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Michael Johns Finds Attention 'Surreal,' Loves Whynattes

Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:20 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under: ,

Michael Johns was famously voted off "American Idol," much to the chagrin of, well, everyone, it seems.

The Australian-turned-Atlantan was a fan favorite and seemingly a frontrunner until his untimely demise last Thursday.

He stopped by the plaza today to chat with Matt, Meredith and Natalie. WATCH VIDEO

We'll have a vlog post here on allDAY soon, but in case you can't get enough of Michael Johns, I had a quick chat with him after his appearance on the plaza. He spent about 15 minutes talking to our crowd outside, posing for photos and signing autographs, and as we stepped inside, he said, "This is surreal."

Here's the conversation that followed:

DF: As you walked in from talking to the crowd, you said this is all "surreal"...how are you dealing with all the attention you're getting?

Michael Johns: It's day to day. Everyone's been so positive since I was voted off, and saying I was robbed and that I'm going to have a great career, to think about Chris Daughtry. So that's all so sweet.

DF: What's been the best part of this whole experience?

MJ: "Idol Gives Back," for sure. Amazing all the artists they had there, Annie Lenox doing that song, and being right there with her was a huge, huge honor for me, personally.

DF: I noticed you wore a whynatte shirt on an episode of "Idol" (see above)...what's been your experience with the whynatte?

MJ: We were in Atlanta one night in a bar, and I saw some guy mixing Jagermeister with espresso, and I'm like, "What the hell is that?" He was like, "Man, it's a whynatte!" They have them in about 30 bars in Atlanta. So I heard all about it, when online and read about it.

I ended up meeting one of the owners, Jesse [Kuniansky-Altman], and he told me all about it, what they were trying to achieve and do...what a product!

DF: So you're a whynatte fan.

MJ: Absolutely a fan.

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Comments

I agree Michael was robbed! Why Jason is still there amazes me. Guess the popularity driven voters of young-young teens explains it all. The only reason I can find for the under-performing Jason to  still be there. I think Michael will do well, and maybe was even done a afvor with the vote-off.

Len Rogers (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:40 AM)

Whynatte? I was a little skeptical, but I just checked out their website.  I can see why Michael is a fan - it looks like a fun time, and Michael seems like a fun guy.  Good to see that he's supporting the friends of his back home!  

Chip (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:51 AM)

I agree--Michael Johns should not have been voted off this soon--although I don't think he would've made first place, but he is definately in the top 5 contestants this year!  I can't understand why Kristy Lee Cook and Brooke White and Jason Castro are still there since their performances are mediocre at best, yet Ramielle was voted off, which is very sad because she has a wonderful bluesy/R&B voice and she should've been in the top 6.  

Lori (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:16 AM)

Michael Johns was robbed, there is no way he should of been voted off before a few others that come to mind, Kristi Lee, Brooke  etc. He was robbed big time.I was sad to see him go.

Audrey MAtis Elk Rive, Mn (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:10 AM)

Kristi Lee Cook -  a no talent.  Short sweet and to the point, he was robbed.

Julie, Rochester, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:13 AM)

I don't think he should have been voted off before a few other choice contestants (why are you still here kristy lee!?!?), but he was inconsistent. Great performances like his Dolly Parton number were followed by less than stellar peices like his Day In The Life cover, or his Queen medley from last week. In the end, he was only ousted a week, maybe two early.

Ben, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:18 AM)

I would like to comment on the awful way Ryan Seacrest gave Michael Johns the boot last week.  He started  off by saying that last year after "Idol Gives Back", no one was voted off.  He then proceeded to tell him he was leaving.  Why even mention last year if it wasn't going to follow suit?  I think it was terrible.  Shame on you.  

Maria C., NYC (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:22 AM)

Michael Johns was robbed, there is no way he should of been voted off this early especially before a few others that come to mind such as Kristi Lee, Brooke, Jason etc. I was sad to see him go. he will get some offers I am sure of.

Audrey Elk River, Mn (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:34 AM)

ABSOLUTELY, MICHAEL JOHNS WAS ROBBED BIG TIME!!
MAKES ME NOT WANT TO WATCH THE SHOW ANYMORE!

E. PEREZ SA TX (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:36 AM)

I hated to see him go, actually I think he was the best one.  Just like Chris Daughtry was the best in my opinion as well.  I love Chris's songs!!!!

Cristal Taylor, Paris KY (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:37 AM)

I don't even want to watch the show after Michael Johns being voted off. He should have ended up in the top 2. There are too many left with far less talent. Plus he has the most charisma. He will do well though and I look forward to that.

Star, Silverdale, Washington (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:41 AM)

With Michael Johns voted off the show and given the boot so unmercifully, you have lost a viewer...

Iris Wadkins Garden City MI (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:48 AM)

Gone, but NOT forgotten.  There's no question he has a promising career ahead of him if he wants it.

