‘American Idol’ Finalist Michael Johns Dies At 35

Christina Lee | August 3, 2014 8:11 am

Michael Johns, American Idol seventh season finalist, died August 1 at age 35, according to FOX. “Michael Johns was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by news of his passing,” the network’s official statement said.

The Buckhead, Ga., native had auditioned for Idol in 2008 at age 29, the maximum age for eligibility. He would finish in eighth place, then release his debut album, 2009’s Hold Back My Heart. “I do like his voice,” Dolly Parton, country star and then-Idol mentor, once said on the show. “He would make some great records, and I think I could probably write some good songs for him, so I do hope that he becomes a star.”

“We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from all corners of the globe,” a statement from Johns’ family said. Among others, those who worked directly with Johns on Idol – from judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul to host Ryan Seacrest and associate musical director Michael Orland – took to Twitter to remember him. See their reactions after the jump.