Vault: American Idol- Michael Johns

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Bert Show

Episode: Vault: American Idol - Michael Johns

Date: August 11, 2026
Guests: Michael Johns (American Idol alumnus)
Hosts: The Bert Show team (Burt, Jen, Brad, et al.)

Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic, light-hearted interview with American Idol alum Michael Johns, capturing him in rare form: “sober,” as the hosts good-naturedly note. The conversation is a candid and often humorous look inside Johns’ experiences on American Idol, the perils and perks of revisiting hometown haunts, drunken shenanigans, musical updates (including a foray into Japan), and the real impact of Idol success.

---

Key Topics & Insights

Michael’s Reputation on the Bert Show

• Sobriety Joke & Running Gags
  • The hosts playfully tease Michael about a previous appearance where he arrived straight from a night out, setting a familiar, jovial tone.
  • “[Michael Johns] has been in studio so many times, and I think the unique thing about this time talking to Michael is that he was sober, which was a nice, nice change.” – Burt (01:29)
  • Michael insists tales of his “hammered” visits are exaggerated:
    • “Erroneous on both counts!” – Michael Johns (02:19)
• Stories of Hometown Nights Out
  • Michael describes a cycle of old friends in Atlanta using his presence as an occasion to party hard, reverting to their early twenties every time he’s in town.
    • “When I come to town, it's like we revert to being 22 years old again.” – Michael Johns (02:47)

Patron, Partying, & Rock Star Stereotypes

• Love-Hate With Patron Tequila
  • Hilarious confessions about tequila and crazy bar behavior surface repeatedly, with Patron as the main antagonist.
    • “Three shots of Patron and, you know, my pants are off and I'm running around the bar like a crazy person.” – Michael Johns (04:21)
  • A running joke is Michael’s friendship with Pam, Patron’s head of marketing:
    • "She knows that I'm her friend just for being her friend. Not because I want Patron, you know what I mean?" – Michael Johns (03:48)
  • Co-hosts join in with tales of liquor-induced shenanigans and country song references.

Life After American Idol

• Perspective on Contestants and Advice
  • Michael reflects fondly on the new contestants, describing a kind, talented group and sharing advice:
    • “You're there, you know, you've already won ... you've already got your deal ... go out there and make your music and everything, and everyone knows who you are. Just go out there and, you know, have a blast.” – Michael Johns (05:28)
  • Cites an interaction with finalist Lee, who was starstruck by Michael even after making it to the top.
• ‘Idol’ Connections & Community
  • The unique opportunity Idol created:
    • “There's so many doors get ... opened because of the show and the platform ... you could be doing [local gigs] till you're like 50, but this show puts you on a stage that's unparalleled.” – Michael Johns (08:12)
  • Emphasis on the importance of maintaining relationships, even after fame:
    • “The phone's not going to ring if you're not going to make the records yourself.” – Michael Johns (09:03)

Career News: Breaking into Japan

• New Album Release & Ambitions Overseas
  • Michael shares news of his album launching in Japan; jokes about wanting a “huge in Japan” bumper sticker.
    • “If the song ever takes off over there, I just want to get a bumper sticker that says, 'I'm huge in Japan.'” – Michael Johns (06:07)
  • Plans include an initial 10-day tour, then a return for another tour.
• Interest in Japanese Culture
  • Johns shares his love for Japanese TV, especially Ninja Warrior, with humorous banter about Japanese game shows:
    • “It's this whole like...crazy game show where people have to jump over or get through obstacles...Japanese ones that are impossible.” – Michael Johns (07:01)

High-Profile Encounters & "Idletown" Status

• Berts and the Team Tease Michael About Being “the Mayor of Idletown”
  • “Remember when I walked down to the front of the arena ... you were like the mayor ... Paula's like waving ... Randy comes by, Simon's saying hi.” – Brad (08:37)
• The Paradox of Fame
  • Michael acknowledges that while Idol opens doors, it’s ultimately up to the artist to keep working and producing.

