Scott MacIntyre

From his early days as a classical concert pianist to capturing the hearts of millions of American Idol viewers with his engaging presence and vocal prowess, Scott MacIntyre has never let challenges keep him from achieving his dreams. Having performed with such notable acts as Michael W Smith, CeCe Winans, and Greater Vision, he has traveled the globe inspiring audiences with his music and story.

Blind from birth and a two-time kidney transplant recipient, MacIntyre knows what it means to persevere despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

He was first diagnosed with stage-four kidney failure at nineteen years old, and after becoming extremely ill, he began emergency dialysis.

“The hardest thing for me was not having enough strength to play the piano and sing anymore,” says MacIntyre. “It felt like my dreams were dying, but still I held on to hope.”

After a year on dialysis, his college piano teacher’s wife donated her kidney to MacIntyre and saved his life. It was less than a year later that he auditioned for American Idol.

“Without that gift of life, I never would have been on American Idol, married my wife Christina, or been able to share my story with others. It was a very humbling experience to say the least.”

That kidney transplant lasted for eight years, then in September 2014, MacIntyre was put back on the transplant waiting list for a deceased-donor kidney. Several months later, an anonymous living donor stepped forward and offered to undergo compatibility testing after hearing about MacIntyre’s need on the radio.

In June 2015, MacIntyre underwent his second successful kidney transplant and has since made a full recovery. The following year, MacIntyre and his wife Christina welcomed their first baby into the world – Christian Scott MacIntyre, born September of 2016.

“When I was in kidney failure, we couldn’t have kids. So when my donor gave me the gift of life she not only saved my life but also allowed us to create a new life.”

Their story is recounted in the new documentary film, I Am Hope: Scott MacIntyre’s Inspirational Transplant Journey.

MacIntyre’s heartfelt songs and powerful voice take his audiences on an emotional journey of hardship and hope, entreating listeners that no matter what life brings their way, life is always worth living to the fullest. His latest single, “Look Up!” debuted at #1 on the Christian Radio Chart and encourages listeners to see beyond the struggles in life. “When I focus on Christ, everything else going on in my life is put into perspective. I realize He is greater than any challenge I could ever face, and my fear melts away,” says MacIntyre.

As a dynamic communicator, MacIntyre’s keynote speeches have inspired corporations and nonprofits across many industries. In his autobiographical book By Faith, Not By Sight, he writes about how he learned to create opportunity, take risks, and turn his disability into possibility. His road to success was anything but easy, and he is living proof that with commitment, diligence, and humility, anything is possible.

MacIntyre has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Regis and Kelly, the Today Show, Canada AM, Larry King Live, Huckabee, and many other programs. In 2010, MacIntyre was honored by Dr. Robert and Arvella Schuller with the annual award for “promoting positive values in the media.” In 2012, he partnered with Donate Life America and FOX to launch a national PSA for organ, eye, and tissue donation. He wrote a song for the PSA entitled “I Am Hope,” and it quickly became a theme song for the transplant community. The song was released on MacIntyre’s 2014 album Lighthouse.

MacIntyre married his wife Christina in 2011, and they have worked as a team ever since. They live in Scottsdale, AZ, with their son Christian and daughter Stella.