Michael Johns

Guide Note

American Idol season 7 contestant Michael Johns was voted off the show on April 10, 2008. His departure from the show created much controversy amongst internet bloggers and left many fans shocked and outraged. He was considered one of the front runners of the show and had several solid performances with songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You."

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Michael John Lee
2. Born: October 20, 1978
3. Birthplace: Perth, Australia
4. Moved to the United States in 1998
5. Currently resides in Los Angeles, California
6. Parents: William (Bill) Lee and Janet Burke (married to John Burke)
7. Has 2 older siblings and three step-siblings
8. Eliminated: April 10, 2008

John's influences include The Beatles, Neil Finn, Queen, Otis Redding, INXS, David Bowie and AC/DC. In his spare time he plays football and tennis. He earned a tennis scholarship at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, after he moved from Australia, to the United States.

Johns performed with Jeff Bramwell, Hank Barbee, Anitra Holley and Brian Wiltsey while living in Atlanta, Georgia. He also released an EP with local band Film. In 2001, Johns signed with Maverick Records. Afterwards he, along with Robb Torres, Kevin Haaland, Ari Gorman and drummer Kirke Blankenship formed the band, The Rising.

That was a stunner. Why are these inferior girls hanging in there? It has to stop, quickly. American Idol delivered its first shocker Thursday night, when Michael Johns, who had ascended to front-running heartthrob status recently, was eliminated. Most observers, including usatoday.com’s Idol Chatter readers, picked fellow bottom three members Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson to exit. But it was the Australian-born Johns, 29, who sang Aerosmith’s Dream On Tuesday, whose Idol dreams ended.