Every week the evicted American Idol contestants chat with the press and for the past few each contestant has given a variation on the "Oh, I knew I was going home" answer. The same cannot be said for Thursday's (April 10) bootee, Michael Johns.

"I'd be lying to say I wasn't shocked," Johns says, the morning after the most surprising elimination of this American Idol season. "I mean, I hadn't been in the bottom three and I thought definitely the last two or three weeks had been strongest. But we're in this competition and stuff can happen and it did."

While the Internet is a-buzz about the various factors led to Johns' dismissal, the 29-year-old Aussie gives little credence to judge Simon Cowell's repeated insistence that choosing Aerosmith's "Dream On" on Tuesday's Inspirational Songs Night did him in.

"I'm living my dream and that song's all about heartache and struggle and overcoming things and I've done that in the last 10 years," he explains. "You know, living in America and getting to live my dream. Dream on until your dreams come true. And they're coming true right now, so that's why I chose that song, for sure."

Cowell criticized the song choice both on Tuesday night after Johns' performance and then on Thursday after his elimination, generating disagreement both times.

"Sometimes Simon is off the mark, to be honest," Johns tells reporters. "Most time he's on and I respect his opinion a lot, but he wanted me to sing that soul-blues stuff every week ... I'm a rock-soul singer. I like to do both genres and so I wasn't necessarily going to just pander to what the judges said every week, you know what I mean? You have to go out there and say, 'This is the kind of record that I'm going to make and this is the sound that I do.' And some weeks they loved it and some weeks they didn't."

Johns didn't hesitate to address what may be the week's biggest controversy, host Ryan Seacrest's reminder that nobody went home during last year's Idol Gives Back week, a statement that ended up being a big tease.

"Look, I get the television aspect of this competition, but it was tough," he says, "because I thought, 'OK, I'm going home' and then they said that and I'm like 'Oh, wait a second. I'm not going home, maybe they're just having a good laugh.' I hadn't been in the Bottom Three, so I was thinking that was a possibility, but when reality set in and Ryan gave me a look as if to say, 'I'm so sorry I have to do that.' But you get it. You're in the business and you get it, so I won't hold it against Ryan or anything."

For now, Johns is just happy that his departure has stirred strong emotions and that he'll be missed.

"Nothing's sunk in quite yet, but the backlash that I'm seeing, just snippets in the press and talking to you guys, that means a lot," he says. "It means that I struck a nerve somewhere. This year, more than any other year, I really believe, especially with this Top Eight, you can't let your favorite go, 'Oh, he had a great week' or 'She had a great week' and 'I'm going to give them half of my votes and then I'm gonna do the other one that didn't do it so well.' A split vote like that can happen and unfortunately the people that you thought were going to be safe go home."

Other highlights from Johns' exit interview:

On his plans to continue his professional path in the United States: "Will I live in Australia again? Maybe when I'm older? I don't know. But for me, my life and career are here. I love it here. I've been here 10 years. My whole adult life's been here, so it's kind of like   ... I mean, obviously I'm not American, but I don't really feel Australian anymore so much. It's weird."

On whether his fashion choices may have played a role in his exit: "No. I don't think so. I mean, the ascot that killed America? No. It was a fun outfit and it was time to step it up a little bit stylistically and I went for it. No regrets there."

On his hopes for the future: "Winning the thing or not winning Idol, it just really depends on the artist, it depends on what album you make afterwards, it depends whether or not on the show you were absolutely true to yourself and did not change and I think that the people who have succeeded after Idol, from the Kimberley Lockes to the Carrie Underwoods, that's the one common thing, is that they're themselves and they stay true to their hearts."

Comments

Michael Johns is a class act! I expect to be seeing him alot in the future.

arggie | Apr 11, 2008 1:14:46 PM | #

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Stunned and booed from home. I thought the rush, due to all the "Idol Gives Back" stuff was tacky. "Idol Gives Back" is good, but the show is about the American Idol.

The contestants were all given short shrift because of the time constraints. And the "tease" was crude and mean.

There are others who definitely should have gone home before Michael.

Very disappointed. Will only watch Archuleta and White and then tune this show out.

Michael, you are talented and will do well.

A fan.