Cali Peach (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:50 AM)

Jason and David Cook should've gone long before Michael. I can't believe that they booted him off when he should've stayed until the end. I'm sure some record company will believe in his incredible talent and sign him up quickly.  

Rose Baumgardner, Latrobe, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:16 PM)

What are these people thinking, (probably not thinking).  Time for Kristy Lee & Jason to hit the road.  Michael Johns will be missed.

Phyllis Stephenson (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:18 PM)

This just goes to show that allowing people to vote 'Chicago Style' (early and often) will bring poor results every time.  As Simon alluded to on an earlier episode if Idol is a 'talent contest rather than a popularity contest' then Michael, David Archuletta and Cook are the front runners along with Kylie.  But since the people who can text the fastest get the most votes in, it's anyone's guess who will win.  How else do you explain Chris Daughtry getting booted last year?  And why don't the producers make the actual results public?  Why ins this age of information technology cant they limit the votes to 1 per text id and one per ip address.  At least that would limit viral voting!

Joe Schmie, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:31 PM)

I have to say that Ryan Seacrest should have been kicked off for how he handled that elimination. Michael was in my top 3. I agree with the other comments in relation to Daughtry...Michael will be another Chris. We will miss you!!!

Jackie, Boise ID (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:34 PM)

I know a whole week has gone by since Michael Johns was voted off - I am still very disappointed that he will no longer be competing...he should be. I have to agree with other bloggers - Ryan handled the announcement all wrong. Not only did he mislead Michael into thinking he might be staying - he disappointed everyone watching!  Not too cool - Ryan!!!  

Donna, Anderson SC (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:55 PM)

I am so sad about Michael Johns leaving.  Hw is very talented and seems like a really sweet guy.  I am looking forward to the day when his CD comes out.

jeannie hedges (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:59 PM)

I was very sad to see Michael go.  I figured he would have been one of the top two.  He always seemed to have more class and charisma than the others, and I loved the way he sang.  I don't think the show is going to be as exciting to watch.  I usually look forward to Tuesday night, but I'm not sure if I'm even going to watch it tonight.

Medford, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:01 PM)

You all sound like you are blaming the show.  Have you forgotten that the FANS voted him off????

Deb, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:04 PM)

I agree 100%- Michael should have been in the top 3.  I won't watch it anymore because I don't like the contestants that are remaining.  They need to change the program to be a real talent program and not a popularity contest.  They should have judges not voters calling in.  And the pit with the little girls screaming.....what a joke.  If David Archuleta or Brooke wins I definately won't ever watch the program again.  

Diane Porter, Godfrey, IL (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:08 PM)

American Idol is the only show I watch as I am a small business owner with kids and have a very busy schedule.  I still find time to put in my 1-10 votes for Michael.  I watched the show and loved "Dream On".  I was busy the night after and did not get to vote.  If you are listening Michael, I hope you can forgive me, I wish you the best of luck. Everything happens for a reason, and with the outpouring of attention maybe this is better than getting 2nd-7th place! Start now!!!!

Mike, Fort Wayne Indiana (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:11 PM)

I have to agree that Michael Johns was robbed.  That was horrible, I have to say it is time to see Kristy Lee go or Brooke White go.  I wasn't a big fan of Michael Johns but he still should have stayed a little longer.  As for Seacrest they way he put it say they didn't vote anyone off last year but this year we say good bye was BULLS***.  That was cruel and mean

Amy, Coeur d alene, ID (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:11 PM)

Michael was robbed.  Jason needs to go.  Ryan literally kicked him in the stomach.  I don't know how he sleeps at night.  Good luck Michael!  I will buy your cd.

Marcyne, New Castle, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:12 PM)

Michael had a great voice, but a penchant for picking boring songs and some annoying mannerisms.  I honestly was not at all surprised to see him go after giving another forgettable performance. He's like Carly -- talent, but no "it" factor.  Doesn't matter, really.  This year's idol will be named David.

Beth, Madison (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:38 PM)

I love the way Kristy Lee Cook sings.  Everyone has an opinion and everyone likes a different kind of music.  That's what makes the world go around.  As long as little children and young groupies are allowed to vote, you will see great talent booted off for no good explaination.
PS  I loved the opening song.  We should always Praise the Lord!

Judy Johnson, Elizabeth City, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:39 PM)

HE wasn't robbed.  We just didn't vote for him. Who should you blame?  Every one of the top ten have the potential to be great on their own.  Don't Sas Kristy Lee she did a good job.  I don't think he would have lasted more than 2 more weeks anyway.  This week the bottom three will be Kristi, Jason, and Brooke.  I won't see any surprises until we get to the top 4.

