A Day in the Life Michael Johns

Top 12 contestant Michael Johns performed The Beatles "A Day in the Life" on the March 18, 2008 episode of American Idol. The episode occurred during the second consecutive week of performances by The Beatles. "A Day in the Life" was originally on the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Randy Jackson thought it wasn't one of Michael Johns best performances. Jackson didn't feel he chose the right song. Jackson reminded Johns he has a big voice, and he should let it "do its thing".

Paula Abdul said his rehearsal was phenomenal. She wasn't sure if it's because they are working with monitors rather than microphone in their ears, but overall the contestants are losing their connection with the audience.

Simon Cowell thought the performance was a mess and Johns he didn't hit the right notes. It was all over the place. It didn't work in a minute and a half. He also said he needed to nail the song like David Archuleta. When the judges found out he wasn't wearing an ear monitor Paula said there was no excuse and he needed to step up his game. This was revealed after they finished critiquing the performance.

• Dailymotion: Michael Johns performs "A Day in the Life" (Time: 2:04)
• iTunes: "A Day in the Life Michael Johns
• TMZ.com: The Top Eleven's Beatles Performances (March 18, 2008)
• Idol Chatter: A Day in the Life Michael Johns
  • Michael takes a bold, bold move by choosing A Day in the Life. That should be some interesting compression. I like his voice on it ... until the falsetto wavers alarmingly. Bridge works out pretty well. And the last verse was quite cool. Big points for being risky -- like to have heard David A. try something like that.
  • Randy doesn't appreciate the choice. Paula thinks the monitor was at fault. Simon thought it was a mess and thought the song was too complex. The heck with 'em. Rather see a bold semi-success than a boring safe choice.