Randy Jackson feels that it was a "big save" that kept Big Mike in the running for American Idol's ninth-season crown.

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Using "The Judges' Save" on finalist Mike Lynche after he received the fewest home viewer votes following Tuesday night's performance show "was absolutely the right thing to do," the American Idol judge told Us Weekly on Thursday.

"He sang his heart out," Jackson told Us.

"I think sometimes America gets a little confused and probably doesn't vote for the person they think will still be in it and doesn't need the votes."

The 26-year-old personal trainer from Astoria, NY was allowed to remain in American Idol's ninth-season competition when the show's judges unanimously decided to use their one-time "The Judges' Save" ability to prevent his ouster during Wednesday night's live results show broadcast on Fox.

In addition to Jackson, fellow judge Kara DioGuardi was also a big proponent of keeping Lynche in the competition for at least another week.

"Kara was clearly fighting for him," an insider told Us.

"She was gripping [Simon Cowell's] arm and waving her hands in the air, gesturing at Mike. Randy also got up and went to talk to them, while [Ellen DeGeneres] leaned in. Kara was also gripping Randy's arms."

Lynche's reprieve means two of American Idol's remaining ninth-season finalists will now be eliminated on this week's results show.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.