"Life Is Okay" For Michael Johns and Brooke White - The NARM Performance Video

NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) held their 2009 Convention last week and was host to some of the best known names in the music business. NARM is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing music by bringing together all aspects of the industry. For deatiled information on what they do, please visit their site.

Michael Johns and Brooke White provided entertainment for the finale event and headlined individual sets as well as joining to perform their duet "Life Is Okay" for the first time since it was recorded for the soundtrack album Don't Look Down. In addition to their performances last week, Daryl Hall and Johns Oates played at the Awards Dinner Finale, held on Wednesday, June 10th. Here's the convention news of Michael Johns and Brooke White as it was published at the NARM website:

These two American Idol alums teamed up recently for the hit single “Life is Okay” for the “Don’t Look Down” soundtrack and will meet again on the NARM stage for the Awards Dinner Finale.

Brooke White turned heads during last season’s “Idol” by delivering breathtaking renditions of songs by the Beatles, Dolly Parton and Neil Diamond. After she sang Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” Simon proclaimed White to be her favorite “Idol” vocalist. Her new album, “High Hopes and Heartbreak,” will be released this summer. Randy Jackson plays Executive Producer on the album.

Michael Johns delivers blue-eyed Soul as it’s meant to be heard. His new album, “Heart On My Sleeve,” due in stores June 16, is devoid of the typical glossy veneer applied to most modern albums, but heavy on vibe. It has a Blues-Country feel, with swelling strings accenting the delectable Pop of the album’s first single of the same title.

Okay, big gig, but not so big on accurate journalism. Michael Johns' new album is titled Hold Back My Heart and it's due out on June 23rd. I'll give them credit for getting the name of the single right. "Heart On My Sleeve" from his debut album is available on iTunes and Amazon.com now!

To hear 30 second clips of all 12 song titles on the album, go to Amazon.com and listen today! If you can't wait to say you own the very best in music, you can pre-order the full CD at Amazon.com!

I was hoping for full videos of their performances last week, but this is what was posted on YouTube. Here's a collection of video clips from the June 10th performance. This video does give you a taste of what to expect from both artists.

Brooke performs her new single, "Radio, Radio" from her debut album High Hopes and Heartbreak. Michael performs "To Love Somebody" also on his debut album in addition to eleven original tunes, and finally the duet we've all been waiting to see. Michael and Brooke sing the duet "Life Is Okay" from the Don't Look Down soundtrack. (an independent album produced by Johns, Foxworth, and Randa).

Courtesy of NARMDTT (posted June 17, 2009)

Clips from NARM 2009 Awards Dinner with Brooke White (June Baby Records) and Michael Johns (Downtown Records.)

Want to Subscribe?
Sign In or Sign Up now!

NARM 2009 Performance Highlights

Michael Johns Interview Video On Zack Taylor

I'm just spreading the latest Michael Johns news here too.  The following video is courtesy of an embed link provided by Zack Taylor.  It includes interviews with Michael Johns, David Cook, and Nigel Lythgoe regarding their predictions for this year's American Idol outcome.  Here's what their site had to say about the video interviews:

DAVID COOK, NIGEL LYTHGOE & MICHAEL JOHNS MAKE THEIR IDOL PREDICTIONS...

Earlier today last year's American Idol winner, David Cook along with Nigel Lythgoe and Michael Johns spoke to me about who they think are goin' to win this years competition.
Nigel also spoke about the rumours going around of him replacing Simon Cowell as a judge and Michael spoke about his guest role on Miley Cyrus' TV show!!

David Cook, Nigel Lythgoe and Michael Johns talk to ZackTaylor.ca from Zack Taylor on Vimeo.

What Does People Magazine Know About Michael Johns That We Don't?

Following up on a story first published here based on a Michael Johns Twitter, this new update begs a question Okay... so what do People Magazine and Rhapsody.com know about Michael Johns new album that the rest of us don't?

Either they've made a mistake on the release date for Michael Johns' new album Hold Back My Heart, or the the album is being released a week sooner than the previous date we were given, which was June 23rd.

Personally, I hope they're right with the release date, as I simply can't wait to hear the rest of the songs on this album! We've gotten just the most delicious taste with Michael's debut single 'Heart On My Sleeve'.

