" American Idol [ tickets ]" contestant Michael Johns says being booted from the show Thursday (4/10) has been "overwhelming"--to him and to his fans.

"I've received letters and flowers and all sorts of gifts and stuff," Johns said during a Friday (4/11) teleconference. "I'd like to say thank you and I'll see you on tour. Oh, and I'll give you guys a good record to buy next year."

Based on the backlash his ouster caused in the media and from the Thursday in-studio audience, he believes he struck a nerve somewhere--even among some established stars.

"I got a reach out from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman saying I was their favorite and they watched every week. It was a message passed on to me at an event we went to on Wednesday (4/9) at 'Idol Gives Back.' It was the last thing I expected to hear. It's just amazing how far this show reaches."

One-time "American Idol" mentor Dolly Parton told him today that she would like to perform a duet with him.

Next week, during Mariah Carey week, Johns said he had planned to do a blues/soul version of her first No. 1 hit "Vision of Love."