Star Musician

Meet the Star Musician Judges

ANDY MADADIAN – International Pop Star

Andy is widely considered to be the most beloved Iranian Pop star of all time.

When Andy is not acting or producing movie scores, he is a musical trailblazer forging a new path that redefines traditional musical borders. He has released multiple albums selling in the millions throughout the world and plays to sold-out venues all over the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Russia and the Middle East. In the United States, he has played to critical acclaim at the world famous Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as the prestigious Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and large scale venues in Las Vegas.

His global sound embraces many exotic influences. Aside from his Iranian-Armenian heritage, Andy combines lush Arabic modes with African rhythms, which he spices with Spanish flamenco guitar licks, and western dance music. Besides Farsi and Armenian, his two native languages, Andy sings in English and Spanish.

His music was recently chosen by the JPF "Independent Music" Awards as Best Middle Eastern Album and Song. In a gala ceremony at Universal Studios, he was named Persian Pop Male Singer of the Decade. For five years in a row he has received the coveted Best Armenian International Singer, Best Armenian World Artist and Best Armenian World Album awards. He was also recognized and awarded twice by the City Council of Los Angeles for his contributions through music to the city.

Recent appearances include "The Keeper" (The Legend of Omar Khayyam) with Academy Award Winner Vanessa Redgrave, and "The House of Sand and Fog" (featuring Sir Ben Kingsley, Jennifer Connelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo) where Andy sings in the film and contributed to the score. He has also recently participated in the prestigious recording session for "World Peace One" which features some of the world's most successful Artists uniting to promote peace.

From his early childhood in Teheran, Andy's life has been a study in contrasts. His father built roads, yet the family had no car. They were beyond poor - nine people living in a small one-room house but his mother's careful management kept food on the table and enabled his parents to put six children through school. Their house was filled with love, laughter, and most importantly for Andy, music.

Today, Andy is the living proof of the American dream. He credits Los Angeles, a city of contrasts that helped him forge his unique sound, and the musical mosaic that resulted has catapulted him to superstardom.