Smallscreen News

Michael Lynch gets eleventh hour reprise from judges, Idol saves him

By April MacIntyre Apr 8, 2010, 6:30 GMT

03/11/2010 - Michael Lynche - American Idol Top 12 Party - Arrivals - Industry - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Nothing makes sense anymore after watching the results show from FOX "American Idol."

The bottom three included Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Michael “Big Mike” Lynche as the finalists performed Beatles songs this week.  And as the laggards winnowed down to two, even Andrew Garcia looked shocked when Ryan told him he was safe. 

Lynche performed the Kate Bush weeper "This Woman' Work" in a bid to save his life, and as he sang and the camera panned wide, you could see the judges frantically lobbying each other to save Mike, as the energy behind them seemed to demand it.  Lynche's wife was bowled over by the shock of the news and was distraught. It made me cry too!

Lynche had to make up for his lesser received Eleanor Rigby performance, and belted his swan song and lucky for him, the judges all agreed he was to stay.  The bad news in now next week, when Adam Lambert is a mentor, two will leave instead of one, and that's gonna hurt.

On Tuesday, April 13 (8:00-9:28 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), Lambert will appear as a guest mentor and help the Top 9 finalists – Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens and Tim Urban – prepare for their performances.

Tune in the following night, Wednesday, April 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to see Lambert perform his hit “Whataya Want From Me” and to find out which two contestants will be going home. 

In two weeks, the Emmy Award-winning Idol Goves back returns Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Visit www.idolgivesback.org now and you can join the “Help Me Give Back” program, an online initiative that empowers individuals and teams to help raise money for the effort.