Michael Johns on His Upcoming Album: I Really Wanted to Do a Stax Record

Awesome! I’m glad he’s going in that direction! He should have done it on the show.

I love Allison and Alexis, too. I can see where he’s coming from with Adam, but I think he has a wonderful recording voice. I think he’ll be fine given the right material. That’s a big IF, considering 19 might be involved.

Good for Michael, his is the season I would have wanted to be on also! He is my 3rd fav from that season – he being there helped to make it a blast from all I have seen, Jason and Cook and well Brooke made it wonderful to watch for me

I don’t believe for a second that he would be doing soul if he had been accepted as a rock artist. He just was not rock and had a soulful voice. Simon was right and he will do well in that field. He would have been a very little fish in a big pond if he tried rock. I’m glad he finally came to his senses. Once he is an established artist, then maybe he can indulge himself and make a rock CD. You can love a genre but not have the voice for it. I will love it, if it is anything like the song he did on Dolly Parton week. Wow, that was good.

What does Michael make of the judges save? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I mean, I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to change anything about the way I was eliminated. What if you get kicked off the week after? Then youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re a double loser.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I feel the same way about the judges save (double loser). I think it just prolongs the inevitable for another week and/or potentially screws up the voting for other contestants.

Stax like album huh? I might have to buy me some Mike Johns. He should kill on that kind of material.

I surprised I agree with him so much. Alexis and Allison were/are the most vocally intriguing to me too. And as I’ve said before, Adam is hella entertaining and has a great (if sometimes annoying) voice, but I have no faith that TPTB will let him make the kind of record he would do well with, but instead give him corporate-rock insta-emo songs.. watered down Fallout Boy. He will come off like a copycat posuer. That will NOT WORK. Sigh.

Good for Michael. I really liked the Season 7 crew, I hope good things happen for them.

Hmmm so I thought Michael was all rock on American Idol last year. He’s wondering what kind of record Adam will put out and what does Michael do put out a soul record like wtf? So you aren’t being exactly true to yourself are you Michael? Don’t worry Michael… Adam’s success will stand the test of time compared to yours. What a shmuck. I liked him until I read this garbage he is spouting.

Loved this interview. I like how Michael gives his honest opinion on questions he is asked and not alot of BS. I quess thats why I enjoy his interviews so much. I love Allison as well.

Are you listening Matt G.? The judges knew MJ could do R&B, and they know you can too!!!

Congrats to MJ!!

I can’t wait to hear this album!

I too agree with a lot of what Michael said, and for that which I don’t agree with…well I can’t begrudge him his opinion. He is only giving his own personal thoughts and saying what he thinks. He just doesn’t have the luxury of anonymity that the rest of us do!

Hmmm so I thought Michael was all rock on American Idol last year. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wondering what kind of record Adam will put out and what does Michael do put out a soul record like wtf? So you arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t being exactly true to yourself are you Michael? Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t worry Michaelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s success will stand the test of time compared to yours. What a shmuck. I liked him until I read this garbage he is spouting.

The judges were right when they said he should’ve stuck to soul because that’s who he is and that’s why he’s making a soul record. At least he’s speaking his mind and not giving a PG answer like most of these ppl do.

edit: don’t tell people what to do

As Much as I Love Adam..I have thought and said the same thing. I will never give up on Michael or Adam love them both. Michael is entitled to his opinion as you or me.

edit: don’t criticize your fellow posters or tell them what to do

I think this is a great interview! Love his comments about David Cook, especially at the end. And I am so happy he went with a soul record. I think he realized soul was definitely his nitch after his IAWBIAR performance, I remember him mentioning something about it during that elimination night. I don’t take it as a big deal that her performed “Dream On” the next week because the week called for inspirational songs and that song was inspirational to him. If he had made it another week he would have done a soulful version of Mariah’s “Vision of Love.” It really is a shame he didn’t get more chances to show off that side of him. It was still pretty early in the competition.

I agree with him about Alison and Alexis, especially Alison who is probably one of my favorites right now. And I think Alexis would have been so great on the tour. I like Adam, but I’m not sure what kind of artist he will be either. Some people think he’s rock, but I don’t really know. I don’t blame Michael for speaking his mind here, even if it will stir things up.

I’m glad Michael came to his senses on where he excels. To bad he didn’t on the show. He would definitely have been around longer without all the mediocre rock covers. I’d have loved for him to have stuck around a bit longer.

Meh, I’m used to Michael not having much filter on his mouth. I haven’t even read the interview yet…just MJ’s take on it, but I certainly expected that at least one of his comments would piss off somebody.