Goodbyes, Returning to Atlanta, and More Patron Jokes

• Promise of a Sober Return
  • “Yes, yes, I shall come in sober.” – Michael Johns (09:27)
  • Teased immediately about bringing Patron next time, keeping the spirit light until the sign-off.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Friends Wanting to Party:
  • “I'm just a vict.” – Michael Johns (03:02)
• On the Hazards of Tin Roof:
  • “It's one of those places where you're not allowed to leave until part of your body will be numb the next day.” – Brad (03:12)
• On Post-Idol Advice:
  • “Just go out there and, you know, have a blast as much as you can.” – Michael Johns (05:28)
• On the Meaning of Success:
  • “It can be the best and the worst thing at the same time.” – Michael Johns (09:12)
• Sign-Off:
  • “It's good having you here, man.” – Burt (10:02)
  • “Thanks, mate.” – Michael Johns (10:03)

---

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|:----------:| | Sobriety joke / intro to Michael Johns | 01:29–02:13| | Stories about Atlanta, Tin Roof, partying| 02:13–04:41| | Patron tequila banter | 03:28–04:21| | Life after Idol & advice for contestants| 04:41–05:45| | Michael’s album Japan release | 05:48–06:29| | Ninja Warrior, Japanese TV | 06:34–07:53| | On Idol’s impact & networking | 08:03–09:12| | Plans for next Atlanta visit | 09:17–09:36| | Closing remarks | 10:02–10:04|

---

Tone & Atmosphere

• Playful, warm, and irreverent: The hosts and Michael enjoy easy banter, lots of self-aware jokes, and friendly ribbing.
• Candid and upbeat: Michael’s openness about both the ups and downs and the realities of life after fame are genuine, never dour.

---

Concluding Thought

This episode is a feel-good, behind-the-scenes view from a beloved Idol alum, perfect for fans who enjoy candid, hilarious storytelling mixed with sincere industry insights. Michael Johns’ personality shines—funny, self-deprecating, and optimistic, with the Bert Show crew providing the perfect comic counterpoint.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Life doesn't wait. The kids outgrow the old couch, the fridge stops working, and sometimes you just want to treat yourself to a bigger tv. That's where errands comes in. With errands, you can shop thousands of new products from top brands in furniture, electronics, appliances and more. Find what you love, then pick a weekly or monthly payment plan that fits your budget. Getting approved takes less than five minutes and delivery is free. No big upfront costs, no stress. Take it home, pay over time, and once you're done, it's yours. And if life throws you a curveball, you've got flexibility with options to return or upgrade along the way. There's no long term commitment because getting what you need for your home should feel easy. Life doesn't wait. Why should you? Shop errands.com or visit your local errands store today. Approval not guaranteed. Restrictions apply. See STORE for details.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hi, Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Are you looking for a beach read this summer? May I suggest your big wireless bill? It's got suspense, mystery, a slightly flat emotional arc, and a shocking twist where you realize you've been overpaying the entire time. Fortunately, though, Mint Story is better. Every plan $15 a month, even unlimited. That's it. Happy ending, zero tears. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Commercial Voice]

of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for a 12 month plan. Required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees. Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gig when it works. Busy.

[Host (Burt)]

See Terms the Burch Show Michael Johns has been in studio so many times, and I think the unique thing about this time talking to Michael is that he was sober, which was a nice, nice change.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Yeah.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Cause he comes.

[Host (Burt)]

He comes.

[Co-host (Jen)]

He's getting a bad rap on our show.

[Host (Burt)]

It only happened one time, but we've been giving him a hard time about it.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Well, he comes to visit us when he's in town visiting his friend because he's an Atlanta guy, Right. And so he goes out and as you'll hear, you know, he discusses his relationship with alcohol and patron and tin roof. And tin roof. And so those things all combined make it difficult to be in Studio at 7:15 in the morning talking about whatever your project is that you got going on.

[Host (Burt)]

Here he is, Michael Johns, Atlanta guy on The Burt Show. Q100.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Last time we saw Michael Johns, you were in Atlanta for something and you came in and did our show and you were still hammered from the night before.

[Michael Johns]

Yes, you were Erroneous on both counts.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Erroneous.

[Michael Johns]

You did.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Like you went to Tin Roof.

[Michael Johns]

Tin Roof, something. But I was there for the David Foster tour.

[Co-host (Brad)]

That's right. But you went out the night before because.

[Michael Johns]

Well, I said, why not? Why not just book a gig? Yeah. You know, and Jagermeister, you know, might have won that battle.

[Host (Burt)]

That'll happen.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Does that always happen in your old stomping grounds? Places where you have friends, where they'll come out and just do their best to get you hammered?

[Michael Johns]

Yes. Because then, you know, everyone's married and everything, but then when I come to town, it's like we revert to being 22 years old again.

[Host (Burt)]

Married people. And if they have kids, that's even worse because they rarely get out.

[Michael Johns]

Absolutely.

[Host (Burt)]

And the one night they get out, they're gonna take it out on you, man.

[Michael Johns]

Yeah. So I'm just a vict.

[Co-host (Brad)]

I don't think it's a married single thing. I really think it's there. There's some places like, I think Tin Roof.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yeah.

