An ongoing discussion on this site, that’s taken place over the years, is how unprepared some singing competition contestants are for life after the confetti falls.
The most recent example is American Idol 2020 winner, Just Sam, who shared recently how she went broke buying out the label deal she signed after the show with 19 Recordings and Hollywood Records. What’s more, she seems to be at a complete loss when it comes to managing a career as an independent artist.
Michael J. Woodard pleads for a manager on Instagram
Now, it’s Michael J. Woodard who appears to be completely perplexed by the music business. Over the weekend, the American Idol season 16 Top 4 contestant posted a message on Instagram literally advertising for management. “Looking for management!” he wrote. “Need someone really hardworking and and driven so hmu. ok Thanks!” (assuming hmu means “hook me up.”)
Alongside the placard, Michael writes, “guys i really don’t know if this is ethical but it’s been really hard trying to find a manager. i have no choice but to do this. kind of don’t know what Else to do. might regret this in the morning but it’s whatever. you only live once ok love ya gnight.”
It’s surprising. Sam released NO music with Hollywood Records. She parted ways with the label, seemingly without any show business connections whatsoever. Subsequently, she released two independent singles, which she confessed ate up her resources. Also, she had no clue how to promote the songs, mount a tour, do PR etc.
But Michael has a major label record deal. American Idol judge Katy Perry signed him to her Capitol records imprint, Unsub records. So far, he’s released two singles, “why u texting me” and “Hopeful”. What’s more, he recently starred in a Netflix animated feature, Arlo the Alligator Boy and a sequel. So he’s likely got an agent, right?
R&B Singer Brandy Comments, offers to help
Can’t Katy help him find a manager? Or whoever helped him book the Netflix gig? Or somebody at Netflix? Is the kid networking at all? Why does he need to advertise for a manager on social media? It seems Michael probably HAS resources he could consult, but has no idea how to navigate the world he finds himself in.
Fellow American Idol alums like Brooke White and his season-mate and winner Maddie Poppe liked the post. But interestingly, legendary R&B singer and actress Brandy commented! “You’re super talented,” she wrote, adding “I know someone.”
“I’ll be your manager,” she continued. So maybe it’s Brandy who will hook a dude up.
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UPDATE: Being without a manager isn’t stopping Micheal from promoting new music. He announced on Monday that a new song “Show Some Teeth” will be out on Feb 11.
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Michael’s Hollywood performance had Katy throwing her chair
Michael wowed the judges in his 2018 Hollywood solo round with a performance of “Maybe This Time” from the musical Cabaret. In the clip below, Katy keeps exclaiming “Oh my gosh!” throughout his performance. Eventually she screams. And then she tries to throw a chair. Dangerous! “WHERE THE HECK DID HE COME FROM!” she finally said. “I feel like a star was born.” Watch all of his American Idol performances HERE.
