Wheeling ready to host new 'Idol' party
With her parents sitting in the front row, Wheeling officials on Monday announced plans for a hometown celebration in honor of Haley Reinhart.
If Reinhart makes it past Thursday's elimination of “American Idol,” there will be two local events on Saturday. The first is a short parade that will start at Northgate Parkway, head east on Dundee Road and end at Wheeling's village hall, where a stage and celebration will be waiting.
Then it's off to Arlington Park where Reinhart will host a short concert, similar to the show put on by Mount Prospect's Lee DeWyze last year.
“We're all very excited to say the least,” Wheeling's Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said.
Already in “Idol's” top four, Reinhart will perform Wednesday before facing an elimination on Thursday.
The 20-year-old Wheeling High School graduate also played with Harper College's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab before her “Idol” run this year. Her parents, Harry and Patti Miller-Reinhart are longtime Wheeling residents and musicians who play in a band that performs all over the suburbs. They've flown to California several times to watch their daughter perform, and this week, they're leaving after Harry's band performs tonight.
On Monday, the Reinharts thanked “Idol” fans, especially those who live in Wheeling.
“We're overwhelmed,” Harry Reinhart said. “But (Haley's) on a roll and people are starting to listen. We're not superstitious, but if and when she makes it through on Thursday, we'll be here on Saturday.”
He then knocked a few times on the wooden podium for good measure.
Reinhart would also probably stop at a local AT&T and Fox television show early on Saturday, said Peter Vadopalas, Wheeling's director of economic development.
“But plans are literally changing hourly and we won't know for sure until Thursday night, Vadopalas said.
Meanwhile, the hometowns of the other four “Idol” contestants are preparing for parties of their own.
According to a California television station's website, James Durbin will sing at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for his hometown and several media outlets say Lauren Alaina will throw a benefit concert for storm victims on Saturday in Chattanooga, Tenn., whether she makes it past Thursday's elimination or not.
Garner, N.C., is expecting between 20,000 and 30,000 at Scotty McCreery's return home parade and concert, according to the Garner News.
More than 41,000 fans attended Lee DeWyze's homecoming at Arlington Park last year.
We're just saying.