Ace Young, Josh Groban & More React to Passing of AMERICAN IDOL Alum Michael Johns

Yesterday, BWW reported the tragic news that singer-songwriter Michael Johns has died at age 35. Multiple sources have confirmed to THR that the season seven contestant passed away on Friday, August 1st due to a blood clot in his ankle.

Johns appeared on Idol during the 2008 season. Though eliminated surprisingly early, he went on to release a successful full-length album, Hold Back My Heart in 2009 which featured the single "Heart on My Sleeve."

Over the weekend, celebrities and former Idol contestants shared their sorrow over the passing of the talented singer:

"His acoustic version of the Bee Gees' 'To Love Somebody' was very special but I will always remember him singing the Beatles' 'You Never Give Me Your Money/Golden Slumbers.' One of his favorite songs. ... He was a great talent and dear friend. My boys and I were devastated to hear the news." - Nigel Lythgoe, American Idol producer

Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul: "I'm so torn up over the news about Michael Johns. Michael was not just an amazing talent, he was an incredible human being who was so full of life that the notion of it stopping is incomprehensible to me. His echo will live on forever..." (via Billboard.com)

Singer/Songwriter Diane Warren: "I'm very sad to hear of Michael Johns' passing. We worked together when I did a song on his record. What I remember about him is not just that he had a great soulful voice, but also that he was a really good guy. In my opinion he was one of the best singers to come from Idol. My thoughts and prayers to his family." (via Billboard.com)

American Idol Season Seven Winner David Cook: "Mike was one of the first people I bonded with when I got to Hollywood week, and I can honestly say that the depth and pressure associated with the first few weeks of the Idol experience would've eaten me alive, had it not been for Mike. He had a way of making this gigantic, life-altering event seem small and manageable. To say I'm shocked and saddened is a gross understatement. I'm completely gutted for his family, including his wife, Stacey. I hope they can find at least some small amount of solace in the fact that he made mine and many others' lives so much better by having known him."
American Idol contestant Brooke White (Facebook) "Well, darn... what do I say. Yesterday I learned the news that we lost this dear friend of ours and I just haven't processed it. It's tragic and I'm sad. I just had the thought the other day while driving down the freeway, that if someone asked me who my favorite male voice was it'd be Michael johns. Man I wish I had picked up the phone to tell him that, but I didn't. He was stupidly talented, handsome, charismatic, funny and quite a complicated character. I loved singing with the guy. We toured the west coast and shared the stage too many times to count, recorded a couple great duets, wrote 'little bird' and a few other tunes together. He believed in my voice and was so generous with his compliments. And sometimes he was a real stinker too. His fans were the most devoted and obsessed I've seen. He was supposed to be the special guest at my Christmas show and he called me to cancel a few weeks ago, that was the last we spoke. It's weird to think we won't sing another tune together again in this lifetime. Isn't it weird. My heart goes out to his family, his fans, friends, to his Stacy and his beloved Puddy. Michael Johns, we will miss you hard... you will always be my favorite Australian." (via Billboard.com)

Josh Groban (Twitter): Oh no. @michael_johns has passed away. Such a wonderful guy and a great voice. Hung with him many times with @officialdfoster. Awful. RIP.

Current American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson (Twitter): My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael Johns. Tonight's show is dedicated in your honor .

Ace Young (Twitter): We lost a true, honest friend. @michael_johns was a great man. Please send prayers to his wife Stacey and their families.

Jessica Sanchez (Twitter): Feeling so sad with the news of @michael_johns passing. He's such a wonderful person. R.I.P

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