Michael Johns Leaves American Idol with Class

I am still shocked at Michael Johns' dismissal last night from "American Idol." Before I start, let me state that I can be shocked - I voted for him. And, I do recognize that his version of "Dream On" the other night was not the strongest performance.

However, even Simon said he thought it was a good performance. Yes, that Simon - the same one who told Carly Smithson that he was afraid he was in trouble. Honestly, I only take Randy and Simon's opinions to heart as Paula usually says something fluffy like "You look beautiful tonight." But, when Simon says something positive, I take note! Randy thought there were pitch problems, but he eventually said it was "awight." Paula thought the song choice was perfect, as did I. Oh no, I am agreeing with Paula Abdul!

So what happened - why was Michael Johns, a singer obviously loved by the fans (who booed upon hearing his dismissal), sent home last night? Perhaps the fans just got too lax. Maybe the tweens were too busy voting for David Archuleta (who, by the way, has a great voice) and the teenage girls were too busy voting for Jason Castro. Perhaps Michael's fans thought he was a shoe-in for the top 7 and just forgot to vote - that wouldn't be the first time it had happened. Or, maybe his fans really didn't like the performance.

The real problem I have is not that Michael is gone. Well, it is, but there is nothing for fans to do now, other than hope for the wildcard thing this year. The real thing that sticks in my craw is the way the deathblow was dealt.

In case you missed it, here is a recap. Ryan told us that Syesha, Carly, and Michael were in the bottom three. Carly kept pointing to herself when Ryan asked who was going home tonight. She knew. Let's face it - she is an incredible singer, but the last few weeks, something has been amiss. I mean even Kristy Lee Cook is picking up steam. I think Carly's voice is MUCH better, but she is lagging in the bottom three. Perhaps she lacks "star quality."

But, I digress. So, Ryan stands beside the three on stage and says "Syesha...and Carly...you are safe." We hear the du-du-du-du-du music and there are some cheers, but then once the truth sets in, there are boos from the audience - lots and lots of boos. Everyone looks a bit confused then finally Ryan tells us Michel is the bottom vote getter. OK, that I can deal with - I am not happy about it, but I can deal with it. But then, the worst cut of all came. While my husband was sitting on the couch saying, "They aren't going to cut anyone, they aren't going to cut anyone." Ryan reminds us that last season during Idol Gives Back week, no one was sent home. They combined the votes for two weeks and then made the elimination based on that the next week. You could almost see a glimmer of hope in Michael's eyes when Ryan followed it up with "But not this year, tonight we say good night to Michael Johns." Again, I almost couldn't believe my ears!

I think even the judges felt badly for Michael. Well, obviously Paula, whose chin was almost on the table, was shocked by his elimination. But, even Simon, after saying Michael had made a bad song choice and he hoped he would learn from that, said Michael was a "very, very good singer" and added he was also a genuinely nice guy and he would miss him. In the background, you could hear Randy throw in a consolatory "We will miss you buddy."

So, while I am upset that Michael was voted out, that was our fault - we should have voted more. But, the way Ryan told Michael, who has been nothing but a nice guy the whole time, was just unacceptable.