‘Idol’ singers with Tampa area ties advance

Posted Feb 10, 2010 by Walt Belcher

Updated Feb 12, 2010 at 06:07 PM

Two contestants with ties to the Tampa area moved forward on “American Idol” last night.

Former St. Petersburg resident Michael Lynch got a call that his wife’s water broke right about the time he took the stage. “I am the next ‘American Idol’ because my wife is in labor right now,” he said, beaming. He soared on John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” It was a touching, sad moment because he was allegedly booted from the show over a confidentiality breach. No word on that yet.

Apopka native Janell Wheeler, who now lives in Tampa, got high praise from the judges. “That was amazing. I loved it,” Ellen said. Wheeler, who has been romantically linked to Gator star Tim Tebow, impressed the panel with her acoustic take on “American Boy.”

Reportedly, Wheeler will continue to advance into the top 24, but that has not been confirmed by Fox.