Add to that Michael's recent performances of 'To Love Somebody' that we've seen on such programs as Idolatry and American Nobody, and this album already promises to be distinctly one of a kind in Michael's uniquely soulful sound. The way he expresses emotion in music is unequaled.

If you've not heard those renditions of the song, you should take the time to watch them. If you prefer to just have a listen to the song click HERE to go to the most amazing mp3 of 'To Love Somebody'.

Just as a reminder, 'Heart On My Sleeve' was the number one add on AC and Hot AC radio stations today! Michael blogged that news to all of his fans at once.

I'm absolutely loving the fact that this American Idol star has recently decided to let everyone know what's going on in his career by updating his MySpace and Twitter on a regular basis. Here's wishing him much success on the new single and album! Cheers and best wishes mate! :D

Michael Johns Blogs The News About His Radio Add!

Click the picture above to go directly to Michael Johns Blog and leave him a comment!

Radio Tomorrow

Hey everyone im completely stoked to tell you that my single Heart on my sleeve will be the number 1 added song to Hot AC and AC stations tomorrow.

I have waited for this day forever it seems and im so happy that its here and that people are liking the song.

Please request request request at your local stations. Together we can make this a sure fire hit!

Cheers guys

MJ

TV Guide Channel To Feature Michael Johns

Set those DVR's now folks, so you don't miss American Idol Season 7's Michael Johns as he's featured on this weeks Idol Tonight. According to an article by Howard Cohen of The Miami Herald's Idol Watch, Michael's feature will be aired on the TV Guide Channel at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the 29th of April.

Props to Mr. Cohen for the heads up. Oh yeah, he says something about Vonzell Solomon too. Click on the link above to see the original source. :P

Michael Johns Radio Impact - Take Two!

Michael Johns !!!NEWS UPDATE!!!  Get your dialing fingers ready to request Michael's debut single 'Heart On My Sleeve' beginning tomorrow.  There was apparently a delay with the radio impact that was supposed to begin today.    Although I don't know the exact details of what caused the delay, this is what was just sent via Twitter from Michael Johns himself.

I just got the great news that HOMS will be the number 1 added song to Hot AC AC radio tmrw!

Thanks for all ur help and keep requesting cheers!

It's not a bother or problem for me to pick up the phone and call my radio stations.  At least all of my local DJ's are aware that 'Heart On My Sleeve' is coming and they've promised to play it as soon as it gets here.   I contacted all of them today and I'll do it again tomorrow.  :D

In case you decide to get in on the Street Team action, here are some numbers and email addies that might help you out.  These are the big guys that might have enough clout to get the song on the playlists nationwide.  At least they act they're big enough to have that much sway in what's played.  We'll see soon enough. ;D

To send your request to Billy Bush, his email address is


http://www.mix100.net/goout.asp?u=http://www.billybushshow.com/

I figure Ryan Seacrest also owes our guy a favor too, so here ya go email stuffer:

Here's the link to his show:

http://ryan.kiisfm.com/main.html

I'm pretty sure his email is ryan@kiisfm.com, but if anyone has a correction on that, please email me or put the corrected version in the comment section.  (Thanks!)

And Ryan's new website is  http://www.ryanseacrest.com/

Now go bug everyone until they play Michael Johns music 24/7.  :P



I've already bought mine, but for those of you that haven't heard the single or gotten your copy just yet, you can click the pic to go directly to Amazon.com!  If  you prefer to buy from iTunes, click on their name.  No matter where you buy the single, either way, treat yourself to 3:41 minutes of pure musical listening pleasure.

Product Details
* Original Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Label: TRP Records
* Copyright: (C) 2009 TRP Records
* Song Length: 3:41 minutes
* Genres: Pop/General
* ASIN: B00265Q178

Please click the Preview All button below hear just a piece of this beautiful clip!

Michael Johns Single To Impact Radio April 27th!

In a message from Michael Johns via his Twitter today, he revealed that radio impact for his debut single 'Heart On My Sleeve' will begin on Monday, April 27, 2009.

I've already bought mine, but for those of you that haven't heard the single or gotten yours yet, you can click the pic to go directly to Amazon.com! For those of you that prefer to buy from iTunes, click on their name. No matter where you buy the single, either way, treat yourself to 3:41 minutes of pure listening Heaven.

