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.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo: Fox

Comments

[kbr]

Thanks for this article. I think it's amazing that Michael donated all proceeds from his first single to charity. It's actually a pretty great song too (as you can see in his Today Show performance). I don't know what Michael's final sales were, but his Today Show performance gave a big boost to his sales on Itunes and amazon where he was in the top 25 for holiday songs. Let's hope that Michael's philanthropic endeavors pay off for him as well when he releases his album in March!

[Jo Sedz]

Thanks so much for this article Richard. We're all very proud of Michael and can't wait for his new single to be released (single in Feb, album in March!)
Another Christmas is a beautiful track which was written for all the right reasons and we're so proud that Michael has donated all the proceeds to such worthy charities.

Any publicity not only helps MJ, but also adds to the donation amount - so thankyou very much !

Jo Sedz (michaeljohnsonline.com)

[heart2]

Thank You Richard fo the Article about Michael .I can't tell you enough how proud of him we are. Michael is a great find and I can't wait to get his new CD in March. His Christmas Song was stunning and it came from his heart. So, Thank You again.

[Pamela]

Thanks so much for covering this, Richard. Any efforts to highlight Michael's generosity and gorgeous voice, both now and in the future, are very much appreciated. He is amazingly talented and deserves all the success in the world.

[Sharon]

Thank you, Richard, for publishing this. I love "Another Christmas" and have it on my iPod. I'm so happy to see Michael being so involved in charity. Can't wait for his single and album to come out!

[Diane Grimm]

Thanks so much for this great article. This is a very touching and beautiful song. Michael has a heart of gold and I wish him nothing but the best in future. I am really looking forward to his Album release in March. He is such an amazing singer/songwriter/performer.
Diane

[Psyche]

I am so proud of Michael. He has been working his butt off since the show ended and has been keeping himself out there as much as possible, and donating all proceeds from "Another Christmas" to charity, as song he wrote from the heart, shows how amazing and genuine he truly is. I am really glad the Today show help him the way it did, and hopefully when he releases the first single from his album, he'll manage to get the same kind of exposure and more.

[heart2]

Thank You, Richard for the wonderful article about Michael. I truely love his song "Another Christmas" it comes right from his heart. Can't wait until he releases his single..I am sure it will be awesome.

This may be a repeat??

[Morgan]

Thank you Richard for this article! Michael's song was absolutely fantastic.. and it's great to know that his great talent is being used to help others in need, not only through charity, but through heartwarming lyrics. This song proves to be universal in relaying a message of togetherness and love, even when they can't be expressed face to face. I'm very much looking forward to see what Michael will do next, he really is destined for greatness.

[Lisa]

Thank you for this article, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Michael and I want the whole world to know how talented and gorgeous he is, so again thank you for this!!

[Susan]

Richard, thanks so much for the lovely article on the person who I believe should be this year's American Idol. He has the whole package, including a big kind heart! The song is just lovely and really touched his fans. We just LOVE this guy and can hardly wait for his CD to come out some time in March '09. Thanks Again!!!

[Fran]

I like what you said about taking your hat off to Michael for using his first public outing post Idol for charity. For that I am very proud to call myself a fan and will be for a long time. And hats off to you too for your hearfelt words.

There is more to the song. He has said in numerous interviews that he wrote the song a couple of years ago after he found out he could not come back to Australia in time for Christmas because of a mix up in his visa. He called his mother who was upset since he has not been home in 8 years and he got up in the middle of the night 2 days later because he could not sleep and the song came out. This was his gift to his family that year and had no intention of ever releasing it.

This year while gathering all the material he has written in preparation for his upcoming album, his manager heard this and convinced him that this was worthy of being a release. He said he would only do it if it was for charity.

He has also released this song in the Philippines under Mossimo music. He was there for 4 gigs recently and made many new fans and whilst there, the sponsors agreed to get this release happening. I think you can purchase the hard copy for 99 pesos and all proceeds will be given to a children's charity.

[Allison]

Thank you, Richard, for this great post about MJ and Another Christmas! Michael's fans are so proud of him and we can't wait for his CD in March.

[Judes]

Thank you so much Richard for this great article. Michael is not only talented he is thoughtful as well as the sales of this song attests to!! I just know his single & album will be worth waiting for!!

[Jessica Chaney]

What a wonderful artical Richard! Thanks to much for giving credit where credit is due. Michael not only has a heart of gold, but the talent, passion and charisma to back it all up. I just know this man is going to be a superstar and it's amazing to know that it is so deserving to someone who gives to others before themselfs. I mean, his own stuff isn't even out yet, but he has done not only this, but of charity work since idol ended. How fantastic and selfless is that? Can't wait to see all the joy he will bring to his fans in 2009!

[Stefy]

Thanks for the article. Michaell has a fantastic voice and this song is so beautiful and sweet so it's great that he use his talent for charitable ends

[Jane]

Thanks so much for your great article on Michael's Another Christmas! We are so proud of him and the song is so heartfelt and beautiful.....and donating the proceeds to charity shows just what a wonderful guy he is!
Can't wait for March till his album comes out!!
Thanks again
Jane

[Carla]

Wonderful article Richard. We are so proud of MJ!!! His talent is astounding and he has a heart of gold!! We're all counting down the days until his album is released!!

[Lynn]

It's a great song for a great cause, by a great man. I can't wait to hear what the new album brings.