'Idol' giveth, and 'Idol' taketh away

What was so upsetting about the whole thing was the "humanity" you mentioned Ryan showed Ramiele's emotion was totally absent when he teased, "last year on 'Idol Gives Back' we didn't send anyone home... but tonight we say goodbye to Michael Johns". That was so cold.

I'm upset too.

I was entertained by the result. I am watching for the first time this year and the intersection of talent, popularity, and the judges comments is the best thing about the show. At this point it seems only Archuleta is safe each week.

All I can say is "wow" - both blondes survived, and a talented Michael went home because ...? Shortly, when the shock wears off, we'll hear that it was the best thing that ever could have happened to him, because some studio will pick him up and he'll have his opportunity now, without the commitment to Idol. He's too sophisticated to be an "Idol" - maybe even too mature for all of the shrieking young girls.

"it seems only Archuleta is safe each week"

As it should be.

Rockers go on show your stuff but David will survive til the end...he truly is remarkable and memorable each and every week...

Honestly don't care - thought he was way overrated and hated his overactive vibrato. Seemed sort of full of himself too.

That was almost as shocking as when Chris Daughtry was eliminated in Season 5...a stunner, that's for sure.

He didnt have a perfect voice but its what made him a bit more interesting, Brooke is the same way. They sound like most true rock singers big stars and nobodys alike sound. How anyone besides 12 year old girls can stomach that sugary sweet..gosh golly "you really like me" garbage from that annoying kid Archuletta is beyond me. hopefully he will go through the star machine get spit out and end up doing high school musical productions in Disney World where he belongs in a couple of years.

I am so proud that my 11 year-old daughter is not a David Archuleta fan. She doesn't get it either. He isn't even that cute.

Nancy, you are absolutely right, just like Chris Daughtry, Michael Johns will find his success outside an Idol contract.

It's a blessing in disguise for Michael Johns...I think he'll land a record contract and have more artistic freedom to create something that best suits his style. I'm not sure if I can see him enjoying huge commercial success like a Chris Daughtry, but he certainly has the talent to enjoy a good, long career.

I totally agree with the slams on little David. He is another one trick pony, only a soft song that he feels "has a very strong message". When he tries to do anything lively, he sucks. And that "aw shucks" mentality is really old. At least Brooke is funny in her own way.

this was so unfair... can not believe that Michael got voted off..... Hope that he does not get discouraged and does on to have a wonderful carrer... I feel like we just got robbed by not watching him any more on the show!

Dream on, Michael!! You are awesome... we are behind you and can not wait for your CD to come out!!!

Michael Johns is a true star ... he sings like a star, performs like a star and indeed looks like a star (he's absolutely gorgeous), and he doesn't need Idol to be one! Go Michael! And I'll be waiting in line to buy your 1st CD!

I am stunned, but I completely agree that this is the best possible thing that could have happened for Michael (if not the fans). He was much too cool for this show and played along like a trooper, but I've felt for quite some time that his laid back style and totally natural persona were beginning to be pecked away at by the pathetic "stylists" he was obviously subjected to. There's no way on God's green earth Michael Johns would have ever put together the last two performance night "looks" himself, and I think another couple of weeks and we wouldn't have recognized him! I'm glad for his sake that he's been granted a reprieve and can now get a jumpstart on what's going to be an amazing career. Unlike many of the other contestants, he's attracted a fan base that will remain unequivocally loyal.

Suzanne,
Are you suggesting that the neckties weren't Michael's idea?

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! Every year, at different times of the competition, it becomes less of a singing contest and more of another teenie bopper flavor of the month vote-a-thon, and it's happened once again. In my opinion, Michael was a better and more diverse singer than Syesha, Kristy and Jason. I figured him going to the final five at worst and possibly the final three. My wife (the Golden Child fan) was disappointed as well, even though Michael wasn't her fave, and I think she put it best when she said that every week she looked forward to hearing certain singers and what songs they choose, and now one of those singers is gone.

Is this a case of a singer who couldn't be pigeonholed (country chick, teenie bopper golden child etc, etc) or did his fans get lazy because they thought IGB week was a safety net. Whatever it was, it's a shame and I wish him all the success that he truly deserves.

i hate ryan!

