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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > February > 15 > Entry
2/15: Michael Johns interview (updated)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s some sort of technical glitch here I need to tell the Powers That Be about so whenever I do an advance blog entry, it doesn’t allow commenting. Then I have to re-post it, like I am now. Sheesh. Anyway, hopefully you’ll be able to comment on this one.
There’s a phone conference with Nigel Lythgoe Friday afternoon so email me at rho@ajc.com if you have any good questions for me to pose to him. And I hope to talk to Alex Lushington soon. And I just found out Carly Hennessy Smithson, the Irish gal, lived in Marietta for two years. I hope to talk to her, too!
On Thursday, i did nab a few minutes to gab with Michael Johns, the Aussie native and former Atlantan (plus an early favorite who has gotten plenty of love from the “Idol” judges and producers.)
First off, he’s 29 and for most of his life, he was known as Michael Lee. Last year, he changed it to Michael Johns. (Lee was his dad’s name and he hasn’t been in contact with his dad since he was 15.) Johns is a multiple of his middle name John and his stepdad’s name John.
Anyway, Lee/Johns came to the States first on a tennis scholarship a small Tifton college around 1997. He stayed there nine months, then decided to move to Atlanta to pursue music. He’d heard it had a decent music scene. He landed at Buckhead bar CJ’s Landing, where he worked “literally picking up glasses and trash.” The owner Phil Goode (sic?) liked him and heard him sing so he decided to stick him on the stage, first on Mondays, then weekends. He was there on and off from 1998 to 2002 doing cover songs with a guy named Hank Barbee. (CJ’s was torn down last year as Buckhead Village goes through its major transformation upscale.)
“It was the best way for me to learn about the South and what pushed Americans buttons,” Lee/Johns said. Barbee, who played with him hundreds of times, said Lee was a quick study and learned hundreds of songs. He’d keep a notebook packed with lyrics of songs that people requested. One time, he even spontaneously did a few lines of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” Barbee recalled. Barbee also said Lee/Johns had a weakness for Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, as well as Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones.
He’s now a permanent U.S. resident who is eligible for full citizenship in a couple of years. “When I went back to Australia over Christmas, I hadn’t been there in five years. I felt like a visitor,” he said. (Australia will be airing “American Idol” in almost real time, he said.)
After this posted, Iain Bluett, the former keyboardist for Film, emailed me what he said were mistakes in the following graf. I’ll post what he said was wrong after the graf in question.
Around 2002, he joined a local band named Film. They played a couple of major-label showcases. Barbee said other members wanted to go with one label. He wanted to go another. So in the end, they split up. It became somewhat bitter and a keyboard player posted a site called www.therisingsucks.com (no longer up) which accused Lee of stealing songs for his new band the Rising. He said this guy was all wrong, that it was a “smear campaign” that was “completely unfounded and untrue” and he actually gets along with the other former members of Film. (I need to track down said members of Film for affirmation. If you know any of them, email me at rho@ajc.com.)
Here’s Iain’s response, with some grammatical fixes: “He joined Film in early 2000 and left in April 2001. Barbee doesn’t know what happened - he wasn’t in the band. We didn’t want to go with one label and him with another. He left after we (the band) were offered the deal by Maverick. He isn’t in contact with any other members and hasn’t been since 2003.”
Johns joined Madonna’s Maverick Records around 2004 and recorded an album. Then Warner Brothers merged with Elektra and Atlantic and Maverick dissolved. The record never came out. The band almost signed with Columbia but then management changed with the merger of Sony/BMG. Last year, he did a solo record, but then the indie label fell apart. He admits he hasn’t been such a lucky guy.
Lee/Johns told Barbee last year that he was going to go with “Idol” because it is one of the few places left to break it big. “I truly believe their the only outlet aggressively finding new talent anymore,” he said. “I don’t know if I had been ready at age 25 but at 28 [his last year of eligibility], I was like, ‘I need to make sure I’m free and clear of everything so I can be on this show.’ “
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Rodney! thank you for the new posting, it’s extremely interesting, especially to those of us who are already in the Michael Johns camp, LOL!!! Ok Ok so i like the ex-Aussie!!! what can i say? I’ll never be too old to look!!! and appreciate, too, by the way :-)
I dunno about one thing tho… as a record label person, i’d be a little leery of signing the guy! seems to have a sort of bad effect on the labels ~¿@
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I’m voting American. I don’t care if Michael Johns and Carly are the best by far of all the contestants, there is no way either will get my vote. This is “American Idol.” That’s my opinion anyway.
