Idol's Finalist

Background:

“I just expect that whatever God has in store for me, that's what's going to happen. Perfection will never come, but we can all hope to do our best at what we do. Whatever will come, it is just another step.” Scott Savol

American singer Scott Savol is known as the fifth place finalist on the fourth season of “American Idol,” which ran from January 18 to May 25 2005 with Carrie Underwood as the winner. After being eliminated from the show, he acted in stage plays such as “Wizard of Oz” and “The Lord Will Make a Way.” He signed with Mahoning Valley Records, and launched his first single “Beauty Queen” in the summer of 2010.

In addition to singing, Savol also plays the trumpet and was adept with the piano.

Savol has been married to wife Rochelle Waddell since 2006. He is the father of one, Brandon Scott Savol (mother: former girlfriend Michele Martin). He is friends with actor/rapper Method Man.

Father of 1

Childhood and Family:

Scott Thomas Savol was born on April 30, 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio, but was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He is the second of four children. He began singing when he was five years old.

On July 8, 2006, Scott was married to Rochelle Waddell. He has a son named Brandon Scott Savol, with former girlfriend Michele Martin.

Wizard of Oz

Career:

Scott Savol auditioned for the fourth season of “American Idol” in Cleveland, Ohio with The Carpenters' “Superstar” and was let go for the next round. He sang Four Tops's “I Can't Help Myself” in the group round in Hollywood week and was able to reach the Top 24 semifinalist. He went on to advance to Top 20 (or Top 10 Men) after performing Freddie Jackson's “You Are My Lady” and then to Top 16 Semifinals (Top 8 Men) with Luther Vandross's “ Never Too Much.” Thanks to his impressive performance of The Four Top's “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” he was selected as one of the Top 12 finalists.

Savol sang The Temptations' “Ain't Too Proud to Beg” for “Songs of the 1960s Week” and was safe. Lindsey Cardinale became the first finalist to be voted off of the show. He could passed the “Billboard #1 Week” by performing Phil Collins' “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).” He remained in safe area during the “Song of the 1990s Week” with Brian McKnight's “ One Last Cry.” Savol, however, was on bottom 2 after singing Man of La Mancha's “"The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” for the “ Songs of Broadway Week.” He continued to struggle in the bottom 3 for two consecutive weeks after singing Hall & Oates' “She's Gone” and Robert Knight's “ Everlasting Love” for the “Year They Were Born Week” and “1970s Dance Music,” respectively.

After passing “Songs of the 21st Century Week” with Luther Vandross' “ Dance with My Father,” Savol was sent home on May 4, after performing George Benson's version of “On Broadway” and Brian McKnight's “Everytime You Go Away” during a dual themed week of “Songs written by Leiber and Stoller and songs presently on the Billboard charts.” He made it into the final five on “Idol” and the became eighth contestant to be eliminated from the show. During his run on the show, Savol was dearly dubbed “Scotty the Body” by Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

During the “American Idol” competition, Savol shared a degree of notoriety after “The Smoking Gun” reported that he had previously been charged with violation assault for hitting his girlfriend and mother of his son, Michele Martin, with a telephone on February 14, 2001. He pleaded down the charge to boisterous conduct, and received probation and was ordered to fill out a domestic abuse or anger management class. According to “Idol” producess, Savol had already revealed the incident to them and in regard to his honesty and his remorse, he was not disqualified from the show.

After “Idol,” Savol landed a brief part as the Cowardly Lion in Todrick Hall's retelling of the “Wizard of Oz” at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Lubbock, Texas. Co-stars in the musical included fellow “Idol” alum Rickey Smith (season 2), Mikalah Gordon and Vonzell Solomon (both season 4).

In 2008, Savol became one of the headliners for a live music show in Branson, MO, called “America's Favorite Finalists.” The show featured 6 top 12 “American Idol” Finalists performing their own music, cover songs and group numbers. Produced by Steve Drummond, the show ran at the Grand Palace.

Savol starred as Billy in Garrett Davis's play “The Lord Will Make a Way” from the summer of 2009 to the spring of 2010.

Savol signed with Mahoning Valley Records and started recording his debut album in January 2010. The album was set to be released in early 2011. Savol produced the album, along with Kevin Deane, Sim Stevenson, William B. Smith, Kene Bell. The first single from the album “Beauty Queen” was released in summer 2010.

Awards:
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