American Idol Shocker: Goodbye, Michael Johns!
Wow.
We had predicted a surprise elimination earlier today when we said Carly Smithson would be voted off the show - and she did plummet to the bottom three, along with Syesha Mercado - but we never dreamed Michael Johns would get the boot.
This may rank below Chris Daughtry's elimination in terms of shock value... but not too far below. We're speechless.
Leave a comment and discuss among yourselves: Did you think Johns deserved to be eliminated tonight?
April 10th, 2008 9:34 PM
I am not speechless. In fact I am here to say this is the result of blatant racism in America. For the last few weeks I have been getting bombarded with IM requests and emails just before show time "...to save a sista from elimination by voting for her.." If America wants a second rate hack as their choice, they are welcome to her. Thank god I can still find indie music that doesn't require a million dollars per track of production to be suitable for another million dollar marketing campaign to tell me it is good.
I am looking forward to Michael's album which will need none of that...
April 10th, 2008 9:52 PM
No, not shocked. If we are to judge by "what have you done lately", his piece Tuesday was ... boring. Yes, his voice is good, but so are all of them. He just keeps squeezing the mic and swaying and that just isn't enough energy to engage people. On the other hand, David Cook sucked Tuesday, and he made it out of the bottom 3. I don't think there's any racism, but may be some nationalism. I mean, it is American Idol, not Australian Idol. Yeah, he's from Buckhead, Geordia and I'm from London, England.
April 10th, 2008 10:00 PM
I agree about the racism. Black people are annoyed that the country types and rockers always win Idol because they feel like they have to dominate everything or they think they're getting jipped somehow. It's not our fault they won't go rock or country.
April 10th, 2008 10:15 PM
You know if he was allowed to sing a DOORS song every night he would win, but he just wasn't entertaining at all. Dream On sucked, he lost it a couple of times on the high notes, chalkboard skreetching! Goodbye Micheal Johns, I won't miss you at all!
April 10th, 2008 10:29 PM
Let me qualify this statement by saying I'm a conservative white guy living in Utah. Racism?!? Last I heard African Americans (aka "black people") made up only 15 percent of the population. They all conspired to keep the 'sista' on? Give me a break! Blatant racism? More like blatant whining from whiny white people (can I change to Hispanic now?). This is American, where one of the top basketball players is Chinese, one of the top rap artists is white, and the top golfer in the world is black. Americans, for the most part, will vote for the best. Stop whining! It's very embarrassing for me.
April 10th, 2008 11:13 PM
The problem is in the voting........It is more about the young teens who can vote 50 times a minute......It is too bad that Idol can not have a fair system of voting..what does it mean when there are 30 million votes, and it might have been 1 million people who voted.......Putting all aside, Michael was definitely a better singer and performer than all of the women, and he has a much better voice than Jason..He should have been in the top 3....this was a very WRONG elimination!!!
April 10th, 2008 11:22 PM
It wasn't one of Michael Johns best performances, but he should not have been voted off the American Idol island. Carly was definitely worse and she knew it. You could see on her face that she was ready to go and they were all shocked that Michael got the boot. It doesn't make any difference though. He will sign a contract with someone and we will get a Michael Johns album soon enough. Other less talented low placing Idols have release albums, and this guy rocks.
April 10th, 2008 11:22 PM
How can people say the show is racist when there have been 3 black winners. Whatever. I am so sick of blacks pulling the race card.
April 10th, 2008 11:27 PM
I feel there is no point in watching American Idol for the rest of this season. The women suck and except for David Cook and David Archuleta, the magic is gone this year.
April 10th, 2008 11:46 PM
Sorry folks,
What the he-- were they thinking? Not only is he one of the top two preformers they had on the show, frankly, he was the hottest. The problem was he doesnt have much appeal to 15 year old girls who rule the voting on Idol.Being a Steven Tyler fan for over 30 years, I can say he took on a big song. But his spirit was there, and I think he did Steven proud. I will for one be looking forward to his new album. I am sure he is a new sexy talent!Keep it real Michael, you are a star! Chin up!
April 10th, 2008 11:55 PM
Capri and Debbi are both right on. This show is turning into a joke. He's 29 years old, he doesn't appeal to the typical Idol voter. Shame on me for not voting.
