St. Pete native makes 'Idol' final 24

St. Petersburg native Michael "Big Mike" Lynche, a 26-year-old personal trainer and blues singer who lives in New York, was among the seven singers passed through to the top 24 semifinalists on a two-hour "American Idol" Tuesday night.

But there are still unconfirmed reports that he was later disqualified. Fox officials and "Idol" producers haven't commented on it. And on Tuesday's program Judge Simon Cowell said he wasn't sure Lynch was committed to competing for the "Idol" crown.

Lynche, whose wife recently gave birth to a baby girl, was beaming with joy and pride on the show, saying "this means the world to me."

But viewers will have to wait until tonight to learn the fate of Janell Wheeler, a 24 year old sales representative from Tampa who was in tears during the first hour of the Tuesday night show.

Wheeler, 24, who has lived in Apopka and has been romantically linked to University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, told host Ryan Seacrest that she felt that she "blew it" in her last performance. Tebow has reportedly said that Wheeler is not his girlfriend.

On Tuesday's long and painfully slow program, Wheeler had a cough and appeared nervous. "I couldn't take the pressure," she said, noting that she "blew it" in a final performance
before the judges who obviously did not like her song selection.

But there have been unconfirmed reports that she has made it into the semifinals.

The judges had sad news for Shelby Dressel, 19, a courageous singer from Avon Park born with nerve damage that left the right side of her mouth paralyzed. She didn't make the cut.

"It wasn't my time right now," she said. "Let people see, regardless of any insecurity, just be you."

The program started with 71 hopefuls and the field was narrowed to 46 during the first hour. The second hour saw the judges pass seven to the top 24. The rest of the semifinalists will be announced on tonight's program at 9 p.m.

In addition to Lynche, those making it to the top 24 include: Didi Benami, Lee Dewyze, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Casey James and Aaron Kelly.

Benami, 23, is from Knoxville, Tenn. Benami's mother inspired her passion for music by singing to her when she was a little girl. She is currently pursuing a career in music in Los Angeles and is learning to play the guitar and writing songs.

Dewyze, 23, is from Mount Prospect, Ill. He has been performing music since age 16. He graduated from Mount Prospect High School and enjoys playing the guitar and scuba diving.

Epperly, 19, is from West Des Moines, Iowa. She has been singing since she was 2 years old. She is a sophomore at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., and enjoys playing the piano.

Hall, 24, is from Arlington, Texas. He has been singing since age 10. After graduating from
Bowie High School in 2003, he went on to perform on cruise ships and in theme parks.

James, 27, is from Fort Worth. James has been singing since before he could speak. He enjoys playing the guitar and mandolin, and has been a fulltime musician for the past 10 years.

Kelly, 16, is from Sonestown, Pa. He is a senior at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. He also enjoys songwriting and photography.