Article at the La Times Idoltracker blog
December 29, 2008
Here’s a very nice article written by Richard Rushfield of the Latimes.com Idoltracker blog.
Link to article
Michael Johns’ Christmas gift
I am a bit late commenting on this, but the Christmas spirit has run strong in Michael Johns this year, who took the unusual step of making his first post-”Idol” single an all-for-charity effort, donating the proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis division and to the Red Cross. Johns wrote of the single and his involvement with it on his MySpace blog:
I believe very strongly in these charities. ALS is a horrible disease that robs you of everything. You lose the ability to walk, talk and move. However, you keep all brain function. It’s like being in your own prison.
The Red Cross is such an important organization and I am dedicating this song to all the troops serving abroad this holiday. “Another Christmas” is really about being away from loved ones and telling them you miss them and love them.
I never intended to release a song I had written for my family; however, it’s for such a great cause. I know you will all help me in raising as much money and awareness as you can. Download “Another Christmas” at iTunes or Amazon.
Johns has been getting a fair amount of exposure with the single, including this appearance on NBC’s “Today” show. Not too many details have been made public yet about his first solo album, due out early next year. But the first public outing is a big milestone in an Idol’s post-show future, and hats off to Johns for using that moment for charitable ends.
Getting involved in charity has been a major part of the post-show days of several — at least — of last season’s contestants. I’m not sure if this has been as much what the contestants have raced to in previous seasons, or whether the influence of “Idol Gives Back” this year got them on that track. Or perhaps it’s the times we’re living in today. But I’ve heard tales for a few of them about how charity work has immediately become a major part of their lives, and I hope to highlight those stories more as the season progresses.
Posted in Articles, Charities
Tags: another christmas, idoltracker
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nice article! and i hope he will write more about MJ in the future just like what he’s been doing with Carly.
Great article. Yes if the Marly song comes off – he will definitely plug that but it would be great if he could do the same for MJ’s single & album!
Better late than never! This is a great article and I’m glad that Richard Rushfield is continuing to keep track of what Michael’s doing…let’s hope he keeps it up!
Michael:
Nice article. Though it is a little late, any positive exposure like this that gets your name circulating again can only benefit you in the end. Congrats.
Great, positive article about MJ…hopefully he will have that positive vibe when his single and album come out!
Very nice article!
I get the feeling that he will be watching for news on Michael’s album and hopefully will do an article on that too.
Congrats and WTG Michael!!!!
Awesome ariticle!!
We’re so proud of you MJ!!! You have a heart of gold!! Thank-you for your giving spirit!! I know that you will touch the hearts of many with your kindness!!!