Michael Lynche - American Idol audition

Michael Lynche sings The Righteous Brothers "Unchained Melody" for his American Idol Season 9 audition:

With Michael Lynche & 3 other Idols sporting new ink, Season 9's Top 6 talk tattoos

Life offstage had a theme this week and it was new ink. With a rare day off (which Siobhan Magnus described as "like, a big deal"), four of six Season 9 contestants took advantage of the me time and visited a Hollywood tattoo parlor on Friday night. Naturally, we had to ask what inspired the four to mark the occasion and also posed a question to Casey and Aaron, who sat out the inking: What would they put on their sleeve at this moment in their lives? Michael Lynche: Big Mike's gigantic guns both got new decoration. On his left arm, three stars, each about 3 inches tall. On his right: the word "Dream" in script. "They're healing up good," said Mike. "I'm just into reaching for the stars, you know? As silly as it is, I'm reaching as high as you can go and just dreaming big dreams. I'm sure all of us want to be stars. It resonates in my spirit, so I put it on my arm."
Crystal Bowersox: Sporting fresh ink on her left wrist -- a beautifully illustrated gadfly-like twist on the classic medical symbol with a syringe down the middle and the words Type 1 Diabetic written across the top, Crystal said she got the tattoo because she is a "diabetic for life" and also "because I am really horrible about wearing medic ID bracelets and necklaces." But beyond practical purposes, Crystal says it sends a message to others and serves as a reminder to herself. "It's important now being in the position that I'm in," she explained after Tuesday night's show. "I have a responsibility to take good care of myself. There's lots of little kids out there with juvenile diabetes who need to take care of themselves, and they need a good role model." As for the art itself, she proudly declared, "I designed my own thing."

Siobhan Magnus: Ever the jokester, Siobhan first tried to convince us she had Michael Lynche's and Lee DeWyze's names written on her butt cheek, leaving "room on the other side for everybody else.... I'm sorry I can't show you," she said with a hilariously straight face. But in all seriousness, she couldn't show us the roman numeral IX she had stenciled on her "hip area," but she could explain the digit's significance: "It's been a really good number for me," said Siobhan. "I was 19 years old when I tried out in 2009 for season 9. And the more I think about it, then the more nines come up. Like memory vomit -- I was 9 years old when I figured out I loved to sing, and I was born in 1990, I could go on and on...."

Lee DeWyze: Fans first spotted Lee's adornment at a "Shrek Forever After" screening over the weekend. Lee explained the symbol: "I got a silhouette of the Chicago flag ... (because of) everything that's happened to me there, and that's where this all started for me."

Casey James: When it comes to future tats, the wheels are already turning in Casey's mind. One of which, he teased, involves "a symbol from a movie" on his arm. He later 'fessed up: it's a Star Wars thing, which he'll share with his brother and cousin. "I've got a few (tattoos) drawn up that I'm getting when I go back home," said Casey. "My brother has one on his arm that's my initials on music bars, and I'm going to get his, which is BC."

Aaron Kelly: Though he's now one year closer to 18, Aaron's mother would likely not approve of a tattoo on her little guy -- even if it said "Mom" -- but if he were to go under the pen? "I'd probably go (with something) like Siobhan's," said Aaron. "But she did a roman numeral IX and I'd probably get the (number) 9 for season 9 of American Idol."

SOURCE: Shirley Halperin, LATimes.com

When Harry met Casey ... and Lee and Crystal and Michael and Aaron

American Idol Season 9 Top 5 perform the music of Frank Sinatra with mentoring by Harry Connick Jr.
It's not every day you walk into the "American Idol" studio and find Harry Connick Jr. at the piano, but that's where the jazz legend was, dressed Monday casual in a baggy white button-down and loose black pants, walking Big Mike through his big-band arrangement -- one that Harry himself came up with -- and making sure the Top 5 contender was comfortable with the twists and turns of a Sinatra song. Judging from the fist bump at the end, it was all good.

It's Ol' Blue Eyes week, which means it felt a little like a Christmas rom-com and a lot like "When Harry Met Sally" on Stage 36. Only this was when Harry met Lee and casey, Crystal and Aaron, along with the aforementioned Michael Lynche. Truth be told, Harry Connick is one heck of a multi-tasker. Not only did he orchestrate all the parts of each individual song, but he also played conductor, cheerleader and vocal coach.



