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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > April > 11 > Entry
4/12: Michael Johns exit interview, friends reaction
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m going to speak to Michael Johns one on one Monday but for now, here are the highlights from the mass press conference interview call this afternoon:
He actually thanked me for my coverage when I got on line. What a classy guy!
Anyway, I asked him why his off-stage goofy persona was so different from his serious. earnest on-stage persona.
“When I perform, I get into it. Even when I’m in dress rehearsal. I go up another notch. I don’t know what comes out sometimes. Off stage, it’s a whole different persona. I’m just Michael. I like to have fun and cut up. But onstage, we go to work.”
And what song would he have sung next week for Mariah Carey week? (My standard question).
“A really cool soul blues version of Vision of Love. It was hot, too. I’m a little bummed I can’t do it.”
His reaction again to being dropped so early? “I would be lying if I say I wasn’t shocked. I hadn’t been in the bottom three. I thought my last two, three weeks were my strongest. But you know in this competition, stuff happens. And it did.”
Some reporter asked him if his choice of ascot might have hurt him? “The ascot that killed America?” Johns mused. “It was a fun outfit. It was time for me to step it up stylistically.”
Did he enjoy the medleys? “I tried to bring as much light to it. If you take it too seriously, you look like an idiot. I tried to have fun and just laugh. I actually really enjoyed Wednesdays.”
On this season’s crop of singers: “Of any season, to be part of this one is special. There were no laughing stocks, no jokers. [He was clearly referencing the likes of Chicken Little and Sanjaya.] We had a lot of respect in the public eye. That’s something I can be very proud of.”
He was honored when he heard Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, fellow Aussies, were fans of his. And he spoke with Dolly Parton on “Fox & Friends” this morning and she raved about him, too.
On Simon “He wanted me to sing more blues soul. Not every theme week fit that. Through the competition, I wanted to show a representation of the kind of artist I’m going to be. I’m going to do rock soul. I’m proud I stayed true to that.”
As for the reacton to his departure “Nothiing’s sunk in yet but it means a lot. It means I struck a nerve somewhere.”
Will he ever go back to Australia as a resident? “I’ve been here [in the United States] 10 years. I love it here. I’ve been here my whole adult life. I’m going to be living here the rest of my life.”
On wearing that Dolly Parton T-shirt last week “We were backstage putting on outfits. One of the stylists hung it up there, this vintage Dolly Parton T-shirt as a gag… So I went went on stage and wore it, try to lighten things up. He gave me a look—are you crazy? It was well worth it.”
On Ryan cruelly teasing him about possibly staying alive another week “I get the television aspect of this competition. It was tough… When he said that, I thought maybe I’m going through, they’re just having a good laugh… then reality set in… I don’t hold it against Ryan.”
I didn’t pay much attention last night to his last performance but he did sing “Dream On” with more heart and soul than he did on Tuesday. “I wasn’t thinking. I was just feeling,” he said. “I’m glad that came across.”
I spoke to a few of Michael Johns’ closest friends from Atlanta and here are their reactions to his departure:
Blaine Terry, 27, Buckhead. Johns would sack out at Blaine’s pad when he visits Atlanta: “A bottle of scotch later, I’m okay. I figured he might be in the bottom three since he hasn’t before. But I didn’t expect him to go.” He said his phone blew up at 9:01 p.m. Thursday and he spoke with 30 to 40 people that night until 1 a.m. and received 200-plus text messages from outraged friends, family and acquaintances.
Marc Thomes, 28, attorney, Atlanta. He tried to look on the bright side: “I think it might be a good thing for his career long term. He’ll be able to move on and make the record he always wanted without as much of that Idol stigma if he had stayed on longer.” He was able to talk to him briefly Thurday night. “He was in good spirits. He was shocked but he’ll move on.” He said he and Blaine were at Marc’s pad and were stunned into silence when the news broke.
Cary Franklin, 30, Atlanta, owner of entertainment site www.sneakysunday.com. A former pro tennis player, Cary met Michael Johns through Collective Soul’s Dean Roland and he and Mike have spent time on the courts. He was in San Francisco on business last night when people began texting him with the news. “My mom called all panicked,” he said. “I was really shocked. I felt like he was going to have his work cut out for him once he made the top five. But I really thought he’d be safe a few more weeks. I thought he was picking up momentum.” He did wonder why Michael never used the guitar, a staple for Brooke and Jason. “He’s a very accomplished guitar player,” he said.
