As Season 8’s Matt Giraud was in the car on the way to Nashville to record his new single, “4 AM,” he opened up to us about his recent Idol performance and what he’s been working on these days. Matt performed Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” with fellow Season 8 finalist Scott MacIntyre on Season 9’s Top 16 results show. The piano player from Kalamazoo, Michigan said, “It was amazing. It’s nice to be asked back and it feels cool to come back. I’ve been around the block now. It felt really good and I liked the whole not being judged part.”

After Matt and Scott performed, Matt mentioned that he’ll be releasing an upcoming EP. He told AmericanIdol.com, “I’m recording five or six songs that I like. We’re talking about putting it together over the next few months. I wanted to find top of the line producers and I’m working with Drew Ramsey and Victoria Shaw because I want to put out good quality songs.”

During Matt’s Season 9 Idol appearance, he also mentioned that he recorded a duet with Anna Wilson called “You Don’t Know Me.” After announcing this on the results show, the track shot to #1 on the iTunes Jazz chart once again. “That’s so crazy!” Matt exclaimed. “Just by mentioning it on the show, we’re back at #1. It was so cool to be at the Top 12 party that evening and talking to press as the single was #1. It was a great feeling.” In addition to Anna Wilson, Matt would love to collaborate with Ryan Tedder, Gavin DeGraw, Jamie Cullum, and John Legend to name a few. In fact, a couple of his writers have worked with these artists.

Whenever Matt gets the chance, he tunes in to Season 9 of American Idol. “There is some good talent this season. The show draws you in. I’ve been buying their singles on iTunes. When I met them the day that I performed, I gave a few song suggestions, even though I hated when people gave me song suggestions.” What advice would Matt give the Season 9 finalists? “Take a few risks, but don’t change it up too much. Just show that you can sing and perform. Try and forget that the judges are there, and don’t look scared – I had to learn that,” Matt revealed.

Matt still keeps in touch with “Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Megan Joy, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre – I actually keep in touch with everyone. I’m working with Anoop right now on the Oreo Cakesters promotion. We were called by them because they liked our little shtick. Maybe they’ve seen our bubble tweets! We get to travel and check out the jingles, and we get to record the winning jingle for national radio.”

MyIdol member ivy_blue was wondering if “4 AM” would be Matt’s first single. “It’s kind of up in the air as to what will be my first single. I’m recording them all and we’ll take a look and figure it out.” Another member, glotrovato, wants to know what Matt’s touring plans are. “There’s some interest from a few different artists who would like me to join them on tour. It’s kind of the way to do it now. You get to open up for artists and you get to be in front of a different crowd. It’s a bigger test.”

To all of Matt’s fans he says, “Thanks for everything. Continue to follow me on Twitter. I can’t wait to get my music out there. I’m hoping to be the one to surprise you all.”

View photos of Matt performing with Scott on the Season 9 Top 16 results show.