April 13, 2009
Kalamazoo singer has made it to final seven in national competition
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell today urged Michigan citizens to vote Tuesday night for "American Idol" contestant Matt Giraud, 23, of Kalamazoo. Giraud is one of the top seven finalists in the national singing competition, which airs live on FOX-TV.
"Matt is a talented young man who is making all of us in Michigan proud with his outstanding performances in the national spotlight," Granholm said. "I encourage everyone to flood the phone lines Tuesday night and support Matt on his journey to win ‘American Idol.' I'm going to say something I rarely get the chance to say as governor, which is ‘Vote early and vote often.'"
"American Idol" viewers can vote for their favorite finalists for up to two hours after the show ends by calling in to the contestant's designated toll-free number, which is announced during the broadcast. AT&T Mobility subscribers can vote by text message.
"Matt is not just a great musician - he is a wonderful role model who gives back to his community," said Hopewell, who was in the audience in Los Angeles last week to watch Giraud perform on the show. "Few people his age would take the time to become a Big Brother to a youngster, let alone keep in touch with him every day while competing on ‘American Idol.' But that's the kind of good-hearted person Matt is. He's working hard to represent our state, and we all hope he ends up being the next American Idol."
# # #