Jason Ingram, 34, Atlanta production graphics specialist: “The way the news was delivered was weird.” He said he went through the multiple stages of grief relatively rapidly, anger, sadness, then reality set in. “When I talked to him a year about doing this show, Michael wanted to just get out there and get some exposure and allow people to see he’s a worthy artist. That was accomplished. He’s in the game. Sure, he wanted to win. I’d have less of a problem if he had made the top 4 or 5. I think the show loses a bit of an element he brought.” He said the one bad thing is Michael won’t get a chance to work with future mentor Andrew Lloyd Weber. “I know he was really looking forward to that. He could have taught him something about hths voice and expanded him in a new genre.”
Comments
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Nice to hear that MJ thanked you. Thanks for the info from his friends, I’m looking forward to more coverage regarding Michael.
By Deirdre
April 11, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
It just fraking sucks eggs…and you can tell him I said so!!!!
By KPH
April 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Yep A4A it was a local show. At that time 17 was just a UHF station because cable had not been invented yet. I hear ya about Rock Concert I looked forward to it every Saturday. Those were the days huh!
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Life goes on, hope he does well.
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Poof
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
And its back.
By Negativo
April 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m still upset about Haley being eliminated.
By flats
April 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
NEG?
By War Eagle
April 11, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Haley was hott
By Ann Veronica
April 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I already made my comments re-garding Michael’s removal which I was very disappointed over. But this comment is something I forgot - I feel it is was a below the belt (deliberate) hit at Michael when Ryan spoke his lines (probably set up before hand, as there were half a dozen different ways the point could have been made as to now following last year’s gesture without giving it to Michael when he was at a low. I thought AI was about being compassionate - that was so un so that I decided Iw ould not watch AI again - until I remembered the other contestants also counting on the public. I think FOX or who ever should make it up to Michael as it was, in my opinion, vicious and unnecessary. Also, has anyone seen MIRacle the story of one of the best American sports win - the 1980 Gold Medals for the Ice Hockey team? That song was sung throughout the credits and I listened to it so many times I got the words - definitely one of the best inspirational songs and Michael sang it with passion. Way to go Michael! Ann Veronica
By flats
April 11, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
stiffy?
By Ann Veronica
April 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
I already made my comments re-garding Michael’s removal which I was very disappointed over. But this comment is something I forgot - I feel it is was a below the belt (deliberate) hit at Michael when Ryan spoke his lines (probably set up before hand, as there were half a dozen different ways the point could have been made as to now following last year’s gesture without giving it to Michael when he was at a low. I thought AI was about being compassionate - that was so un so that I decided Iw ould not watch AI again - until I remembered the other contestants also counting on the public. I think FOX or who ever should make it up to Michael as it was, in my opinion, vicious and unnecessary. Also, has anyone seen MIRacle the story of one of the best American sports win - the 1980 Gold Medals for the Ice Hockey team? That song was sung throughout the credits and I listened to it so many times I got the words - definitely one of the best inspirational songs and Michael sang it with passion. Way to go Michael! Ann Veronica
By Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm
April 11, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Ann Veronica, thanks for posting a worthless,lengthy post twice. your really something special.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
willie give it up regarding multiple posts, it’s NOT the writer’s fault, 99% of the time, it’s the fraking blog FORMAT we are forced to use…. i don’t care if you chastise people for being too wordy…. but don’t blame (especially newbies) people for what isn’t their fault!
comeon, guy, be at least fair minded!
By Negativo
April 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
POLL: Who would you do first: Haley or Kristy?
I think Haley was more feminine sexy, but there’s something carnal about Kristy that just screams “I’LL ROCK YOUR WORLD”. I choose Kristy by a short hair.
By Menana
April 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
On the previous blog, some were talking about crossovers or trying to do other’s music. I have only one comment about that. The only artist that would even come close to doing that, and doing ALL types, blues, pop, roll & roll, country, gospel, etc was The King, Elvis. There was not any type he could not sing and all to perfection.
Last post until Monday. Hubby just got home. Going out of town. You all have a great week-end.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 11, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Bye menana, have fun!!!
By flats
April 11, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
NEG…WAS YOUR STEAKS GOOD?
By Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm
April 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I would choose Kristy too because she rides horses and I’m fixing to buy a race horse.
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I hate busted water heaters.
