David Archuleta and Michael Johns: Their Professional Background
David Archuleta and Michael Johns were two of the top performers on American Idol last night. Each received tickets to Hollywood.
Like Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook, however, each also has an extensive professional background. To wit:
Michael Johns was formerly the lead singer of two bands: The Rising and Film. He used to be known as Michael Lee and was actually signed to Maverick Records while leading Film. Things get even juicier:
The group was set to release a debut album in 2003, until - according to one of the group members - Michael allegedly screwed over Film by leaving the band and stealing their songs, claiming he wrote them.

While not evidence of that claim's validity, the MySpace profile for Fame is shown above - at least proving Johns was its lead singer.
Nothing about David Archuleta is as controversial, but his background isn't exactly amateur, either. The 16-year old singer won Star Search when he was 12 and has appeared on numerous programs ever since.

David Archuleta even sang once for an audience that included Kelly Clarkson. Check out the grainy video now:

February 11th, 2008 10:13 PM
he is gonna be thenexy american idol!!!!!!!!!!i love him!!
February 11th, 2008 10:13 PM
david is the next american idol1! i love u david!!!
February 13th, 2008 6:28 AM
I thought Michael did amazing tonight! I think he will go far.
February 13th, 2008 9:22 AM
get your facts straight about Michael Johns. He grew up in Australia nd moved to Atlanta, GA for school. He left school to pursue music and was in a couple of bands. He had a fallong out with the last band, but did not steal anything. The former band leader has sour grapes and a personal (jealous) vendetta against Michael. Also he is using Johns as his name now because it is his middle name.
February 15th, 2008 2:07 PM
alexandrea also appeared with david a. in start search during the same year. what are these kids supposed to come from nowhere? that carly chick shouldn't be on as she has already signed with a label and lost, as well as kristy lee...david, carly, michael...give 'em a break--they've been at this for a while is all, but have not signed with any label, so deserve the chance.
March 4th, 2008 11:58 PM
Regardless, of what people may think of these American Idol contestants pasts... they are on the show and for obvious reasons. Everyone in Hollywood started somewhere. Are we supposed to give them grief, why? Brittney S. Justin T. and Christina A, have gone on to become professionals from the Mickey Mouse club and Star Search so give that mess a rest.
I'm a parent and I think that all of these hopefuls deserve a chance. Of course, as many of you I do have my favorite.
DAVID ARCHULETA is an exceptional young man and I hope he does win American Idol. It would be nice to see someone of such a young age win this year. It would encourage our youth.
March 19th, 2008 5:28 PM
DAVID IS SOOOOOOO CUTE!!! THE MOST AMAZING SINGER EVA!! HE'S SO GONNA WIN AMERICAN IDOL!! I LOVE YOU DAVID. ♥ <33333 :)