The process, however, was pretty much the same. Each contestant got at least three run-throughs plus an instrumental to sing along to sans amplification, with musical director Rickey Minor looking on from the judges' table. The band, which includes nine string players, 13 brass and one drummer, looks like it was put together by HCJ. And as we previously reported, no one is allowed to play an instrument this week.

How did that pan out? Kind of nicely, I must admit. Without the weight and obstruction of a guitar, however minor, it seemed as though the Top 5 opened up vocally -- like they got more power, volume and reach with that little bit of extra air. Or maybe that's just confidence taking control. After all, it's been a couple of months of high-stress competition.

And how was Season 9's guitar golden boy Casey James handling the adjustment? "We'll see," he said with a hint of skepticism, then explained how he'd come to terms with what he "signed up for." Meaning, he's not driving this well-oiled machine. Nevertheless, Casey was pleasantly surprised by this new guitar-less sound. "Walking around sounds different," he enthused in a moment of self-discovery. Leave it to stage manager Debbie Williams to chime in with a very important message for Casey: "You know who we should fix you up with? Kellie Pickler". As if Casey needs help in the dating department. Really, Debbie.

We kid, but in all seriousness -- someone's gotta go every week. This is what Casey James was explaining after mentioning our shiva for Siobhan. That's right, the guy in the bottom two was trying to console me. I'm not sure if that meant he'd resigned himself to the possibility that Tuesday is his last night or whether Casey was just speaking the truth, but I liked the way he ended his thoughts: "Well, you have two more days to mourn." And: "What matters to me me is what happens after the show." He's wiser than he even realizes...

Speaking of smarts, Aaron Kelly's got some, otherwise how would he have made it to the Top 5? With his sleeves rolled up (as always) and his schoolwork out of the way, he was down to big-band business and what he does best: belt. Last week, I asked him about hitting the "money note" -- that big sustain at the end of every one of his performances. "It's not that I'm trying to show off," he explained, "it's what feels right for the song. Sometimes, I feel like it's gonna be boring if it doesn't have a big, grand ending." And going one step further in proving he's Season 9's David Archuleta, little Aaron dutifully hugged everyone within arm's reach (Crystal, vocal coach Debra Byrd, Fox staffers etc.), vintage Archie style. No wonder he keeps getting all those votes!

As for our front-runners, needless to say, Lee and Crystal handled their starring turns with aplomb, even if somewhat fidgety without their instruments. So instead of the strum, it was the snap, which seems all too appropriate considering the genre du jour. Lee was especially thumb-happy and also looking quite chummy with Mr. Connick, while Casey, who held onto his microphone for dear life, was simply starstruck. "I'm not even alive right now, it's like I'm in a dream," he said while watching Harry have his way with a Hammond organ.

To that end, expect a little New Orleans groove in Tuesday's episode (it is, after all, Harry Connick's hometown), as evidenced by Crystal and Rickey Minor's impromptu twirl at the base of the stage while Lee sang his heart out. Similarly, Lee and Casey both stood at attention while Crystal ran through her Sinatra number. But even with only 30-some people in the room, the show's last girl standing garnered the loudest applause from this influential focus group. Next stop: final four.

-- Shirley Halperin, L.A. Times, American Idol Tracker

Order the American Idol Season 9 Album Now

The American Idol Season 9 compilation features the signature songs from this year's Top 10 contenders - as chosen by the tens of millions of weekly American Idol viewers. This CD is the ultimate keepsake from one of the biggest Idol seasons ever!
Click the image below to order:


Track Listing:
1. Treat Her Like A Lady - Lee DeWyze
2. Forever - Andrew Garcia
3. Paint It Black - Siobhan Magnus
4. Me And Bobby McGee - Crystal Bowersox
5. Jealous Guy - Casey James
6. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aaron Kelly
7. Ready For Love - Michael Lynche
8. Under My Thumb - Tim Urban
9. Play With Fire - Didi Benami
10. Let It Be - Katie Stevens

Want to check out any of your favorite Idol's Blogs? Just click their name above!

"The Day After:" Michael Lynche Speaks About Elimination

Following Wednesday night's American Idol elimination, Michael Lynche made his rounds talking to FOX affiliates and media outlets from all across the country today.

Below, you will find a transcript from today's press teleconference, which AI Now was a part of.