[Co-host (Brad)]

It's one of those places where you're not allowed to leave until part of your body will be numb the next day.

[Host (Burt)]

Right.

[Co-host (Brad)]

You know what I mean?

[Host (Burt)]

Like, it's a badge of honor. If you walk out and they're sober, they're offended.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Right. Like, they'll stop you at the driveway and turn you back around and buy you more shots.

[Michael Johns]

Hey, I've been there and done that. Yes.

[Host (Burt)]

What drink would you break up with right now? Like, right now I'm having this on again, off again relationship with Patron. Cause I just can't handle it. Is there one liquor you gotta stay away?

[Michael Johns]

Yes, Patron.

[Host (Burt)]

It is Patron.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Really?

[Michael Johns]

And the funny thing is, one of my best friends, her name's Pam and she is the head of all marketing and event planning for Patron.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Can I get a number? Yes.

[Michael Johns]

I'm telling you, my friend, she's in Italy right now. And it's so funny, she goes, oh, my God, you really can't handle tequila, can you? And I said, no, I cannot. And she goes, we're gonna be friends because she knows that I'm her friend just for being her friend. Not because I want Patron, you know what I mean?

[Host (Burt)]

But it sure helps to have that silver in your back pocket.

[Commercial Voice]

Yeah, exactly.

[Michael Johns]

But she's. Yeah, she's awesome. But yeah, Patron.

[Host (Burt)]

Yeah. For me, it's Patron. Every time I do a shot, it makes me feel two inches taller. Really? By the end of the night, I'm feeling. I feel sexy and tall.

[Co-host (Brad)]

He's ready to take On Big Mike.

[Commercial Voice]

Yeah.

[Michael Johns]

Three shots of Patron and, you know, my pants are off and I'm running around the bar like a crazy person.

[Host (Burt)]

Sound familiar, Jen?

[Michael Johns]

Yeah,

[Co-host (Jen)]

that's true. That country, son. There's some country song. Tequila makes her close them off. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's true, Brad.

[Michael Johns]

Whatever. Brad Patri, right?

[Co-host (Jen)]

It's the truth. Yeah, it is.

[Host (Burt)]

So what's it like for you today, man? Come back here and you got all the rookies here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt)]

No going through what you went through?

[Michael Johns]

Yeah, it's definitely. It's definitely strange, you know, when you come back and you know, because it feels like 7,000 years ago that I was on the show, you know, and it was only two years.

[Host (Burt)]

Two years ago.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Michael Johns]

Oh, wait. So. Yeah, but it's cool. And this. This is a really good group this year. They're really nice guys. Yeah, I really like them.

[Host (Burt)]

What if anybody come up to you and ask you for some kind of adv for the finale or anything like that?

[Michael Johns]

No, not yet. But I spoke to Lee at the Idea's Back party, and he was like, man, I've downloaded all your videos, and I've. I'm like, wait a second, man. Like, you're. You're in the top two. You know what I mean? Like, what are you watching my stuff for? You know, it's very cool, but it's a good group.

[Host (Burt)]

If he were to ask you for some advice going into this tonight, what would you say to him?

[Michael Johns]

I just. I just. I mean, you're there, you know, you've already won. And I know that sounds cheesy and everything, but the top two, I mean, you've already got your deal. Know you're gonna go out there and make your music and everything, and everyone knows who you are. And I just go out there and, you know, have a blast. As much as you can, you know.

[Co-host (Jen)]

What's the latest with you? What's going on with music stuff for you?

[Michael Johns]

Just the album's coming out now in Japan, which is crazy. June 23rd, it's coming out, so I'm heading over there.

[Co-host (Jen)]

It's like all the COVID art in Japanese and stuff.

[Michael Johns]

Well, I've just started. Yeah, I just saw someone.

[Host (Burt)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Co-host (Jen)]

It's in Japanese.

[Michael Johns]

Yes. And it's 45 already on Amazon.

[Commercial Voice]

45?

[Co-host (Jen)]

Really?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes.

[Michael Johns]

And all I want to do is get it. If I. If the song ever takes off over there, I just want to get a bumper sticker that says, I'm huge in Japan.

[Co-host (Brad)]

That's all I care about, you know,

[Host (Burt)]

you would know if you were or not. So just tell me you are.

[Michael Johns]

By the way, I'm huge in Japan.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Right. There you go.

[Michael Johns]

So it's going to be interesting. I've never been over there. My brother lived there for two years. So I'm really looking forward to going over to Japan. It's going to be awesome.

[Co-host (Jen)]

How long are you going to go?

[Michael Johns]

We're doing an initial, like 10 days and then going back for another tour later in the year.

