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Scott MacIntyre

Biography

Scott MacIntyre

Since captivating the nation as a finalist on American Idol, Scott MacIntyre has continued to move audiences to laughter, tears, and standing ovations all over the world. As an acclaimed singer-songwriter, he has toured in arenas across North America, headlined concerts in Japan, Austria, England, Canada, and the US, and written and released his latest CD Heartstrings debuting at #18 on the iTunes Pop Album Chart. He has performed with many noteable acts including Alice Cooper, Jason Mraz, and Queen to name a few, and his original song “Christmas Angel” received national radio play and became one of the top holiday indie singles of 2010. As an in-demand inspirational key-note speaker, Scott has shared his unique and dynamic life story with many different audiences, including corporations, health care and education institutions, non-profits, and churches across North America and beyond. He is also currently authoring an autobiographical book.

As the first blind finalist on “American Idol,” MacIntyre was called “an inspiration to the entire world through your commitment, through your talent” by former judge Paula Abdul. Visually impaired since birth, he started playing piano by ear at age three, began classical lessons at six, and subsequently learned to play organ, guitar, bass and drums. When the family moved to Toronto for several years, he studied music at the Royal Conservatory of Music before relocating to Arizona, where, at 14, the home-schooled MacIntyre was admitted into Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College and Herberger College of Fine Arts. In 2005, he received the coveted Marshall and UK Fulbright scholarships and was ranked by USA Today as one of the top 20 undergraduate seniors in the nation. He then graduated ASU Summa Cum Laude at 19, going on to receive a masters degree overseas in England at Royal Holloway, University of London and the Royal College of Music. During his time overseas, MacIntyre was invited back to the US to be received in the Whitehouse by First Lady, Laura Bush as one of three national RFB&D scholarship winners. He was accepted to both Oxford and Cambridge Universities for further graduate study in the UK.

MacIntyre has appeared on "Regis and Kelly," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the "Today Show," "Canada AM," "Larry King Live," "Hour of Power," "Access Hollywood," among others and has been profiled on CNN, Headline News, FOX International, Global TV, Sky News Europe, TV Guide, TBN, and local news affiliates across the country. In 2010, MacIntyre was honored by Dr. Robert and Arvella Schuller with the annual award for “promoting positive values in the media” at the Crystal Cathedral in California. Past honorees include Dr. Phil McGraw, John Tesh, Kathy Ireland, Twila Paris, and Roger Williams.

MacIntyre’s contagious spirit of optimism and heartfelt stories take his audience on an emotional journey of love and yearning, hardship and hope, from someone who deeply understands the challenge of overcoming enormous adversity. Having always forged ahead when the world said to give up, Scott MacIntyre continues to be an inspiration to all who hear his music and story.

Scott MacIntyre

Books by Scott MacIntyre

Scott MacIntyre with Jennifer Schuchmann - Christian, Nonfiction

In BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT, the first-ever disabled finalist on "American Idol," Scott MacIntyre, shares his inspiring story of being a musical and academic prodigy who prevails over life-threatening obstacles to become a pop sensation.