'You are so real': Matt Wilson's 'genuine' performance impresses 'American Idol' judges and fans

Matt Wilson's 'For Tonight' by Giveon had a smooth R&B tenor that impressed the viewers
PUBLISHED FEB 27, 2023
'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Matt Wilson impresses the judges and fans (American Idol/YouTube)
'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Matt Wilson impresses the judges and fans (American Idol/YouTube)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK: 'American Idol' Season 21 featured some of the talented rising singing sensations in its premiere episode. But the hunt for the next big thing in the industry is still going on. Matt Wilson, the 21-year-old daycare teacher-cum-singer-songwriter from Buffalo shocked the judges with his performance.

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie were impressed with the purity in his voice and encouraged him to follow his dreams. Matt revealed in his introduction that it was his beautiful wife who inspired him to audition for the show and showcase his talent to a wider audience. Matt's voice left the Season 21 viewers in awe of him and many thought "he was the best one" so far.

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Judges dub Matt Wilson's performance 'most genuine'

For his audition, Matt sang 'For Tonight' by Giveon and his voice had a smooth R&B tenor. His tone is pretty and his delivery is sincere. Matt revealed in his introduction that he is standing on the 'American Idol' stage because of his wife, Melisa. “She’s really the one who put it all together,” said Matt. He also explained that it has been “a really long time since I have dreamed. I feel like she’s the reason why I dreamed again."

Without wasting time, the judges urged Matt to deliver his performance and they were left so impressed that all three of them gave him a standing ovation. “You have purity and believability,” says Lionel. “I just love the fact that it’s genuine. I love your presentation. The sky’s the limit.” “Tone, tone, tone. It cuts through. It sounds like it’s already mixed and mastered. You’ve got something," said Katy while Luke added, “That was one of the most genuine, honest, real performances I’ve ever witnessed."

'Ameerican Idol' Mat Wilson and his wife (American idol/Youtube)
'Ameerican Idol' Mat Wilson and his wife (American idol/Youtube)

Fans believe Matt Wilson 'nailed it'

Even the fans were impressed with Matt's rendition of 'For Tonight' and some think he should have won the platinum ticket and he could go on to win this whole thing. They loved his performance as one fan said, "Wow !! Beautiful performance!! He nailed it!! wow, he’s phenomenal." Another one added, "You should have received the platinum ticket!." One more fan said, "Very raw, authentic, soothing. Love his voice."

Fans fell in love with the story of how his wife supported and encouraged him to dream again. One said, "Love his voice, his authenticity, his humility & that he has such a supportive wife by his side. The fact that they go way back to middle school is icing on the cake. I’ll definitely be rooting for Matt & his wife." Another one said, "Matt sounds so divine." One more fan added, "Shout out to his wife for pushing him to share his gift with us!! She's your biggest fan and it shows!! I love that for you both!! Good luck on your journey."

'American Idol' 2023 airs every Sunday on ABC at 8 pm ET.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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