[Commercial Voice]

Do you know?

[Host (Burt)]

Very nice.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Well, then how are you going to talk to people?

[Michael Johns]

Do you know any Japanese? You need to know like something Saki. I don't know. I mean, it's gonna be fun. I'm really looking forward to it because Ninja Warrior is one of my favorite shows on TV. Have you guys seen that show?

[Host (Burt)]

No.

[Michael Johns]

On G4.

[Co-host (Jen)]

What is that?

[Michael Johns]

It's this whole like. How would you describe it? Have you seen it?

[Co-host (Brad)]

It's like a crazy game show where

[Host (Burt)]

people have to jump over or get through obstacles.

[Michael Johns]

Japanese ones that are impossible. So I cannot wait to like, you know, that's all I'm gonna care about. You should see if you could get on that show. I'm not fit enough.

[Host (Burt)]

Well, they have great shape, to be honest.

[Michael Johns]

Oh, yeah. No, it's all like full on gymnast stuff.

[Host (Burt)]

Oh, yeah.

[Co-host (Brad)]

They have like all the Japanese shows, like they have like 30 minute primetime shows that are just like scaring people, you know, like they jump around from around the corner and scare you and they show that. And I'll watch that crap on YouTube for days. Is that one.

[Michael Johns]

Have you ever seen that one where the guy's sleeping in his bed and they like rip the entire bed out and all of a sudden like he's completely passed out and then he's in the snow going down a mountain and the guy's like this. Didn't really understand what was going on.

[Host (Burt)]

What a great job. I mean, all you get to do is inflict pain on people.

[Michael Johns]

Well, that's why, I mean, that's why Ellen DeGeneres has been picking up all these shows, like on her show, you know? Yeah, it's awesome.

[Host (Burt)]

What is the biggest advantage post Idol, right?

[Michael Johns]

Yeah, Biggest advantage.

[Host (Burt)]

Yeah.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Work for patron.

[Michael Johns]

No, I mean, it's just like, you know, just the recognition. You know what I mean? Like, there's so many doors get. Gets opened because of the show and the platform. So, you know, for someone that was like in sign bands and done stuff like that before and then, you know, playing in Buckhead and everything else, it's like you could be Doing that to you like 50, you know what I mean? But this show puts you on the. On a stage. It's like, you know, unparalleled.

[Co-host (Brad)]

And you did it right, too. Like last year, right after the finale, Remember when I walked down to the. To the front of the arena either Tuesday or Wednesday night and I saw you down there like, and you were like the mayor, like, oh, God, yeah. Paula's like waving to you from the stage. Randy comes by, Simon's saying hi.

[Host (Burt)]

It's like you're part of the club.

[Co-host (Brad)]

Yeah, you're. You're like the mayor of Idletown.

[Co-host (Jen)]

But you do have to. You do have to work those connections. Right? I mean, you have to maintain those friendships and relationships or else they dwindle on and they're.

[Michael Johns]

I mean, it's like everything. I mean, it's the greatest. It's the greatest help and platform. But, you know, the phone's not going to ring if you're not going to, you know.

[Co-host (Jen)]

Sure.

[Michael Johns]

If you're not going to make the records yourself. So, you know, it can be the best and the worst thing at the same time.

[Host (Burt)]

When are you coming back to Atlanta?

[Michael Johns]

I'm actually, I think I just booked a couple of dates there. July. 7-16-17. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host (Burt)]

You going to come in studio and hang out?

[Michael Johns]

Yes, yes, I shall come in sober. Oh, calm down.

[Host (Burt)]

Do not come in. Bring some of that patron with you.

[Michael Johns]

Well, that.

[Host (Burt)]

That I will do. Okay.

[Michael Johns]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host (Burt)]

Right there with you.

[Michael Johns]

That's funny.

[Co-host (Brad)]

I think it's funny that he was all at a sophisticated David Foster event.

[Michael Johns]

But you came in, you know, why not? He wasn't buzz that morning. That should be.

[Co-host (Brad)]

That should be very high.

[Michael Johns]

I wasn't buzzed. Look, I didn't even know where I was coming from. I think I literally left like the roof and came straight to your studio, which is impressive.

[Co-host (Brad)]

You know what that deserves?

[Co-host (Jen)]

Yes.

[Commercial Voice]

Like a badge.

[Co-host (Jen)]

A badge. A ribbon.

[Michael Johns]

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

[Host (Burt)]

It's good having you here, man.

[Michael Johns]

Thanks, mate.

[Host (Burt)]

We'll see you in a.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Later.

[Host (Burt)]

See you guys. The bird show.