Aussie into US Idol top 12

AUSSIE singer Michael Johns is one step closer to American Idol super-stardom after securing a place in the final 12.

Johns has impressed judges and audiences alike week after week with his soaring voice and confident stage presence, earning him comparisons to INXS frontman Michael Hutchence.

On the 1980s themed episode this week, Johns sang the Simple Minds track Don't You (Forget About Me).

A record 36m votes were cast by the American public, with Johns one of 12 contestants to make the final rounds.

The competition really heats up now, as one person is sent home each week in the countdown to the final on May 22.

American Idol is among the most watched TV programs in the US and has launched the international chart-topping careers of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry.

Johns said his game plan on the show was to let audiences see what kind of artist he wanted to be.

"I want people to be able to say: 'OK that's what kind of record he would make' – like a rock soul kind of record with a bit of dance involved," Johns said.

With his broad Australian accent and easy-going charm, Johns has a growing fan base who call themselves "the Aussie Posse".

Born and raised in Perth, the 29-year-old singer moved to the United States in 1998 to attend college.

He married a Texan woman and now calls Los Angeles home.

The dedicated performer has previously fronted two bands, The Rising and Film, and names making it in the music business as the toughest obstacle in his life.

American Idol, now in its seventh series, is being aired on pay TV channel Fox8 in Australia.

source: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23335756-1702,00.html

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