Last night (9/23), producer, David Foster, hosted a tribute concert in Los Angeles, to honor Michael Johns, the 35 year old American Idol season 7 alum, who died suddenly last month.
By all accounts, American Idol alums such as Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Ramiele Malubay, Syesha Mercado, Elliott Yamin, David Hernandez, Brandon Rogers, Mikalah Gordon, and Didi Benami, attended. Former American Idol producer, Nigel Lythgoe, Stevie Van Zandt and his wife Maureen were also in the house. Stevie Van Zandt, Brooke White, Ruben Studdard, Peter Cetera and Sam Moore performed.
We know this, mainly via tweets from those who attended. Carly Smithson had welcomed a slew of fellow season 7 alums, including Brooke White, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado, and now we know they were gathering for the tribute.
@brookewhite @Syesha @CarlySmithson @ramielemalubay @Dance9Eliana – love u ladies :-) pic.twitter.com/vJFerZz6n4
— Carly Smithson (@CarlySmithson) September 21, 2014
Sometimes happiness can come from a sad place. Getting to reconnect with so many old friends in town for this weekend. #thankyoumichaeljohns — Carly Smithson (@CarlySmithson) September 21, 2014
Season 6 alum, Blake Lewis, tweeted a photo that included Brandon Rogers (S6), Elliott Yamin (S5), Mikalah Gordon (S4) and David Hernandez (S7) .
Blake posted on Instagram, “Had a great night celebrating the life of our dear friend Michael Johns. Lots of tears, laughs and great music. I’ll miss our great night time chats and tom foolery on the road together. Rest in peace mate. You are loved!” Note, the lovely photo of Michael in the background
After the tribute, Nigel Lythgoe tweeted his thoughts, plus thanks to Michael’s wife Stacey:
The #MichaelJohnsTribute was just magnificent this evening. @officialdfoster did such a wonderful job. Not only a genius but a great man too
— Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) September 23, 2014
#StevieVanZandt and his beautiful wife @mvzagogo were both brilliant at #MichaelJohnsTribute. The incredible Sam Moore #Sam&Dave killed it — Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) September 23, 2014
Stacey, thanks for inviting me to the #MichaelJohnsTribute. It was a truly memorable evening. Just like the man himself. #TrulyMemorable — Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) September 23, 2014
#GodBlessYouMate pic.twitter.com/bbfmVlWXYP — Nigel Lythgoe (@dizzyfeet) September 23, 2014
Maureen Van Zandt tweeted, “Beautiful memorial concert for Michael Johns tonight. Amazing job by @officialdfoster w/ @StevieVanZandt, Sam Moore, Ruben Studdard, Brooke White, Peter Cetera etc” Season 9 alum, Didi Benami attended too, and posted a photo of the marque outside of the theater.
What a beautiful night w family. It was a beautiful celebration of the life of Michael Johns. Eyes on the sky, bud ???????? pic.twitter.com/weCkmcvXHD — Didi Benami (@Didibenami) September 23, 2014