Very surprising results... As Dolly Parton said to him, I believe she said "... I could write so much for him (Michael)...". He's ready to make some real music and real money. But ... the judges are correct in their comments... choice of songs that can bring the real you out.

Haven't said that.. Carly should have been the one to leave with her same ole pittyful(sp) performance.

Very surprising.. it tells you popularity plays a big role...

It is simple. America could have not gotten it more wrong! Maybe this is an indication that our schools need to include more music in their curriculum, because it is clear to me the people that voted on AI this week could not recognize a talented and pure musician, because if they had, Michael Johns would be singing for us next week.

Still can't stand Brooke and do not understand how she gets through week after week. She is insipid.
David Archuletta has a great look for radio. His voice is fine.
Kristy Lee - guess all the country fans voted this week.
Syesha is weak and takes no chances.
David Cook bores me.
Carly bores me.
Even Justin bores me now.
I don't think the show is that good anymore. IT's all been done and done and done again!

I am stunned. And I agree, Ryan Seacrest could not have delivered the news worse. For a minute, I thought he was giving him another week. How Kristy and Brooke are getting votes are beyond me. Is it the blonde factor? I am not saying Michael was going to win the whole thing, but this was too early.

I believe what got Michael Johns eliminated was his outfit. I was sorry and sad to see him go and he was the only reason why I was watching American Idol in the first place but that outfit....yech!

Two things
1) David A. is only 17 years old. Give the kid a break. I seem to recall "Chicken Little" make it very far and he couldn't even sing that well. Just remember - he is young, seems a bit shy, maybe shouldn't win but feel he has a bright future AND not at Disney Land.
2) Michael Johns voted off. I was shocked to say the least. But like others have said - it is probably going to be the best thing for him, just like Daughtry. I think the two should do a song together.

It's simply a fact that the older performers do not get the younger vote ffrom the high schoolers and grade schoolers who vote with their cell phones. I would even venture to say that at least 60 percent of the total vote and maybe more comes from grade school, high school and college kids under the age of twenty five. Anyone over that age is probably too "old" to ever become an American Idol regardless of their talent. The rare exception was Paul Potts. And even in America he might have been voted off.....just like Michael Johns.

He's no Daughtry that's for sure.

You got one stand out in David Cook. The young girls will keep David A. until the final 2.

Once again - please say goodbye to Brooke and Kristy Lee. Brooke is a one trick pony that got tiring 2 months ago. Kristy Lee should have never made the top 12.

I cannot believe that Michael Johns was booted off Idol!! I thought the top three would be David Cook, Michael Johns & Carly Smithson. I think David Cook & Carly Smithson should worry now (even thought they are the most talented on the show - it is obviously NOT based on talent anymore). I am totally stunned. Good luck to you Michael Johns - you are very talented and will go far. You already have a built-in fan base for when your CD comes out!!!

Did anybody here watch "Idol Gives Back?" I didn't, but was amazed to see a clip on the following night's show of somebody doing one-handed cartwheels while singing a Heart song. WHO WAS THAT????

I sat there at the end of the show saying to myself (and the TV) "If you'd sung it like THAT Tuesday, you'd still be here, moron!" It figures, and is fitting, I guess, that he gives us a version of Dream On that catches us as he's on the way out the door. I'm truly sad to see him go, beause I figured he'd be in the final three, once the chaf was gone.

Speaking of shock - did you notice the look on Carly's face? She didn't believe it. Syesha kinda had that "yup, that's right" look going, which bugged me a little. I won't be sorry to see her go.

I don't mean to sound like a hypocrite, because I don't vote (I'm not THAT much of an Idol fan), but this goes to show those of you that DO vote what can happen if you assume your favorite is safe. Look at Chris Daughtry - I'm conviced the reason he got canned was because his fans assumed all his other fans would coast him through. Same thing happened - I believe - with Mike J.

I love reading the comments from the Archuletta fans, defending him. It's really funny (in a curious, not "ha ha" way), since his niche market is the Teen and Tiger Beat crowd. He's the next Rick Springfield or Leif Garrett (wow, did I just age myself, or what?), and that's all he'll ever be. If he manages to win Idol, that will be his shining moment, because while he definitely has talent, that talent won't springboard him into the mainstream markets. Honestly - can you picture one of his songs playing on anything but a late night soft rock show like Bedtime Magic?

