Michael Johns in vicroey lane with Team Australia in Long Beach

Australian singing sensation Michael Johns might not win the current series of American Idol, but he was in “Victory Lane” at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in California today.

Johns turned out to be the perfect “Good luck” charm for fellow Australian Will Power who drove his Aussie Vineyards-backed car to a win in the final Champ Car race ever on one of the world’s most famous street courses.

Power, who was born and bred in Toowoomba, Queensland, led the race from start to finish and Johns watched the entire race from the team’s pit box as guests of team owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Craig Gore.

“What an amazing day,” said Johns.

“This whole experience has been incredible and to be standing here in Victory Lane at the end of it is quite surreal.

“Will and the Team Australia boys obviously did an amazing job today and I was proud to be able stand and sing the Australian national anthem as Will collected his trophy.

“I actually did some taping on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show with Gene Simmons from Kiss recently and he is the face of the IndyCar Series. He will be pretty happy that I am now hooked on the IndyCar Series and Team Australia in particular.

“Hopefully I will get to see Will race a couple of more times this year, maybe at the Gold Coast Indy 300 in October. Now that would be pretty cool.

“I have to thank Kevin Kalkhoven and Craig Gore for the invitation and the team and all the fans for making me feel so welcome.”

Johns made headlines around the world after being voted off American Idol, to the disbelief of the live audience, which reacted to the announcement with loud and on-going boos.

Johns, 29, was eliminated from American Idol based on his rendition of Aerosmith’s Dream On.

“It looks like we might have to fly Michael and his wife Stacey to every race from now on. One of them is obviously a good luck charm for us,” said Team Australia concept creator, Craig Gore.

“We were delighted that Michael could join us and have the chance to drink from the winner’s bottle of champagne in Victory Lane.

“I don’t think we have had the Australian national anthem sung that well in a post-race celebration before.”