Product Details
* Original Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Label: TRP Records
* Copyright: (C) 2009 TRP Records
* Song Length: 3:41 minutes
* Genres: Pop/General
* ASIN: B00265Q178

Please click the Preview All button below hear just a piece of this beautiful clip!

Michael Johns Single - Listed In People Magazine's Top 5

Michael Johns new single "Heart On My Sleeve" is listed as one of the Top 5 Hot Downloads in the new People Magazine! Not bad for a debut single! Anytime an artist makes the Top 5 in an elite magazine like People, it's headline news here!

Here are the latest tweets from Michael's Twitter. Members of Twitter can click on the picture below to follow Michael's up to the minute tweets too!

In the new copy of People Mag they have new single in Top 5 hot downloads pretty cool

And an hour later we have:

It's in the mag y'all

In other news...

Following up on a story first posted here on April 17th, Michael Johns will be at an AT & T sponsored Meet & Greet session tomorrow between the hours of 1-3 pm, April 25th at the AT & T store located in the Morgantown Mall, 9500 Mall Road, in Morgantown, WV.

There are no excuses for not being there since you've known about it for over a week now, and have had plenty of time to prepare.  Take your camera along and post some new pics for us!  No fainting allowed until after you've taken a few really good snapshots.

Michael Johns Performs On American Idol Extra

Here's the video of Michael Johns performing his new single "Heart On My Sleeve" on American Idol Extra. What a wonderful interview and Garnier Fructis hair product commercial.

The acoustic version of "Heart On My Sleeve" is beautifully done. If you like this version, you're going to love the actual single in it's full orchestral regalia! Simply stunning in shining and polished elegance. It's available at iTunes and Amazon.com.

Michael Johns Interview With Billy Bush

For those of you who missed Michael Johns interview with Billy Bush of 104.3 FM, have a listen below. It cuts off before the single was played on-air, but you can click on the pic below that to listen and buy the new single "Heart On My Sleeve".

041409_michaeljohns

Michael Johns First Radio Spin Tonight!

Michael Johns just Twittered the news that the first radio spin of his debut single "Heart On My Sleeve" is happening tonight in the 8 o'clock hour on KBIG-FM 104.3 - the Billy Bush show in LA!


Click The Pic To View And Follow Michael's Twitter!

Hey everyone wanted to let you know on the Billy Bush show tonight in the 8pm hour on 104.3 in LA is my interview and first spin of my single

They claim a live stream link is HERE!

I found this little gem on Billy Bush: Blogs

The Billy Bush Show for April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009

Tonight on the show:

Ashley Tisdale is in-studio with us! She's young, fun, 23, and recently single.. we talk to her about her love life, has she been cheated on? By Who? And what's the inspiration behind her new song, It's alright, It's ok.... Plus we set her up with a major hottie.. on air...

Michael Johns, from American Idol fame drops by the studio as well. He has a new single, Heart on my Sleeve and it is really beautiful.

Posted by Michelle Salvatore at 9:00 AM

Michael Johns "Heart On My Sleeve" Released Today!!!

It' finally here folks! Michael Johns has just released his debut single "Heart On My Sleeve" digitally on Amazon.com and iTunes! It's absolutely stunning! Beautifully done! Now bring on the tour!!!

Michael Johns Mega Billboard Interview - Video!

Michael Johns is one of the Idols listed on mjsbigblog with a "new" interview video. It's amazing to see sometimes just how quickly things can change in the music business.

In the following video, Michael answers some questions for Billboard Magazine, which was found in the article Mega Idol Update! Billboard Interviews from the Set of American Idol Extra at mjsbigblog. Click through to the site to see the rest of the Idols interviewed by Billboard that day.

This video is a little dated, as are some of the events that Michael has already attended, but it's still a must see video. Even though Michael gives the original dates for his single and album, we now know those dates have been changed.

The single "Heart On My Sleeve" will be available for download on April 14th, and the album Hold Back My Heart will hit the shelves via Downtown Records on June 23rd. It's always nice to see Michael's videos. Enjoy!

