Michael J. Woodard | |
|---|---|
 Woodard in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1997-10-06)October 6, 1997 (age 28) Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | 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 thesixteenth season ofAmerican Idol before being eliminated. He is the voice of Arlo in the filmArlo the Alligator Boy and the follow-up seriesI ♥ Arlo, for which he has received award nominations.
Woodard is fromSouth Philadelphia and was raised inEast Falls[2] by his mother and grandmother.[3] His mother Wanda is visually impaired.[4] He attendedWilliam 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 theMusicians Institute.[1] At the time ofAmerican Idol, he was working as a bowling alley attendant.[6]
In 2009, Woodard performed the national anthem for thePhiladelphia Freedoms inKing of Prussia and for the last men's quarterfinal match at theUS Open.[4] He performed at the US Open again in 2010, and months later performed at a rally for PresidentBarack Obama.[7]
In 2012, Woodard was the winner ofMajors & Minors, whereAmerican Idol alumniJennifer Hudson,Jordin Sparks andAdam Lambert appeared as guest mentors with partnership ofRCA Music Group as his prize.[2]
Woodard auditioned forAmerican 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 alongsideCade Foehner in the top five.
Woodard had his voice acting debut in 2021, starring as the titular character in the animated musical filmArlo the Alligator Boy. Director Ryan Crego cast him after seeing hisAmerican Idol audition. Woodard reprised the role in the follow-up seriesI ♥ Arlo.[8]
In May 2021, Woodard was signed toUnsub Records, the record label ofAmerican Idol judgeKaty 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 asTrey Songz,Rihanna,Fleetwood Mac,Paul McCartney,Michael Jackson,Tina Turner,Whitney Houston, andBrandy.[10][11]
| 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 |
| Year | Single | Album(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Why You Texting Me?[citation needed] | Non-album single | Unsub Records / Virgin Music |
| Hope Full[citation needed] | |||
| 2022 | Show Some Teeth[citation needed] | ||
| 2023 | Trouble[citation needed] | MJW1 E.P | Unsub Records / Capitol Records |
| Face[citation needed] | |||
| Ruined | |||
| 2024 | Anti You | ||
| Hems | |||
| 24 Hours |
| Year | Awards | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hollywood Music in Media Awards[12] | Best Original Song in an Animated Film | "Follow Me Home"(fromArlo the Alligator Boy) | Nominated |
| 2022 | Annie Awards[13] | Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production | Arlo the Alligator Boy | Nominated |