It was the ascot

The American public gave back to American Idol when they opened their pocketbooks so generoulsy on Wednesday evening. I think American Idol should give back to the American public by bringing Micheal Johns back. If not for his talent, then for the cruel and insensitive way in which Ryan Seacrest taunted him in his delivery of the bad news. He gave Michael one more moment of hope only to cruelly dismiss the notion that he could stay. IDOL PRODUCERS GIVE BACK MICHAEL JOHNS!

Alicia, that was Fergie doing the flip. I think even Ann and Nancy Wilson were impressed.

As for quality of singer, Michael Johns could have been one of the best. But his apparent smugness came through week after week, and that turns voters off. He never really entertained. He never listened to the judges when they said try the blues side, which seems good advice. Instead, he opted for those overly dramatic numbers which seemed to do most to make him feel he's the next Sting or Bono. Americans don't like such arrogance to come through on stage and it did.

I do not agree with Marcus Ben Karkis. Michael Johns is a true and rare talent. His voice is natural and with raw emotions. Daughtry is a bit pretentious and his vibrato could be overly vibrating like cher's. Michael can upstage Daughtry with his natural charisma and good looks. My predictions is that Michael will not only have a big career, he will have a long career unlike the favour of the month. Best luck Michael, your fans love you and can't wait for your CD. Randy and Simon, you both know he can make you even richer so sign him up, I wish I can!

It was definitely shocking to see Michael Johns voted off--but that is the nature of this type of competition. If the votes were cast for the contestant who should leave each week I think the results would be more accurate as far as real talent. I do also think Michael deserves to come back because of the insensitive way Ryan Seacrest handled the matter.

Michael was one of the most boring performers I've ever seen on AI. He basically sang the same song every week with different words, with the exception of Dolly week. Both he and Carly have had their chances at record contracts. They both failed and if given another chance they will fail again.

I always felt he was too ordinary, not very original, but definetly better than some of the others. He'll be just fine due to his accent and good looks.

Okay, so I guess I am to blame because I didn’t vote last night but MICHAEL JOHNS – no way !!! Not Syesha – I’m the Diva; or Carly – I can’t pull it together; or Brooke (who I like) – I can’t do anything but be goodie, sappy; or KRISTY LEE COOK – I have no talent but I am cute; or even Archie – I just sing a ballad every time.

I thought for sure that it was going to be Cook, Castro and Johns in the final. I am shocked and ticked off. I almost don’t want to watch anymore but then can’t be that way because I didn’t vote. What a shock. Ugh. I looked forward to Johns' perfromances each week - he was different and you didn't know what you were going to get. I agree with some of the posters that he is beyond Idol and this could be a good thing for him. Hope so ! Class act the way he handled it in the end. Talk about shock - his wife looked like you could knock her over with a feather. And I agree - the normally compassionate Ryan didn't really support MJ too much.

I was totally shocked by Michael John's departure. How Kristy, Brooke and Jason have survived is beyond belief. Is everyone in America tone deaf?

I will not watch American Idol anymore---MIchael Johns getting booted???Something is fishy there==I personally do not believe those were the true results!!!!!!!!!!!!!To me Michael was the American Idol from week one--I was som positive he was going to win.
They play their own drama there===NO WAY did he lose--I vote for him every week and I never voted for anyone before. He got voted offf and the girls stayed on?????I do not believe it!!!!!

I missed the show. But Michael John - give me a break. He was the best of the bests in the show. What was america thinking. I think the producers should work on it, to get MJ back. I used to watch the show to just hear him sing.

Shocked at Michael getting booted so early. I had him pegged at 3-5.

Got Syesha and Carly right for the bottom 3, but I had Brook being booted in my Idol pool. I do hate her constant whining and pouting.

I don't get David A and would buy David C's cd's

Thought Michael Johns was very good. I agree that he will land a contract without having to be commited to Idol. I bet that was what Randy and Paula were whispering in his ear at the end.

easy on seacrest...hes the hardest working man in hollywood

None of you are getting it. The weekly vote is just that... a WEEKLY vote. Whoever is the best week to week survives, and whoever is the worst doesnt. America saw past Michael's body of work and booted him solely based on this week's very forgetable performance. Sorry.

