Haley, Lee share suburban roots — differing styles

For the second year in a row, the Northwest suburbs are home to a top “American Idol” contender.

Wheeling's Haley Reinhart and Mount Prospect's Lee DeWyze — last year's winner and reigning “Idol” champ — share suburban roots, but they're actually quite different.

Consider their …

Back stories: Paint salesman vs. “Come from behind gal” who sometimes blows the roof off the place. As a kid, Lee attended St, James Catholic School in Arlington Heights. High school was a bit rough. He was kicked out of Prospect High School, reportedly for fighting in defense of a friend, and later attended Forest View Alternative School. He never graduated.

Haley was a standout music and jazz band student at Wheeling High School. She graduated in 2009 and her younger sister is still a student at the school.

Looks: Lee's hoodie sweatshirt and jeans vs. Haley's short skirts and wild hair.

Popularity: Former judge Simon Cowell gushed over Lee; Haley hears criticism from the judges all the time. That, in turn, makes her fighting mad — and a better singer.

Hometowns: Wheeling has Restaurant Row down Milwaukee Avenue. Mount Prospect has a nice downtown and a renovated Randhurst in the making. Good news is both are close to Arlington Park — a track that knows how to host a party.

Signature styles: Lee is laid-back and folksy. He cleans up well and is most at home with his acoustic guitar. Haley is jazzy, belting out songs with a rasp and a growl.

Musical chops: Haley learned everything from her musician parents and had her skills fine-tuned by teachers at Wheeling High School and Harper College. Lee joined some local bands and was able to book a few gigs, including a baby food jingle before joining “Idol.”

Issues: Lee suffered from nerves. Haley has endured some tough talk from the judges.

From day one, Lee always seemed surprised to be there. In the beginning, Haley had a bit of that. Lately, she's acting like she deserves to be there and confidence looks good on her.