There is so much speculation amongst the fans these days, myself included, as to whether or not Michael Johns will soon announce that he's signed a record deal. Here are my thoughts on the matter. Michael Johns was good enough to sign before he ever considered trying out for American Idol, and was in fact signed by major labels more than once.

It wasn't he, but the labels with which he signed who failed. Since his appearance on American Idol has exalted him to instant stardom, there are now three of his previous works released for sale to the buying public. They say hindsight is 20-20. I’ll clue you in, so you can claim a 20-20 precognition instead. The following is a list of his “pre-idol” music when he was lead singer in the bands The Rising, and film.

The Rising – Future Unknown, is a full length CD garnering rave reviews by all who have heard his astounding talent. I have heard lots of music before, and there is none better than this!  Reviews of the CD are five stars and can be viewed at Amazon.com.

The Rising – Live At The Apple Store, is an EP release, which includes live versions of five of the songs from Future Unknown. These are masterfully done in acoustic and showcase the quality of Michael’s voice, as well as the talent of the musicians that surround him.

film – rolling, was his first EP release while lead singer with the band. Again, the ratings are five star, and the songs are a must hear to believe!

After The American Idol Tour 2008 has run its full course for the summer, how much more so will Michael Johns be considered the hot ticket item? Just because he hasn't announced that he's signing a deal with any specific label yet, doesn't necessarily mean that he won't.  It just means he can't say anything at the moment, and has repeatedly told us so.

Again, all of this is just speculation, as I don’t claim to know anything at all about the recording industry or the music business. I do, however, know a thing or two about marketing and why businesses do things in the way that they do. It's my opinion that the label must surely be focused right now on this year's American Idol winner (David Cook), and teen scene heartthrob (David Archuleta). In any business, that much should be expected. What business doesn’t first market their primary brand name?

By the end of The American Idol Tour 2008, when the roll of their newly named thunder dies down, might be the best time for announcing a deal with Michael Johns. Perhaps they're holding him as their ace in the hole, as we all know he is a whole handful of aces. Please excuse the description, but I had to make reference just once to his “card dealing lessons”.