Wheeling native gets mixed reviews on 'Idol'

Haley Reinhart can count two “American Idol” judges firmly in her corner this week after belting out a soulful version of “Blue” by LeAnn Rimes.

Both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez liked Reinhart's performance. Randy Jackson? Not so much.

“It was a little boring if I'm being honest,” Jackson said. “It was a little sleepy.”

But Tyler — and especially Lopez — defended Reinhart, a Wheeling native and 2009 Wheeling High School graduate.

“I think America is just really getting to know you,” Lopez said. “You do things with your voice that are so diverse. It's just something unique to you.”

Before her performance, “Idol” showed a photo of a young Reinhart with her parents, Patti and Harry — longtime Wheeling residents who play in a band together. Haley would often perform with her parents around the Chicago suburbs.

“This song has meant so much to me,” Reinhart said before her turn on “Idol.” “In a way, it's me getting on that big stage for the first time.”

Reinhart, 20, was one of 13 finalists who sang on Wednesday's pretaped two-hour show. Tonight's elimination at 7 p.m. on Fox will be live.

Until then Reinhart will be relaxing in style.

She along with the other “Idol” finalists have moved in to a massive Beverly Hills mansion that costs roughly $100,000 per month to rent, according to TMZ.

The estate — worth an estimated $12 million — boasts nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a hot tub, pool, koi pond and a game room with a pool table, TMZ reported on Wednesday.

Last week Reinhart sang “Fallin” to mixed reviews.

“Haley, if you're gonna tackle one of the most over sung ‘Idol' songs ever, you need to bring more to the party than a throaty growl and a come-hither sneer,” quipped Entertainment Weekly.

I guess that depends on who you ask.