By cheri
April 11, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I was shocked and very disappointed that Michael was voted off. He is a much better singer than several of the others. He was never in the bottom 3 before, so I think people just neglected to vote because they felt that he was safe for now. He is a great singer and a really nice guy, so I wish him great success. Hopefully, his exposure on AI will do the trick for him.
By War Eagle
April 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Popeye that joke has gotten old. Get your own material.
By Justin
April 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
LOL I’m aorry but I just have to say this… why in the world are there theories as to why he was voted off?!
I mean don’t get me wrong i’m more than shocked that he is gone.. but the fact is he just happened to get the lowest number of votes out of the 8. It doesn’t mean people didn’t pick up the phone to vote.
But hey, whatever it’s just kinda funny.
My order for the next 3 to go…are… well the particular order is a little hard but it’s:
Kinda hard to believe that at least one of them will be in the top 5 and they are no where near as good as that. Brooke is ok but I mean..top 5?
And think: the top 4 we’re looking at now is david & david, which is great, then brooke and jason.
Brooke and Jason are not even close to being as good as Chris Daughtry or LaKisha or Elliot, etc.
which is why the top 4 SHOULD be David, David, Syesha, and Carly. The two davids are solid, and so are the other 2, they just need to show and prove. But Brooke, Jason, and Kristy just need to go
By flats
April 11, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
neg…how’s your new haircut doing?
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Sorry about that last post, just needed to vent.
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Justin, it is too bad that Rodney didn’t post my personal theory as to why Michael was voted off… and that is you. Yes, it is a little theory I call the “Justin Effect”. By trying so hard to squash KLC and at the same time pimping Syesha in some warped and twisted way you got Michael eliminated. Who will you drive off the show next?
Seriously, I don’t necessarily disagree with your views on the top spots, but I think that it only applies to right now. I think everyone except for the David’s are vulnerable if they have a bad week. That leaves 5 people who have to avoid doing poorly and getting the boot, and they have to bring on the WOW if they want to challenge the David’s.
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Harmony if that is all it takes for you to vent then your husband is a very lucky man.
By Patricia Gushue
April 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I am really disappointed that Michael Johns was dumped last night - I thought that it would come down to him and David Cook - I have picked the last few idols - so I was really shocked that this talented and good looking hot guy was voted off - I want to say - “Folks - you got it all wrong” but with any luck he will actually be performing on his own (and American Idol will have helped him that way) sooner rather than later.
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say that War, I have multiple bald spots now from pulling my hair out. I can’t walk in my house, there is stuff everywhere. All these people keep coming back to check on the damage. My husband probably doesn’t want to come home tonight.
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Sorry Sorry Sorry JT, my minds not working well either.
By Kick Chick
April 11, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Please, please, please ask him why he lists his hometown as “Buckhead” rather than Atlanta (or even L.A. where he currently lives). A friend of mine says it’s because he wants people to get the snobby connotation of B’head. I say that he doesn’t seem like that kind of guy. Still, it’s a valid question. It’s not like Buckhead is even a real city! (Or, at least not the Atlanta Buckhead).
By Deirdre
April 11, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Michael is Australian…maybe he didn’t get that Buckhead is a neighborhood rather than a separate place. OR…more likely, maybe he told Idol that he lived in Buckhead and they just assumed it was the town not the neighborhood.
By Justin
April 11, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Hah…um next week I’ll drive Kristy off? how bout that? and i do think my top spots are awesome lol
but i do agree all 5 have to do great… but it seems jason’s done enough to gain voting fans back (unfortunately)..
someone else said David A. is way overrated… i can see that a little.. but then again, he is really good
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
I think the only people that would pick up on Buckhead as having a snobby connotation would be people from the Atlanta metro area. Maybe that is just me.
By Deirdre
April 11, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
LOL…It’s not just you, JT…nobody 50 miles north, south, east or west would know anything about Buckhead being snobby…and it hardly qualifies anymore.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
April 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
this is for those NOT from Atlanta, or who just don’t know the history please bear with me, those who already do know
Buckhead (neighborhood) is a rather — or WAS — classy neighborhood with lots of fancy homes and condos, fancy shops in fancy malls and lots of hotels and high rise office buildings — and lots and lots of clubs. In recent years, it’s gotten a little INfamous with shootings and hiphop clubs on side roads and such, but they’re working on cleaning that up. It’s always been, for at least 3 generations “the Place” in Atlanta. It USED to be considered a suburb (i know, hard to believe, now it’s almost “downtown”) when i was a little girl…. the trip to Buckhead and Lenox Square (BEFORE Lenox was a Mall!) was big big excitement for little girls with their moms on a saturday! Virtually none of the high-rise apartments, condos, or office buildings were there… LOTS of big fancy homes… some clubs and fancy shops.
