Michael Johns Explains Name Change

Michael Johns is one of the male favorites on this season of American Idol.

And while we don't have the sort of scoop on this Aussie that we had earlier today on David Hernandez, our staff has uncovered insight into this Idol's name change.

In the past, the former front man for a band called the rising was known by his full moniker: Michael Lee Johns before. So, why the current shortening?

"I stopped talking to my real father when I was about 15, and it was a real kind of poisonous relationship," Michael said. "And my stepfather, his name is John and he came in and not only saved not only my life but also my family with his positivity.

Continues the handsome crooner:

"When I made my new record, I really wanted to get rid of my last name Lee … And my middle name is John, and my stepfather's name is John, so it's like [there are] two John's in the family. [So, that's why I picked] Michael Johns. That's what makes it so big to me."