American Idol's Scott MacIntyre Announces Benefit Show

MacIntyre, 24, a classically trained pianist and award-winning singer, will perform at Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh's (BVRS) annual Person of Vision dinner that will honor Diane P. Holder, President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan.

The event will kick off BVRS' Centennial Celebration that commemorates 100 years of serving people with vision loss through rehabilitation, independence training, employment, and other programs and services.

Since he was a finalist on season eight of American Idol in 2009, MacIntyre has enjoyed a robust career that has included the release of his new CD Heartstrings, engagements as an inspirational pubic speaker, and live performances in the United States and abroad.

Born vision impaired, MacIntyre began playing piano by ear at age 3, started classical lessons at 6, and by age 11 was independently recording, producing, and releasing his own albums. At age 15, MacIntyre debuted with the Phoenix Symphony as a guest piano soloist. His music spans pop, rock, punk, jazz, Christian and classical. Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul called MacIntyre "an inspiration to the entire world."

MacIntyre will perform on Tuesday, May 4, at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, downtown Pittsburgh, at BVRS' major annual fundraiser to benefit programs and services for people with vision loss.

This year's theme: "Visions of Wellness, Dignity, and Respect," honors Ms. Holder's leadership in the field of health services. Ms. Holder, who also serves as President of the UPMC Health Insurance Division and executive vice president of UPMC, will be presented with BVRS' Monsignor Paul M. Lackner Person of Vision Award. Ms. Holder was recently named one of Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business and was a 2009 Pittsburgh Business Times Diamond Award winner. UPMC is one of the nation's leading integrated delivery systems, and through its health plans and affiliates, provides health coverage and benefit management for more than one million Pennsylvanians.