From mjsbigblog:

Billboard Magazine interviewed a slew of Idols the day they taped performances for Fox Reality’s American Idol Extra. Each mini-interview gives a summary of where the Idols are in their careers at the moment. Also, each Idol gives advice to the new crop of Idols.:

• Michael Johns - VIDEO - Michael is releasing a single and album, but the release dates have been pushed up since this interview. The album, Hold Back My Heart will drop June 23rd. The single, “Heart on My Sleeve” April 14. More HERE.

Michael Johns On Twitter!

In back to back, to back, bulletins from his MySpace today, Michael Johns announced he is now on Twitter! I must say I'm completely impressed that our "computer challenged singer" not only knows how to do bulletins now, but he's on Twitter too! Go Michael! We look forward to hearing from you!



Click the pic to go to Michael Johns Twitter

or use the following link to his Twitter page http://twitter.com/Mjohnsmusic

Michael Johns News On mjsbigblog!

I absolutely love reading some of the things MJ (the blogger) finds to post at mjsbigblog. See for yourself the interview she's put up this time with Michael Johns!

Might I just add I second her comment, "Where can I get my copy? I do reviews! Heh."?

I know... I can get mine at iTunes and Amazon.com just like everyone else. lol

Michael Johns
Michael Johns, set to drop a new album titled Hold Back My Heart on June 23rd, recently spoke with Shirley Halperin of Bilboard Magazine about his new record, the current season of American Idol, and the awesomeness of his own season.

Read the entire interview HERE.

Shirley got a hold of a review copy, and says, “We were absolutely amazed by the Muscle Shoals ambition Johns (and several of the Idol band members he enlisted) poured into every track.”

Where can I get my copy? I do reviews! Heh.

Read on…As always, Michael lets a few juicy soundbites fly…

Michael has re-discovered his soul, “I really wanted to do a Stax record. I went back and re-listened to music from my childhood — Sam Cooke, Otis Redding. Wilson Picket — and when I went to sing on the record, I didn’t even have to think. I was really comfortable. Simon wanted me to do more of that [soul] on the bloody show, but I didn’t get the chance.”

What does Michael make of the judges save? “I mean, I wouldn’t want to change anything about the way I was eliminated. What if you get kicked off the week after? Then you’re a double loser.”

Michael is a little skeptical about this season of Idol. He thinks Adam Lambert is great for stage and TV, but wonders what he’ll do in “the real world. ”
“I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but they’re praising him, so go figure?” says Michael “It’s like, who are these contestants?”

Michael does like a few from this season, “The one who I think is really true to herself is that little 16-year-old, Allison [Iraheta]. Brooke [White] and I actually met her at a charity function, where she was the one performing. I said, ‘You go for it, girl. You can sing!’ I liked that Alexis [Grace] girl, too. She was more talented than she got to show. It sucks that she got voted off and can’t go on tour.”

Michael digs his own season, “…out of any other season, I would want to be on our season, even with where I finished. It’s, like, who are you gonna pick on from our season? From Chikezie to Brooke, Jason Castro, Carly… we’ve all got something. I’m really proud to be a part of my season. We’re all friends and I talk to them all the time.”

The record, “Hold Back My Heart” will be released though Downtown records via a licensing deal on June 23rd. The single, “Heart on my Sleeve” drops digitally April 14.

Michael Johns In Billboard Magazine's Idol Worship

Billboard Magazine did an interview with Michael Johns one year after his untimely exit from the American Idol stage. Although a year ago, all of his fans were devastated by what we considered our loss, today we celebrate the day that marked the beginning of his future success and freedom from the huge conglomerate's artistic restrictions.

Cheers Michael! We fans can't wait to hear your new independent single "Heart On My Sleeve" next Tuesday! We're now just four days away from watching your dreams really start to come true! Today we celebrate Independence Day for you!

No worries, mate. We can wait until June 23rd for the rest of the Hold Back My Heart album. That is...unless you'd like to go ahead and release the whole thing one single at a time until June. :D If not, though, guess I can Hold Back My Heart too!

Thanks to Ainn of IDF Forums, for finding the article once again!