On his experience as a whole:
Hollywood Week for me is really when this got real. It wasn't hoping that you do well anymore, I had to do well. Because of the sacrifice I was making at that time, it was very important for me to do well. My wife always supports me no matter what and it's nice that I get to be the family man and I'm not anybody else but that. It was nice that that was my story.

Did the pressure get to him?
I live for pressure. If you're going to be something great, you have to be able to deal with a pressure situation. I did well ... and felt good about what I did and it just didn't happen for me to be in the Top 3. But I'm where I'm supposed to be and God definitely has a plan for my life. I really feel that I'm where I'm supposed to be ... I don't feel like I let anyone down. I came out and did what I do and the people just didn't vote that way.

Do contestants always need to work on making a song their own?
I feel like you should always do something original. Everybody should always make the song their own. I think you get into the karaoke zone when you just do a good version, so I always wanted to have the song feel like I wrote it.

On his experience moving from football to back to music:
My mom had failing health for a long time. She was diagnosed with cancer and my heart really was missing home and missing my mom and being with her. Then my mom ended up passing away and it just really kind of threw me for a loop for a bit. I lost my way and I started working with kids at a middle school, special ed kids, and it really was just the best thing for my heart at the time. Really was the best work I've ever done in my life.

At the same time, I bought a guitar again -- I hadn't had a guitar for awhile because my plan was to play professional football. But that [music] side started growing again, I just really hadn't explored it because of athletics. When I left [the University of Central Florida], it was a really confusing time in a young guy's life, just really trying to find my way. But I got to spend some great last time ... at home with her in that last little bit of time here on earth.

On the save situation:
I like that concept of "sing for your life" because for me, every week is sing for your life. Your time [on the show] isn't guaranteed at all, I never wanted to take anything for granted. When I got to that point and it was literally sing for your life, I felt that I could do that ... When it got down to Andrew and I, I wanted it to be me in the moment, I didn't want him to have to go through that, he's a good buddy of mine. I felt strong enough to take that on. I wasn't surprised that they saved me, just extremely grateful to be around.

And is the save is a good thing for the show to have?
It's two-sided. As far as the voting goes, it's really one of my favorite parts of the show, that people get to pick their champions. But I think as far as the save goes, it really speaks to your work ethic and your professionalism and what they see of you ... on set and around the crew. It just speaks to who you are as a professional, to take a chance to say to America, "Think about this again because this person really has shown us to be somebody worth taking another look at."

And on missing the birth of his daughter for "Idol." Was it worth it?
I don't think you can say anything is worth missing the birth of your child. Only time will let those wounds heal, but I think it definitely gives my family a good chance in the future and gives my daughter a better chance that I did it and took that sacrifice. But me personally, of course I didn't want to miss it and of course I would choose that over ["American Idol"], but it wasn't a choice. This was what I needed to do for the family. I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time, but my schedule ... hasn't really thinned out yet. And it's the time to keep sprinting and charging ahead so you use this opportunity that you've been seen on TV to an advantage.

Source:ainow

Michael Lynche sings "Ready for Love" Live on the Idols Live Tour

American Idol Season 9's Michael Lynche sings India.Arie's "Ready for Love" Live on the Idols Live Tour!

American Idol Viewers Send "Big Mike" Packing, plus Results Recap Video

Michael Lynche Eliminated after Predictable Michael Jackson Cover During Movie Week
By Joyce Lee

"Michael Lynche came painfully close to his dream of making it to the top three, but fell short when he received the fewest votes on Wednesday night's episode of American Idol.

Lynche, the 26-year-old personal trainer from St. Petersburg, Fla., left the viewers and the judges unsatisfied with his predictable performance of Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There." The judges deemed his performance safe and unimpressive.

During the results portion of the show, Casey James was the first contestant granted relief. This came as a shock since everyone assumed he would land in the bottom two with Lynche."

Next up was Lee DeWyze. Ryan Seacrest reminded the audience of the judges' assessment from last night. Lee didn't think his performance was karaoke-like, and was happy with the performance, but thought he could have done more with the arrangement. Ryan then called Mike's name, then asked him to "hang tight for a second." Then he said "Lee...friends, Lee is headed back to Chicago."

Lee DeWyze is safe!