**VOTE AMERICAN**By JTesla
February 15, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I hope Michael Johns does well and makes it far into the top 10. I feel better ogling the ladies if there is also some eye candy for the female viewers ;)
By Shay
February 15, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I love this guy. He’s sexy, charismatic, and can sing. Is he married? Kids? Dating? I know the ladies want to know and he will definitely be getting my vote every week until he does something to completely p** me off, which I hope never happens. I don’t care if he’s not American. I know it’s AI, but as long as he is a citizen, he’s o.k. with me.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Yeah but he is BECOMING an American, he’s chosen America as his home, he’s on the (legal) path to full citizenship; i don’t know about Ms. Smithson, but she married an American, so I would assume she plans on taking a similar path. SO, WE, will I understand and even applaud your sentiments, I personally think we can cut some slack for these two guys… now, if someone was a foreigner who has NO intention of remaining in the US, there’s a different story.
Oh. and because I love to play devil’s advocate…. what would you say to a Mexican or a Guatemalan, or a Canadian, or a Brazilian, or… well … you get the idea … competiting in “American Idol” … do we forget that the ENTIRE hemisphere is considered “the Americas” ???? that’s pretty arrogant, too, isn’t it? If it were to be limited to the USofA, then it should be the “USofA Idol” shouldn’t it?
DUCK!!! hoping whatever WE throws at me misses!!!!! ~¿@
oh, and HEY there Shay-girl! good to see your smiling face, errr, so to speak, LOL!!!
By Shay
February 15, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Linny, I agree with you wholeheartedly and hi to you too! I just came back from Red Lobster so I have a huge smile on my face! :-)
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
OK Linny, that argument ain’t going to cut it. If it was North or South American Idol, they would hold auditions in other countries, not just this one. So without reading more into it than what it really is, this is The United States Idol.
So I’m voting American
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Hello Shay. Hope you been doing well.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
LOL WE!! i told you i was just playing devil’s advocate!!! i’m SUCH a trouble maker, you know!!!
work beckons, guess i need to run…again!
later!
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
USA
By Gabhyde
February 16, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this
Being a US citizen is not that easy. Even if you want to be a US citizen, you are subjected to the whims and fancies of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). It became more beauracrautic after 9/11. I’ve known people who waited over 10 years to become Americans. So give this guy a chance to fulfill his dreams. After all, isn’t America the land of opportunities?
By Another War Eagle
February 16, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
While I respect your reason to vote for whomever, a little further background on Michael. He has sung the national anthem at both Turner Field and The GA Dome. And when asked he will always say it is his fav song to sing. This is still the land of opportunity and He is of course well within the rules. You don’t have to be American to win you just have to have America pick you. Thus you become an “American Idol.” I personally know of several US Marines currently in Iraq that he is friends with that will be lending their votes and support to him. I actually think it is the true American Dream. Oh and btw he is a huge SEC football fan all be it a UGA fan Our beloved tigers would come in 2nd.
By BahamaDreamer
February 17, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I truly cannot believe some of these comments! It’s not like Michael swam across a river to live in our great nation, or climbed a fence! He’s here because he is/was apparently a talented tennis player. You have to vote with your heart- who do you want to hear coming from your radio while you’re driving across this great nation? Someone that sings with his soul? Or someone that is mediocre just because they were born here?
I guess this is a free country- you are free to subject your ears to a lower class musician if you want. Personally, I’m sticking with the best- American or not. How many of you drive foreign cars because they’re better?
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Completely agree, BahamaDreamer! Michael and Carly should be judged on their performances not their nationality. May I respectfully point out that the Beatles have been Idols in America for decades! This country has always embraced legal immigration, why would we stop now?
