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On February 20 and 21, the champion dancers and soloists perform with the CPO in our Let’s Dance! concerts. We caught up with one of the singers, Michael “Big Mike” Lynche, a Top 4 Finalist on Season 9 of American Idol.
Since being a Top 4 Finalist on Season 9 of American Idol, what have some of your performing highlights been?
Since being on Idol I’ve gotten the opportunity to be apart of some really great shows. Top of the list would have to be opening for Boyz II Men. I had actually met them almost 20 years prior as young boy and I’ve grown up loving those guys.
For people who aspire to become singers, what advice would you give them?
You have to put your work in when no one is watching. And most importantly real world experience. You have to gig and gig and gig some more. And when you get to the point where you’re feeling exhausted, go gig some more. It helps if you love to gig like I do, but it’s the only real way to know what your instrument is truly capable of. Showcasing in the shower won’t cut it!
Do you have any pre-performance rituals/routines?
I used to have a big pre-show routine but it got tiresome after hundreds of gigs. Now I keep it simple. I recite Psalm 87 (my mom always told me it is the psalm of performers) and pray God will let me be witness to the miracle of music moving people. I guess I also get dressed in the same order. Mom always said I was creature of habit.
When did you start singing in the Let’s Dance! shows?
I started with Let’s Dance! in 2013. It’s the most fun I’ll have on stage all year!
How does this type of show (with live orchestra and dancers) challenge you as a performer?
This show really isn’t a challenge at all. I’m working with all true pros. What I call “proper villains”! Everybody brings their “A” game. You can’t ask to be a part of a better show.