TV TONIGHT

"American Idol" Fox 8 p.m.

"American Idol" finalist Michael Johns moved to Los Angeles several years ago, but his heart is still in Atlanta.

He's worn T-shirts made by local companies, he's dedicated a Beatles song to an Atlanta singer who died recently, and he allows "Idol" producers to cite "Buckhead" as his current residence —- even if it isn't.

His Atlanta buddies are returning the love, cheering him on every week at Tin Roof Cantina, owned by the same people who ran former Buckhead joint CJ's Landing, where Johns got his musical break in 1998.

As the top eight vie for votes tonight, the Australian native has glided through with minimal friction. His appeal: a confident stage presence, rugged good looks and a soulful rock vocal styling.

Marc Thomes, an attorney, recalls seeing Johns at CJ's in 2000 singing Train's "Meet Virginia" and being immediately captivated. "He's got charisma and tone in his voice that made me think of Bono," said Thomes, now a close friend.

On the patio of Tin Roof, Thomes and 20 others gather each week at three picnic tables next to two beat-up beer pong tables and watch Johns' "Idol" performances.

During last week's episode, his pals clapped and raised their pints in delight after he performed Dolly Parton's "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right." They cheered again after judge Simon Cowell said, "This is the best I've ever heard you sing!"

Johns can dole out four tickets per show and several locals have taken advantage. Blaine Terry, a close friend, has flown out west twice. Two fellow Australians, Soozz Graham and Brent Bacon, said they planned to be in the "Idol" audience tonight.

Johns came to the United States from Australia at age 18 on a tennis scholarship to a small Tifton college. But he soon left for the bright lights of Atlanta and befriended Australian Phil Goode, who owned CJ's Landing. Goode heard him sing and inserted him first on Monday nights, then on weekends.

Johns became a fixture on CJ's deck for several years.

"It was the best way for me to learn about the South and what pushed Americans' buttons," Johns said in interview in February. (He was unavailable for comment last week.)

Guitarist Hank Barbee said Johns was a quick study, learning hundreds of songs. He'd keep a notebook packed with lyrics of songs people requested. Johns had a special weakness for Pearl Jam.

"He could give Eddie Vedder a run for his money," said Jason Ergle, a 29-year-old software engineer and part of Johns' posse.

At CJ's, Johns loved to interact with the crowd, teasing about people's clothing choices, trading Jagermeister shots, and possessing a goofy nature that isn't readily apparent on the "Idol" stage.

There was also a tip jar facetiously dubbed "the Waffle House Fund." Post-show, he and his friends would grab an early breakfast at the Waffle House at Piedmont and Pharr roads.

And he'd eat bacon. Lots of it. So much so that one of his friends, Jason Ingram, recalls a waitress cutting him off because she was worried they were running out. "To him," said Jeff Bramwell, who played guitar with Johns at CJ's, "bacon is a vegetable."

Johns signed a record deal with Maverick Records and moved out to Los Angeles around 2003, but the CD never came out. At the same time, he never forgot Atlanta. CJ's would even fly him back to perform on occasion until the bar shut down last year when Buckhead Village was razed for redevelopment.

At this point, Johns is not the consensus favorite to win. It's thought to be between rocker David Cook and teen crooner David Archuleta. But oddsmakers are now placing Johns a solid third place.

Ken Barnes, USA Today's "Idol Chatter" blogger, said Johns seemed to coast early but has picked up the pace the past two weeks.

Barnes said Johns "has a strong natural voice, and when he injects some soul in his rock, it's a strong combination. But he can get either tentative or overdramatic."