Born in Redondo Beach, CA, Scott MacIntyre he has lived in Toronto and most recently calls Scottsdale AZ his home. He has been visually impaired since birth, though as a youngster he began playing piano by ear at age three.
According to his website, Scott holds a Masters Degree in Performance Studies from the Royal College of Music and Royal Holloway University of London. He is also the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship.
In 2006, he was received in the White House by the First Lady as one of three national RFB&D (Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) scholarship winners.
He was accepted to both Oxford and Cambridge for further graduate-level research in musicology and was on his way to a Doctorate when the American Idol opportunity came his way. Suite101 had a rare chance to chat with the young musician during the 2009 AI tour stop in San Jose California.
What have been your favorite things about the tour experience?
“I love to entertain and play my music; this is a dream come true. I am honored that the fans are so supportive.”
Scotts family was also supportive, as well as his music teacher. During the course of the television show, they were often shown in the audience cheering him on.
What would you like your fans to know about you?
“Music has a story to tell. You can say things in a song that you can’t say in person. There is a genuine marriage between words and music…it’s so powerful. Music bridges all barriers, cuts through to the heart of the situation and goes deep within the souls of people. I have a lot to tell because of my health issues.”
(Scott was referring to his kidney transplant, made possible by a donor, the wife of a friend. It saved his life).
Highlights from Scott MacIntyre’s American Idol Live Show Performance
Scott and his piano appeared via a raised platform from below the stage. Wearing a black leather jacket over jeans, he seemed completely at home in front of the audience, joking effortlessly with the crowd.
Later, in the first act finale, Matt Giraud and Scott brought down the house with their dueling pianos, belting out Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It.” Scott followed with “Caught in a Trap.”
From the Official American Idol Program:
What do you miss most from back home?
“Hiking the lush desert trails and having time to write and record my own music.”
What three things will you have on tour with you?
“My laptop, a guitar and keyboard. I love to arrange and write music in my spare time.”
Who is your American Idol and why?
“My Mom and Dad for being the best role models, my brother Todd and sister Katelyn for their amazing hearts and life-long friendship. Patricia for my new kidney – thank you for saving my life.”
Tour Facts
This season’s 2009 American Idol North American tour by AEG Live began in Portland, OR on July 5th, continuing through 50 cities until September 15th in Manchester, NH.
Review of Live Tour Show in San Jose, CA by June Smith
Interview with American Idol Winner Kris Allen by June Smith
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