Mel L. Fargo (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:46 PM)

Although David Archuleta has a wonderful voice and is obviously a very talented musician, why has no one ever mentioned his rather obvious speech impediment (than sounds horrible, but I'm not being rude - just honest)?  He does no form the letter "s" properly, and it just grates on my nerves.  With a little bit of speech therapy, this could be corrected so easily.  I had the same problem when I was in school, and although it wasn't a "lisp" they still caught that I wasn't saying it properly.  Problem fixed in a few weeks.  Perhaps why I may be more sensitive to this issue than the public in general.  Otherwise, talented but I don't think ready to be the #1 pick.

Jan, Somerset, NJ (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:54 PM)

i also believe michael was robbed. he was my favorite on the show and he's so cute. i was stunned when i saw him get dumped by idol. i have a feeling he will make a career of singing. he has a wonderful singing voice and love his accent.

chrystie,wichita,kansas (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:55 PM)

Michael, I am really disappointed I would not get to hear you this week (and many weeks to come)!! I can not wait for your CD!!

Nellie, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1:58 PM)

I think Michael Johns is an awesome singer and I would definitely buy his cd!  I also agree he was robbed, but I believe he is going on to bigger & definitely better things.  Ryan Secrest has become so arrogant, and the way Michael was dismissed was just very tacky!  Real classy, Secrest!!  I'm not sure I care to watch anymore!!!

Kathy Charleston, SC (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:03 PM)

Michael was robbed by the powers that be at American Idol.  With all the talks - wrong choice of song, not be a rocker cause David is already a rocker - these are all from the powers behind American Idol.  Fans will be fans. It does not matter to them whether he picked up the wrong song, whether it is inspirational or not, whether there is already a rocker. Fans will not shift their vote to another contender until their idol is booted off.  I am sure American Idol booted Michael out, not the fans.  He should have stayed at least the top 4 or 5.  Why is Kristy still there?  Is her flirting with Simon working?  Why is Jason still there? He has a nice voice but he looks so flat on TV.  He is just young and goodlooking.  Why is Syesha still there?  I believe that Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha, Carly Smithson and Jason should have gone first before Michael.

American Idol is very unfair.  I am sure there will be a lot of people not watching AI after this.

Why can't American Idol have an independent accounting firm count the votes and make it public?  With all the commercials, they have the means.

It is time for American Idol to be fair.  Let the people decide who should be American Idol and not who the American Idol powers.  

American Idol sucks and so is Ryan Seacrest.

Edgar, Los Angeles, California (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:17 PM)

I for one am not sad Michael is gone.

Joe Detroit (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:25 PM)

Many posts seem to blame American Idol for the unfair results for Michael Johns - remember, it is the viewers who are the voting (or not voting).  I felt the same shock as we all saw on Paula's face.  I know we will hear from MJ in the near future.  

Mary, Everett, WA (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:27 PM)

I really hope American Idol says something about how Michael Johns was treated last week.  I was so sad about him leaving but know that this was just a stepping stone for him.  Can't wait for his 1st CD---Ryan please give Michael an apology, publically

Dawn, Mpls, MN (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:28 PM)

I was sure hoping to hear Michael sing something like "Mustang Sally" or "Dark End Of The Street".  Perhaps he will consider making an album with some of those songs...soon!

D. Tracy, Clifton, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:31 PM)

I put in 7 votes for Michael Johns the night he sang Dream On but I guess I should have voted more!  I will buy his CD (and David Cook's) before I buy anyone else's on this season of American Idol.  I agree with what everyone is saying about Ryan, but I would also like to direct this towards Simon.  He gave Michael a hard time and kept saying he didn't know why Micheal chose Dream On as an inspirational song.  Simon was still talking about it when Micheal was in the bottom 3 on wednesday.  Sometimes Simon forgets that some people in America do not make their own decisions and actually listens to what he says! (Shame on you both!).  Who is Simon to say what song does and does not inspire Micheal Johns, then to go on and say he was impersonating Aerosmith.  Well if he was, then he should get props for his excellent performance!  I felt like Micheal Johns, David Cook, and Carly Smithson should have been the top 3 this season.  I am terrible shocked and upset that Micheal Johns was eliminated so early but at least he has a lead now on getting his CD (that i know he will get on offer to do) out before the other idols who get kicked off!    

Brit, Knoxville, TN (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:41 PM)

Nice job Michael. We will being seeing more of your talent.

Cindy North Branch, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:44 PM)

It may be the public who votes, but I for one think the way the public gets to vote is not fair.  I am not going to stay up for two hours and put in thousands of votes.  I put in about five votes for my favorite, but then I go to bed because I have to work the next day.  It's too bad they can't figure out a way to let people only vote a few times, like Dancing with the Stars does or other shows that get voted on.  It doesn't seem fair when someone can text message and call in votes as many times as they like.  Some people have lives and don't have the time to put in vote after vote after vote.  I find it frustrating and think it would be much fairer if they had a different voting system.  I do enjoy AI, but am getting to the point that I am not going to vote, because my one or two measly little votes can't even compete when there are all these kids and others who will vote millions of times.  It just seems there should be a better and more fairer way.  More people would probably vote if they knew they could vote for that person five times and that was it.  

