- Singer's Perth-based family have paid tribute to 'their beloved Michael'
- The singer was born and raised in Perth before moving to the US at age 18
- US move was inspired by meeting You Am I's lead singer at Big Day Out
- Joined Madonna's record company Maverick Records in 2004
- Was lead singer of bands Film and The Rising before his solo success
- Competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008
Michael Johns' family today paid tribute to the American Idol star who died suddenly after suffering a blood clot in his leg.
The 35-year-old, who was born and brought up in Australia, had twisted his ankle and had been in agony before he was found dead on a friend's couch.
His family, who live in Perth, spoke of their devastation but said that they had been supported by the love of his fans around the world.
His family, who live in Perth, spoke of their devastation but said that they had been supported by the love of his fans around the world.
In a statement, they said, '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. Please keep Michael in your thoughts and respect our need to grieve privately in this difficult time.'
Mr Johns, who was born Michael John Lee, was very close with his mother Janet and stepfather John, who was the father figure in Mr Johns' life.
Janet and John Burke both still live in Perth but visited their son frequently, including a surprise trip to Michael's home last year.
At the time, Michael expressed his delight that his mother and stepfather had 'turned up unannounced on his doorstep'.
In a 2008 interview Johns spoke affectionately about his musical upbringing in Australia with his mother, stepfather and siblings, Cindy and Stephen.
'Everyone in my family is musical. My mum has a very pretty Doris Day-type voice,' he said.
'My brother and sister both play piano and sing. My stepfather is a great singer too. I was always around music growing up.'
Stepbrother Alan Burke took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Johns on Sunday.
'Michael, our brother. I can't believe that you are gone,' he wrote on Facebook.
'I am still in shock and feel totally gutted right now. I can't believe we won't ever hear that golden voice of yours again. You and I were bonded with music and I cherished that and I'm going to miss that. RIP my brother.'
Mr Johns attended co-ed college Newman College in Churchlands, Perth.
Whilst in Perth, he sang in bands and was active in the musical theatre community, performing in performances including Pinocchio and Anything Goes at Perth's Regal Theatre and His Majesty's Theatre.
Mr Johns left Australia at the age of 18 to pursue music at the advice of his idol, You Am I frontman, Tim Rogers.
In a 2004 interview, Mr Johns thanked an encounter with the singer at the 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.'
Michael leaves behind his Texan wife, Stacy Vuduris, whom he met in 2003 and married in 2007.
The singer competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008. During the show his supporters called themselves 'The Aussie Posse'.
His social media accounts revealed him to be the quintessential Aussie bloke - reminiscing about Perth beaches, cheering for the Socceroos, declaring his love for Vegemite and participating in ANZAC Day tribute concerts with his Aussie mates, band 'The Budgie Smugglers'.
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.