Season 7 was indeed a great season, second only to season 5 for me.
I completely agree with Michael about the save and the double loser thing and i’m glad he sees the awesomeness in Allison, agree with that too but I don’t agree with what he says about Adam, i’m kind of tired of the whole ‘theatrical’ label he’s got just because of his day job, I think he’d do great in the ‘real world’ with the right songs and that amazing voice, plus he doesn’t seem to have any grand illusions about who he is, I would buy his cd.

I’m looking forward to hearing Michael’s music.

I too agree with a lot of what Michael said, and for that which I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t agree withà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦well I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t begrudge him his opinion.

Totally agree with you. The problem for AI alum, is that Idol fans will almost always have a new favorite each season, and as a past contestant, you always run the risk of alienating your fans if your opinion of their new fave isn’t to their liking. The same goes for current contestants– if you say nice stuff about a past contestant, you can often curry favor from their old fanbase. Haha, it’s so political, but it’s hilariously prevalent in idolforums. It’s a little OT, but that’s why I found Danny’s refusal to name his preference for DC or Kelly Clarkson during that Charley Belcher interview a bit disingenuous. After he was quoted in an article where he said he wouldn’t want to do songs past idols did so as not to show them up and offend their fans, that response just smelled of politics to me– like he just didn’t want to lose DC or KC fans. Allison’s “Kelly Cook” on the other hand somehow seemed genuine. Go figure, there goes my obvious bias, heh. Anyway, what I mean is, good for MJ for not self-censoring for the sake of pleasing everyone.

Oh, and I just gotta point out the DC bits! Go MAVID! Ha.

The reason Idol still is the biggest show in the world is because there arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t any tricks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  what you see is what you get. You donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get help with anything. They can steer you, but you pick out the song, the clothes and everything in the end. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s why it was so cool to see someone like David Cook. He walked through the door with, like, pink scarves, and then by the fifteenth week, he was a rock star.

[Q:Howà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s our favorite Idol David Cook doing? Talked to him lately?]
Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great. Such a nice dude and he hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t changed at all, to be honest. He wrote me a text the night after he appeared on the show, and I asked if he was in town for a couple days. He told me he was in Indiana and the performance was taped. So I wrote back, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Are you telling me not to believe everything I see on TV?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Are you listening Matt G.? The judges knew MJ could do R&B, and they know you can too!!!

LOL. I actually think Matt G. would be better off in a One Republic type of direction. He’s not really a dance-y type guy like Timberlake and Robin Thicke already has the blue-eyed soul crooner thing down. But whatever he does, he records beautifully. I think he’ll be fine.

I forgot to note, Hot Aussie is still hot. Thanks goodness. Heh.

Actually, Johnsy said he didn’t get Adam “yet” and he has only watched country week. So, if he’s basing that on “Ring of Fire” I can’t say that he’s wrong to not know where Adam fits in the current pop charts. Of course, Simon slammed Adam for ROF, so who knows what the heck Johnsy is talking about?

MJ did show his soulful side, a little performance during Dolly Parton week after which Simon exclaimed you are a star so I got nervous when Simon said the same thing to Adam two weeks ago. Bwah. And MJ did a soul song for his audition. And Michael’s solo album he recorded prior to Idol was mostly R & B/soul. Listening to that solo album is what has made me even more excited to hear the new album, because I think he was on the right track then.

There are a number of artists who can do rock and soul, sometimes at the same time if that makes sense, like one of my favourite all time male artists Robert Palmer. He killed it on those Power Station songs. Michael Hutchence was another one who could switch back and forth or give a soul edge to the rock or a rocky edge to the soul. I think that applies to Michael Johns as well.

But I think commercially there is a wider divide between what is considered soul and what is considered rock and I believe MJ is wisely targetting the right niche for his talents. Ironically I think Adam actually has the quintessential heavy metal rock voice if he wanted to go there. He can hit those high notes with the requisite amount of grit like Axel, Vince Neil and Brian Johnson. But he is clearly more versatile than that.

I do agree that Allison has been truest to herself and she can sing, so you go girl.

Did I miss the pink scarf?

Yay for Michael! Oh, and no worries about him dissing my favorite Idol of this season, Adam. After all, if you read the article, you’ll see that Michael has only seen one show so far this season – country night.

Actually, Johnsy said he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get Adam à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“yetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and he has only watched country week. So, if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s basing that on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ring of Fireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wrong to not know where Adam fits in the current pop charts. Of course, Simon slammed Adam for ROF, so who knows what the heck Johnsy is talking about?

Well, I think some of Adam’s performances prior to that one were a bit over the top, too. And Simon praised him then. I have been really liking him since Mo-Town week, but before then I was back and forth and very iffy. Maybe if Michael had seen Adam’s performances in recent weeks his opinion might be a little different.

Thanks for posting this! I agree with EVERYTHING Michael said about Idol, from Adam to the save to 7th season ftw!