Medford, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:55 PM)

After Michael Johns was voted off, I just turned off the TV.  I get so tired of America voting off some of the best and keeping on those that aren't so good.  I'm sorry Michael. You deserved to be there until at least the top 4.  Hope you do well.  You deserve to.

Carlile, Dulcie (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:59 PM)

So sad MJ is gone.  What a shocker.  Like others, I had him pegged as a top 5 finalist, but probably not the winner.  Just checked out this Whynatte thing.  Pretty cool site.  Whoever writes the posts is hilarious.

James, Houston (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3:12 PM)

This is the first time I ever watched American Idol.  Michael Johns was my first choice from the beginning and made me watch the show.  I was deeply shocked and angry that he was voted off.  I couldn't even sleep that night.  It is completely unfair, and makes absolutely no sense.  I also think Ryan Seacrest was incredibly rude and disgusting when he announced that last season, they decided not to have an elimination...., but this season, Michael Johns was leaving.  For a second, it gave Michael false hope and all his fans false hope.  That was totally uncalled for.  Everyone on this show wants to do their best and for Ryan Seacrest to play with a person's emotions and dreams is mean-spirited and cruel.  Ryan has his high paying job and seems to have lost his sense of compassion for others who are trying to earn their dream under the scrutiny of a TV audience judging their every move.  He should be eliminated off the show!  Michael, I will buy every one of your CD's because you are an awesome talent!

Andrea (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3:14 PM)

Phenomenal interview.  I have also wondered about the t-shirt from that idol episode, and my questions were finally answered.  After checking out the website, I have purchased several t-shirts and plan to speak at local Houston civic gathering about the virtues of the whynatte.  I can only imagine how delicious a  whynatte would go down while watching a late season fantasy basketball collapse of epic proportions.

Ben, Houston TX (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3:19 PM)

the voting method is a travesty.

The "babies" vote a jazillion times.  MUST be limited in number  by each voter.....and judge scores must count  also....as with Dancing with the Stars.

There is no super star quality in any of those remaining.

Archuleta has been pre-chosen as the winner by AI.  Yes, he does have that speech immpediment....and is not built "normally" either. I am no longer interested in Idol, since they have so arrogantly neglected to "cover" their tracks.

michaelene gon, westerville,oihio (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3:35 PM)

Michael Johns and WHYNATTE are a great team!

JudyK. Atlanta Ga (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:22 PM)

I am still so shocked about Michael leaving that I'm not even looking forward to watching AI tonight--and that's a first for me, for I have loved this show since day one! This season, Michael was the one I found myself looking so forward to his preformance. Why Jason is still there is a joke. What bothers me is Simon, for some odd reason, wanting him off the show and Ryan could'nt have been more heartless. I read that Michael was to be eliminated that week and the tiny-bopper Acheletta was going to win. And sure enough, Michael was eliminated. Wow, why do we vote if it's all decided upon? It now isn't much to look forward to if that's the case. The best talent was between Michael, David Cook and Carly. I'm finding it very hard to believe that Michael was "voted off" and am hoping they do bring back the "wild card", or whatever it is, so Michael will be back where he belongs. Between Simon's remarks to the public and Ryan, especially Ryan's coldness---this is absolutely shameful!

Debbie, Concord, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:38 PM)

What a shocker!  I would have bought one of Michael's CDs as I really liked his style and loved listening to him sing.  AI is really going down hill.  I only started watching AI because my wife likes it but now we are both turned off by Ryan's rudeness every week and the way it has turned out to be more of a popularity contest with the "kids".    Too bad a good thing has gone bad.  Good luck to you Michael....we will be watching for your CD and you can count on us to buy it!

C J, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:48 PM)

UNFORTUNATELY, I DIDN'T GET TO SEE AMERICAN IDOL WHEN MICHAEL JOHNS LEFT. WHEN I FOUND OUT, I MADE THE DECISION NOT TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL AGAIN!!! IT MAKES NO SENSE WITHOUT MICHAEL JOHNS. HE WAS DEFINITELY THE BEST, BY FAR. WHAT IS JASON STILL DOING IN THE COMPETITION, ANYWAY?

Rosie Hernandez, Burbank, CA. (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:55 PM)

It was another mistake by Idol - not the voters, but Idol itself.  Insiders have already said the Clay Akon actually beat Ruben.  It was a technical error, but Idol naturally didn't admit it.  If you recall, Clay was up 4 to 1 over Ruben the previous week, but "lost."  Michael, I imagine is in the same boat.  But, it may be better for him anyway.  

Tom, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, April 15, 2008 5:15 PM)



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