Michael Johns' Dream On Doesn't Inspire on American Idol

Michael Johns lived up to my every expectation this week - unfortunately, that's not saying a whole lot. At this point, he's probably my second least favorite competitor still in the game, and I don't really think that his performance tonight bolstered his status.

Tonight's theme was "inspirational songs", and Michael Johns chose to perform Aerosmith's Dream On. As far as inspirational songs go, I can see where Johns might feel that Dream On fits the theme, but lyrically it's in a fairly loose connection. In his interview with Ryan Seacrest at the end of his performance, he explains his song choice by saying that he feels he's living out his dream via being on American Idol. Unfortunately, after this performance, I fear he may be in danger of coming out of that dream.

His stage presence tonight was a little better than usual. He choreographed a little better, and seemed to be trying harder to connect with the audience, but I just didn't feel it, or believe the performance was genuine. Randy seemed to agree with my sentiment, and told Johns that he didn't buy him as an Aerosmith kind of guy. Simon took this a step further, saying he prefers it when Johns sticks to a blues feel instead of a wannabe rock star.

Vocally, Michael Johns was OK this week. His voice was a little screechy at times, and Randy pointed out that he had some pitch problems. I think at this point in the competition, a performer can't afford to have pitch problems.

Overall, I don't think this performance will help or hurt Michael Johns. He wasn't unique this week, he didn't bring the wow factor to the stage, didn't really stand out from the crowd, but he wasn't terrible. Unfortunately at this point, the last thing a competitor needs is to be viewed as ordinary. If he makes it into the top seven, I hope he takes Simon's advice to stick to what comes naturally.