WATCH: 'Idol' Judges Save 'Big Mike'

Wednesday night was pure drama on American Idol as Idol favorite Michael "Big Mike" Lynche found himself not just in the bottom three, but the bottom one. Singing for his life, Lynch busted out an outstanding performance of "This Woman’s Work" by R. Kelly. The performance was solid enough for the judges to use their one save of the competition to keep Lynch in the final Top 9 for another week.

"The frustrating thing Michael, is that we all wish you had did something like that yesterday," said Simon after his performance. "We only have one save in the competition, and this is unanimous Michael if it’s any comfort, and we have decided we’re going to see you next week."

Joining Lynche in the bottom three were fan favorite Andrew Garcia and high schooler Aaron Kelly. All of the three remaining women: Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, and Katie Stevens were declared safe at the start of the show. One of the bigger surprises of the night was who was not in the bottom three: Tim Urban.

Next weeks mentor is last year’s runner-up Adam Lambert. –JOE GALBO

Watch it here: