Wheeling celebrates as Haley's makes it into 'Idol' top 3
Haley Reinhart has made Wheeling proud.
The “American Idol” finalist officially made it into the top three contestants Thursday night.
Supporters at PS Pub in Wheeling, ground zero for all things Haley, couldn't be happier.
“She's our hometown girl, and it's a hell of ride. We hope tomorrow is still a hell of a ride,” Gigi Stanton of Wheeling said before the results were announced.
“It's a very fun thing. At the restaurant I work for, even if the Bulls are on, I change it to Haley just to hear her song,” she said.
Supporter Sharon Hennessey of Round Lake Beach was confident that Reinhart would go through despite the criticism she received from “American Idol” judges Wednesday night.
“She's going to make it. She's nailed every one of the songs,” Hennessey said. “They're just raising the bar for her, and she takes pride no matter what.”
After host Ryan Seacrest announced both Reinhart and fellow female contestant Lauren Alaina would be continuing on to the top three, fans with Haley T-shirts, pins and even handmade necklaces and earrings danced, jumped for joy, cried and high-fived each other.
“Oh my God, that is the best news ever,” Hennessey shouted. “I knew they were just playing with us.”
Loyal Reinhart supporters might have had a moment of panic when Alaina was the first one into the top three as “Idol” has been dominated by guys the last few years.
But Reinhart was the second one declared safe and now she's on her way back to Wheeling.
Trustee Dean Argiris was there to show his support for Reinhart.
“I was a nervous wreck. Our staff has been working so hard these last 10 days. We're going to party Saturday,” he said. “This girl has rejuvenated this community.”
Argiris said city officials have met with Mount Prospect officials to get the inside scoop on what exactly is involved in the hometown celebration, which will feature a motorcade and a performance at Arlington Park racetrack Saturday.
Officials are expecting about 40,000 people to come out for the event. Argiris thanked racetrack officials for their help, noting that they want to outdo what they did last year for reigning “American Idol” Lee Dewyze.
Argiris said the worldwide recognition to the village outweighs any costs for the celebration.
“This is worth millions in marketing. You can't buy that. The economic impact alone has already been phenomenal,” he said. “It's bringing families together.”
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