Michael Johns Sings ‘Hold Me’ – Video

By On 06/15/2010 · 22 Comments · In American Idol, Michael Johns

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Michael Johns covered “Hold Me” a tune originally written by David Foster, and recorded by Japanese recording artist, Seiko Matsuda. It was a big hit in Japan. The song will be included in the Japanese version of Michael’s album, Hold Back My Heart, that’s set to be released there on 6/23

The song was released in Japan, and is doing well there, climbing to 5 on the Usen Japanese Western charts.

Now, you can hear the entire song, via a newly-released video of Michael performing in the studio. Check it out after the jump.

What do you think? It’s a little too adult contemporary for my tastes, but as always, I love Michael’s growly vocals.

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  • ScorpioBSB

    I love the emotion I feel in the presentation of the song. He’s really putting his all into it.

  • mskgandn

    I wasn’t a huge fan of his on AI, but I really liked Heart of My Sleeve and Life is Okay. Have always wondered why those songs didn’t do better. This one? Meh.

  • bubbles

    While I’m not a huge AC fan, I am kind of a sucker for a love song so I do like it, and I really love MJ’s vocals on this song. I would buy it if it was released in the states.

  • bridgette12

    Not a fan of the song, kind of generic.

  • heart2

    Love, the vocals and really love how Michael is so passionate. So, far I have enjoyed everything I have heard from him. So, go Michael!!

  • YankeeFan08

    He sounds good, but I don’t care for the song. He is a cutie though.

  • alonzo7

    He sure is nice on the eyes-still enjoy his voice.

  • Pam

    I agree mj. The song is very AC ish but the vocals are good.

  • movin2thabeet

    I find the song a bit of a snoozer. Its so generic and he didn’t do anything special with it. I don’t know about Michael. He is cute, sure, but his voice is so unexciting. I see him doing the corporate gigs, the cruises, etc. unless he nails some incredible songs with really distinctive singing. At this rate, he seems to be proving that it really wasn’t inappropriate for him to be voted off the show as early as he was.

    There are so many Idol contestants who fall in a similiar boat – decent but unremarkable voice. From this year, Aaron comes to mind, as does (ducking any flying tomatoes), Lee. Although, Lee’s voice has (awaiting more incoming UFOs) a more marketable sound.

  • Dlynne

    It’s not a song I would buy but I know there’s a huge population who will love it. He does have a gorgeous voice. I wish that he had hooked up with someone besides David Foster.

  • sr4mjc

    This is pretty dreadful song. I wasn’t a big fan of his on the show though, I always found his vocals pretty average. But I try and wish all the idols best of luck in their careers, so good luck Michael! He’s pretty cute.

  • AIaddict

    I never understood why he is not doing the soul/rock and doing some harder songs instead of doing these slower mushy love songs. I heard his song, is it “Heart on My Sleeve”? in CVS today.

  • Fergie

    *Yawn*

    Not the song to listen to if you’re already sleepy. Never understood way this guy was considered the “OMG” shock boot. His voice is pleasant but really nothing more. David Foster and the previous ABBA duet pretty much put Johns in the middle of the road/AC radio status. Good for him if that’s what he wants but his ego on Idol and some of his statements after gave the impression that he a least thought he deserved a bigger more interesting career.

  • Mtlfan

    Still love his often growly voice. Bit too AC for me though

  • http://whited-79.livejournal.com WD

    I think that’s pretty cool for MJ. Hold Me and Seiko Matsuda are big in Japan, Matsuda-san herself is a legend though she’s not active anymore (retires very early in her peak). It’s a good exposure for MJ. :)

  • DCRocksMySocks

    Love the vocal not a huge fan of the song but Michael puts a lot of soul in it which I like. Love his voice!

  • Incipit

    Aww, damnit. I finally found The Rising’s 03 album Future Unknown on iTunes in ’08 – finally was able to buy “Cradle Me” and I was looking forward to Michael’s post Idol album. I so much wanted to like it.

    And I couldn’t. It was MOR 1970′s flavored ‘safe’ music – and this “dreadful” Foster written piece sounds like more of the same. So I just keep playing “Cradle Me” and waiting to see if there will ever be something released I can like. Meanwhile, I am sure there are people who will like this – I wish Michael success on releasing his album in Japan.

    Dlynne: I wish that he had hooked up with someone besides David Foster.

    Holy smokes yes – I have a vast distaste for that man and his ‘vision’.

  • bean99

    Still love Michael’s voice but not especially the song. Even looking back now he’s still my favorite from season 7 but unfortunately I preferred the Rising music/sound to his cd after Idol.

  • pottymouth

    I just can’t find a nice thing to say about the guy. Why oh why didn’t he just keep his mouth shut from the beginning,and go for more of the quiet brooding type of singer??? He could have done well singing the tortured soul type of songs,and with his looks,people would have ate it up!Nooo he had to go for the Mr.Funny guy, who really isn’t all that funny. He name drops way to much for my liking,and David Foster??? YUCK!

  • JaneBK

    I love love his voice and think the song and video is fantastic. Wishing him huge success in Japan! Such a talented guy!

  • Kiska12

    I love love Michael’s voice. For me personally, he has one of the best voices out there… for example, I love his Film songs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMwgwZijQlQ, and “it is all wrong but it is all right” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJQF6ChK5fY

    but I agree this song is a bit of a snooser.

  • Kiska12

    Incipit – you could also check out Film (Michael’s earlier band), it has a similar (and better in my opinion) sound to Rising. Also available on iTunes.