The comment about the text to David Cook the week of his televised performance on Idol, people who know more than I- is this pretaping performances for result night, is this a new thing like the pretaping the group vocals if not the whole thing?

Is this a Simon Cowell innovation after Nigel left? I guess the pretaping makes sense if that means therefore you are better able to schedule in bigger names as in talent for the result show, because oddly enough the result shows have been 100 per cent more interesting than last year. However I love seeing the big talent doing it live because then we see either that AI has bad sound mixing or a lot of the real talent doesn’t sound so hot live, can we say Kanye?

Awww, I suddenly miss Mavid. Hey, Mikey, Davey misses you so much, even his brother Andrew has been mentioning it on his radio show.

lavender1960 ~ I think they’ve been pretaping even before. It’s just that with their thrust this year of having one Idol every results show one other musical guest, they have to pretape one of the performances per week.

I still love Michael even if he doesnt love my new love Adam this year – I think Adam will be just fine if he wins or not just as I knew that Michael would be ok.

What you said down there lu – I think we all should send him links to all the other nights of Adams that he missed!

So, if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s basing that on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ring of Fireà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wrong to not know where Adam fits in the current pop charts.

Aint THAT the truth!

“I too agree with a lot of what Michael said, and for that which I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t agree withà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦well I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t begrudge him his opinion.”

Exactly.

And I do think that of all AI seasons – 5 and 7 probably produced the most stars. 5 will always be my favorite but 7 is a close second.

But I do understand where Michael is coming when he talks about Adam. I like Adam and I don’t know what album he’s going to make. And if you talk about being the male Lady Gaga, even that I can’t gauge since I don’t particularly like any of his original stuff, and I love pop.

ETA: I’m happy he has a deal. Wow, the Davids, Brooke, Jason and now MJ…hopefully, they all succeed.

OH MY GOSH!!!! I love everything about him. I just hope he gets the recognition he deserves.

I can’t bring myself to read the entire interview, but the snippets sound just like Michael (love ‘im or don’t. LOL) Gingerly, you’re so right, guy’s got no filter.

He’s not watched but one performance and still thinks he’s in a position to judge how Adam will do in the real world? Ok, that’s funny, but so Michael. Lest we forget that Michael’s the guy who was just TOO CERTAIN that big voiced arena rock was his niche, so much so that he would rarely bend to the judges’ urging that he do more bluesy soul. But, of course, now he’s going to make a bluesy soul sounding record. LOL Alrighty then…

Honestly, I don’t begrudge him either, but I also find it easy to understand why he offends peeps on a regular basis. :rolleyes_tb:

Well, I guess some people know all about having No Filters.

Michael is a little skeptical about this season of Idol. He thinks Adam Lambert is great for stage and TV, but wonders what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll do in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the real world. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

What I find funny about this is that comes from someone who hasn’t yet shown us what he’s going to do in the real world. But, I guess we’re about to find out.

Everyone has a right to their opinion, and I too do not begrudge Michael the right to his. I typically find him kind of humorous.

That said, I wasn’t really a fan of his on the show. So, I don’t really anticipate buying the cd. But, if I heard a good snippet of a song, I’d probably download it.

Go Michael. Good for him. Am glad BillBoard gave him such a great article. Good for him.

As for his opinion about this season – I totally agree with him. Allison is an amazingly talented girl. Cook also commented how talented she was – reminded him of Archie. But everyone is entitled to an opinion – and MJ is just voicing his.

Go Michael. Good for him. Am glad BillBoard gave him such a great article.

As for his opinion about this season – I totally agree with him. Allison is an amazingly talented girl. Cook also commented how talented she was – reminded him of Archie. But everyone is entitled to an opinion – and MJ is just voicing his.

weareall innocent
thanks so much for your post because i totally agree with you. Watching one performance, does not an expert make and it would be best to say nothing. If I happened to watch just one of his (MJ’s) performances I would say he totally sucked……but being someone who has a filter…….I would never say that or critique someone I only saw once.

“Meh, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m used to Michael not having much filter on his mouth. I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even read the interview yetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦just MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s take on it, but I certainly expected that at least one of his comments would piss off somebody.”

Ain’t that the truth Gingerly!

Michael isn’t saying anything different than what a large number of peeps including AI critics and watchers out there have been saying about Adam who have seen each performance. Many of us have said we’d pay to see him on Broadway no question but….

I have been saying the same things but Adam is starting to win me over the past two weeks.

Maybe he can be the American Freddie Mercury. Maybe America is finally ready.

It’s a big world out there and diverse talent is a good thing. The Idol franchise globally does provide that great service to a degree.

Certainly the top 10 in Season 7 were quite a diverse group. So is Season 8 but I have to agree the field is not as overall as strong as that and other seasons though it didn’t seem that way at the start. Not sure what is happening but I feel like more of the contestants are just not living up to their potential for whatever reason.

