Idol: Why the Judges Saved Michael Lynche
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX
On Wednesday night's American Idol, the judges used their once-per-season wild card to save contestant Michael Lynche from going home.
An UsMagazine.com eyewitness says Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell "kept whispering" throughout commercial breaks while deciding if they should keep Lynche, 26, on the show.
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The audience clearly wanted the Queens, New York personal trainer (who welcomed his first daughter, Laila, during Hollywood Week) to stick around. They were "chanting his name" after he performed "This Woman's Work."
While on stage, "Kara was clearly fighting for him," the insider says. "She was gripping Simon's arm and waving her hands in the air, gesturing at Mike. Randy [Jackson] also got up and went to talk to them, while Ellen [DeGeneres] leaned in. Kara was gripping Randy's arms."
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After Cowell announced they'd use their wild card, "the atmosphere was crazy, with all the judges hugging and Mike blowing kisses to the crowd," the witness tells Us. "Crystal [Bowersox] leaped up and was the first to give Mike a huge hug."
"Kara ran on stage and hugged Mike. He lifted her into the air, her feet dangling. Simon went up and patted him on the back, although Mike hugged him," the insider adds.
So what else happened during Wednesday night's show?
Rihanna pre-taped her performance of "Rockstar 101" after rehearsing it three times. A source tells Us she was "really singing, not lip-syncing."
The Blind Side star Quinton Aaron sat in the audience with a male pal and two security guards. Also in the audience: a lot of signs for contestant Katie Stevens "because her mom has been making extra and handing them out to random audience members," the witness says.
PHOTOS: Last year's dramatic Idol finale
Jason Derulo performed, and the engaged Cowell "couldn't stop grinning" at one of his dancers. "Kara gave him a look," the witness jokes.
Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta sang "Imagine," (Tim Urban whispered to DeWyze, "He's really good") and Season 8 second place finisher Adam Lambert was announced as next week's mentor.















Tell Us What You Think
49tim went home because hes a bad singer like big mick is going home.
Is there any doubt by now that ML needs to pack it up and go home. America got it right!! Yes his voice is good but his stage presence is terrible, his classic R & B style is terrible, he literally bores me to tears!!! They need to get rid of the save altogether, he should have been home by now!!
Mike needs to go home. I dont understand why the judges used the save and him a couple weeks ago. I wished they wouldve waited and used the save this next week
Mike on american idol needs to go home. I dont get way the judges used the save on him. I think they shouldve waited and used the save this next week.
I agree with those who have said that this competition is more about who's "cute" and/or appeals to the tween set. That would explain why Tim, Aaron, Katie and Siobhan are still around. My favorites are and have always been Crystal and Big Mike, but then they are older, more mature and know who they are as artists. BUT, they don't appeal to much younger voters because they don't appeal to the kids. Guess I'm too old for this show. I've decided that if Crystal and Mike are eliminated before the winner is chosen, I won't have any reason to watch anymore. I'll assume that the wrong person won, kinda like last season when the thoroughly forgettable Kris Allen won over the ridiculously talented Adam Lambert. Just my two cents.
Mike May your neighbors respect you, troubles neglect you, the angles protect you and heaven accept you. Mike is the best of the pick true he sings like a baptist group, but he is the best they got in the show. as for cocky this "is" show business not a morturary is it not. The judges are constentley complaning that the presention does not move them and that others using up the stage an hiding bhind a guitar. So goke show off yourself so you can get that contract. Kara just may put you on her label Ladypiest
It's scary that you all actually BELIEVE that Big Mike got the lowest number of votes. This was a stunt, plain and simple, to stir things up. I will not be watching this show anymore. Total BS. They want a female to win this year--and the vote is being manipulated in that direction. Watch and wait.
Im so glad they kept BIG MIKE i know he is the NEXT AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!
Just another season of appearance, personality & marketability talent has 2 d l w/again. ? is, wil winer possess thes n the best order. Tim, Andrew & Lee hav a/p, bt Tim & Andrew hav no voice. Andrew always sounds same (never modulates)& Lee, heard the sound b4. "The Kids", Katie & Aaron. She HAS voice, just no song selection ability 2 show it & tho getn betr, stugglin fast 2 catch up. x's run' out! F not here, she has future singing. Aaron HAS voice 2 w/selection ability, bt practicly peein' pants every wk! Long tired of over even Archeluta shyiness. Mike, no prob, bt 4 him, his market is busy n bed w/White & Vandross n the background. Plez...he is the 1st dk horse as wel as Siobran (spl. ?). Tho can sing, terrible arrangements tht cost her, bt can b handled. Issue, who 2 both risk attempting 2 handle her quirkiness n both personality & clothing & the possible repurcussions of toning either down n dont want 2 imagine both! Anyway, market her 2 who, but then no problem w/Casey after beating out Crystal. He has "a" (prettier)& only evidence of "p", wat, n havin just the right amount of female lovin' shiness! What seems Crystals' detrimental personality 2 give votes deserved solely on voice alone 2 him, is really embarasment over her teeth. Her only chance, betr on an electric guitar.
I DID NOT want Big Mike to be sent home but I can't believe the judges used the wild card so early! Tim, Katie, and Aaron should go home before Big Mike does.
I don't think Michael knew he would be saved, it looked like barely contained grief when he was told he was going and I believe when he was told he was saved, it was genuine shock and relief and nodding the head was just confirming to himself "yes I was just saved, yes I am still here". Not all people react the same. I don't know if I would have been jumping up and down or crying and fainting or standing there in shock. He may have been nodding to his wife. You can't make assumptions. I can't believe all the hate going on again this year. I like most of them for various reasons and may buy what they put out,but after last year's voting and now this? I am done watching as soon as Adam appears and when Michael leaves. Not saying he deserves to win but I feel he should be right up there and he is the main reason I have given AI a second chance...but obviously it is a show that should be left for the children and they should create another for the adults (30 and over).
Why not he can SING!
"GAG", ah, how to do hair and make-up better than most women!
Finally someone to spice up the show...can't wait to see Adam next week!
Looks like I won't be watching next week with Adam Lambert is a "mentor"! Oh please!! What does he know?
CRYSTAL CRYSTAL CRYSTAL
Tim Urban is one reason my daughter will never have a cell phone. I remember American Idol was about voting a talent in, not voting in the cutest guy or girl still in the competition. Don't get me wrong, Tim, Katie and Aaron are all cute in there own way, but they are nowhere near as talented as the older, experienced Crystal, Lee, Michael and dark horse Casey. I was pulling for Andrew at the beginning, but the talent of the others is just more than he's capable of. I'm not sure how others feel, but had Michael not been saved, I would not be watching the show from then on out. The rules need to be changed where the judges have a say in who stays or goes. The integrity of the show is gone because of the teeny boppers who take advantage and continuously vote for the no talent wannabes. Two go home next week, one better be Tim Urban and the other Katie or Aaron.
Apparently a bunch of mag pies read and respond to this web site. Guys if the first 50 people felt overwhelmingly compelled to correct the magazine RE who was or was not in the bottom three then me thinks you can let that one go. But no, at least a half a dozen more people will put that in their post as well. I got it the first 30 times I read it. Thanks
Tim urban needs to go
I LOVE Big Mike!!!! I was so upset, but so happy that he got to stay.