Louise Thomas | Apr 11, 2008 1:28:31 PM | #

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Michael will be sooo missed! I am in total shock! I voted for Michael dozens of times. I had him pegged for at least the top 3 or 4. He was my favorite. I may just skip the show now for several weeks till the top 3 contestants. (I won't miss the obnoxious and loud Screaming Mimi female fans in the front rows who often drown out the singers on stage!) I'd buy Michael's CD in a second just from seeing him on the show. Consider it a blessing that you weren't the overall winner, Michael, and can start to craft your career and record the album you want on your own like non-winner Chris Daughtry did before you.

twostepperdc | Apr 11, 2008 1:29:23 PM | #

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This is a joke.
I will not watch American Idol anymore.
He was the best!
The only other one who compares is David A.

VERY UNFAIR and Ryan Seacrest's comment was down right mean. Why did he do that?

Laura | Apr 11, 2008 1:35:03 PM | #

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I am so upset I can hardly write this. You didn't eliminate the bottom three last year but you did this year.It seems unfair... what was your reason for doing it this TIME? Whatever the reason it seems to have backfired on you..all of my friends feel that this system has eliminated someone who should hane been a "finalist"-Michael Johns.Boo to you!!!

rita ross | Apr 11, 2008 1:45:30 PM | #

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Agree with everything above. Back to Wed night.
Robin Williams act was mean and crass. And, Uh, Idols shilling for Jesus? Ugh!

chasbro | Apr 11, 2008 1:45:56 PM | #

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I was shocked and dismayed at how American Idol has become a teeny bopper event. Jason and his dreads should go as he looks disinterested and passionless but stays in because of the young and inexperienced voting audience. Is this about talent and passion or hair and goofiness! Michael Johns is a true artist and gentleman.

PV | Apr 11, 2008 1:48:02 PM | #

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Ryan Seacrest should be eliminated for the way he handled Michael Johns' elimination. If Seacrest thinks that all the controversy caused by his cruel tease will increase ratings, he's wrong. It's having the opposite effect - people are tuning out instead.

Sissy | Apr 11, 2008 1:49:02 PM | #

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What a travesty this show has become. This is a perfect example of why America's music business is in trouble. Old Clive only wants malable Tweener pop singers; the really good ones over the age of 21 with great voices seem to be systematically snipered. If little Davy A. wins this over David Cook, that will be the end of it for me. He belongs on Nickelodeon. This stinking mess really violates my sense of right and wrong, ya know?

katy | Apr 11, 2008 1:49:39 PM | #

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I'm boycotting AI from now on and I will never, never watch again. I hope all MJ fans boycott too. I hope he gets record deal soon so this unfairness is reversed.

It's absolutely unbelievable that MJ got booted out. Not only had he never been in the bottom 3, his songs on iTunes were the 2nd in sales.

Why do the judges rave over other David's and Jason's 'originality' when they are only copying covers that were not as widely known. They've misled the voters.

It's absolutely cruel that Ryan mentioned that last year, nobody was booted out. There's absolutely no purpose for that statement.

Good luck to MJ and I hope he makes good records.

Viv | Apr 11, 2008 1:50:27 PM | #

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Daughtry all over again! ~ David Cook is the only reason I will continue to watch this obvious popularity vs. talent contest. Michael and David are clearly the best talent this season has seen! Michael, look forward to buying your post-A.I. independent CD! The fans absolutely DID get this one wrong once again! God bless you and your dreams, Michael!

beth | Apr 11, 2008 1:51:03 PM | #

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Voting Michael Johns off before two of the less talented performers was a shocker to say the least.

This was the first year that I watched. I thought this was a talent contest. Since it is a contest for something other than talent this will probably be the last time I watch.

Don | Apr 11, 2008 1:54:12 PM | #

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Get a life. On Monday on Larry King Live they said someone was leaving this week. I think Michael Johns is an extremely talented young man, but America decided it was his time to go.

Alfred | Apr 11, 2008 2:00:18 PM | #

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I am glad to see that MJ survived the aftershock and is feeling better now. (Not like David C got to go to hospital). His maturity shines in this Interview and he is such a class act during the elimination and after. I totally see his thoughts for that split second when Seacrest was taunting and teasing him. Sure that generates interesting TV, but where is his heart and his brain? I used to like Seacrest but not any more after this incidence. "Seacrest out" for sure! Talking about out he has not really done that. Maybe both Seacrest and Cowell were jealous of MJ being hotter than the two combined and had no chance with him as MJ is a married man.

I do think that the aftershock is a good beginning for MJ, he is now not just loved by his fans, he is now gaining respects, he will sell millions of records. Randy and Simon better make this up for MJ, if not you are only being mean with your own bank account.