Well, I guess some people know all about having No Filters.

LOL Touche’ and I was thinking the same thing when I wrote what I did. I’m nothing if not self aware.

Sorry if I’ve offended you along the way, heart2. :cool1_tb:

ETA: Yes, weelassie, I agree. Thanks for the thanks!

I have to add this too…wondering is not judging, IMO. I guess it might be one of those words that’s open to interpretation, but here it just sounds like curiosity over not knowing what to expect.

Oh, and more than anything else I have heard Michael in the past state that his record was going to be a rock/soul record. If he gave thought to doing a big arena rock record, I think it was kind of fleeting.

Amused not Offended.. LOL..I have a Great sense of humour, weareallinnocent :jittery_tb:

I have to add this tooà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦wondering is not judging,

I like that, bubbles. When I wonder about something, there’s truly curiosity. When I know or believe Ijust I say, “I think.” When I wonder, I truly do that.

edit: and the answer is YES. No blog on blog discussion

I do think Michael Johns has made himself a bit controversial by what he avers. I’ve never been afraid to say that. I also think he fairly sucked on the show…another thing I’ve never been lax to say. I always prefaced that statement with the fact that he was my favorite after auditions, but totally sucked with song choices except for one. One song does not a favorite make, at least for me. I’m also not one who gloms onto a favorite and forgives every sucky performance they do, unless it’s just one or two in a sea of amazing performances. Maybe that’s exactly why I have no favorite this year. Nobody has consistantly impressed me. Last year there were two who did well week in and week out. Yeah, they had their issues, but there were enough stellar performances to discount the turds. This year, well not yet, for me at least.

And as Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve said before, Adam is hella entertaining and has a great (if sometimes annoying) voice, but I have no faith that TPTB will let him make the kind of record he would do well with, but instead give him corporate-rock insta-emo songs.. watered down Fallout Boy. He will come off like a copycat posuer. That will NOT WORK.

What kind of record would he do WELL with, though? I don’t think radio is going to be interested in Bat Out of Hell: The Next Generation.

Besides Fallout Boy, the other popular, contemporary band that I can think of that he has a certain kindredness with is My Chemical Romance, but MCR is considerably harder, so he would almost definitely would be pushed in the FB direction. Unless they would steer him toward flyover rock too which would be awesomely amusing.

Anyway, last week convinced me that, based on talent, he should win, but even so, what raised the performance to the striking level was that while watching you were aware of the self-restraint the guy was exercising. Well, that and the blue light (Terry has a very busy schedule these days it seems).

Except the fact that he was restraining himself from his natural inclinations leaves the impression that he was not being himself, and that portends difficulties for him commercially and also problems for him personally in terms of his sense of his own artistic identity….

there were enough stellar performances to discount the turds.

lmao :clap_tb:

Anyway, last week convinced me that, based on talent, he should win, but even so, what raised the performance to the striking level was that while watching you were aware of the self-restraint the guy was exercising. Well, that and the blue light (Terry has a very busy schedule these days it seems).

NS, I agree, he simply amazes me over and over. Of course my own favorites from Adam so far have been TOMT and Mad World. However, I commented to my hubby during PTFMWB, that I felt he was even restraining himself during that performance and thought at that point that he really wants this…

Well, that and the blue light (Terry has a very busy schedule these days, it seems).

(copying weelassie for a different quote) LMAO :clap_tb:

lavender1960 ~ I think theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been pretaping even before. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just that with their thrust this year of having one Idol every results show one other musical guest, they have to pretape one of the performances per week.

I remember from last year’s Popwatch on-the-scene reports that at least several of the results night performances were pre-taped, including Jordin, Maroon Five and Natasha Beddingfield (sp?). Generally, it’s pretty much a live take– they just go through it once unless the sound got messed up, except in the case of Natasha, cuz I think she bungled her lyrics. This year, they seem to be pre-taping one performance each night.

I agree with all the previous comments about how special seasons 5 and 7 were. I imagine all former contestants feel protective or even defensive about their season, especially if they are still riding a career/publicity wave in its aftermath. Maybe Johnsy heard all the talk about Adam being in a league of his own and he got that “chopped liver” feeling. Imagine how Adam’s fellow AI8 competitors feel.

There are two things I don’t worry about:

1. Adam’s debut album.

Adam has a strong sense of self and a vivid artistic vision. I just don’t see him getting steam-rolled on his first album.

2. America accepting Adam.

Well, it’s over 60 years too late to break the news to Liberace that America won’t accept him — not to mention nearly 40 years for Bowie and 25 years for Madonna. As for 2009 A.D., I know a diverse variety of middle-aged men who think Adam is the best thing since 1970s rock — former military, blue collar, degreed professionals, macho conservatives — not to mention all the women.

