A real kick in the ascot
If “American Idol” fans were stunned by the ouster of Michael Johns on Thursday, they’re not alone.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised,” Johns said Friday. “I hadn’t been in the bottom three before. I thought my last two or three weeks were my strongest ones.”
Was there a backlash against the more seasoned, polished contestants? Or against the scarves and ascots he wore?
Johns doubts either of those theories: “The ascot that killed America? I don’t think so.”
He also couldn’t see anyone voting against him because he’s Australian. He has lived in the U.S. for 10 years, is married to a Texan and plans to stay.
There had been strong encouragement this week, Johns said, including compliments from Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. But now he’s out.
He still expects to have a record out next year, with a blues-rock feel. But for now, he’s taking an Australian approach to the setback.
“We’re a pretty good beer-drinking country,” Johns said. “So that’s what I’ll probably be doing.”
In his natural element?
After getting fired by Donald Trump on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” country singer Trace Adkins is turning to daytime television.
Adkins will sing his latest hit, “You’re Gonna Miss This,” on the May 2 episode of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless.”
He’s also testing his acting chops in “Trailer Park of Terror” and the Christmas comedy “American Carol” opposite Kelsey Grammer.
Hit the road, Sulu
Meanwhile, the secret talents of several other celebrities will remain hidden.
CBS has axed its reality show “Secret Talents of the Stars” after only one low-rated episode.
Wednesday’s airing featured former “Star Trek” actor George Takei singing “On the Road Again,” country singer Clint Black doing stand-up comedy and singer Mya tap-dancing.
Now, that’s cold
Rapper Vanilla Ice (aka Robert Van Winkle) was released from jail Friday following his arrest on a charge of simple battery.
Wellington, Fla., police said his wife called 911, saying Van Winkle had kicked and hit her during an argument over buying a bedroom set. She later told deputies he had only pushed her.
Water under the bridge
Heather Mills says she simply snapped when she poured a jug of water over the head of ex-husband Paul McCartney‘s lawyer during their bitter divorce battle last month.
Mills said Friday that she became angry when Fiona Shackleton argued that details of the case, including some involving the couple’s 4-year-old daughter, Beatrice, be made public.
“I cleansed and baptized her,” Mills said, adding: “I thought it did her a world of good.”
The birthday bunch
Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 68. Actor Ed O’Neill is 62. Talk host David Letterman is 61. Singer-actor David Cassidy is 58. Actor Andy Garcia is 52. Country singer Vince Gill is 51. Actor Nicholas Brendon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) is 37. Actress Shannen Doherty is 37. Actress Claire Danes is 29. Actress Jennifer Morrison (“House”) is 29. Singer-guitarist Brendon Urie (Panic At The Disco) is 21.