American Idol contestant's a Stevie fan

[Livia]

I already liked this guy, now I like him even more.

http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/..._Idol_by_storm

An Australian singer is hitting all the right notes in karaoke competition, American Idol, making it into the final 24.

Michael Johns left Australia at the age of 18 and now lives with his Texan wife in Los Angeles.

The 29-year-old from Perth has received high praise from Idol judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, being described as “white soul singer”.

Johns has sung versions of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Light My Fire by The Doors, and Otis Redding’s I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.

Johns went to America on a tennis scholarship and has since worked as a mascot and been lead singer of band The Rising which narrowly missed out on recording a debut with Maverick Records in 2003.

Showing he’s still true blue he describes his musical influences as Neil Finn, INXS and AC/DC – as well as The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie.

Johns lists Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Stevie Nicks as his favourite female artists.