Michael J. Woodard Explained

Michael J. Woodard
Image Upright:0.8
Birth Date:6 October 1997
Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Instruments:Vocals
Label:Unsub Records

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.

Personal life

Woodard is from South Philadelphia and was raised in East Falls by his mother and grandmother.[2] His mother Wanda is visually impaired.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

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.[3] He performed at the US Open again in 2010, and months later performed at a rally for President Barack Obama.[6]

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.[7]

Woodard auditioned for American Idol in 2017, singing "Make It Rain".[7] 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] On January 12 2024 he released his debut E.P, MJW1 on Unsub Records/Capitol Records.

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

YearTitleRoleNotes
2011–2012Majors & MinorsHimself (contestant)Winner
2018American IdolSeason 16
top 5
2021Arlo the Alligator BoyArlo Beauregard (voice)Film
I ♥ ArloMain role; 20 episodes

Discography

Singles

YearSingleAlbum(s)Label
2021Why You Texting Me?Unsub Records / Virgin Music
Hope Full
2022Show Some Teeth
2023TroubleUnsub Records / Capitol Records
Face
Ruined
2024Anti You
Hems
24 Hours

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryWorkResult
2021Hollywood Music in Media Awards[12] Best Original Song in an Animated Film"Follow Me Home"
2022Annie Awards[13] Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast ProductionArlo the Alligator Boy

Notes and References

  1. Bronson . Fred . 'American Idol': Get to Know the First Half of the Top 14 . Billboard . https://web.archive.org/web/20180513084815/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8342065/american-idol-top-14-contestants . May 13, 2018.
  2. Web site: East Falls native heading to Hollywood on American Idol . March 27, 2018.
  3. Web site: East Falls youth hits a high note . July 23, 2009 . The Philadelphia Inquirer . Dafney . Tales.
  4. Web site: Stardom for Woodard . March 2, 2012 . South Philly Review.
  5. Web site: Michael J. Woodard: 5 Things To Know About The Adorable 'American Idol' Contestant . April 22, 2018 . Avery . Thompson . Hollywood Life.
  6. Web site: Teenage Singing Sensation Rocks US Open, then Obama in Whirlwind Year . February 24, 2011 . Amanda . Korba.
  7. Web site: Two more Philly-area contestants move forward on 'American Idol' . Vadala . Nick . 26 March 2018 . The Inquirer Philly . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180326144630/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/television/carly-mods-michael-woodard-american-idol-20180326.html . March 26, 2018 . March 26, 2018.
  8. Web site: Philly native, American Idol alum lands title role in Netflix film "Arlo the Alligator Boy" . April 17, 2021 . Alicia . Vitarelli.
  9. Web site: Katy Perry Signs American Idol Alum Michael J. Woodard to a Record Deal . May 7, 2021.
  10. Web site: Interview: The Joy of Michael J Woodard . December 15, 2021 . Atwood Magazine . Lilly . Eason.
  11. Web site: Finalist Michael J. Woodard talks fame and fortune ahead of American Idol Live! in Thousand Oaks . August 1, 2018 . VC Reporter . Carl . Kozlowski.
  12. 'No Time to Die' Wins at 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Full List of Film Music Winners . November 17, 2021 . Billboard . Paul . Grein.
  13. Web site: Annie Awards Nominations: 'Raya And The Last Dragon' & 'Encanto' Lead Field For Animation Prizes . December 21, 2021 . Deadline . Erik . Pederson.