Biography
Although born in Perth, Australia, Michael Johns relocated to the United States to launch his music career, first establishing himself as a solo performer based in Atlanta and later assembling a band in Los Angeles. Serving as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, he guided the Rising to a deal with Maverick Records, which issued the group’s debut album Future Unknown in 2003. The project’s opening cut, “Cradle,” earned modest radio rotation that summer, yet the Rising disbanded once Maverick dropped the act. Johns returned to solo work, shifting his focus toward a television platform.
At 28 he auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol in July 2007. Judge Simon Cowell approved his entry with the remark, “You’re like a white soul singer.” Johns advanced comfortably through the early rounds, drawing comparisons to Jim Morrison and Michael Hutchence along the way. He ultimately placed eighth, exiting after a performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” that surprised viewers. One year later, the show introduced a rule permitting judges to veto a single elimination each season, an adjustment influenced in part by Johns’ abrupt departure.
Having already issued recordings prior to the competition, as had fellow contestants Brooke White, David Cook, Carly Smithson, and Kristy Lee Cook, Johns leveraged his existing songwriting experience to secure a fresh contract. His solo debut, Hold Back My Heart, appeared in 2009 and matched his voice to a collection of soulful, Southern-styled material.
At 28 he auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol in July 2007. Judge Simon Cowell approved his entry with the remark, “You’re like a white soul singer.” Johns advanced comfortably through the early rounds, drawing comparisons to Jim Morrison and Michael Hutchence along the way. He ultimately placed eighth, exiting after a performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” that surprised viewers. One year later, the show introduced a rule permitting judges to veto a single elimination each season, an adjustment influenced in part by Johns’ abrupt departure.
Having already issued recordings prior to the competition, as had fellow contestants Brooke White, David Cook, Carly Smithson, and Kristy Lee Cook, Johns leveraged his existing songwriting experience to secure a fresh contract. His solo debut, Hold Back My Heart, appeared in 2009 and matched his voice to a collection of soulful, Southern-styled material.
Singles