Jonathan Frahm
Staff Writer
Fans of American Idol will likely fondly remember Season 7 alum Michael Johns.
He was the “shock boot” of the year, inexplicably being eliminated following a rock solid performance of “Dream On” and a slew of soulful covers beforehand, including Dolly Parton’s “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right”. Now, in a tragic event that is all-too-sardonic, Michael has died in his sleep at the young age of 35 due to a blood clot to his ankle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuEPrrfsxtE
News of his death came suddenly this Saturday (August 2), quick to be confirmed by the administrator of his website, mjohnsonline.com, and has been reverberating through Michael’s inner circles since the completely out-of-the-blue announcement:
It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will b avail at
— Sedz (@SedzOz) August 2, 2014
this time.Please respect the privacy of Mike's family and friends as we know u will.Members and admin of @mjohnsonline pass on their prayers
— Sedz (@SedzOz) August 2, 2014
Michael Johns released the album Hold Back My Heart in 2009, his first and only post-Idol full-length. His lead single from off of the album, “Heart On My Sleeve”, later became a hit in Britain when it was handed to X Factor runner-up Olly Murs in 2011 by co-writer James Morrison. Thereafter, he’d released the Love & Sex EP in 2012 with more of an old-school rock flavor to it. I can personally attest to the fact that the song “Cry, Cry, Cry” is fantastic…
Those in attendance during the seventh Idol tour will carry memories of what a treat it was to see Michael and his buddy, winner David Cook, performing “Mavid” dances at many of the tour’s different stops. Of Michael, David said:
“Mike was one of the first people I bonded with when I got to Hollywood week, and I can honestly say that the depth and pressure associated with the first few weeks of the Idolexperience would’ve eaten me alive, had it not been for Mike. He had a way of making this gigantic, life-altering event seem small and manageable. To say I’m shocked and saddened is a gross understatement. I’m completely gutted for his family, including his wife, Stacey. I hope they can find at least some small amount of solace in the fact that he made mine and many others’ lives so much better by having known him.”
Then there’s Michael’s last tweet while heading to the studio, confirming that a new song was in the works a little less than a month ago:
Headed to the studio to work on new song called 'Reckless' been waiting a long time for this one
— Michael Johns (@michael_johns) July 10, 2014
Here’s to hoping it’s finished, because as a fan, I really am wishing we get one more from him to commemorate his music and life much in the same way that you finish making a premium sundae with a cherry on top. Prior to Michael’s death, he and Carly enjoyed many performances together, including one on the Idol stage of “The Letter.”
I don't even know what to say or how to feel. I was so strong yesterday but today I'm just a mess. My buddy is gone forever. #MichaelJohns
— Carly Smithson (@CarlySmithson) August 3, 2014
Johns had also performed with fellow season contestant Brooke White (5th place) on multiple pieces of music, including the studio-released “Life Is Okay”… which is now a heck of a lot more potent than it ever was before.
Brooke released this official statement on Facebook following news of his death going public:
“Well, darn… what do I say. Yesterday I learned the news that we lost this dear friend of ours and I just haven’t processed it. It’s tragic and I’m sad. I just had the thought the other day while driving down the freeway, that if someone asked me who my favorite male voice was it’d be Michael johns. Man I wish I had picked up the phone to tell him that, but I didn’t. He was stupidly talented, handsome, charismatic, funny and quite a complicated character. I loved singing with the guy. We toured the west coast and shared the stage too many times to count, recorded a couple great duets, wrote “little bird” and a few other tunes together. He believed in my voice and was so generous with his compliments. And sometimes he was a real stinker too. His fans were the most devoted and obsessed I’ve seen. He was supposed to be the special guest at my Christmas show and he called me to cancel a few weeks ago, that was the last we spoke. It’s weird to think we won’t sing another tune together again in this lifetime. Isn’t it weird. My heart goes out to his family, his fans, friends, to his Stacy and his beloved Puddy. Michael Johns, we will miss you hard… you will always be my favorite Australian. #ripmichaeljohns“
Below are tweets and reactions from the American Idol cast members and celebrities.
Simon Cowell:
I just heard the very sad news that Michael Johns has passed away. A truly great guy. Rest in peace Michael.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) August 3, 2014
Randy Jackson:
So Sad. Too soon. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. RIP Michael Johns
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) August 3, 2014
Paula Abdul:
Heartfelt condolences to the family of @michael_johns from @AmericanIdol season 7.He will be missed.#RIPMichaelJohns pic.twitter.com/kUuk6OUec1
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) August 2, 2014
Ryan Seacrest:
Sad news for the idol family…one of our own @Michael_Johns passed away. A consistently kind guy with talent for days. We’ll miss you
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 3, 2014
Nigel Lythgoe (ex-Idol producer):
God Bless you Michael.
— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) August 2, 2014
Caleb Johnson:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael Johns. Tonight's show is dedicated in your honor .
— Caleb Perry Johnson (@CalebJohnson) August 2, 2014
Daughtry:
Oh my gosh!! I just heard that @michael_johns passed away!!! What!!!?? This is SO SAD!!!
— Chris Daughtry (@CHRIS_Daughtry) August 2, 2014
Stevie Van Zandt:
Michael Johns. Huge loss. Enormous talent and one of the last of the great personalities. So much fun. Our love and sympathy to the family.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) August 2, 2014
Josh Groban:
Oh no. @michael_johns has passed away. Such a wonderful guy and a great voice. Hung with him many times with @officialdfoster. Awful. RIP.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) August 2, 2014
Joey Fatone:
@michael_johns u will be missed! 😢
— Joey Fatone (@realjoeyfatone) August 2, 2014
Jordin Sparks:
My heart is so heavy today. @michael_johns, you were such a bright light & always made me smile. Rest in His arms. Im going to miss you. 🙁
— Jordin Sparks (@JordinSparks) August 2, 2014
Bo Bice:
My friend @michael_johns passed yesterday. Please keep his family in your prayers. He was a wonderful, kind spirit that brought joy to all.
— Bo Bice (@OfficialBoBice) August 2, 2014
Danny Gokey:
Just heard the devastating news of the loss of former A.I. Alum Michael Johns. So so sad. Please keep his family in your thoughts & prayers.
— Danny Gokey (@dannygokey) August 3, 2014
Kevin McKidd:
#michaeljohns has died very suddenly- he was becoming a good friend , am so sad to hear this news – all my thoughts are with his family
— Kevin McKidd (@TheRealKMcKidd) August 3, 2014
How has Michael Johns’ death affected you? Let us know.
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