By Lori Bizzoco and Melissa Caballero
It was exactly one month ago today that Michael Stagliano and his ex-fiance, Holly Durst had their victory win on the season finale of ABC’s ‘Bachelor Pad 2.’ Despite the uncomfortable (and surprising) public announcement on the show that Holly was engaged to contestant Blake Julian, Michael took the high road and chose to share the winnings with her. But now, that’s all behind him and it’s his turn to smile. ”Right now my job, my music and my life outside the Bachelor Pad are good. I’ve never been happier,” he says.
Related: Bachelor Pad’s Michael Stagliano Reacts to Ex’s Engagement
Grabbing life by the reigns, this Bachelor Pad 2 winner is keeping his chin up and learning from his past experiences. When it comes to finding love, Michael is definitely an optimist. ”I am so ridiculously in love with love. I’m such a lover. Don’t get me wrong, I was down and out for a bit. But, I’m back!” he says.
Yes, single ladies you heard that correctly: Michael Stagliano is on the prowl. ”I like the hunt. I love the idea of finding love naturally; in the grocery store or just walking down the street.” And, it’s safe to say that if you do see this talented musician strolling around town or parading in the produce aisle, his mind is grooving to the beat of a song, preferably one of his own.
This former break-dance instructor is taking his energy and passion and putting it straight into singing and song writing. ”I can talk about my music for days and days. I think there’s nothing in the world like music,” he says.
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Michael has always been in love with music and emphasizes the importance of his lyrics. When asked where he finds his inspiration, he says, “I think what I appreciate the most about my songwriting is that it comes from everywhere. I literally try to use everything. It sounds broad, but I mean it specifically. It’s events, it’s things in life, it’s things I see and things I hear. I feel that songs write me rather than me writing songs.”
For example, he tells us the story of how he recently bumped into his ex-girlfriend from college and there was a rush of nostalgia so big that he wrote his newest single, ‘College Love,’ on the car ride home. Michael’s other two songs, ‘Everything You Do’ and ‘Take Me To Her’ were inspired by his relationship with Holly and a quote that his grandmother once said to him: “I lived my life. Now go live yours.” As if there wasn’t reason enough to fall in love with this former Bachelorette contestant, add “soulfully romantic musician” to the list.
Speaking of falling in love, when we asked Michael to name his celebrity crush, he didn’t hesitate. “Rachel McAdams. So hot. Call me!” he chuckled.
If you’re not Rachel McAdams, there’s still hope. We asked Michael what he looks for in a woman, and he kindly shared his top three (more like 15) list of qualities and features:
1. Physical characteristics: He says this one is the most fun to talk about, but not the most important. ”I’m a sucker for blondes. Always have been, always will be. Not Playboy bunny blonde; naturally blonde. I like shorter girls, 5’2 to 5’7. And, blue or green eyes, that would be great,” he adds.
2. Showing love: “I really have that down. I know how to treat a woman, but still be the man. I know how to make them feel special and let them know that I’m not looking at anybody else. I just want someone who reciprocates that. I haven’t had that yet.”
3. Fruits of the Spirit: Michael says there’s nine qualities he looks for that come from the biblical term called, ‘Fruits of the Spirit.’ ”I’m totally going to misquote this, but basically I mean patience, kind, caring, forgiving, someone who is slow to anger and quick to forgive,” he says. For those of you who are unfamiliar we thought we’d help out. The nine fruits are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Open and honest, you have to admire this reality star’s take on life and love. After such a painful public experience, it’s nice to see a renewed man coming out on top. We have a feeling that this hopeless romantic will meet someone very special and that his music will be around for a long time.
To purchase Michael’s singles, head to iTunes. Or, for more information on his show dates and appearances you can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
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