by Gina Scarpa

Last night, on American Idol's live results show, Matt Giraud was eliminated, finishing the competition in 5th place.  Weeks earlier, he became the first contestant in the history of the show to be saved by the judges.  It's safe to say that the journey for Matt has had its ups and downs and today, he spoke about that and more to reporters in a press conference call.  Read on to find out what he had to say to the press, including what he told RealityWanted about Adam choosing Danny and Allison over him and Kris!

Q. TVAmerica: Tell us about the pictures of you in the choir robe.
A. Matt: I had a lead role in a Christmas play.  I think I was 11 or 12.  I was Michael the Archangel and it was really embarrassing!  That was the only musical thing I did as a kid.  I took a break and then I got into drumming.

Q. Atlanta Journal Constitution: How did you feel when Simon said he loved your performance, yet Randy and Kara did not?
A. Matt: Yeah, usually Kara is on my side.  It was a great way to go out because going out with Simon calling me brilliant and comparing me to Nat King Cole was pretty great.

Q. AOL Television: Your performance, last night, of “My Funny Valentine” was one of your best.  What was going through your head after you were eliminated?
A. Matt: I was completely at peace with myself.  In the matter of dreams, that’s what I wanted to do.  I accomplished everything I wanted to do.  I knew I did a good job.  I appreciated Simon’s comments and I’m moving on.

Q. US Weekly: Were you surprised at the bottom three?
A.  Matt: I was definitely surprised that Adam was down there with me.  It was a cruel twist for him to have to pick who he thought was in the bottom three.  We were giving him a hard time backstage, like, "Why didn't you pick us?"  It was uncomfortable but I could deal with it.

Q. MTV News: The judges gave you a hard time when you chose to sing rock.  Did that affect the way you chose your songs?
A. Matt: It did a little bit but not that much.  I still picked songs if they moved on and if I loved singing them.  At the end of the day, I’m not gonna change what I like and I’m going to still keep doing the same kind of stuff.

Q. PopStar.com: What was your most memorable moment from the mansion?
A. Matt: Dueling pianos with Scott in the basement was pretty memorable.

Q. RealityWanted: If you were put in Adam’s place last night, would you have chosen a group or would you have stayed in the middle with Seacrest?
A. Matt: I would’ve pulled an Archuleta and sat down.

Q. RealityWanted: What was your favorite performance this season?
A. Matt: I liked “Part Time Lover”. It was one of those moments where the lights were right, the outfit was right, and the arrangement was great.

Be sure to watch American Idol when the Top 4 hit the stage for your votes, Tuesday night at 8pm ET on FOX.

(Image courtesy of FOX)