearly, Season 8 of “American Idol” had the biggest impact on fans, and knowing the Idols were in Giraud country, they, too, gave him props and due gratitude.

Having seen the show’s tour in the past, Season 3, Season 5, and last year’s Season 7, this one ranks as the most entertaining. The live show had it all, including the now infamous countdown of the order the finalists were plucked off.

Michael Sarver kicked things off with NeYo’s “Closer.” I have to admit, Sarver was much better live than he ever was on the show. I can say the same for Megan Corkrey, too, at least for the first song of her two-song set. Opting to work the stage instead of staying put behind the microphone stand as she did on the show, Corkrey grooved about on “Put Your Records On.”

I always liked Scott MacIntyre, but never thought he got the praise he deserved from Simon. Scott, seated comfortably at his piano, ascended from below deck to captivate the crowd with “A Thousand Miles,” a song made popular by Vanessa Carlton. It was nice to see him perform a more contemporary song, showcasing some relevance to today’s music. He amazed me with his talent. I have seen Carlton perform the song live, too, and Scott did her proud!

Lil Rounds equally impressed me. She was another finalist who never resonated well with the judges. Judging from her performance, the girl can sing. She lived up to her Diva status, groovin’ out to Mary J Blige's’ “Be Without You,” and Alicia Keys’ “No One,” before tearin’ up the stage with Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

“Always On My Mind” from Anoop Desai was well received as was “Mad” and the song that got him into the finals on the show, Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative.”

I was most excited to see Giraud, though, so when the countdown revealed “5,” it was pandemonium. My ears cracked as fans of Giraud paid homage to their man.

Giraud’s set opened with “Hard To Handle,” a song that rang true to its title. He worked the stage like a pro on the Black Crowes’ track. He was awesome and right to home on the Van Andel stage. This is what he is meant to do — perform!

His soulful take on the Ray Charles classic “Georgia On My Mind” was incredible to say the least. He’s got skills, no doubt.

“There’s no question, Matt was surely a highlight,” said Clayton and Kathie Lycyznski of Three Rivers. “The beginning of the show was good, but when he took the stage the overall energy of the show increased.”

Clayton also enjoyed the camaraderie shared by MacIntyre and Giraud when the two performed opposite each another in dueling-piano style for Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It.”

They were definitely in their element. The audience response also seemed to agree.

After a short intermission it was Allison Irehat’s turn to rock the house. Irehat performed Pink’s “So What,” as well as Heart’s “Barracuda,” but it was her Janis Joplin-y “Cry Baby” that did it for me.

Danny Gokey gave a moving performance of “What Hurts The Most” before doing a little Gokey Pokey, I like to call it, when he danced around to the band during the latin-flavored “Maria Maria.”

Like some of the others, Gokey was personable on stage. He offered good words about overcoming adversity and bad times to reflect on the positives of life. Having had a difficult summer myself, I appreciated hearing that. Keep believing in your dreams, he said, before sharing “My Wish.”

Quote :

The Giraud Squad was in full force Sunday night at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids as Kalamazoo’s own Matt Giraud made his “American Idols Live” appearance.

YEAH Baby! That is us sweet Jenna - THE GIRAUD SQUAD! So happy and blessed to have been there and to share in this epic moment!!!!

Quote :

I was most excited to see Giraud, though, so when the countdown revealed “5,” it was pandemonium. My ears cracked as fans of Giraud paid homage to their man.

Giraud’s set opened with “Hard To Handle,” a song that rang true to its title. He worked the stage like a pro on the Black Crowes’ track. He was awesome and right to home on the Van Andel stage. This is what he is meant to do — perform!

His soulful take on the Ray Charles classic “Georgia On My Mind” was incredible to say the least. He’s got skills, no doubt.

“There’s no question, Matt was surely a highlight,” said Clayton and Kathie Lycyznski of Three Rivers. “The beginning of the show was good, but when he took the stage the overall energy of the show increased.”

I just am so overwhelmed. How exciting is this - "it was pandemonium" reminds me of Matt's tweets...

Quote :

Before I walked out 2night,the stage manager said "you hear that?It's the sound of anticipation for your set, man" I'll never forget that

Quote :

Just got off stage from the biggest performance of my life. It was the best feeling in the world. You don't get that feeling many times! wow

I actually read this in the newspaper and it was on the last page I went to read it and boy was I in for a shock when I saw that huge picture of Matt performing on stage above the article!