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
So this year there are 2 or 3 foreigners. What if all 24 were foreign? Would everyone still think it was good to have foreign contestants? I think not. And if anyone would says they would approve of an all foreign top 24 they are lying to themselves.
So the question is this How many is to many? If say half were born on foreign soil would that be OK. Doubtful. So how many? I say zero
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
HOLD IT!!!! WE, these two people are RESIDENTS of the US…On their way toward becoming citizens. They have EVERY right to be part of this show. There’s a big difference between a bunch of people from other countries coming here to try out then going back home again and foreign nationals. Michael has lived here since he was 18. Carly is married to an American citizen.
As the daughter of a woman who was a foreign national and is now as loyal to her adopted country as you are, I think you’re not seeing the difference between visitors to this country and legal residents.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
D, you refer to Michael as “the Aussie” almost every time you speak about him. Why is that. Well because of the obvious. If his nationality is not important then why shine a light on it?
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I never said his ‘original’ nationality wasn’t important. Just like my mom is still Irish to people who hear her speak….she’s been in this country since 1945 and still has a slight accent…..but just because he originated in Australia and still has the accent, doesn’t mean he isn’t a LEGAL resident of the USA…it also doesn’t mean that this isn’t his country of preference.
Can you imagine what it’s like to leave your home country and fall so much in love with your new country that you want to become a citizen of that country? I’ve met dozens of ‘new’ citizens and they know a heck of a lot more about how this country functions than many of its ‘natives’. My grandfather-in-law was from Italy. He became a citizen in 1934. He renounced his Italian citizenship during WWII because of Italy’s association with Germany and never returned to his native land, even for a visit, after that.
Now, maybe your family has been in the USA for a long time but my family are relative newcomers. This country has always had an open door to people entering legally, has always welcomed and encouraged new citizens.
Carly and Michael are both in this country legally and in the process of becoming citizens. Just like my mom is an American…so are they!
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I believe that a true American should win AI. That’s all I’m saying. I’m not saying they should be run out of the country.
Give a real American a chance. And like I said if all 24 were not “FROM” this country would that be what people want to see. No because this is American Idol, not “whoever happens to be in the country at the time” idol.
I’m proud to be an American. And I will support Americans.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
D you also mentioned that Michael has been here since he was 18 and he is now 29. Someone from another country only has to have permanent residence in the U.S. for 5years before applying for citizenship, so the fact that he has been here at least 10 years makes it appear that he is not as fired up about becoming a citizen as you say.
It does “sound” good that he is working on it now considering that he is trying to win an American show, but the question is why if it is so important to him and he “loves” this country so much is he waiting 5 or 6 years from the time he was eligible to all of a sudden try to get it.
Number 2 of the requirements to apply for citizenship.
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
What makes a ‘true American’? Do they have to be born here? My mom is as ‘real’ an American as anyone I know. Is it so hard for you to believe that someone could be loyal to this country even if they were born somewhere else. It isn’t hard for me to believe because I’ve witnessed it.
But here’s the real question. The title American Idol…does that mean the idol is American or does it mean America idolizes him/her? The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Princess Diana, I could list dozens of people who have been ‘idolized’ by Americans.
Land of opportunity, remember! Do we deny opportunity to someone just cuz they weren’t born here? That’s a pretty basic question.
I’d hate to think you would have been one of the people who hated my mom when she first arrived in this country just because she was foreign. I’d hate to think you’d be one of the people who said she wasn’t entitled to anything this country had to offer.
What if Carly and Michael had both finished their citizenship papers(takes a long time and a certain number of years have to pass before you’re eligible). Would they be ok to join the competition then…cuz they’d still have those accents, you know. Would they have to show their citizenship papers to qualify or would they still not be American because they weren’t born here?
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
D, you are making way to much out of this.
Once again I am talking about an American TV show. Quit taking it personally. I have nothing against people from a foreign land. I would just prefer someone born in America win an American competition.
