American Idol Season 7 Finalist, Michael Johns, Dies At the Age Of 35


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I honestly don’t know how to do this. I don’t.

Like all of you, I am saddened and shocked by the recent passing of Michael Johns.

According to his website and numerous reports, Michael passed away from a blood clot in his ankle on Saturday, August 2nd.

I am assuming that his death was completely unexpected and I can only imagine how painful and agonizing this must be for his family, friends and fans from around the world.

I know that his death has impacted me in a strong way.

I remember meeting him at the Toronto performance of the American Idol Season 7 tour. What a sweet, genuine and gracious young man. Loaded with charisma and a beautiful singing voice, he finished 8th in the Season 7 competition of American Idol.

However, he went on to enjoy ever-growing success in the music business and was often seen performing under the tutelage of David Foster.

FOX network and Idol producers Fremantle Media North America and 19 Entertainment said in a statement on Saturday:

“”Michael Johns was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of his passing,” . “He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Our deepest condolences are extended to his family. Our heart and our prayers go out to you. R.I.P. Michael. Gone to soon. XO

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici

3 Responses to “American Idol Season 7 Finalist, Michael Johns, Dies At the Age Of 35”

  1. MCL, thank you for articulating what I could not. As sad and shocked as I am about Michael Johns’ passing, my heart is somewhat warmed by the outpouring of sympathy and prayers for his family and fans. It just goes to show how deep the Idol bonds are. His Season 7 co-stars must be devastated. Brooke White wrote a lovely tribute on her FB page, if you care to check that out.

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  2. It is so very sad and shocking…

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  3. This is very sad news. Michael was my favorite male contestant from all of the Idol seasons. He had a special talent and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. May God bless his wife, family and close friends as they deal with their loss.

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