One of Astoria’s own has made it to a place that few people do – the top 24 of “American Idol.”
Michael Lynche, known as “Big Mike,” is a 26-year-old personal trainer originally from St. Petersburg, Florida who now lives in Astoria. He received the good news that he’ll be competing during the hit FOX show “American Idol” on the Tuesday, February 16 episode as the judges began to tell those left at the end of Hollywood week what their fate would be. During the week, contestant hopefuls participated in group and solo performances to show the judges their talents.
Lynche was the first to face the four judges. Before finding out the news, Lynche said, “This would mean everything to me and I’m really doing this for my family.”
Viewers already learned a lot about Lynche’s family during Hollywood week. The episodes showed that his first child, a daughter, was born while he was away competing.
Once Lynche sat down in front of the judges, Simon Cowell said that he wanted to begin by telling Lynche some positives. He said that, along with the judges thinking that he’s “a really good guy,” they also thought that he had shown improvement during Hollywood week.
However, Cowell said that their concern with Lynche was that he did not believe himself that he would win the competition and said that the show needed “to have people in the finals who believe they can win.”
“So whatever happens, I think you come from this better than you started,” Cowell told Lynche.
The tension finally came to an end when Cowell said, “Michael, this is a very good day. You’re through. It was unanimous.”
After hearing the news, an excited Lynche said during an interview clip, “It’s good. This is where I’m supposed to be.”
During an online interview at www.americanidol.com, Lynche said, “I’m the next American Idol because my dreams are bigger than any of the obstacles in my way.”
Lynche and the other semi-finalists will now take to the stage in hopes of getting America’s support, and votes, so that they can remain in the competition each week. “American Idol” airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX.