"Instead, Crystal Bowersox was the one left standing next to Lynche at the end. But it was no surprise to hear she was saved, as she's a strong favorite to win the whole competition, or at least advance to the final two.

Despite being saved from elimination by the judges five weeks ago, Lynche had a good run. He won the viewers over early with his charm, and they were further endeared to him when his wife gave birth to their first child during the audition rounds.
Results Recap

American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino opened the show with her performance of "Bittersweet," a powerful ballad from her upcoming album. Bon Jovi also took the stage to sing "Superman Tonight."

Later, Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry returned to the Idol stage with his rock band and performed "September." Grammy-nominated Daughtry offered a few words of advice to the finalists.

"Stay hungry and don't compromise the music you love -- stay what's true to you," he said.

Wednesday night's results show had 37 million viewers, a record high for the season.

Next week, the Season 9 Top 3 finalists - Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James - will get a chance to visit their hometowns before hitting the stage once more, with one more contestant sent home before the May 26 finale."

On next Tuesday night's show, the Top 3 will sing 2 songs each – a song the judges choose for them and a tune they pick themselves. (At the time of writing, no theme had yet been announced for the Top 3 show. Wouldn't it be nice to have a theme-free night?) Traditionally, the contestants find out their judges' pick during their hometown visit - as if the finalists do not have enough on their minds during their whirl-wind tour of parades, ribbon cuttings, keys-to-the-city ceremonies and "God Bless America"'s.

Download Big Mike's AI performance singles and videos Now

Share
with additional reporting by M.S. Chloe

Top 4 Idols Mentored by Jamie Foxx During Cinema Week!

This week, Jamie Foxx, movie star and recording artist, will mentor the American Idol Season 9 Top 4 as they take on the Songs of the Cinema. If you’ll recall, Foxx mentored the Top 5 last year for Rat Pack week.
On the Wednesday night results show, Daughtry will perform their new single, “September.” Bon Jovi is also set to perform.

Each of the four – Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Michael Lynche will sing a solo. But, the 4 contestants will also pair up to sing a duet.

Duets for tonight! Crystal Bowersox/Lee Dewyze and Casey James/Mike Lynche! What do you think of that?

Another development: The list of songs have been expanded from 34 to 50. And man, the list is full of re-treads! Yikes. Not liking this list so much… Why are there so many bad 80’s songs on it?

New songs on the list include Prince’s “Purple Rain”, which is notable, because Prince rarely clears his songs for Idol. (He allowed fellow Minnesotan, Paris Bennett, to sing “Kiss” back in Season 5.) And there are songs nobody wants covered on Idol again, like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Falling Slowly”.

The sixteen additional songs don’t improve the original list, that’s heavy on cinema cheese and total WTF? Should be an amusing night.

So, what do you think the Idols should sing? Check out the list and leave your comments below!

* (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
* (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
* A Whole New World – Brad Kane & Lea Salonga
* Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In – The 5th Dimension
* Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) – Christopher Cross
* Beauty and the Beast – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson
* Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
* Can I Have This Dance – Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron & the Cast of HS Musical
* Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John & London Community Gospel Choir
* Can’t Fight the Moonlight – LeAnn Rimes
* Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
* Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
* Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
* Evergreen – Barbra Streisand
* Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
* Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
* Flashdance (What a Feeling) – Irene Cara
* Footloose – Kenny Loggins
* Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio
* Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
* Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky) – Bill Conti
* Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman – Bryan Adams
* I Believe I Can Fl – R. Kelly
* I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
* I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
* I’m Alright (Theme from Caddyshack) – Kenny Loggins
* Into the West – Howard Shore and Annie Lennox
* Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
* It Might Be You (from Tootsie) – Stephen Bishop
* Jai Ho – A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah et al
* Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
* Kiss From a Rose – Seal
* Let the Riverrun – Carly Simon
* Live and Let Die – Wings
* Lose Yourself – Eminem
* Moon River (from Moon River) – Audrey Hepburn & Henry Mancini
* Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkle
* My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
* One Night Only – Jennifer Hudson, Deena Jones & The Dreams
* Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
* Purple Rain – Prince & the Revolution
* Separate Lives – Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
* Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
* Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
* Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
* Take My Breath Away (Love Theme from Top Gun) – Berlin
* Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
* We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner
* Will You Be There – Michael Jackson
* You’ll Be in My Heart – Glenn Close & Phil Collins


source: mj's blog