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
From what I can tell…he came to the US when he was 18(11 years ago) on a student visa….that would NOT qualify him as a legal resident. He stayed at school for 9 months then rode his student visa for a couple of years. After that he applied and was given ‘permanent residence’, I believe sometime in 02 or 03. That would make it about 5 years of permanent residence. The application process for citizenship is long, arduous, requiring an intense about of study. My mom had been a legal resident of the US for 8 years before receiving her final papers even though she had applied as soon as was allowed.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Well if he only went to school for 9 months and then “rode his student visa” for a few years, wouldn’t that mean he was deceiving the government to stay in this country? Which means he was here illegally, whether the government knew it or not?
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Why am I taking it personally? Because you seem to be suggesting that being born here should give you privileges above and beyond what naturalized citizens should have. That being born here makes someone a more real American than someone who ‘chooses’ to be an American. You and I were born here because our parents or some other ancestor CHOSE to become Americans. We didn’t choose to be born here, we just got lucky because some foreigner that we happen to be related to was smart enough to opt for citizenship in this country. Same thing that Carly and Michael are doing.
By War Eagle (from home)
February 17, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Ok I have found the answer to my own question.
Non immigrant Visas
Non immigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to go to the U.S. on a temporary basis – for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or STUDY
U.S. law requires that people who apply for non immigrant visas provide evidence that they don’t intend to immigrate to the United States.
Well I guess I should vote for the contestant that took advantage of the goodness of our country. ILEGALY.
D, by personally I mean that I am directing my comments about an American Idol contestant, and you continue to give me your family story.
By Deirdre
February 17, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Immigrant laws, particularly those pertaining to students, changed drastically after 9/11.
Whether you like it or not…both Michael and Carly are LEGAL residents of the US. Carly is eligible for citizenship based on her husband’s status as a citizen and Michael has applied for citizenship. You should be feeling flattered!
I guess this is one of those things we’ll just have to agree to disagree on! :-)
I think we both need to batten down the hatches…storms are rolling in.
By Matt
February 18, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
War Eagle, get over yourself, how racist are you, i know you will come back and say no no im not racist, but the fact is that you dont want anyone to enter a competition in america because they were born in another country. Going by your logic, any immigrant cant apply for American Idol, maybe going by your logic they shouldnt be allowed to purchase a lottery ticket too, because the money should belong to a “true american” Its rediculous and very petty. Maybe you should just ban all immigrants from holding a job in america and only people born on american soil can work! After all, Idol is sort of a Job Application, but voters decide who gets the job int he end. Where is the line drawn tho ? You say its ur personal opinion on American Idol yes, but its a racist tone that doesnt just stop at Idol. If you decide to bar all immigrants (who are US citizens now!) from participating on a simple tv contest, then why let them live in the country at all.
By Matt
February 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
War Eagle, get over yourself, how racist are you, i know you will come back and say no no im not racist, but the fact is that you dont want anyone to enter a competition in america because they were born in another country. Going by your logic, any immigrant cant apply for American Idol, maybe going by your logic they shouldnt be allowed to purchase a lottery ticket too, because the money should belong to a “true american” Its rediculous and very petty. Maybe you should just ban all immigrants from holding a job in america and only people born on american soil can work! After all, Idol is sort of a Job Application, but voters decide who gets the job int he end. Where is the line drawn tho ? You say its ur personal opinion on American Idol yes, but its a racist tone that doesnt just stop at Idol. If you decide to bar all immigrants (who are US citizens now!) from participating on a simple tv contest, then why let them live in the country at all.
By War Eagle
February 19, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
Matt, wise up a little and understand the difference from reality from a TV SHOW. And thanks for taking the time to put so much thought into my personal opinion. I never knew I had such effect on people.
By Jona
February 19, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
The guy that owned CJ’s was Phil Goode not Boone. Just a little clarification—
GO Mike, YOU ROCK!
By Bret
February 19, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen Michael Lee/Johns play a bunch of times in Atlanta, and I can say that he’s the real deal. I did a little googling and found this candid photo of Michael Johns on what looks to be a local website. I’ve seen a few people around Atlanta wearing Whynatte shirts. Randomly. Anyway, good job Michael, keep it up.
By ah
February 19, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where is wife is from? Is it Fort Worth, Texas?
