Haley survives 'Idol' cut, but in bottom three
So, turns out it's nerves.
Haley Reinhart often performs best in studio rehearsals or when she isn't vying for million of votes on “American Idol.”
On Thursday she and rumored boyfriend Casey Abrams brought the judges to their feet with a jazzy duet of “Moanin.'”
Which would have been heartbreaking if minutes later the Wheeling native was sent home.
Despite landing in the bottom three again, she wasn't. Instead Paul McDonald was tapped on the shoulder and thanked for his time. For the first time in six weeks, a female wasn't eliminated from the show.
So those casting the 53 million votes listened to Jennifer Lopez who said on Wednesday she was afraid to even criticize a girl for fear she'd be cut.
None of the judges loved Reinhart's take on Blondie's “Call Me” on Wednesday, but they threw both arms around her performance with Abrams.
“Haley baby, that's what's up,” judge Randy Jackson said. “Where was all of that. That's what we love.”
“You two sound like you've been doing that all your lives,” Lopez added.
As for those rumors that Reinhart and Abrams are dating? Idol seems to be going with it. As are Reinhart and Abrams.
Not only did the two give the performance of the night, but Abrams was there to comfort Reinhart when she heard she was in the bottom three.
“You're coming right back...” said Abrams, a Wilmette native who lives in California. “I love you.”
Then when it was announced Reinhart was safe, Idol producers zoomed in on a relieved Abrams. In fact, Reinhart seems the most appealing when she's in the bottom three on Idol. While some contestants squirm and sweat on the stool, Reinhart shrugs it off.
When she heard the news on Thursday, she said “rats” and swung her arm before heading over to the one of the dreaded three stools.
Maybe that's why she's always sent back to the group.
The final seven take the Idol stage again on Wednesday before another singer is voted off the following day.