Michael “Big Mike” Lynche received his walking papers tonight on American Idol, as the top 3 contestants were revealed. After being saved by the judges five weeks ago, Big Mike’s Idol dream has come to an end.
American Idol Top 3 Revealed – Casey is Safe
True to American Idol form, Ryan Seacrest kept viewers on the edge of their seat throughout the evening in anticipation of tonight’s results. Casey received yet another reprieve when he was the first of the final four contestants to be informed that he is safe for another week. He looked like he was going to pass out.
When asked what he was most looking forward to about a hometown visit, Casey replied with “a bunch of people sayin’ y’all.” Now that’s deep.
American Idol Top 3 Revealed – Lee is Safe
Later in the show, Lee got the good news that he will be around for another Idol week as well. It was a bit confusing, though. When Ryan said Lee was going home to Chicago, he meant that Lee would be part of next week’s hometown visits. It appeared Lee thought – as did this writer – that meant he was eliminated.
Lee is looking forward to sitting in his parents’ house without cameras rolling when he returns home next week.
American Idol Top 3 Revealed – Crystal is Safe
That left just Big Mike and Crystal to await their fate. Eventually it was revealed that Crystal was the last of the final three to continue on their American Idol journey.
Crystal is looking forward to playing a gig with her bass player when she returns home. She’ll get that chance on Friday when she performs at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
American Idol Top 3 – Hometown Visits
American Idol contestants and fans know that making it to the top three means more than just competing for one more week. This is the week the finalists return to their hometowns to visit family and friends and try to gain more of the popular vote required to progress into the finale.
Hometown visits for Idol finalists are filled with parades, radio spots, visits to their high schools, and sometimes receiving the key to the city or having a day official named in their honor. Historically, the visits are overwhelming for the finalists resulting in many tears and sincere gratitude.
American Idol Alumni – Chris Daughtry
American Idol fans may recall this was the week of competition in Season 5 that Chris Daughtry was eliminated. It didn’t hurt his career at all, and he returned to the Idol stage to perform with this band. Daughtry’s advice to the remaining contestants: “Say hungry.”
American Idol Alumni – Fantasia
Fantasia returned to the Idol stage as well tonight to perform Bittersweet from her new album coming out this summer. With well coiffed Rihanna hair, it appeared she was wearing a wetsuit from Free Willy, the movie Big Mike took his song selection from this week.
American Idol (Mentor) Alumni – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi also performed, Superman Tonight, a song from their latest number one album. Jon Bon Jovi was a mentor on American Idol in season 6. Jon Bon Jovi is as hot as ever. I just wished they would have turned down Richie Sambora’s mic a bit.
American Idol Send Off
As Michael Lynche closed out the show with an encore performance of Will You Be There, the judges had some encouraging words. Randy told Mike, “It’s a jumping off point.” Ellen added, “See you on the show tomorrow” (all Idol cast-offs appear on the Ellen show the following day.). Kara assured Mike, “You’re gonna be fine.” And Simon spent several minutes providing [what I assume was] support as well.
As the remaining contestants shared hugs and goodbyes, Mike Lynche could be overheard saying, “Never worry. Never worry.” If Chris Daughtry is any inspiration, Big Mike really has nothing to worry about.
American Idol Season Finale & Summer Tour
The season finale of American Idol Season 9 is Wednesday, May 26, at 8:00 pm.
Tickets for the American Idol Summer Tour, which kicks off in Auburn Hills, Michigan, go on sale Friday, May 15.
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Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Daughtry
http://www.thebeacon.net/news/entertainment/2116-crystal-bowersox-elliston-idol