I’d rather hear MJ sing Soul than a concert of LOUD, like his AI7 tour songs (which I enjoyed, but they were brief!)!

If his current fave is Allison, then she is! I’m rooting for Adam, but Allison is my next-preferred.

Good luck to Michael, to Jason, to Adam, to them all. Young people trying to get by in a harsh world.

1. Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s debut album.

Adam has a strong sense of self and a vivid artistic vision. I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see him getting steam-rolled on his first album.

We’ve said that about certain Idols and they came off worse for the wear tangling with their recording companies.

I love, love, love MJ’s voice. “Across the Universe” and “It’s All Wrong” are both “love” and are still frequently played on my iPod. I think he was robbed a little bit on the show, so I’m hoping this is a great album and success finds him.

LOL Toucheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and I was thinking the same thing when I wrote what I did. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m nothing if not self aware.

You have no reason to apologize.

Everytime I post something about Michael a gaggle of his fans show up to defend him…and break my guidelines.

If you can’t handle criticism of your favorite, you shouldn’t be reading the thread.

Posters who refuse to follow the rules will be put in moderation.

Lets keep the Adam chatter focused on what MJ said about him. I’m not going to allow this thread to morph into a discussion about Adam’s chances on Idol or his post Idol career.

Terrie, I agree with your post re Adam’s marketability.

Maybe Johnsy heard all the talk about Adam being in a league of his own and he got that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“chopped liverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  feeling.

lol, this sounds about right to me. MJ’s bravado is non-offensive to me and strangely part of his charm. I’m thrilled he’s making a soul record. I can’t wait to buy it.

Michael digs his own season, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦out of any other season, I would want to be on our season, even with where I finished. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, like, who are you gonna pick on from our season? From Chikezie to Brooke, Jason Castro, Carlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve all got something. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m really proud to be a part of my season. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re all friends and I talk to them all the time.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Seriously? He does know that Kristy Lee Cook was on Season 7, right?

Michael is never boring. Hee. I flove his singing voice, very masculine and sexy, so I’m eagerly anticipating his album. And I agree with him about Season 7, mostly. There was just a chill artistic vibe about the whole season that will always make it my fave season with my fave cast, and I think Cook represents that vibe well as the winner. (And on a shallow note, Season 7 was also the eyecandy season. Cook, MJ, Castro, and I guess Archuleta for the tweenies…the cup runneth over. Yeah, eyecandy!) I think that Adam would have stuck out like a sore thumb last season, and not in a good way, so I get where MJ’s coming from, buuut….that was then, this is now. This season seems like the circus season, which is entertaining in a different way, and Adam is definitely the ringmaster. (That Ford video was apropos.) I do see a place for Adam in the real world. You know, you have your Ryan Adamses, and you have your Robbie Williamses, and there’s room for both. Allison, though, don’t agree with him there. I like her voice and her personality (ironically) and her passion when she performs, but I don’t think she emmotionally connects to the material beyond her years as Kara proports, so I guess you could say I’m impressed but still not uber impressed.

Oh, and I just gotta point out the DC bits! Go MAVID! Ha.

Hee. It’s ridic how much the image of them texting each other and giggling like teenage girls amuses me. Awww, Mavid. How many lives till another you? :laugh_tb:

On last Wednesday’s American Idol Extra, Jillian Reynolds said Michael Johns will be on next week’s AIE show — hopefully, with video to follow here, too.

MJ should go take a pill or something because Adam already has him beat. lol

I totally agree that Adam would have stuck out like a sore thumb last season.

It’s neat how each season’s cast just seems right, somehow. (For the most part, anyway.) I mean, can you imagine Blake and Adam in the same season? Or Bo and Cook in the same season? It just wouldn’t work.

So I guess, in that respect, the producers do something right. Not totally though, because no one will ever be able to explain to me why Kevin Covais was chosen to be part of Idol.

Michael has managed to piss me off too! How dare he insult Adam.

I’ll never listen to anything Micheal is doing again.

Go back to Australia Michael because you’ve lost America.

*** See Above***

That is great news. And he got a licensing deal after all, but with Downtown! I think his album will be amazing, let’s see.

I wouldn’t buy an Adam record with a machine gun at my back so I find myself agreeing with Micheal about Mr Lambert’s limited marketability. Of course, I wouldn’t buy a MJ album either but that is really besides the point, I figure.

I like Michael as part of Mavid, but I always got the feeling he was arrogant.

I agree with Michael that Adam is great for the stage. I’m not 100% sure what he means exactly by the “real world” but I do agree with the stage statement… which, by the way, is not an insult.

ETA: I don’t consider it an insult to be considered “great fo the stage”. I’m not sure if Michael meant it as an insult but I’m betting he didn’t.

