Loading...
Follow Zap2it:
Haley Reinhart's 5 best 'American Idol' performances
No, we're still not over it.Our little-contestant-that-could Haley Reinhart was eliminated from "American Idol" on Thursday, May 19, only one week away from the finale. Yes, we were devastated. Yes, we may have caused some property damage in our office. No, we're not crazy. We think.
Here's the thing: Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina are talented. Don't get us wrong, those kids can sing, but don't they make for a boring finale? They're both country artists and they both play it safe. Always. We dare you to tell us one performance where either of those two chose a risky song or made daring changes to a song. See, you can't.
Haley provides that edge, that unpredictability that we grew to love over the course of Season 10. This is a girl who busted out Led Zeppelin for Top 3 performance night. We were dying to see what she would pull out for the finale... alas, we will never learn what the growlin' 20-year-old was planning. Tragic.
In honor of Reinhart's insanely entertaining journey on "Idol" (and because we've been watching these videos all day anyway), we compiled a list of her Top 5 "American Idol" performances:
No. 5: Top 7 -- "Rolling In The Deep"
A flawless song choice that really showcased Reinhart's sultry tone, Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" was definitely a breakout moment for the singer. Also, she gets a gold star for that red dress. Perfect.
No. 4: Top 11 -- "Benny and the Jets"
This was probably the first performance that really made us take notice of Reinhart in this competition. It was fun, yet hard-hitting and was probably the best performance of Top 11 Week (Part 2).
No. 3: Top 4 --"I (Who Have Nothing)"
Drama, drama, drama. That's what Haley brought to the stage during her second Top 4 performance. Girlfriend was mad as hell and not going to take it anymore after the judges harshly criticized her performance of "Earth Song." Was "Earth Song" earth-shattering? No, but you can't tell us it was worse than anything the other three contestants put out.
No. 2: Top 3 -- "What Is And What Should Never Be"
Let us just break this down real quick: She performed Led Zeppelin. On "American Idol." Her dad provided back-up via guitar. She rocked an amazing black fringe dress. She tripped walking up the stairs and continued rocking the crap out of the song like nothing happened. Hands down, the best performance on Top 3 night.
No. 1: Top 5 -- "House of the Rising Sun"
To quote Jennifer Lopez, Reinhart gave us a major case of the "goosies" with this performance, which we think is the best performance of the entire season. Sheryl Crow nailed it when she advised Reinhart to start off a cappella. Similar to No. 3, this was Reinhart's second performance of Top 5 night after being criticized by the judges for her rendition of Lady Gaga's "You and I" where she came out and absolutely slayed it. We repeat: Slayed it.
(Side-note: We really wish we had room for "You and I" on this list because it was just plain awesome and we can't stop listening to it on our iPods.)
Agree with our picks, Zappers? Or did we leave your favorite Haley Reinhart performance off the list? Hit us up in the comments with your favorite.
Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest news and buzz
Photo/Video credit: FOX
Related Content
Related pics
Zap2it Elite Sheet Must Reads from the Web's In-Crowd
Advertisement
What's Hot Right Now
Sign in to connect with Zap2it:
Rewards Challenge Members
Top Users from the Past Week | All-time
Zap2it Elite Sheet
Must Reads from the Web's In-Crowd
Our Partners
I think the duet, Moanin', with Casey deserves mention too. It was definitely a defining moment for me in taking notice of Haley.
So are you ready for some Boot Scootin' Boogie and Baby lock em doors in the AI finale!? Sounds exciting, right??? NOOOO !!! The final 2-both nice kids,but God it's teenage country vs teenage country! And I think it's predictable-can not see Scotty not winning! Yes, I'm a little bitter!Well wish them both luck!
I thought Haley was the best Season 10 had to offer. Her voice was unique and she was different. Scotty/Lauren/Durbin/Pia/Stephano are all "been there done that, seen that". She stood out. I loved how she took it on the chin too and didn't go out like a blubbering fool unlike the one who left the week before. She rocked that Benny & The Jets send off too. American Idol likes safe. Country apple pie, smarmy safe.
totally agree with those videos except I might put you and I as number 5 over rolling in the deep even though I loved rolling in the deep...I literally listen to you and I on repeat! She was so talented and deserved to be in the finale...such a shame...I will not be watching an all country finale but I will be watching the results so i can see haley perform again:)
her attitude got her the boot same as james
Losing Haley from the finale is as crushing to fans as Adam Lambert losing out to Kris Allen. I couldn't wait for Adam's first CD, and I can't wait for Haley's either!
I agree she is a great talent and I am upset as well is my entire family all country ending BORING I thingk 12 year olds are voting and listening to the judges... or Lauren wone this round and Scotty wone that round.. they are good singers but theyare boring do we need another country singer we need variety.....
What about "You and I?" Ya know..the Gaga song.
Listen to it again and tell me that it wasn't one of her top 5 performances!
I think it is her best despite the judges' opinions.
LOVED this-thanks! GOLDIE_ROCKS!
Definitely think that the non-competition duet with Casey, "Moanin'", belongs on the list. Maybe a Top 6. When you think about having a "moment" on the Idol stage, you have to agree that none of the finalists have had ONE - let alone SIX. And witness that the top 3 Idol Itunes downloads belonged to Haley... well, I would say that America's millions that voted multiple times for the boring hillbillies were brain dead while they dialed. Producers should only allow one vote per phone number or some such rule. Ever since the "Bennie and The Jets" performance, despite the constant smackdown delivered by Randy and J-Lo, she's been proving she is the "one". I look forward to her recordings. As far as the finale, it's a moot point. or should I say MUTE, since I won't be watching....