Michael Johns Eliminated From American Idol

After the charitable endeavor of Idol Gives Back, it was back to the business of elimination on American Idol. American Idol is never a show to steer away from controversy, which was evidenced by the American Idol finalists performing an encore of “Shout To The Lord.” As Reality TV Magazine reported, the song was edited to change “My Jesus” to “My Shepherd” during the Idol Gives Back performance. This time, the finalists sang the “My Jesus, My Savior” line.

After a celebrity dance video, Ryan Seacrest revealed that over thirty-one million votes were cast for the top 8 finalists. First, Seacrest called Brooke White to center stage. Seacrest had Brooke read his card that revealed she was safe. Next, Seacrest called David Cook to center stage and revealed that he was safe. Finally, Seacrest called David Archuleta to center stage and revealed that he was also safe.After an Idol Gives Back video segment with Forest Whitaker, American Idol 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown performed “No Air.” For the Ford music video, the American Idol top 8 finalists performed “I Just Want To Celebrate.” First, Ryan Seacrest called Jason Castro to center stage and revealed that he was safe. Next, Seacrest called Kristy Lee Cook to center stage and revealed that she was also safe.

Since five finalists had been announced as safe, it meant the bottom three were Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, and Syesha Mercado. After an Idol Gives Back video segment with Bono, Presidential candidates Hilary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama encouraged viewers to donate to Idol Gives Back.As Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, and Syesha Mercado waited on stage, Randy Jackson said, “Pretty surprising bottom three.” Paula Abdul said America got it partly right and partly wrong, while Simon Cowell professed that America had connected with him.

Ryan Seacrest revealed that after the nationwide vote that Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado were safe. In one of Ryan Seacrest’s more cruel teases, he said, “That means Michael has the lowest number of votes this week. Now, last year during Idol Gives Back, we didn’t eliminate anybody at this stage of the competition. Tonight, we’re going to say goodbye to Michael Johns.”