Idol Worship: Today In 'AI' History - Michael Johns Edition

One year ago today, Michael Johns was eliminated from Idol’s Top 12. The Perth, Australia native was the oldest competitor of the season 7 bunch, and among the most beloved (to us, at least). The song that did him in? Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” which Johns chose for Inspirational Music night (a theme this week’s bottom dweller, Scott MacIntyre, would have appreciated). But despite being labeled a “rocker,” Johns says he’s rediscovered his true passion for soul music, as his forthcoming album, due out June 23, will demonstrate (check out a couple tunes on his Myspace). We got our hands on an early copy and were absolutely amazed by the Muscle Shoals ambition Johns (and several of the Idol band members he enlisted) poured into every track.

As Johns tells it, he finally found his voice — and a proper record deal with Downtown Records, home to an eclectic roster than includes Cold War Kids, Eagles of Death Metal and Art Brut (not to mention France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni). We caught up with MJ last week in Los Angeles and got to remind him that the one–year anniversary of his exit was right around the corner. In typical laid-back Aussie form, Johns laughed it off, insisting he’s glad he went home when he did. Here, more of our conversation, including his thoughts on Adam Lambert!

So here we are in the thick of season 8, have you been watching?
Michael Johns: I saw the country week performance show, but I haven’t really been watching. Not that I don’t want to, I’ve just been so busy. Plus, it’s really hard to watch. You get this sick feeling in your stomach, like being back in the competition again, and you’re just, like, “No!” I don’t want that again. I guess it’s too fresh one season after.

You and Carly Smithson appeared during the Top 36, did you meet any of the contestants?
MJ: Everyone I spoke to was eliminated that night. The groups were split up, and nine of the twelve were going home, but the other 12 were back at the house. Carly and I noticed that it was so dead backstage — and rightfully so. It’s brutal to think that out of the whole room only three were going through. Talk about a bloodbath. With us, only one was going home, and we were all having fun and playing board games.

You didn’t suffer the heat that Carly got for her previous major label deal, yet that came up again this year. Is there something to the argument that having had a major label experience is an unfair advantage?
MJ: I can’t speak for Carly, but it didn’t help or hinder me at all. If anything, I thought the Australian thing would hinder me. But nothing can prepare you for getting on stage and in front of those judges. It’s a whole new world. I’ve never done interviews or photo shoots like that. All my experience from being on a major label is nada. It doesn’t matter. I think that America just wants to see something real. They want talent, and at the end of the day, who cares where you get it from, or how it came to be? The reason Idol still is the biggest show in the world is because there aren’t any tricks — what you see is what you get. You don’t get help with anything. They can steer you, but you pick out the song, the clothes and everything in the end. That’s why it was so cool to see someone like David Cook. He walked through the door with, like, pink scarves, and then by the fifteenth week, he was a rock star.

Speaking of pink scarves, what are your thoughts on this year's favorite, Adam Lambert?
MJ: I think he’s great for the stage, and it might work for TV, but I’m not sure what he’s gonna do in the real world. I don’t get it yet. If he was on our season, I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but they’re praising him, so go figure?

What about the other finalists?
MJ: Danny Gokey is a good singer. Lil Rounds, I love all her urban stuff, but the one who I think is really true to herself is that little 16-year-old, Allison [Iraheta]. Brooke [White] and I actually met her at a charity function, where she was the one performing. I said, “You go for it, girl. You can sing!” I liked that Alexis [Grace] girl, too. She was more talented than she got to show. It sucks that she got voted off and can’t go on tour.

So what you’re saying is season 7 was the best…
MJ: Every season, I’ve found someone who really had that something, like Jordin Sparks or Bo Bice. This year, I’m not seeing anyone that’s a “star.” But out of any other season, I would want to be on our season, even with where I finished. It’s, like, who are you gonna pick on from our season? From Chikezie to Brooke, Jason Castro, Carly… we’ve all got something. I’m really proud to be a part of my season. We’re all friends and I talk to them all the time.

What do you make of the judges’ save?
MJ: I mean, I wouldn’t want to change anything about the way I was eliminated. What if you get kicked off the week after? Then you’re a double loser.

And the addition of Kara Dioguardi?
MJ: I like her. She’s really nice, and has worked with so many different people, but I think having four judges slows down the show. Everyone’s been saying that it seems longer this year, and that’s why.

