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Michael Johns calls ‘Idol’ exit a ‘knife twister’

‘It was definitely a shock for me,’ says the Australian singer

Image: American Idol
Fox
Michael Johns stands on stage with fellow contestants Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado as host Ryan Seacrest announces that he's been eliminated from the competition.
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Access Hollywood
updated 7:45 p.m. ET April 11, 2008

Aussie Michael Johns’ elimination from “American Idol” was a shocker, especially to the one-time contestant himself.

“That was a knife twister for sure,” he told “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell on Friday. “I just rolled with it.”

He may have rolled with it, but millions of viewers caught his stunned expression on TV as Ryan Seacrest made the announcement.

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“It was definitely a shock for me,” Johns admitted. “First time in the bottom three. I definitely didn’t see it coming… hey, it was good television I guess.”

Fans also saw judge Paula Abdul whisper into Johns’ ear as the show closed out and the Australian transplant told O’Dell, what the “Straight Up” singer said.

“She said ‘I would bet my house that you are gonna have everyone call you for record deals,’” he recounted.

Another person who was upset about his dismissal? Previous “Idol” mentor Dolly Parton.

“Yeah it was crazy. I was doing interviews this morning… and she was just finishing an interview she was doing… she just said she would love to sing a duet with me one day,” he recounted. “I grew up listening to her. I’m a true fan so it’s so special.”

Copyright 2008 by NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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