April 10th, 2008 11:55 PM
whatever!!! it was so disappointing that he got eliminated.. can't you vote for the best???
April 11th, 2008 12:02 AM
This is so creazy. The voting system sucks and no real artist will ever go to AI anymore. In order to get the teenies' votes, you have to be cute as a button to appeal to the kids that cake right from wrong and good from bad. Michael Johns is one of the best singers that came to the show. His voice is so rich of emotions and so raw with energy, He is better than David Cook, If David Cook ends up winning, I will never watch the show anymore! David Cook is a copy cat and hid the credits of other Artist. Michael Johns is original himself because of his voice which makes a song totally different even if the arrangement is the same as the original artist. I feel sick!
April 11th, 2008 12:24 AM
I do not believe the best performer,in my opinion, received the fewest votes this week.
Suspect some unannounced reasons might explain this part of the game.
An ex viewer, clm
April 11th, 2008 12:36 AM
Redesign the voting for AI to have any validity. My daughter voted over 50 times for David A. Charge 50 cents/vote & give it all to Idol Gives Back. The best singer might win.
April 11th, 2008 12:40 AM
Maybe Ryan was jealous that there is another man on the show hotter than him! Who knows, there is no third party to verify the results. Maybe that was the trick the producers pull out. I hope Michael will make a big big career and outsells carrie underwood who is just a product made up by the Industry - Look at how she would not even step down during her performance in Idol Gives Back because of her dress. If Michael was in the same season with her, Michael will win!
April 11th, 2008 1:06 AM
I live in Costa Rica and I watch the TV show every single day that it is transmited. To me it was very disspointing that Michael Johns was eliminated. I hope that all american people that can vote throw their toll free numbers realize that we have to aprrove other rythms than pop or blues. Michael is a great singer and I hope he gets a cd contract, because he deserves it. Please open your minds ando vote for David Cook. He is the best of them.
April 11th, 2008 1:34 AM
Come on, can't you just admit that he SUCKED???
GOOD BYE MICHAEL JOHNS!!!!
April 11th, 2008 2:25 AM
Carl, have you ever listen to vocalist's music? The man is a natural singer at par with Kelly Clarkson. I don't think your ill wish can really shut him out. He will have a big career, you will see!
April 11th, 2008 2:51 AM
At this stage of the competition, I really cant stand to see anyone leave.This season has the best goup of competitors since Idols conception. I am so fond of all of them and someone had to go. I will miss Michael and no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him. I cannot wait to see him perform live on the Idol tour.
April 11th, 2008 3:38 AM
My husband and I were both shocked. Michael was one of the best singers on this year. I also agree that the voting system should be changed. Look what happened last year. Just because one is young and the 13-15 year olds can vote 50 or more times for them from their cell phones doesn't make sense. They made a mistake this year with Michael. Good luck to that young man, I hope he makes it big in the music industry..
April 11th, 2008 6:09 AM
I'm shocked beyond belief. I've voted for Michael every week and have been a big fan since Bohemian Rhapsody. He could have won this contest. I'm sure he'll still do well and I'll buy what he puts out. This has been a great season, and I'll miss seeing Michael every week. All my votes go to Jason now. Everyone better vote or else we'll lose another of our favorites!
April 11th, 2008 6:17 AM
I agree with so many of the posters. This totally unfair. This could affect ratings as many aren't interested in watching any longer. Crazy or not, write AL to have Johns reinstated. Stranger things have happened.
April 11th, 2008 8:08 AM
I hated watching last night. I agree that the voting is compelted ruled by the youngsters and they can vote more than once, right? I can never vote as I am working and watch it late at night. I couldn't sleep after that! Jason Castro has a huge following...sorry but he should go before Carly but look where he was. The guy looks like a fall out from the hippie days with a twist of Tiny Tim! Michael Johns for sure should have been in the top three. My husband thinks maybe they will bring him back next week? Wishful thinking?
April 11th, 2008 8:18 AM
I am speechless and shocked!! I predicted Michael Johns to win the competition. At this point I cannot watch the rest of the competition. Michael will come out on top with a phenomenal album and surprise everyone. To be honest, I think a recount of votes needs to be done.