Idol: Giraud Makes The Cut, Barely
Mar. 27 2009, Published 12:08 p.m. ET
American Idol hopeful Matt Giraud escaped elimination on Thursday's results show after a wait that must have felt like an eternity to the 23-year-old Kalamazoo, Mich. native.
While the judges praised his Wednesday performance of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On (Randy Jackson said he thought challenger for the top spot, while Simon Cowell praised his song selection), Giraud's low-vote total from a record-setting 36 million viewers put his fate on the show in jeopardy.
- Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan Feuding Over Katy Perry's Replacement on 'American Idol': Report
- Katy Perry Gives 'American Idol' Audience the Cold Shoulder During Recent Taping, Stayed 'Glued to Her Phone': Report
- 'American Idol' Singer Mandisa's Autopsy Complete, Cause Of Death Pending as Police Investigate
If the trend continues, Giraud may be the first contestant saved by a new rule that grants judges the right to veto eliminations based on low audience votes.