Matt Mauser, who lost his wife Christina Mauser in the helicopter accident that also killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, performed on America’s Got Talent. The performance aired on July 6. Matt Mauser sang “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” written by Phil Collins in what was an emotional audition.
In college, Matt Mauser swam at Division I Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. He also played water polo and was a lifeguard. At the age of 22 in 1992, he was an All-American Masters swimmer in the men’s 100 IM. Since then, he has been a Spanish teacher and has now shifted his focus towards music.
On January 26, 2020, Matt Mauser’s wife, Christina Mauser was on a helicopter traveling to a basketball tournament when the helicopter crashed. Christina Mauser was a coach for the Bryant’s travel team, and no one in the helicopter survived the crash.
Matt Mauser is now a single father to three children. His daughter Penny is 13, son Thomas is 11, and daughter Ivy is 5.
Since his wife’s passing, Matt Mauser has used swimming to assist in the healing process as well as continuing his passion for music. Watch the SwimSwam Podcast from January 2021 featuring Matt Mauser here. He goes to a pool everyday where he works out with a coach and other swimmers. He uses it to keep him in shape, mentally and physically, but also as therapy.
According to his website, Matt Mauser uses his music to teach lessons and inspire joy. Since his wife’s passing, he has written the song “Lost”. He says it describes accurately how he feels.
Matt Mauser now has auditioned on America’s Got Talent. His audition can be seen below. At the end, he became a little choked up, but was showing true human emotion. He received four “yeses” from the judges. He also received a standing ovation from all four judges as well as the entirety of the audience.
When asked what he would do if he did well on this show, he said “I would like to make sure my children see that in spite of the grief they have been through this year, and that grief is not going to define who we are as a family. I want my children to see that you have to find joy in life and continue.”
After his performance, he said that he was “singing to her, I wanted to make her proud.” With four yeses, Matt Mauser will move onto the next round. America’s Got Talent runs on NBC on Tuesday night’s at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT.
How absolutely beautiful, what an amazing human to be able to stand in front of the world and sing for his late wife. What beautiful kids right there together as a family. How I wish I could wrap my arms around them all and give them a whole lot of love. Well done Matt beautiful
Wow, thanks for posting. That was so emotional when he sang. I could feel his grief. What a lovely family! Best of luck Matt!
Go Mustangs!