Michael J. Woodard

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

Michael J. Woodard
Woodard in 2023
Woodard in 2023
Background information
Born (1997-10-06) October 6, 1997
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
LabelsUnsub Records

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 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 five.

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 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 Season 16; top 5
2021 Arlo the Alligator Boy Arlo Beauregard (voice) Film
I ♥ Arlo Main role; 20 episodes

Discography

Singles
Year Single Album(s) Label
2021 Why You Texting Me? Non-album single Unsub Records / Virgin Music
Hope Full
2022 Show Some Teeth
2023 Trouble Unsub Records / Capitol Records
Face

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 Nominated

References
  1. Bronson, Fred. "'American Idol': Get to Know the First Half of the Top 14". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018.
  2. Vadala, Nick (26 March 2018). "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. 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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