Wheeling native advances on 'Idol'

Another week, another trip to the bottom three.

And another week of barely making it to the next round for Idol hopeful Haley Reinhart.

The 20-year-old Wheeling native once again found herself facing elimination Thursday night, but when it came down to Reinhart and fellow contestant Karen Rodriguez, host Ryan Seacrest sent Reinhart back to safety.

If she hopes to make the top 10 and the Idol summer tour, Reinhart will have to make good on the promise she made Thursday to keep growing and figuring out what kind of artist she wants to be.

All three judges wanted more from Reinhart's uneven take on Whitney Houston's “I'm Your Baby Tonight,” but it was Randy Jackson especially who urged Reinhart to settle on what kind of artist she wants to be.

“You come out here and you sing Alicia one week and country the next,” Jackson said. “Now it's Whitney. I'm not sure you're sure who you are.”

Maybe she should take to heart the advice of reigning Idol and Mt. Prospect native Lee DeWyze who urged the top 12 to stay true to their hearts.

“Just remember why you tried out in the first place,” he said. “You guys are fine, no matter what happens.”

DeWyze was back on the Idol stage Thursday debuting his new single “Beautiful Like You.”

The judges opted against using their save on Rodriguez, 21, even though she turned out a strong bilingual performance of “Hero,” which was a marked improved on her take on Taylor Dayne's “Love Will Lead You Back.” Wednesday.

The top 11 Idols perform next Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Fox.