American Idol contest Michael Johns has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 35.
The publication reports that the cause of death is understood to be a blood clot in his ankle after he had twisted it.
Michael leaves behind a wife, Stacy Vuduris, whom he married back in 2007.
The singer, who was born in Perth, Western Australia, competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008.
Michael leaves behind a wife, Stacy Vuduris, whom he married back in 2007.
The singer, who was born in Perth, Western Australia, competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008.
According to TMZ, Michael was in a 'great amount of pain' after injuring his ankle.
He apparently visited a doctor on Thursday after the 'swelling and bruising had made their way up his leg.'
The singer allegedly was cleared to go home, but was found dead the following afternoon on his friend's couch. He reportedly died in his sleep.
He is the first American Idol finalist to have died, and had planned to release new album later this year called Reckless.
During his time on the show, Michael got the chance to rehearse with legendary singer Dolly Parton.
The administer of his website, tweeted on Saturday: 'It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will b avail at this time.
'Please respect the privacy of Mike's family and friends as we know u will.Members and admin of @mjohnsonline pass on their prayers'.
His family also released a statement: 'Our family is devastated by the passing of our beloved Michael, a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from all corners of the globe.'
merican Idol, Fox and two of the series' producers, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, said they were 'deeply saddened by the news of his passing,' calling him an 'incredible talent.'
'He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,' they said in a statement.
Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell paid tribute to the singer in a tweet on Saturday, calling him a 'truly great guy.'
He was born as Michael John Lee in Perth, Western Australia on October 20, 1978.
He lived in Perth until the age of 18, when he moved to the United States. Whilst in Perth, he sang in bands and was active in the musical theatre community, performing at Regal Theatre and His Majesty's Theatre.
In a 2004 interview, Mr Johns thanked an encounter with You Am I at Australian music festival, Big Day Out for inspiring his move to the United States.
'I snuck backstage and approached You Am I lead singer, Tim Rogers for advice. He told me if I wanted to make something happen, I had to go to the States.'
Fellow American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle paid tribute to Michael, posting on Instagram: 'I can't express how sad I am right now. Michael Johns, rest in sweet peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed.'
Real Housewife Yolanda Foster - whose husband David Foster is a music producer - also took to Twitter to say: 'R.I.P our beautiful friend @michael_johns You will live in our hearts forever @AmericanIdol'
After his success in the show, the singer took part in the American Idols LIVE! Tour in 2008, before releasing his own material.
He released his original song Another Christmas in December that year, and in 2009 he released his debut album Hold Back My Heart, which went on to sell 20,000 copies.