By ah
February 19, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where is wife is from? Is it Fort Worth, Texas?
By Frank
February 20, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
War Eagle: The World isn’t flat anymore nor do we use wagons to travel west.
Competition is a gloabl issue, if an american wins great, if not, let the best individual win, i.e. “The Aussie”
I have an american stapler that I will sell you, yet it doesn’t work. Since it is american, let me know and I will send it to you.
Ps- You seem to be a state/government/union worker..
By War Eagle (from home)
February 20, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the history lesson Frank. The shape of the world maybe new news to you but I think most of us already knew the earth was round. Your American stapler works just fine but you aren’t smart enough to work it. You have to put staples in it. It doesn’t do it by itself. If you need further instruction on the basics of stapler useage ask a 5 year old.
And no I’m not a Government or union worker but thanks for being concerned about what I do for a living. If you need a few dollars I can probably help you out.
By Lynn Drotar
February 20, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Want to know what Michael’s connection to Sweet Freedom (the shirt he wore) is? My dad and family members were in this band in the 70s-80s???????
By Trev
February 20, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Whats a 5 year old doing using a stapler??? ..
Vote for who sings the best on the NIGHT .. not for where they come from, or whether you like them or not..
And I’m an aussie, in australia, just heard about Michael Lee Johns getting into the top 24. Go michael.
By Shawn
February 21, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Well, I’ve yet to see one Native American on the show. So, War Eagle, I guess that means you won’t be voting for anyone. Oh, but I guess since you are 3 or 4 generations removed from immigrants, that gives you a nice soap box to stand on. Good job…
By Shirley Lee Cummings
February 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Michael Johns was a favorite the first time I heard him sing. He is by far the most talented and a star!!! Hey you all!!! Isn’t this want our country is all about.
By Sandy
February 26, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry but I feel Michael Lee/Johns, whatever his name is, needs to GO! When idol came out several years ago you had to be an american citizen and I don’t know if or when that changed! Michael had his chance….he was signed by more than one label! That is more a a chance than most people have! Have do you call someone who is a citizen of another country an “AMERICAN IDOL”??? I think that him and Carly need to leave it to the americans and the ones who have never been signed to win this!!!
By Deirdre
February 26, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Sandy…the only rule Idol has EVER had is the age limit and that you can’t be CURRENTLY signed to a label.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 26, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
and you have to be eligible to work in the US, which means citizen, naturalized, or with a work visa—which is WHY carly had to drop out last year, her work visa was delayed
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 26, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
and you have to be eligible to work in the US, which means citizen, naturalized, or with a work visa—which is WHY carly had to drop out last year, her work visa was delayed
By ZITAJONES
February 28, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
I am in love with this guy, his singing, his look, everything!!!
He’s like Brad Pitt they can both read the phone book and I’LL BUY THE ALBUM AND VIDEOS!
LOL CARMEN ZITA
By ZITAJONES
February 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I am in love with this guy, his singing, his look, everything!!!
He’s like Brad Pitt they can both read the phone book and I’LL BUY THE ALBUM AND VIDEOS!
LOL CARMEN ZITA
By ZITAJONES
February 28, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I am in love with this guy, his singing, his look, everything!!!
He’s like Brad Pitt they can both read the phone book and I’LL BUY THE ALBUM AND VIDEOS!
LOL CARMEN ZITA
By CJ Aus
February 28, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Let me tell you the truth about this guy. I have known and seen him sing since 2001. I’m Australian yet I do not think very highly of him. He is not a very nice person nor band mate. He has an arrogance that when not on Idol truly shows. He treats the average people well average. He has been rude and just plain mean to would be fans. He can sing very,very well and could go far. But the truth is he does not because his attitude catches up with him and so do his snide comments.
By CJ Aus
February 28, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Let me tell you the truth about this guy. I have known and seen him sing since 2001. I’m Australian yet I do not think very highly of him. He is not a very nice person nor band mate. He has an arrogance that when not on Idol truly shows. He treats the average people well average. He has been rude and just plain mean to would be fans. He can sing very,very well and could go far. But the truth is he does not because his attitude catches up with him and so do his snide comments.