Has American Idol's Michael Johns Finally Let Go of Michael Hutchence?

American Idol's Michael Johns proved Tuesday night that he doesn't need to ride the coattails of INXS's former front man, Michael Hutchence, to make it to the finale. In fact, the eerie similarities in vocals and stage performance to the late singer seemed to typecast Johns into a predictable persona that had no room for expansion.

The Hutchence vocal quality initially separated Johns from the other Idol contestants and generated a unique fan base for the Australian hopeful. But with the INXS novelty wearing thin, Johns judiciously resolved that it was time to reiterate what got him through Hollywood week, where he declared he prematurely "peaked."

Choosing to perform the crowd rising, "We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions" by Queen was the obvious selection to secure his position in next week's competition. Like his Hollywood week performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody," Johns belted out the lyrics effortlessly like they were his own, and more importantly, he did it in his own voice.

Johns' greatest challenge in the coming weeks is no doubt going to be outshining the smug, yet exceptionally talented David Cook. One of Idol's most confident, and brazen performers, Cook consistently takes it up a notch each week, keeping the head-bangers banging their heads, and the voters dialing their phones. So is the gracious Michael Johns doomed to be overshadowed by the arrogant David Cook? Only time will tell.

Since the theme this week was to perform songs released the year the contestants were born, Johns is surely thanking his lucky stars that he came into the world the same year Queen released their most famous rock anthem. If he continues to stay true to his original vocal style, we'll be seeing a lot more of Michael Johns. Let's just hope Idol doesn't have an INXS week in the works.