How did your deal with Downtown come about?
MJ: Weirdly, it all comes back to my old label, Maverick Records. I kept in touch with one of the executives who ended up at Downtown. But it’s just a licensing deal. I own my record because I made it before anything was signed. Then Downtown heard it and said, “We’re in!” The best thing is Gnarls Barkley, Cold War Kids and Santigold are on the label as well and these are artists that I love! So we’re in a really good place.

When you were signed to Maverick as The Rising, the album never came out. But after you made it to the Top 24, they released it?
MJ: Yes. It was pretty upsetting to me. It was, like, all of a sudden I’m good enough? The Rising record can come out now that I’m on the American Idol machine? I was really pissed.

What were you going for with your new album?
MJ: I really wanted to do a Stax record. I went back and re-listened to music from my childhood — Sam Cooke, Otis Redding. Wilson Picket — and when I went to sing on the record, I didn’t even have to think. I was really comfortable. Simon wanted me to do more of that [soul] on the bloody show, but I didn’t get the chance.

How’s our favorite Idol David Cook doing? Talked to him lately?
MJ: He’s great. Such a nice dude and he hasn’t changed at all, to be honest. He wrote me a text the night after he appeared on the show, and I asked if he was in town for a couple days. He told me he was in Indiana and the performance was taped. So I wrote back, “Are you telling me not to believe everything I see on TV?”

Michael Johns Single On Amazon!

Click the pic above to GO DIRECTLY TO AMAZON! You still can't buy the song until April 14th, but you can listen to the new track and bookmark it for next Tuesday's release!

Product Details

* Original Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Release Date: April 14, 2009
* Label: TRP Records
* Copyright: (C) 2009 TRP Records
* Song Length: 3:41 minutes
* Genres: Pop/General
* ASIN: B00265Q178

Please click the Preview All button below hear the new clip!



P.S. My thanks to Ainn for the headsup!

New Album Release Date Announced In BC Magazine

So how much interest does a Michael Johns article about his album and single release actually generate? As a writer, I'd love to be able to extend an exact number for you. For that matter, I'd like to know that number myself. However, since I'm not able to do that, I'll give you a rough guesstimate and you can do the math for yourself.

BC Magazine has a daily readership of 150,000 or so per day. Those numbers only include the amount of people that actually go to the site. What it doesn't include are the people who have access to the articles once they go out worldwide in Google alerts.

Let's stay conservative, though, and do the math using only the known number of readers as a guideline. As I write this piece at this very moment, Blogcritics has 3319 authors all competing for their share of that readership. Additionally, the magazine publishes an insane amount of articles twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The pieces that are published in BC are usually there for at least a week. Okay, so that's potentially 150,000 people per day for at least seven days.

Granted, not every person that goes to the magazine will read every story there. That's why it's especially nice to see Michael's announcement was in the top five articles with most readers the instant it was published. Michael should be happy to know that he may have a bunch of silent fans, but folks, he's got a ton of them.

Those are just the numbers from this one article. Now take that number and multiply it by the number of other newspapers, authors, and magazine articles written about Michael Johns. Astonishing potential.

AI Finalist Michael Johns Announces New Album Release Date

Written by Ultimat1
Published April 08, 2009

Although the original release dates for his debut album and single were first published here at Blogcritics, I'm back to let you know the dates have been changed. The previous article's information was based on an email confirmation from Michael himself, but even he could not foresee the need to change the dates at the time. Michael Johns' debut single "Heart On My Sleeve" has been rescheduled to drop on April 14, with radio impact to start April 21.

According to recent reports from various news outlets, the upcoming release is on the TRP Record Label. Through those news reports, we learned Michael has signed a new deal with Downtown Records/Fontana to handle distribution for the new album and single. In other interviews, Michael was also heard to say that he'd signed a deal with Sony for distribution too, so maybe it's both.

Battling red tape over the distribution part of the release is considered by most to have caused the unforeseen two-week delay from the original release date.

Logistics for distribution might be important to some (namely Michael, his label, and management), but it doesn't matter to me who's distributing the records as long as I get mine the day they go on sale. I'm not here to tell you about his distribution deals anyway. I'm here to announce release dates.