I can’t wait for this album. So glad he embraced the soulful side of his voice and that good reviews are starting already!

I also was OK with the candid opinions. He was asked for his views and he gave ‘em. Not going to make him super popular with everyone, but it sure does make him a more interesting interview.

Also love the DC and Allison bits.

I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t buy an Adam record with a machine gun at my back so I find myself agreeing with Micheal about Mr Lambertà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s limited marketability. Of course, I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t buy a MJ album either but that is really besides the point, I figure.

I’ll prolly buy both. Have you ever bought an Idol album? If so, which one?

ETA: I think any potential success post Idol for Adam will depend on the material and the promo. I love his voice though. I think Allison will be a star, win or not. She will be groomed by someone.

ETA2: MJ will not sell a ton, but I bet its a good record (added because I just saw MJ’s warning. LOL.)

If Michael is really going the soul route, I’ll more than likely buy it. I probably wouldn’t buy Michael doing rock. And.. he sure is cute – lol!

I agree with PJ… since he is indie, Michael will probably not sell a ton.

Pj – If you’re still here, want to come to chat?

Where are you Lu?

I love reading the interview! Michael Johns liking Allison and Alexis, I love it.
Can’t wait for the single and album from him. i will certainly buy it.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll prolly buy both. Have you ever bought an Idol album? If so, which one?

I have (or had) Hicks, McPhee, Sparks, Daughtry & Underwood physicals. I’ll buy Carly Smithson’s CD whenever it finally drops in whatever form it arrives but, other than that, I’m pretty much done buying Idol related product.

The other notable exception being Jesse Langseth, if she can get something together and out I’d put up some money for that too.

I love that Michael feels free to share his opinions without a PC or Idol filter. Very refreshing, if you ask me. And because it’s unfiltered, his opinions are bound to piss some people off. So be it. I happen to agree with him, for the most part.

Here’s what he actually said about Adam: “I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great for the stage, and it might work for TV, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gonna do in the real world. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it yet. If he was on our season, I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re praising him, so go figure?” Operative word – ‘yet’. I happen to feel the same way. I enjoy watching Adam’s performances way more than I enjoy his recordings. One more person’s opinion, take it or leave it.

I do think there is a type of bandwagon effect with this show, when momentum starts building, it has a life of it’s own. And based on previous show’s track records, any momentum built on the show does not necessarily translate to album sales. There are alot of Idol watchers who enjoy the whole contest vibe but don’t necessarily follow their faves as musical artists. I think the trick is how to build a bridge from TV star to recording artist. And, of all the other popular contestants Idol has seen in its history, Adam is definitely one who has most personified the stage or theatrical artist. The man embraces that title.

Ultimately, the whole music industry is currently in the throes of massive changes where album sales are becoming an increasingly smaller piece of the pie, so maybe, in Adam’s case, it all works out in the wash and he sells his ‘persona’ more than anything else. It could work out for him.

I think it was a bit presumptuous to criticize Adam Lambert after seeing one performance. Maybe it was an unfair question, and maybe his answer got over edited, so I am not going to crucify him. In season 7 Adam would be just as impressive as he is now.

That being said, I will certainly buy his record as I always liked his voice.

In season 7 Adam would be just as impressive as he is now.

Maybe, he could have been impressive. Or maybe, he could have been sacrificed at the altar of whoever they wanted to be TCO. For all we know, he could have been lumped unfavorably with Danny Noriega. Or he could have been put in a deathmatch against Archie, wherein their voices would be in an eternal stalemate — but Adam’s Crazy video would be leaked and then the kiss picture also, and that would be OMG!!1!!Shocking!!!1! when you hold it up to Archie’s Angelic Choirboy image. We never know, really.

Each season contributes, whether greatly or unfavorably, to the next, and each subsequent winner is a result of the gains made by winners/contestants past.

I think it was a bit presumptuous to criticize Adam Lambert after seeing one performance.

I know many will disagree with me but the performance he did see was ROF which was, well, in my opinion, heinous. I don’t think Michael is being presumptious – just honest about how he feels based on what he’s seen. There are some of us out here that dont really get Adam all that much and that’s okay. That’s why we have lots of choices… thank goodness.

I think it was a bit presumptuous to criticize Adam Lambert after seeing one performance.

I really didn’t interpret what MJ said as criticism though. All he said was he hadn’t gotten a good enough idea of what Adam was going to do as an artist post-Idol that would fit into the commercial music scene. Perfectly legitimate question IMO and not necessarily a knock on Adam. Though I may be a bit biased in that I agree with MJ. I also don’t get it.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re praising him, so go figure?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Michael à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like, who are these contestants?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

MJ’s quote above make it sounds like he is a little threatened by all the attention Adam is getting. If he did see the ROF performance then he would have seen Simon rail against Adam. I think ROF is a masterpiece as do many others. I guess it depends on your musical taste. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

I think ROF is a masterpiece as do many others.