I'm so tired of David's Archuletta and shocked about Michael Johns - I can see Michael Johns showing up as a front man for a band

What is this nonsense all about? Michael Johns should not have been gone before Syesha, Kristy Lee, or Carly. This is an outrage and i would stop watching it if i wasn't so addicted but whatever. Actually, my favorite is Jason just because i like his style and his cuteness but i don't think he will win. David Cook has what it takes to win the whole ordeal but I thought Michael would at least be in the Final 3. David Archuletta just pisses me off and bores me to death with his dreadful ballads and will probablly be there until the end because of his teeni-bopper fans. I wish Syesha would just stop singing songs that she obviously cannot pull off. Carly looks and sounds the same every week and is just so angry when she sings. Brooke is fine so i can't really say anything bad about her. Kristy Lee has got to go ASAP!! I think either Syesha or Kristy is next to go but hey i could be wrong considering the shocking outcome of last night!!

What was I watching last night christian idol? It seems there have been an over abundance of these holier than thou songs this year... Archuletta is too sticky sweet and goody goody for me, he's got to go!

Honestly, don't know what you all see in MJ. Good, not great.

And as for Archuleta haters, I somewhat agree on the points on his personality, but he is BY FAR the best SINGER in the show. And, think about this.. if people were constantly showering ridiculous amounts of praise on you in front of millions of people, how would you react? Would you rather he look like he knows he deserves it, like he is entitled (COUGH.... Carly, David Cook, MJ COUGH..), or would you rather him be humble with an "aw shucks" attitude as you call it???

Which would annoy you more?

Gina, i totally agree with you about that mean trick they played on Michael Johns. That was so awful when Ryan made him think for a split second that he was going to be allowed to stay. Then again you know the producers made him do it but wow that was just CRUEL! Also I swear i saw the contestants singing a clip from Rent and now i cant find it anywhere on my DVR. Does anyone know which show that was on this week? And what's with all the christian music this year? Seems like every week there is something like that...are they trying to appeal to middle America or what? It's getting kind of annoying.

Are you people serious, or just tone def? Michael Johns, was and is awful. He does decent impressions of better singers but is in no way a gifted artist. Sure he may have been slightly better than most of the other untalented hacks that are on the show this season, but he is still terrible.
This season is by far the worst season ever. There hasn't been a single performance, by a single cast member that has been even remotely memorable.
I would have preferred to see the Irish hack go home, but I am in no way saddened by the loss of Michael Johns.
It should also be know that he is not an a true amateur, he was at one point signed to Maverick records as part of a band called Film.

Michael John should not have gone. If you watched the very end Randy Jackson was whispering in his ear (about a contract?)and I am sure it was not where are you going for dinner dog? Paula is the one that should go, did you see the bear hug she slapped on him, wonder if she told him he still looked beautiful.
I agree with the Ryan comments he is a legend in his own mind and also about the votes being played with. I have felt for the last couple of years that they may have 30 million votes but the producers make sure who they want to stay on.

Did not see this coming or at least not yet. Singing Dream On for his exit song I too felt he did a better rendition than the previous evening and perhaps just to show them how wrong the judges were with their criticism. What hurt him might have been the lack of any originality so never saw him making it to the finals. AI gave him exposure and in the long run he might be better off if he makes it on his own and not bound to a ridiculous contract where by AI owns his butt.

Brooke needs to go next; really sick of her fake pout as if she is sad that someone other than herself is leaving. She plays it safe and it is OK. Others play it safe and get crucified. And while we're on THAT subject; thought the finale of Idol Gives Back was a bit too gospel-religious bordering on televangelism.

Thanks Deb for reminding me... KEEP RELIGION OFF THIS SHOW! There are hundreds of inspirational songs.. the least they could do is pick a non-denominational one!!!!!!!!!!

I completely agree with Arlene - I will not watch the show anymore. The results must be fixed. He is by far more talented, has more lead singer qualities and style than anyone else remaining. His songs with Film are amazing...Can't wait to hear his first album --- so get to work, Michael!!

i am truly stunned!! how could this be? micheal is one of the bestsingers on idol. something is wrong with this picture. i think they shouldbring him back, for the simple fact that he deserves to be there and the way ryan dismissed him. it was aweful,cruel it was heartbreaking....... there are others that are so much worse that dont belong.!!!!!!! brooke, jason, kristie lee. those are the ones that should have been voted off. but micheal will come out of this stronger and better than any idol yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael was good enough to finish 4th. Kristy & Syesha will be able to pose for Playboy for big money. Archie will not win! It looks like Cook, to me, will win it.