"Heart On My Sleeve" is the first single from Michael's debut album Hold Back My Heart, and there's already talk of a video to go along with the new single. The album release date is now "officially" set for June 23, 2009. According to an article found at The Dead Hub, the single was co-written by Johns Shanks. You might know him from his work with Carlos Santana, Sting, and Bon Jovi, among others.

There's a long list of well-known names that have been associated with helping create this one-of-a-kind album. In previous interviews, we've heard the names Diane Warren, Gnarls Barkley, John Shanks, Rye Randa, Cee-Lo Green, and several others who might have collaborated with Michael on some of the tracks. We still don't know which of those co-writers' songs may have made it to the final product.

Most of the songs for the CD were self-penned according to the interviews and news pieces we've seen. Michael has himself described the music on the album in an article with The West Australian back in September of 2008:

“It’s going to be a rock soul record, about love and loss and yearning,” he said.

“There’s all these influences from Van Morrison to Joe Cocker, a bit of INXS, a bit of Otis Reading, so it’s definitely white soul sound.

“There’s nothing really out there like that right now. I guess Amy Winehouse and Duffy are touching on that, but that’s more the female side. There’s nothing as far as a white guy rocking out.”

That mixture of artists conjures up imaginings for some of the best rock/soul/blues music to ever be written. This album is long awaited and much anticipated by all of the fans who have followed his music news on a daily basis in his fan forums. Loyal fans of the too-soon and shockingly booted hot Aussie American Idol heartthrob wanted new music from Michael Johns the instant he left the show. Michael, however, had other ideas... like putting out something that had musical merit and would stand the test of time. Fine. Begrudgingly, we patiently wait.

I've been following this man's career for over a year now, and published my first article about him for Blogcritics in July of 2008. Most all of Michael Johns' recent post-American Idol history has been chronicled here. Check my writer's page to see what other Michael Johns news you may have missed. Believe me, folks — there's been plenty of news in the past and even more Michael Johns chronicles planned as we follow his career into the very distant future.

Some of the more noteworthy events that Johns has been a part of since the last update I gave in March included a concert for which he played at Celebrity Fight Night, held in Phoenix on March 28. That annual effort is considered to be one of the most prestigious charitable events in the nation.

This year's performers included Michael Johns along with, David Foster, Jon Bon Jovi, Charice, Josh Groban, and Jordin Sparks, just to name a few. It was emceed by Reba McEntyre and was attended by Muhammad Ali. The charity celebrated its fifteenth year and has raised over 52 million dollars for various charities since its inception, notably Muhammad Ali's Parkinson Center. You can read more details about it at their website.

Michael's future events include an immediate appearance on American Idol Extra. This is your chance to watch him debut the new single "Heart On My Sleeve". You can go to American Idol Extra to check your local channel listings and to see what times the show will air in your area. Set those DVRs now so you don't miss this one!

Michael has a few other events lined up in the near future. He'll be judging the All-Campus Idol competition being held in Madison, WI on April 21. Those lucky students will also be treated to watching him perform in concert. Details for that event can be found at the Wisconsin Alumni All-Campus Party website.

The next major event we're aware of where you can see him perform is at the America’s Polo Cup being held in Potomac Maryland May 8-9, 2009. (Australia vs. USA in the America's Polo Cup World Championships). You can find details for that and all future events at Michael Johns Central. Tour information and dates will be posted there just as soon as we get them.


In the meantime, Michael has just finished up helping write a song for American Idol alum Brooke White's new album too, but more on that later. This particular article is about Michael Johns and his new release. Mark your calendars now for the single release "Heart On My Sleeve" happening April 14, and the album Hold Back My Heart to drop on June 23.

For you die-hard fans who just can't get enough news, pictures, videos, and everything else associated with Michael Johns, please take the time to visit and join us in the forums. Cheers and g'day mates, until next I bring breaking news. Rest assured, I'll be back to tell you what more there is to find out about Michael Johns.

In deference to his star status, I think I'll let Michael himself get the last word in this time. Here's the bulletin he posted from his official MySpace page on April 7, 2009:

Hey everyone ONE WEEK TO GO till Heart on my sleeve!!!I want to thank you all for hanging in there with me this past year. I cannot believe it's been a year since i was kicked off Idol. I have to say as i have many times, i wouldn't change a thing. The love and support i have received has truly made this the best year of my life.