I agree, ROF was a great, great vocal. With Adam you have a singer of enormous talent. I am quite tired of the baggage they hang on him. Gay, Straight, Green, Yellow or Space Alien, it doesn’t matter. If you for some reason don’t like Adam’s vocal talents, while I don’t agree with you on that, I can agree to disagree and all is well. Those who dislike him only because of a “label” placed on him, I have no time for.

Be still my heart! :wub_tb:
Finally, an Idol album that I would actually enjoy!

I think MJ is not the type that enjoy RoF. He probably would change his opinion after he watched Adam’s other performance. He said he like Lil. Umh… to be honest, Lil is a consistently bad performer. She does have a chops, but she can’t choose her song. For a person who only has watched the show once. His pick is reasonable.

Imo, Adam’s recordings are still much better than most. With the right songs, he will do well in “the real world”

I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great for the stage, and it might work for TV, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gonna do in the real world. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it yet. If he was on our season, I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re praising him, so go figure?

Interesting Michael John’s opinion about Adam…hmmm…. Michael, maybe they are praising him because he is fuckin’ awesome and has a talent and a stage presence you will never posses. “The Letter” with Carly? What a train wreck that was.

Well, I don’t get you either , Michael Johns. You always came off as a smarmy desperate slightly arrogant contestant. I never understood the bruhaha about you.

Love it or hate it Michael is just voicing his opinions with regards to this season. I have become a big fan of Adam’s and will always be a hugh fan of MJ regardless of his thoughts. His CD will be something!!!!!!!

I don’t have a problem with Michael giving his opinion. A lot of former idols have been doing so. I’ve seen all of Adam’s performances and I feel the same way about him. This last week was the first time I could see him fitting in the current scene however he was holding back his natural inclination to do the glory notes and oversinging. I also agreed with him on Simon ripping Adam if he were around last season. I still can’t understand how he didn’t make a peep when he did the ultra corny ott song, PTFMWB. I also agreed with Michael on Alexis and Allison. I still can’t believe Alexis isn’t in the running for the top 4.

Loved the rest of the interview too. I’m so excited about the single and album coming out. Finally!!!!!

As a side note….It’s interesting to note how the reaction from different AI7 contestants to Adam is.

David Archuleta, the symbol of all things nice and pure and humble and goofy in this world, thinks that Adam Lambert is one of the best and is excited to hear what he does every week. I think this says alot about Adam getting recognized for his talent and not his persona. Since MJ was the “Queen” singer last year, I am sure he is very happy that Adam waited a year since the difference between his and Adam’s vocal strength would have been apparent early on. Good luck to MJ (very popular initials, those) and I hope he finds his niche in the real world.

michael johns was my favorite that year, as is adam this year. adam, in the real world, will be terrific. why is he getting crucified for being a terrific performer on top of having an extraordinary voice? i think going to one of his concerts would be unbelievably entertaining!

MJ has a great voice as well, but i wouldnt want him to have a “sing off” with adam, it would be no contest.

MJ has a great voice as well, but i wouldnt want him to have a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sing offà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  with adam, it would be no contest.

It’s not a competition between last season’s singers and this. It’s dependant on your preferences. I’d pick MJ in a heartbeat over anyone this season because I like him that much. I also like several from this season better than Adam who I agree has a very good voice, just not my favorite.

Yay!! Michael ‘s single will be out on Tuesday..I just can’t wait. I am happy for all the Idol’s from S7 my favorite season of all. Good Luck to you all and Happy Easter.

Like I said diversity in all things is good including music AND opinions, just ask Darwin, different strokes for different folks.

Can’t wait for April 14th and wishing MJ the best of luck with the new single and album. For something like me who enjoys funk rock and rock soul genres, it’s a niche that’s has lots of room for more artists unlike other areas which are oversaturated, like corporate grunge and pop.

When I first heard Michael sing, my first reaction is baby where have you been, I have been waiting for a voice like that to come around for too long.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m definitely looking forward to buying Michaelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s new album. And good for him for being candid about what he thought about season eightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Idols. Bravo!

And I find it kind of funny that his opinions of Alexis, Allison and Adam mirror my own. I like Adam and think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very talented, but what type of artist will he be? He seems to gain votes when he does ballads, and loses votes when he goes crazy on stage. I personally prefer the crazy Adam, but if he wins what type of music will be on his first record. Will it be top dance station radio electronic dreck, will it be an album full of ballads or will it be glam rock? I prefer Adamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s glam rock, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure TPTB will give him much creative control because his artistry on the show is still undefined to the majority of the masses.