Does anyone actually believe that the producers don't pick whoever will get us all talking at the water cooler. This is all about making money for the show. The voting isn't real at all. If it was, they would release the result numbers.

I think the votes should be carried over from week to week. That way the "true" bottom person would be kicked off. That would be the fair way to do this whole thing. But oh yeah, I forgot, Life isn't fair.

You can definitely tell who the voters are for AI. David A. is cute and all, but c'mon??? He is not the most talented, and the most talented doesn't necessarily win this contest. There are others this season who have more talent. And Michael royally got screwed by having to leave this early.

Overall, I am extremely dissapointed with American Idol this year. They wasted two weeks on the Beatles (maybe wasted isn't the right word, but one week would have been plenty) and then Dolly Parton.... Now THAT was a wasted week.... Then there are the song choices, which have been absolutely horrible from week to week without exception.... I am also frustrated by the fact that they only give these contestants one minute and thirty seconds to sing, which again, depending on the song choice, is hardly enought time to give us a feel for their real talents as singers....

Now, as for last night, all I can say is how in the world does Christy Lee Cook not even finish in the bottom 3? Absolutely ridiculous.... Michael Johns, perhaps one of the worst at choosing the right songs, is a heck of a lot more talented then the majority that remain and he will do fine on his own.... I just feel that week after week I become less interested in the show, which has been one of my favorites for a long time. Never before would I change the channel during a performance, but this year I cringe at the though of having to not only listen to, but watch most of these contestants sing these horrible song choices... I mean Over The Rainbow with a ucalelee???? I felt as if I was watching the Muppet Show...

How about a new twist... Let America pick the songs that the contestants sing from week to week. How about giving each of the judges a "save" that they can use one time only during the season. For example, last night Paula could have used her "save" and in turn the contestant with the second lowest amount of votes could have gone instead... Another suggestion... up the age limit to 18. I mean David has an amazing voice, but can anyone imagine him being able to handle life a s the next American Idol??? You'd be lying if you said yes...

I just want to love this show again. Just check out the Leona Lewis clips on "X Factor" on YouTube.... Now thats talent, and this years contestants don't even come close.

I know I am blabbing, but I do want to love this show again.

Archula sounds like a drag queen. Has anyone noticed that?

Dude, if you close your eyes and listen to Michael Johns, you'll hear that he can't sing two notes in a row without going off. For a singer, he's not that great. For a performer, maybe. Again, listen to the songs ... he really isn't a "professional", yet. He only had one good week, the Dolly song. I thought he was going to continue to be that good, but he wasn't.

And, again - Archie is 17. Did you all forget that? Success is not kind to children. Maybe you'll all get what you wish and he'll end up being a hardened bitter person.

He and Macauley Culkin can hang out together!

I was upset actually screaming NO NO NO and also angered at Ryan's stupid comment about "last year we..." just a very normal comment I'd expect from Simon : ( lol but then as I thought again of Chris better for M. J. to go towards what will be his path in his music career! I also will be picking up those c.d.s! Loved Loved Loved Michael Johns voice. And not too bad to glance at! LOL

I don't get the comments on David Archuleta. I'm 50, and I think he is the best singer in the competition - it's not even close. He can have a successful career because there are people, like me, who don't care for the popular music scene. And is everyone forgetting he sang "Shop Around" the first week, which is hardly a ballad? And so what if he does sing ballads every week? Isn't that what Brooke is doing as well? Where is the criticism of her? And how long can Syesha keep doing poor imitations of divas? David A. should coast into the final two, and deservedly so.

Also, why is everyone critical of his personality? In this day and age when we are often critical of young people, isn't it refreshing to find someone humble? I'm much more impressed with him than Syesha, who talked back to the judges the other night. Take your criticism and keep quiet!

As frustrated as I am over the loss of Michael to the popularity contest, I take solace in the fact that not only have the non winners done well in recent years (Daughtry, Elliot Yamin, Jennifer Hudson) but winning doesn't mean prolonged success. Unfortunately, the best performers don't always win, I just hope he finds success whether it's in a group or solo.

