Michael Johns: The Stiff From Down Under

46. He's AUSTRALIAN! Believe it or not, in some countries, people are HORRIFIED if you tip them! Japanese consider it insulting. Only Americans have the extremely inconvenient habit of tipping incessently. Money for doormen, for cabbies, for housekeepers, for the people at the counter who take your order, for heaven's sake! Tipping in America is WAY out of hand. Pay a decent wage & let us ttravel without wads & wads of tip money.

Cut this guy a break. I've been to almost 50 countries & Lord knows I've unwittingly offended them along the way. They were kind enough to overlook it.

Posted at 12:36AM on Apr 14th 2008 by MJ

47. 41. Only Americans have the extremely inconvenient habit of tipping incessently.

Posted at 12:36AM on Apr 14th 2008 by MJ

I have to disagree. In Thailand I had to put the do-not-disturb sign on my door to ward of the slew of staff showing up for tips. "Hello, I'm your pool attendant. I will put your towel on a chair at the pool each morning." Extends hand for tip.
"Hello, I will iron your clothes each day." Extends hand for tip. etc. I did not want all the services that were being offered, nor did I want to tip half the world before I'd gotten my shoes off entering the room. Similarly, in the Czech Republic, a 15% tip was added in to the restaurant bill automatically...and the waiter STILL wanted to be tipped! The problem is not just in the U.S.

Posted at 1:28AM on Apr 14th 2008 by Del

48. Here in Australia we don't tend to tip as standard practice. It may not have even occurred to him.

Posted at 9:57PM on Apr 16th 2008 by Jude Starr

49. First of all who knows if this is true??? Second: who cares anyway? The guy
just got robbed: he should of won AI... Michael you are the best...
WE LOVE YOU!

Posted at 5:48AM on Apr 14th 2008 by Maria

50. Michael Johns has talent. Inasmuch as American Idol never validates or releases its voting totals, I'm convinced someone wanted him out! He could have won the whole thing and that scared someone! Wonder why.

Posted at 6:18AM on Apr 14th 2008 by remona4lunch

51. So what if the guy didn't tip? I'm just glad this news is supposed to be the bad stuff TMZ get on this guy... :)
Michael is an amazing person and singer. And that's why all the other contestants, judges and fans LOVE him...
He's the coolest guy and a FABULOUS singer. Looking forward to his CD coming out!
LOVE YA MJ!

Posted at 7:15AM on Apr 14th 2008 by Mary

52. 'Tip' is a foreign language in Australia....its just not part of the culture and comes very un-natural to us.....Aussie's love American tourists for this reason....

Posted at 8:18AM on Apr 14th 2008 by ruth

53. Shame on you TMZ!!! How do you know whether he tipped or not, you did not show us all of the video, so anything could have happened. You may not have seen the whole exchange. Is this all TMZ does???To try to get "dirt" on people that don't deserve it! This man has done nothing to be ashamed for...great, talented guy, the whole package!!!

Posted at 9:45AM on Apr 14th 2008 by vicki

54. Leave Michael alone. He is an amazing singer and is better than the whole stupid American Idol thing!

Posted at 10:04AM on Apr 14th 2008 by tracey

55. It is not customary to tip in Austalia, so Americans, they luv ya in Oz!

Posted at 10:07AM on Apr 14th 2008 by wyomingibu

56. He is so freaking hot!!! I will so miss staring at him on AI. He also has an amazing voice.

Posted at 10:09AM on Apr 14th 2008 by luvmydog

57. This guy is so hot and can sing What a big mistake to let him off AI. I don't know what some people where thinking as there are a few whom should have left weeks ago. He will make it bigger then the one that wins just like chris doughtry did!! i can't wait for him to come out with something he is a good investment. Go Michael!!!

Posted at 10:14AM on Apr 14th 2008 by baybgirl

58. Teeny boppers are voting for Jason and blacks are voting for syesha so alot of talent will leave it seems and these 2 losers will stick around

Posted at 11:14AM on Apr 14th 2008 by Star

59. Michael has been in the states for ages. More likely it is the we are a non cash society thing. My hair salon just put up a notice of no more tipping on cards or checks. I had no cash, left the place with every intention of finding an ATM. Then I got a call from my husband and walked directly to the car without going back because of still being on the phone. I apologized and doubled up for her the next time. Parking is another thing, special events, I forget cash. Anything you are not in the habit of doing can be ripe for this type of thing. He's been holed up for the show for months now, he's still getting his head wrapped around this AI Fame. Personally, I know hide some fives in my wallet, for emergencies, except last time I forgot I had them. umph...

Posted at 12:14PM on Apr 14th 2008 by alysse

60. The fact that Michael Johns got "voted off' PROVES that this show has NO MERIT in doing what it purports to do: finding the most talented and marketable singer out of the large number of applicants. I wish him WELL, and will buy his CDs when they most certainly are released!! Even better, I hope to see him frequently on TV or the big screen!

Posted at 12:18PM on Apr 14th 2008 by m