On the other hand Allision is very true to herself and if the right person signs her and allows her to make a rock/pop (like Pink) album and stays away from overproduced pop, she will be this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s winner even if she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make it to the finale. Maybe Allison will be this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Daughtry , leave before her time and sell more records than anyone else. My dream finale is Allison and Adam, but at this time it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t look like ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to happen.

Maybe in the future MJ can open for some DC concerts so we can get to see the Mavids on the same stage again. Good luck and congratulations Michael Johns.

Johns is right on about Lambert.

The guy will flop as a major label recording artist.

I’m actually looking forward to Michael’s album.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re praising him, so go figure?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says Michael à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s like, who are these contestants?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Meanwhile, feel free to speak your mind, Michael Johns. Heh.

And…I’d have to agree with him. I’ve always felt that the contestants’ success somewhat depends on what season they’re in. Jennifer Hudson would have blown Lil Rounds out of the water.

It’s refreshing to hear a former idol give an honest opinion. It’s his, and even if I don’t agree, I like knowing what it is. Usually, they just praise everyone. I can’t watch Idol Tonight, it’s absurd. You would think everyone was A every week.

And doesn’t every season say their season was the best. If they don’t they should. They know the people best, and lived it. If it’s not the season they are most invested in something is probably wrong with them.

I agree that seasons 5 and 7 were great seasons.

I can see why MJ had reservations about Adam if he had only heard Ring of Fire. I had reservations that week too. Adam won me over with Tracks of My Tears and Mad World. MJ won me over with Dolly Parton week, before that he was pretty weak. He’s an appealing guy with a lot going for him, I wish him well.

I think it’s great that Michael is confident enough to voice his own opinions. I’m so sick of idols having to be so fraking diplomatic about everything. But after all the flack Jason Yeager recieved for simply sharing his opinions, I could understand why they would be afraid of doing so.

Either way, I’m actually quite excited to see hear the whole album. I just love that soulful, throaty tone of his voice- same reason I like Gokey this year. He kind of reminds me of Michael Bolton, whom I love. I wasn’t really impressed with any of his idol performances, but I do love that voice. If the music proves to be as good as it seems, I’ll definitely be getting the record.

for those who think Adam will flop as a recording artist or question that people will buy his songs……the comment section of this article says a lot about what people think of his voice……..
http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/04/adam_lamberts_mad_world_loved.html

Honestly I don’t care at all how Adam will sell or whether he’ll flop or not. I’m much more interested in Michael Johns’ single and album doing well. I almost never make comments on sites including iTunes and am willing to put my money where my mouth is. :smile1_tb:

After taking some time to mull it over, I’ve changed my tune a bit. I say, honestly, who really cares what Michael Johns thinks about Adam, or anything else for that matter? Seriously, guy’s just spouting off on the rare occasion anyone’s acting interested enough to ask him.

I’ll give him a listen when he sings, but that’s about it~

I remember Michael from season 7. Had a great voice. Yeah, I’ll definitely give his work a listen. As for Adam, I can appreciate his “artistry”, but I’ll wait and see what pans out this season.

After reading the above comments from Michael Johns. I now understood why the American voting public disenfranchised him early on in the competition.

The American voting public are wise beyond what we think. They vote for decent people whose capable of helping others raise their game .

Read below the comments of David Archuleta on Season 8 from his interview in Malaysia . Now we know why the two Davids were on top of Season 7.

“While he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to watch much TV on the road, Archuleta has tried to keep up with American Idol this year.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to watch this last week but I think theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got a really talented bunch this season. There are a lot of good people à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta are both really good … and then two weeks ago, Kris Allen with Aint No Sunshine, I really enjoyed that, especially the way he showed that he can play both piano and guitar. And then thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Adam Lambert who is awesome. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just so talented and really different. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so creative and catches people off guard.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Monday April 13, 2009
Golden Arch
By ANN MARIE CHANDY

And for Season 8, I am can see now that America is making another wise choice of Deep Talent and Creativity in such another decent young man as Adam Lambert , coming from another such decent American family. When you strip him of all the accouterments that we so desire and expect to be entertained, America you have a soft spoken and well mannered, gentle person in your Adam.

I am not from America but I thank America for the great music that you have bestowed on the rest of the world through these new talents Adam Lambert , David Archeleta and David Cook . No need to compare the three with each other, they bring variety and richness to our musical lives.Thanks America.

I can not wait for his CD and think he’s right… last season was sooo much better. I enjoy some moments and do watch but it was so much better last year.

Whether I agree with him or not, and I don’t think he’s qualified to speak about Adam based on 1 performance, it’s just bad form for previous contestants to speak badly about other contestants. Most of them don’t do it. I think there’s a place to be honest, and a place to be tactful. It comes across as sour grapes or just generally sounds bad, imo.