Already have an account?
Get back to the

Idol’s Randy Jackson: Saving Mike Lynche Was “the Right Thing to Do”

1270820631_michale lynche 290

American Idol's Randy Jackson tells UsMagazine.com that saving Mike Lynche on Wednesday's show "was absolutely the right thing to do."

"He sang his heart out," Jackson said Thursday at a Burbank, Calif. party for his other show, America's Best Dance Crew 5.

PHOTOS: Look back at Idol's Top 12

"I think sometimes America gets a little confused and probably doesn't vote for the person they think will still be in it and doesn't need the votes," continued Jackson of "Big Mike," a fan favorite who memorably welcomed his first baby, Laila, during Hollywood Week.

Still, Jackson admits, "It was a big save." Judges are only allowed to use their wild card once per season — and it could only last a week, as two contestants get voted off the following show.

VIDEO: The season's worst auditions

An on-set witness told Us that Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres were in deep discussion about whether to save the 26-year-old New York-based personal trainer for the duration of Wednesday's show.

"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 also got up and went to talk to them, while Ellen leaned in. Kara was also gripping Randy's arms."

PHOTOS: Last year's dramatic Idol finale

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."

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!