Buckhead, GA is ACTUALLY a small town — sort of a one-light, railroad depot little town — east of Madison Georgia, which is about an hour east of Atlanta. According to Wikipedia, the 2000 census counted the population at 205. Yes, Two Hundred Five.
THEREFORE chances are that not only do most people even in Georgia NOT know about Buckhead GA, you can be pretty sure that Michael Johns had NO idea there was such a place outside of the Buckhead-Atlanta neighborhood!
hope that helps!!!
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
April 11, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
In Buckhead-Atlanta, there were 205 people on one floor of one highrise office building during a workday, or 10 times that many on the streets on friday or saturday night— and those may be conservative estimates!!! (i worked IN buckhead-atlanta for about 8 years)
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
April 11, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Well D, i’m about to go start episode 5 of season 3 … i figure i’ll just get lost tonight, LOL!!!
By JTesla
April 11, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks Linny.
So over the last two years of joining in on blogging I have learned about the following non Idol subjects: MARTA, Buckhead, poot, NASCAR, the Braves, spring weather in Georgia, that radio stations in Atlanta are the same as radio stations in Portland, southeast college sports teams, and the state of sports in Atlanta. I’m sure there is more, but that is all I can think of off the top of my head.
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I’ll give you another example of life in Georgia the storms have moved through, now its just plain miserable,hot,humid and muggy. Not very comfortable , if you can’t turn on your air conditioner. I think I may actually melt.
By Harmony
April 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
JT, Can you tell that I’m in a foul mood? Does it show?
By JTesla
April 12, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
I can understand why Harmony!
By Harmony
April 12, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
JT, remind us one day so that we can enlighten you on one of our most dreaded enemies. The vicious fire ant.
By JTesla
April 12, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
I actually know a little bit about fire ants. I also went to college in Wichita Kansas so I know about chiggers, cicadas, june bugs, cockroaches, water moccasins, and gigantic spiders. Thankfully all those, except for the very rare cockroach, aren’t found in this area. You also have to try pretty hard to find tics.
By Harmony
April 12, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
We have all those nasty, evil creatures and now more non-native animals have arrived like armadillos and coyote. I seen a coyote about a month ago in my yard very near my house in the daytime. I didn’t like that too much.
By Harmony
April 12, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Have a good weekend, Good night
By bobbalouie
April 12, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Michael Johns being voted off is INSANE! At the very least, Kristy, Sayesha and Jason should go before him….and actually I wouldn’t have minded Carly & David A. going before him. Oh well, America.
By War Eagle
April 12, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I still find it humerous that people are talking about who should been voted off.
By Songluvr
April 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Hey peeps - Just wanted to say have a good weekend and I’ll talk to you guys next week. I’m going out of town for a few days and probably won’t be online.
By Harmony
April 12, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Have fun Songluvr.
By chris
April 12, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I’m truly disappointed with results of this week’s American Idol. Michael Johns was clearly one of the best entertainers on American Idol in recent years. Voters did the same thng to Chris Dautry. And, Ryan Seacrest was completely insensitive and a real jerk. I’ve come to the conclusion that the show is rigged. I’ll probably never watch it again.
By chris
April 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
I’m truly disappointed with results of this week’s American Idol. Michael Johns was clearly one of the best entertainers on American Idol in recent years. Voters did the same thng to Chris Dautry. And, Ryan Seacrest was completely insensitive and a real jerk. I’ve come to the conclusion that the show is rigged. I’ll probably never watch it again.
By Harmony
April 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
War, the humor continues.
By JTesla
April 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
It is totally rigged, this season David C. beats out Brooke in the finale. You should see what they have scripted for the top 3 when David A. gets the boot, if Paula can pull off what they have planned for her it will bring everyone to tears. And ho boy when you see a clip of Simon in drag during the top 5 results show it will have you laughing.
Yep, totally rigged.
Hope you have or had a good weekend Songluvr.
By JTesla
April 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
So next week is the top 7, is this the week that they form 2 groups during the results show and then tell one person that they are safe and pick a group? Or do they wait for that one until the top 5?
That is one results show I kind of like being surprised on, you get to see two groups with good and bad in each.