Tag: American Idol

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Gets "American Idol" Boot

Michael Johns‘ dream run on American Idol has come to an end. His performance of “Dream On” was pretty solid, but it failed to connect with the American public.

I’ve got to admit that I’m shocked by the verdict. I was convinced that snoozeworthy Kristy Lee Cook or Whitney wannabe Syesha Mercado would get the chop first. Goes to show what I know!

It’s a doubly harsh blow considering the Australian Idol producers have decided to postpone the LA auditions indefinitely in favour of extending the London auditions. And here I was thinking he could just try out for our comp! Maybe next year Michael!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Does Aerosmith on "American Idol"

Michael Johns was back wearing his rock pants last night on American Idol. He took on the Aerosmith anthem “Dream On” and seemed to have the entire audience in the palm of his hands.

The judges seemed a little underwhelmed though. I understand what they’re saying, and agree last week’s performance was better. I just love him singing soul. But I appreciate him showing some diversity, and I think this was probably his best rock number.

Will it be enough to keep in the comp. I hope so, but at this stage it’s just so hard to predict. There are definitely people who deserve the boot before Michael, so I’m crossing my fingers.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Impresses on American Idol

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! I’ve just watched Michael Johns’ performance from tonight’s episode of American Idol and I’m thrilled to say the boy is back to his best.

Who thought he’d come out with his best performance on Dolly Parton week? His rendition of “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right” is so sexy and soulful and bluesy, he’s definitely guaranteed his place in the top 8. I’ve been saying for weeks he needed to step things up a notch and I am so glad I did. Go Michael!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Vibe Takes Over American Idol

This week the American Idols tackled songs recorded in the years of their births. I love these very open-ended themes because they really allow the contestants to shine. Michael Johns did just that this week, pulling out not one, but two, Queen classics. “We Will Rock You” got the crowd warmed up, while “We Are the Champions” allowed him to soar. Awesome stuff.

As a bonus I thought I’d also post a video from one of the other contestants, David Archuleta. This little Anthony Callea in training put his spin on John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice.” I know this song was released in the US, but I certainly didn’t expect to hear him cover it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

More Beatles from "American Idol" Hopeful Michael Johns

It seems the folks at American Idol are having trouble coming up with themes. Last week we had the Lennon and McCartney songbook. This week we’ve got the songs of The Beatles. At least this way we can bring out some George Harrison gems I suppose.

I thought Michael sounded great this week (although Simon disagreed with me!) and he delivered “A Day in the Life” with real conviction. But I think the biggest problem for him was trying to compress this opus into a minute and forty. It just sounded really choppy and I think that made it hard for him to really build it.

But the crowd seemed to love it, and they’re the ones voting right? His popularity alone should see him survive another week in the comp.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Does The Beatles on "American Idol"

Isn’t it funny? In recent weeks the American Idol judges have been so excited about Michael Johns’ mediocre performances. This week I thought he was back to his best, but the reception from the judges was less than enthusiastic.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what they said. Our Aussie boy is through to the top 11. I just hope he keeps delivering more performances like this, with killer vocals and plenty of genuine conviction. With that combination he can’t go wrong.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Takes on the 80s

Australia’s American Idol hopeful Michael Johns was at it again this week with a cool rendition of “Don’t You Forget About Me.” I’m fairly biased about this song, but I thought this was a lot better than the other stuff we’ve seen him pull out in recent weeks. I enjoyed it and had to watch it a second time to hear him sing rather than myself!

However I’m still not sure he’s hitting the highs he did in the early rounds of the competition. Simon may be on to something when he says he should go back to a more soulful sound.

And no, I can’t believe Randy Jackson thought this was an INXS song either.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Performs "Go Your Own Way" on "American Idol"

This week was 70s week on American Idol, and Aussie hopeful Michael Johns opened the show with Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” I’ve got to be honest, this performance has me worried. Again the judges seemed fairly positive, but from where I sat it was vocally pretty weak and a little bit pitchy.

I’d hate to think we’ve seen the best of Michael Johns in the preliminary rounds, because this is where the performances really matter. I just hope his fan base is strong enough to get him through. I’m not sure he deserves it based on this performance, but I do believe he’s got a lot more to give us.

Here’s this week’s vid!