‘American Idol’: Michael Lynche Is Axed, Then Saved

Last night not a single female contestant found themselves in the bottom three on American Idol. Instead, Aaron Kelly’s built-in fanbase seemed to have finally driven off the long and winding road, Andrew Garcia did the familiar walk to the center of the stage and Michael Lynche proved that at this stage in the game, no one is safe. Well, except for maybe Tim Urban. He just might win this thing.

Head below to watch Big Mike get this season’s one and only save from the judges, plus performances by David Archuleta, Jason Derulo and Rihanna.

There was general shock, awe and audience uproar when Andrew Garcia was announced “safe” last night—thereby meaning soulful early favorite Michael Lynche was to be eliminated. After all, did you see the judges faces?

Or Crystal Bowersox’s face?

And then there was Big Mike’s wife…

Anyway, here’s how it all played out:

And below are the guest performers from last night’s results show:

David Archuleta, reprising one his Season 7 faves, “Imagine.”

Jason Derulo, who was originally signed by judge Kara DioGuardi (and who appears to have stolen one of Ne-Yo’s hats!), doing “Whatcha Say/In My Head.”

Rihanna, with “Rockstar 101.” (Remind us again why she didn’t do her current #1 hit “Rude Boy” instead of this dirge?)

Next week: two contestants will get the boot. Yeah, now who’s crying over Michael Lynche?