Michael, you can put a CD out with just what you did on the show and I will buy it. I can't wait for your CD, you are one of the best in AI history. The show is losing it after this, it may still be popular, but it becomes another High School Musical or Tana Montana, soon Fox will sell it to Disney!

Kimbo | Apr 11, 2008 2:01:23 PM | #

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I voted for Michael Johns every single week. He has star quality and a fantastic voice. I believe in my heart that he has a bright future ahead.

I will not be tuning into Idol anymore.

Laura I | Apr 11, 2008 2:03:02 PM | #

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I am glad to see that MJ survived the aftershock and is feeling better now. (Not like David C got to go to hospital). His maturity shines in this Interview and he is such a class act during the elimination and after. I totally see his thoughts for that split second when Seacrest was taunting and teasing him. Sure that generates interesting TV, but where is his heart and his brain? I used to like Seacrest but not any more after this incidence. "Seacrest out" for sure! Talking about out he has not really done that. Maybe both Seacrest and Cowell were jealous of MJ being hotter than the two combined and had no chance with him as MJ is a married man.

I do think that the aftershock is a good beginning for MJ, he is now not just loved by his fans, he is now gaining respects, he will sell millions of records. Randy and Simon better make this up for MJ, if not you are only being mean with your own bank account.

Michael, you can put a CD out with just what you did on the show and I will buy it. I can't wait for your CD, you are one of the best in AI history. The show is losing it after this, it may still be popular, but it becomes another High School Musical or Tana Montana, soon Fox will sell it to Disney!

Kimbo | Apr 11, 2008 2:03:41 PM | #

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This show has become nothing more than American Bandstand of the 2000's with nothing but little Teenie Boppers screaming (and crying) over their favorite person... not most talented singer. It is what it is but all this hype over David Archletta has got to stop. He sings the same crap every week; aside from "Imagine" I can't remember one single song... oh yea he forgot the lyrics to a Beatles' song that is just plain sacriledge! Good singer but wayyyy over hyped. Go to bed youngin's, when Idol's on it's past your bedtimes and quit charging up your parent's phone bill voting!

SJ | Apr 11, 2008 2:07:16 PM | #

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Hey, Kimbo, way to be a grownup. Take homophobic swipes because your contestant was voted off.

Didya ever stop to think that the stuff Ryan says is SCRIPTED?

molly | Apr 11, 2008 2:12:51 PM | #

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My Tuesday nights will be free of AI forever more. It is very obvious that the majority of the votes are from people under the age of 15 who care more about the length of eyelashes than true talent. Michael Johns was one of the best talents ever on ANY song choice! Michael wasn't cocky or a braggart he just delivered great vocals.I'v been watching idol since the first season but no more.

alice | Apr 11, 2008 2:16:04 PM | #

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Michael, I am older, not a teen ager, I must have spent hours on the phone voting for you last week. I love your voice, your style, everything about you. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN AND WHERE WE CAN BUY YOUR CD'S. AS OLD AS I AM I WILL BE FIRST IN LINE

Missy Annie | Apr 11, 2008 2:17:32 PM | #

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Are you sure the votes were counted correctly??? No more AI for me!

Sharon | Apr 11, 2008 2:18:00 PM | #

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MJ is doomed from the start because AI is, and never will be, rocker friendly. Let's face it, the people who vote on AI aren't rock fans. The closest a rocker had gotten to winning AI was southern rocker Bo Bice. Daughtry never made the final 3. I expect Cook and pretend/wannabe rocker Smithson to exit soon.

The Truth | Apr 11, 2008 2:18:33 PM | #

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WELL>>>>>>>>>>>>

What can i say tht has not alreadby been said. Screst should be fired and Michale brought back. This show has degraded to the point that it is not about talkent but a popularity contest for the boppers and hoppers. So Michael hang in there I will buy your first album and you will show all of them in a few years by the quality and quantity of your work.

LZ

Lee G Zimmerman | Apr 11, 2008 2:21:16 PM | #

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I'll get my sleep now that I won't be staying up to watch the big joke of the year called American Idol.I think a lot of people feel the same way now that Michael has been given the boot.I'm not sorry to say your ratings will be going downhill rather quickly.

Kay | Apr 11, 2008 2:23:49 PM | #

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Michael was my fav on the show. I'd buy his album as fast as I could. All I got to say is...look at Daughtry. He was waaayyy
better than taylor hicks and has been a much bigger success. I see bright things in MJ's future!

Joe F. | Apr 11, 2008 2:24:59 PM | #

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