Michael J. Woodard

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Michael J. Woodard
Born (1997-10-06) October 6, 1997 (age 24)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
LabelsUnsub Records

Michael Jordan Woodard (born October 6, 1997)[1] is an American singer and voice actor. He made it to the top 5 on season 16 of American Idol before being eliminated. He is the voice of Arlo in the Netflix film Arlo the Alligator Boy and the follow-up series I ♥ Arlo, for which he has received award nominations.

Personal life[]

Woodard is from South Philadelphia and was raised in East Falls[2] by his mother and grandmother.[3] His mother Wanda is visually impaired.[4] He attended William M. Meredith School and was also homeschooled for some time. He sung in the church choir at Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church.[5] His first experience in music was singing "A Little Candle" at a Christmas pageant. When he was eight, he auditioned for a children's play at his local performing arts school. In 2016, he moved to Los Angeles after accepting a degree at the Musicians Institute.[1] At the time of American Idol, he was working as a bowling alley attendant.[6]

Career[]

In 2009, Woodard performed the national anthem for the Philadelphia Freedoms at King of Prussia and for the last men's quarterfinal match at the US Open.[4] He performed at the US Open again in 2010, and months later performed at a rally for President Barack Obama.[7]

In 2012, Woodard was the winner of The Hub's Majors & Minors, where American Idol alumni Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and Adam Lambert appeared as guest mentors with partnership of RCA Music Group as his prize.[2]

Woodard auditioned for American Idol in 2017, singing "Make It Rain".[2] Throughout the competition he sang "You Oughta Know", "Golden Slumbers", "Angel in Blue Jeans", "Titanium", "Believe In Yourself", "Beauty and the Beast", "I Would Die 4 U", and "Flat on the Floor". He was eliminated alongside Cade Foehner in the top 5.

Woodard had his voice acting debut in 2021, starring as the titular character in the animated musical film Arlo the Alligator Boy. Director Ryan Crego cast him after seeing his American Idol audition. Woodard reprised the role in the follow-up series I ♥ Arlo.[8]

In May 2021, Woodard was signed to Unsub Records, the record label of American Idol judge Katy Perry.[9]

Woodard has cited influence from such artists as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Trey Songz, Rihanna, Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and Brandy.[10][11]

Filmography[]

Year Title Role Notes
2011–2012 Majors & Minors Himself (contestant) Winner
2018 American Idol Himself (contestant) Season 16; top 5
2021 Arlo the Alligator Boy Arlo Beauregard (voice) Netflix film
2021 I ♥ Arlo Arlo Beauregard (voice) Main role; 20 episodes

Discography[]

Singles[]

Year Single Album(s)
2021 "why you texting me?" Non-album single
2021 "hope full" Non-album single

Awards and nominations[]

Year Awards Category Work Result
2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards[12] Best Original Song in an Animated Film "Follow Me Home" (from Arlo the Alligator Boy) Nominated
2022 Annie Awards[13] Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production Arlo the Alligator Boy Pending

References[]

  1. ^ a b Bronson, Fred. "'American Idol': Get to Know the First Half of the Top 14". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Vadala, Nick. "Two more Philly-area contestants move forward on 'American Idol'". The Inquirer Philly. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  3. ^ "East Falls native heading to Hollywood on American Idol". March 27, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Tales, Dafney (July 23, 2009). "East Falls youth hits a high note". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  5. ^ "Stardom for Woodard". South Philly Review. March 2, 2012.
  6. ^ Thompson, Avery (April 22, 2018). "Michael J. Woodard: 5 Things To Know About The Adorable 'American Idol' Contestant". Hollywood Life.
  7. ^ Korba, Amanda (February 24, 2011). "Teenage Singing Sensation Rocks US Open, then Obama in Whirlwind Year".
  8. ^ Vitarelli, Alicia (April 17, 2021). "Philly native, American Idol alum lands title role in Netflix film "Arlo the Alligator Boy"".
  9. ^ "Katy Perry Signs American Idol Alum Michael J. Woodard to a Record Deal". May 7, 2021.
  10. ^ Eason, Lilly (December 15, 2021). "Interview: The Joy of Michael J Woodard". Atwood Magazine.
  11. ^ Kozlowski, Carl (August 1, 2018). "Finalist Michael J. Woodard talks fame and fortune ahead of American Idol Live! in Thousand Oaks". VC Reporter.
  12. ^ Grein, Paul (November 17, 2021). "'No Time to Die' Wins at 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Full List of Film Music Winners". Billboard.
  13. ^ Pederson, Erik (December 21, 2021). "Annie Awards Nominations: 'Raya And The Last Dragon' & 'Encanto' Lead Field For Animation Prizes". Deadline.
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