Eliminated " American Idol [ tickets ]" contestant Matt Giraud said that, thanks to compliments from judges Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell, he went out in style on Wednesday (4/29).

"It was a great way to go out because going out with Simon calling you brilliant and comparing you to Nat King Cole, that's pretty much the best way I could go," Giraud said during a Thursday (4/30) teleconference call with reporters. "I mean, it's better than going out like, 'That's the worst you've ever done. Have a good day.'"

On Tuesday's performance night and Wednesday's results show, he was "at complete peace" with himself, even though he had an inkling he may not survive another week.

"I went out doing what I love to do--Jazz Week [is] the matter of dreams," Giraud said. "That's what I wanted to do--play piano. I wanted to play jazz and meet my idols and I actually accomplished everything I had to do. So I knew I did a good job and I appreciated Simon's comments and I'm moving on."

But he won't be focusing on jazz for his debut album.

"I'd actually like to get more into the rock or some soulful rock, maybe like a twist of blues on it," the Michigander said. "I’d love to see myself as a lead man with a piano and a band around me, and touring and doing good music, maybe to the likes of Gavin DeGraw and The Fray and stuff like that."

Giraud has the distinction of being the first contestant "saved" from elimination by the judges. Giraud said he realizes he's going to be remembered for it.

"I can't wait to see my name on a trivia card," he said. "I feel blessed and honored and, you know what? Being saved, I have never felt so much love in a room before and it was a really cool feeling. I think it was probably one of the coolest moments of my life. It made me feel real special and I hope that people think that it was worth it."