Michael Lynche’s life has been defined by two things: love and second chances. The Florida native and devoted family man’s rise from obscurity was well documented through his riveting appearance on the ninth season of “American Idol.” Known to America as “Big Mike,” he was famously “saved” by the judges, giving him a second chance to continue through the prized competition, where he finished fourth.
Lynche, in association with DCA Productions, will perform his new breed soul as part of Averett University’s Arts@Averett Series on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held in Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center (150 Mountain View Ave.). Tickets for the show are $5 and may be purchased at the box office on the night of the performance.
After wowing millions of fans on “American Idol” with his comforting and powerful voice and performing throughout the United States as part of the “American Idol” LIVE! tour, Lynche created his sonically rich and lyrically inviting debut album. The first single, “Who’s Gonna Love You More,” rose steadily on the Urban Adult Contemporary charts; and the second single, “Today,” impacted Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz radio.
Lynche’s heartfelt music was virtually a lifetime in the making. He received his first guitar when he was three and would take his guitar to church, where he would mimic the moves of the band’s guitar player. Beyond church, Lynche’s mother shared her love of music with him and introduced him to a wide range of artistic sounds and styles, including 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bonnie Raitt and Jimi Hendrix.
Even though Lynche was enamored with music and the arts throughout school, his focus eventually shifted to football. His work on the gridiron was rewarded when he earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Central Florida. Following a break from school to take care of his ailing mother, he bought a guitar and a remarkable thing happened.
“For the very first time in my life, I could play and sing at the same time,” Lynche recalled. “More clicked for me musically. I was writing music to express what I was going through internally with my mom passing.”
Soon thereafter he gave music a second chance, when a friend asked him to perform at his wedding in New York City. In spite of the fact that at that time Lynche was working in the public school system mentoring gifted and at-risk students, in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Fla., he agreed to perform. It was during that trip, walking through Time’s Square, he decided moving to the Big Apple to pursue his musical dreams was the right career path. A few years later, he auditioned for “American Idol,” which launched his recording career.
None of Lynche’s remarkable journey would have been possible without the love of his wife and the second chances he has enjoyed throughout his life.