So with that being said i cannot wait for yall to hear the new single next week. Some of you have heard the snippet and told me you love it, cheers!

Other than that i have just been traveling, playng events and doing press. Loving life and playing music doesnt get better.

Will update you soon guys,

MJ

Michael Johns MySpace Bulletin!

Michael Johns took a few minutes to give thanks to his fans today in a MySpace bulletin. Could he be any more excited than we are? I don't think that's possible. ;D

Here are some of the sweetest words from the man himself. :D Enjoy!

From: Michael Johns
To:
Date: Apr 7, 2009 2:23 PM
Subject: One week to go!

Hey everyone ONE WEEK TO GO till Heart on my sleeve!!!

I want to thank you all for hanging in there with me this past year. I cannot believe it's been a year since i was kicked off Idol. I have to say as i have many times, i wouldn't change a thing. The love and support i have received has truly made this the best year of my life.

So with that being said i cannot wait for yall to hear the new single next week.
Some of you have heard the snippet and told me you love it, cheers!

Other than that i have just been traveling, playng events and doing press. Loving life and playing music doesnt get better.


Will update you soon guys,

MJ

Michael Johns Single Makes Headline News!

Michael Johns To Release "Heart On My Sleeve"

News of Michael Johns single "Heart On My Sleeve" to be released April 14th continues to make music headlines all over the world. When an American Idol star such as Michael Johns, who has already gained fans both here and abroad announces his debut album, the news travels worldwide at the speed of light. The Hot Aussie's debut album Hold Back My Heart will be released June 23rd.

Here's a very insightful and well written article as published by Jessica Emmerich of Dead Hub.

“AMERICAN IDOL” FINALIST MICHAEL JOHNS TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM HOLD BACK MY HEART JUNE 23 ON TRP RECORDS

LEAD SINGLE “HEART ON MY SLEEVE” TO IMPACT RADIO APRIL 21 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON iTUNES APRIL 14

Los Angeles, CA (April 6, 2009) –A year after his electrifying performances made him a favorite with “American Idol” fans around the world, singer-songwriter Michael Johns will release debut album Hold Back My Heart on June 23 through TRP Records being distributed by Downtown Records/Fontana.

Johns was a top ten finalist during season 7 of “American Idol” and his departure from the show drew outcries from the series’ mega-million-strong audience and helped inspire a new rule for the current season. This year sees the show using a new “judges save” rule for the top 13 finalists, allowing judges to keep a contestant from being eliminated prematurely. When introducing the new rule, the show ran footage of Michael Johns, Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson and asked “what do these three Idols have in common,” with the answer being that all three were sent home too soon.

Not that Johns is complaining.

“Talk about the chance of a lifetime,” says the Aussie native. “’Idol’ allowed me to introduce myself to the world and I plan on making the most of that opportunity.”

He’ll start with Hold Back My Heart, an album that sees Johns drawing inspiration from his own idols—Paul Weller, Joe Cocker, the Faces—to create a stunning collection of blues-soaked rock and classic soul songs. Among the album’s many highlights is lead single “Heart On My Sleeve,” co-written by John Shanks (Carlos Santana, Sting, Bon Jovi). The track impacts radio on April 21 and iTunes on April 14.

In between his time on “Idol” and the recording of Hold Back My Heart, Johns recorded the holiday song “Another Christmas” and donated its proceeds to the Red Cross and ALS. He also co-wrote the soundtrack for the acclaimed documentary Don’t Look Down, based on Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, performed on the west coast run of Kanye West’s “Glow in the Dark” tour and on the PBS special “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends,” the latter featuring Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli. Additional appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” ‘Live with Regis & Kelly,” “The Today Show,” and “Ellen.” In addition Johns just co-wrote a track for the upcoming album from “Idol” alum Brooke White.

”I remember driving down the freeway at age 15 and Pearl Jam’s ‘Daughter’ was on the radio,” Johns recalls. “I don’t know what it was about that song, but afterward I kept singing it over and over. The feeling it gave me made me say, ‘I have to do this for life.’ I started a band a few months later and have been going ever since. I never dreamed it would take me here.”

If you prefer reading news from the sources instead, here's an additional link with the announcement as seen on MSN, Enjoy! :D