Idol finalist is living his dream

Dream On by Aerosmith was the last song he performed on American Idol (AI) Season 7 stage. That was seven months ago. Now, Michael Johns is living his dream of becoming a recording artist. But everything still remains a dream to him. 

“I have to pinch myself. American Idol has opened a lot of opportunities. I have also traveled and I am very thankful for that. It has shown a lot of my dreams,” Michael comments on his newfound fame and popularity. 

Michael is on a Hollywood ride and is enjoying it. He has a professional agent and AI doesn’t have a hand where Michael wants to bring his budding career.

“I was (disappointed) too,” shares the Australian-born rock/soul singer of his early, unexpected exit from the competition. “Initially, I was shocked. I had never been to the bottom group and all of a sudden I was called. It was like ‘Where did that come from?’”

AI fans including those outside the US felt the same way. Michael was one of the strongest contenders along with David Cook and David Archuleta. He was predicted to be at least in the Top Three. It was one of the talent show’s big “surprises.” Many, Michael recalls, were saying that he was being robbed of his chance to be the next Idol and the voting was all wrong.

Michael was the eighth finalist who got booted out in the rounds leading to AI finals.  

If there’s any consolation for Michael that he did his best and could make a dent on American recording, it was the support he got from Ellen de Generes, Demi Moore, Dolly Parton, Bruno Tonioli and Keith Urban.

What next for Michael?

He says it’s a solo album about love and loss. It boasts of original tracks he himself wrote plus collaborations with other artists. The album will be finished in December. The first single will be out in music stores early next year. Michael adds that he will be wearing his heart, on the album. The songs are a departure from those ones he performed on AI.

But his bluesy, soul, rock signature is still there.

Meantime, Michael’s fans can enjoy his music as the singer-songwriter performs in Ayala Malls tonight at 6 at Glorietta; Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Alabang Town Center and Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Greenbelt.    

“I never dreamed of sitting down here and being here in the Philippines,” says Michael of how AI has changed his life. “It is a dream come true. (How do I find my stay here?) I love it here. I like the Filipinos’ sense of humor and this is a singing crazy country.”

Recently, Michael had a taste of Filipino’s knack for singing when he guested on ABS-CBN’s A.S.A.P. ‘08 performing Bohemian Rhapsody. He said that Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go and Yeng Constantino were phenomenal. And that “Sarah can sing and is talented.”

But Charice impressed him first in a recently-held David Foster show.

“She is amazing,” says Michael. “We were on the same show. She sang two songs. She is phenomenal, sweet and has a big voice. She will do well in America.”   

Asked what’s his strength as an artist, Michael answers it’s his ability “to connect quickly with others.” After all, a true performer should affect and inspire people through his performance.