Photo Credit: FOX

Michael Johns

Age:

29

Hometown:

Buckhead, GA

Australian import Johns was first introduced to viewers while crooning an Otis Redding classic in San Diego, causing Simon Cowell to dub him “a white soul singer.”

The married performer – who says the most embarrassing album he owns is the Wiggles – was previously in the spotlight as a professional mascot. Prior to his Idol stint, Johns lent his vocal talents to the hard-rock quartet The Rising.

Also known as Michael Lee, the top 12 performer came to the United States on a tennis college scholarship in the late ‘90s before signing with Madonna’s former label, Maverick Records.