Season 7, eighth place

If you were outraged by Johns' early exit from American Idol's seventh season, or by the fact that he didn't land a deal with 19 Entertainment, it's time to let go of your anger. ''They weren't going to let an Australian win,'' Johns laughs. What's more, the 29-year-old heartthrob now has a deal with Sony to distribute his indie debut. Set to drop in March, the largely self-penned disc will have a rock-soul vibe and one song each from Grammy winners Diane Warren and John Shanks. ''I got this call: 'Michael, this is Diane Warren. Don't worry how I got your number; I got it,''' recalls Johns. ''It's been an absolutely crazy year.''