Idol Stalker » michael johns

Michael Johns Speaks Up for Paula Abdul

Jeanne — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:39:16 +0000

Michael Johns has become a good friend of Paula Abdul’s since his time on American Idol and he’s weighed in on her departure from the show. According to E! Online, Johns said: "She’s not asking for what [Ryan] Seacrest is getting paid. She’s asking for $20 million over three years, so I think she totally deserves that money. She’s a huge reason people tune in to the show…I think Fox should pull their finger out and pay her what she deserves."

Apparently, she confided all of this to Johns who seems more than happy to spill the beans. If what he says is true, then I’d have to agree with him – I think $20 million over three years is fair for Paula.

He continued by saying: "We talk all the time. She was a bit upset. She just doesn’t understand why Fox made the decision they made—especially when a lot of people got upgrades in money. But she said, ‘Look I’m not going to budge on this. I really think that’s my worth.’ "

He also shared some insight on who could be a good replacement for his dear friend, Paula. "I think Chelsea Handler would be pretty funny," he said. "Chelsea would be my first pick."

I don’t know if Chelsea would be a good fit for the show. Yes, she’s smart and funny and very entertaining but I don’t know if she could say anything truly positive. Besides, what does she really know about the music industry?

Also, I know this has nothing to do with Paula’s contract negotiations but what do you think of the judges becoming friends with former contestants? I guess there’s nothing in their contracts that prevents that but I do think it’s a little strange, especially if she’s going to confide information about her dealings with the show with these former Idol contenders. How do you feel about it?

image © FOX BROADCASTING CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX

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Michael Johns “Hold Back My Heart” Released Today

Jeanne — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:45:53 +0000

Like his fellow season 7 alum, Brooke White, former American Idol finalist, Michael Johns, is releasing some music today and I’ve got to say that I’ve had the chance to preview his Hold Back My Heart album and it’s soooooo much better than I was expecting.

Michael definitely has a great voice but my impression of his was slightly marred by the end of the competition since I think the theme weeks didn’t agree with him. It’s clear now, however, that he’s very talented and has put out a collection of songs that are reminiscent of music from the 1960s up until today and I can definitely see myself putting this CD on and having a BBQ or heading on a fun road trip.

Here’s the tracklisting:

My favorite tracks are “Heart on My Sleeve,” “Fools Gold,” “Mountains” and “Turn to You” although I have to admit that the second half of this disc doesn’t seem as good as the first. It’s still a pretty decent effort so I hope it does well! Have you heard it? What do you think?

image: Amazon

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Jordin Sparks and Michael Johns at Celebrity Fight Night

Jeanne — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:04:53 +0000

This weekend, the stars came out for Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night for an evening filled with Live Auction items and live musical performances by some amazing artists. American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, and finalist, Michael Johns, were among the celebrities who were asked to perform at the charity event which was held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Arizona.

In the time since Celebrity Fight Night began 14 years old, the event has managed to raise over $52 million, with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as the primary beneficiary along with numerous other charities. It sounds like a great event!

See more pictures after the jump!

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Michael Johns and Carly Smithson – “The Letter” on American Idol

Jeanne — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:48:30 +0000

Did you catch Carly Smithson and Michael Johns performing “The Letter” on the results show tonight on American Idol. They are both good singers (and actually really nice in person) but I wasn’t fond of this performance. Did you like it?

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Michael Johns Sings “Another Christmas”

Jeanne — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:45:59 +0000

American Idol (season 7) finalist, Michael Johns, was on the Today Show where he performed his holiday song “Another Christmas.” Proceeds from the song are going to charity and Michael explained to Matt Lauer that he was inspired to give back after his friend Nancy O’Dell (Access Hollywood) lost her mother to ALS earlier this year. How sweet and sad!

I wasn’t a real fan of the song (or the performance) but the lyrics and purpose made it all worthwhile. Watch the video here:

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Ricki Lake Meets Michael Johns at Bardot

Jeanne — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Former talk show host, Ricki Lake, ran into American Idol finalist (and Australian cutie pie), Michael Johns at the Bardot Lounge in West Hollywood (do you know who the blonde is?). They don’t have much of a menu at that place so I’m guessing it’s just a really cool place to hang out.

Did you guys ever watch Ricki’s talk show? I have to shamefully admit that I did and I’m really happy that she seems so happy and has lost so much weight! Michael still looks yummy, of course!

image: Pacific Coast News

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Michael Johns at Australia Movie Premiere

Jeanne — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:32:02 +0000

American Idol season 7 finalist, Michael Johns, was spotted on the red carpet at the premiere for the new movie Australia. The film stars Michael’s fellow Aussie’s, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and was directed by Baz Luhrmann. I have zero intention of seeing this film since I really hated Moulin Rouge (Luhrmann directed and Kidman also starred in that). Anyone going to see it?

Anyway, Michael looked really good (didn’t he?!) and I’m glad he got out to support his fellow countrymen.

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