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Vale: Michael Johns

Australian singer Michael Johns, best known as a finalist on American Idol 2008, has died, aged 35.

2014-08-04_0125Australian singer Michael Johns, best known as a finalist on American Idol 2008, has died, aged 35.

Perth-born Johns is believed to be a blood clot in his ankle.

He came eighth in American Idol and followed his run with a soulful 2009 album, Hold Back My Heart.

“Michael Johns was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” read a statement on the show’s official Facebook page.

Paula Abdul said, “I’m so torn up over the news about Michael Johns. Michael was not just an amazing talent, he was an incredible human being who was so full of life that the notion of it stopping is incomprehensible to me. His echo will live on forever…”

Producer Nigel Lythgoe said, “His acoustic version of the Bee Gees’ ‘To Love Somebody’ was very special but I will always remember him singing the Beatles’ ‘You Never Give Me Your Money/Golden Slumbers.’ One of his favorite songs. … He was a great talent and dear friend. My boys and I were devastated to hear the news.”

Singwriter Diane Warren added, “I’m very sad to hear of Michael Johns’ passing. We worked together when I did a song on his record. What I remember about him is not just that he had a great soulful voice, but also that he was a really good guy. In my opinion he was one of the best singers to come from Idol. My thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Johns performed on the PBS television special, Hit Man: David Foster and Friends, which also featured Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Blake Shelton and Andrea Bocelli. He also participated in many A-list charity events and appeared on a 2012 episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which stars Foster’s wife Yolanda.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

0 Responses

  1. Incredibly sad! I remember him well from that season; in part because he was Australian, also as he exited prematurely (ala Rickie Lee on Australian Idol) and because he was a darn good singer.

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