Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Simon Cowell said he wasn’t crazy about the lyrics to “Mandolin Rain” during Tuesday night’s semifinal show.

And Scott MacIntyre felt compelled to respond.

Thinking back, he’s glad he didn’t because Simon “went on to say something very positive.”

But when he got an opportunity to talk to the media Thursday afternoon, Scott was eager to explain why he decided to perform that Bruce Hornsby song earlier this week, and why the lyrics mean so much to him.

“It’s the only song I know that talks about listening,” he explained. “Listen to the Madolin Rain, obviously. But then listening to people’s hearts break, listening to the tears roll. Listening is such a big part of my world, I thought it was the perfect song to start off this whole live venture. … I love the lyrics. They’re very applicable to me, personally.”

Anyone who watches Idol knows the 23-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., is visually impaired. His brother is often seen guiding him on stage to perform. Various family members will fill that role as Idol season eight progresses, Scott said. And he said fellow contestants, though also competitors, have been most gracious about lending a hand when necessary.

As for group dance numbers, Scott says he feels ready to handle whatever Idol producers throw his way. He has, after all, taken some dance lessons in the past.

But now that he has earned a spot in the finals, what he’s really looking forward to is getting behind the keyboards again. Instruments weren’t allowed during the semifinal round; Scott made it clear again Thursday that being able to use an instrument during the finals is one reason he decided to try out for American Idol in 2009.

He wants to inspire people with his music, and he believes that is how he can do it best.

“I can really emote when I’m sitting at a piano,” he said. “My fingers just do their own thing. And then I’m telling the story.

“It’s where I write music. It’s where all my magical moments happen musically. It means everything to be in the top 12, but especially to be coming back with, hopefully, a grand piano.”