On a completely different note, am I the only one that hates the exit song "Celebrate you home" ? Not only doesn't the title make no sense, but it seems as though the Idol producers are trying to cram Ruben down our throats because he's one of those winners who's struggling to find success? Compared to "Bad Day" and "Home" this song is almost an insult to the exiting contestants.

I'm dumbfounded...I thought he would win the competition. Personally, I like a softer style like Brooke, but he had the whole package. He could have been a blues/rock star. But what do I know? I don't think Fantasia can carry a tune!

Ryan Seacrest should be ashamed of himself for giving Michael Johns the impression that they were not going to kick anyone off last night. That was cruel and hurtful. These people are trying to live their dreams and to have someone toy with them like that makes me sick. I'm not saying he was the best singer but I liked him. I don't care if it was the worst singer ever that got voted off, you cannot give people false hope like that then dash it in a joking matter in front of millions of people. I don't care if the producers put Ryan up to doing that, man up and say you refuse to do it. It was a mean, spiteful trick and Idol should be ashamed of themselves.

Conspiracy theories aside, Michael Johns was surely not good enough to go more than a couple of more weeks, so he actually gets a head start in cutting an a new cd and making some non-Idol controlled money.

And as for conspiracy theories, check out DialIdol.com and click on predictions. They use computers to weigh the volume of calls going to each Idol based on busy signals and have almost always been right in picking the safe vs. those near or at the bottom.

But that use of computers still gives rise to the thought that with little more than bravado, a bank of computers can autodial 10000's of votes for an Idol. Will those votes make a difference in the final outcome... doubt it against 30 MILLIION 'tween' votes ... but perhaps enough to keep a lesser constant alive a week longer as I expect the bottom 4 are so close only a few thousand votes will be the margin needed to stay.

This is American Idol at work....it is all rigged. About this time each year a true contender is booted off (Chris Daughtry, Shrek...) just to get a buzz going about the show and make more people watch. It's all planned !!! Wake up !!!

Dont understand the hubbub about Michael Johns. He was mediocre. Yes, better than Kristy Lee (then again, who isnt?), but 2nd tier to be sure.

It's David Cook vs Archuleta this year.

You know, I haven't watched this show for years since the belt it out pop-song schtick is so freaking boring. But this year I happened to tune in and be pleasantly suprised there were some interested performers, Michael Johns at the top of the list. But, I never actually vote because it makes me feel like a loser, so maybe in this case I should have picked up the phone. This is the problem, I bet Michael has as many fans as anyone else, they are just not voters.

He was not that good on Tuesday night, in fact he was off key and really bad and the worst of that night. He should been voted off! He pick the wrong song to be off on!

Finally, John K, the voice of reason. I was reading the posts wondering if someone was going to call Michael Johns on the fact that he's completely tone deaf. You're right John K, Michael Johns hitting two straight notes correctly would be like Memphis making two straight free throws - not going to happen.

He's a good performer, but, man, does he sound god-awful. The club/bar scene in and around Boston has better singers. Check out Chad Perrone, formerly of Averi, he would beat the pants off Johns.

If Johns has one thing going for him, it's that a slick producer might be able to clean up the mess in the studio.

PLEASE WRITE THE PRODUCERS AT AMERICAN IDOL AND COMPLAIN! They DO read the emails, and the fans HAVE made a difference before

askfox@fox.com

Ryan@eonline.com

Ryan@kiisfm.com

Ryan Seacrest is CRUEL! What he did last night to Michael Johns totally crossed the line. There is no excuse for his behavior and he owes Michael Johns a public apology. They also should bring back the Wildcard setup in this case. Let him come back one night to sing,and if he doesn't get the top scores the next time, he'll be permanently eliminated.

I've said for years, the vote should be for who should GO, not for who should STAY. That would make it much more difficult for the multi-dialers to over inflate the vote for their faves. I like the idea of "judge saves" mention above as well. Something needs to change.

Ryan Seacrest - you should be ashamed of yourself what you did to Michael Johns last night. It was cruel and uncalled for. I hope you realize it and make a public apology.

I used to like Ryan a lot. Not anymore! I'm not watching AI again ever! I promise.