Michael Johns Ousted From <i> Idol</i>

In a shocking twist tonight, America voted for the exodus of one of the favorites to win American Idol, Michael Johns.

Johns seemed to be one of the three or four remaining contestants - along with Brooke White, David Archuletta and David Cook - that had a legitimate chance in winning. And, above all else, it seemed as if he could truly be a star that American Idol has struggled to produce.

Johns' departure came in a strange show that seemed to spill over from Wednesday's Idol Gives Back episode that saw the show raise so much money for those in need. In fact, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama all urged the Idol audience to give what they could.

But, while there were many feel good moments throughout the episode, it was the first shocker of the season, especially considering that the other bottom three contestants were Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson (likely candidates to leave).

One theory being thrown out by, among other people, the Orlando Sentinel, is that because Johns, an Australian, was competing for the title of American Idol. The newspaper goes on to say that the Irish Smithson will not win either.

Simon Cowell told Johns: "I'm going to miss you. You're a very, very good singer, and a very, very nice guy."