'Idol' Matt Giraud returns home to Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Newschannel 3) - American Idol star and Kalamazoo native Matt Giraud is home, and Newschannel 3 was there to greet him.
As soon as he walked into baggage claim at the airport in Kalamazoo, he was swarmed by his fans, including Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell. But Giraud took it all in stride, smiling the whole time.
He says he's thrilled to be home, and is ready to give into some of the guilty pleasures he couldn't enjoy in L.A.
"I'm going to drive a car really fast, get some fast food, ya' know, things you don't get to do out there," he said. "I'm going to enjoy a few days, then go back for a finale."
Giraud had some very devoted fans waiting for his arrival, and he took the time to chat with them and sign autographs. Afterwards, one of them talked to Newschannel 3, who was absolutely in awe.
"Just to be here, let alone get autograph or picture... wow, its amazing!" said 13-year-old Ryan Hoover of Portage.
The City of Kalamazoo is hosting a welcome home party for Giraud on Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Arcadia Creek festival site downtown.
Because he's under contract, Giraud can't sing at the event, but some of his friends and former music partners will be there to perform.
