Local 'Idol' hopefuls make it to the top 12

After bringing Kara DioGuardi to tears on Tuesday night, it really wasn’t that big of a surprise to see St. Petersburg native Michael Lynche make the top 12. However, during an interview with FOX 13’s Charley Belcher, Lynche admitted that the real surprise for him was seeing DioGuardi crying.

“Your time could be limited so I was trying to look over and that was the response I was getting from her and it was, it was amazing,” Lynche said.

The Gibbs High School graduate played on the school’s football team. He talked about what the school means to him during the post-show interview.

“I love Gibbs! Those are my people! I had such a great time at Gibbs,” said Lynche.

Lynche is not the only Bay Area native who made the top 12. Aaron Kelly is also right by his side. The judges weren’t too happy with his song choice last week. However, they agreed that the 16-year-old has a voice well beyond his years.

Kelly lived in Polk and Sarasota County for several years until his family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He’s performed in a number of local talent shows, as well as the Citrus Festival and other local events.