Tag Archives: Haley Reinhart

Mariah Carey A ‘Great Choice’ For ‘American Idol,’ Haley Reinhart Says

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Now that Mariah Carey has officially become a judge on the next season of “American Idol,” many fans have been counting down the days until the show’s much-anticipated season premiere — and one of those fans is former “Idol” hopeful Haley Reinhart.

“I think it’s a great choice, and I don’t think they could have done much better than that,” Reinhart told MTV News after her performance at Chicago’s Lollapalooza. “She’s a huge diva with a huge, beautiful, amazing voice. I don’t think that there’s anybody who could give better critiques to people who are trying to be aspiring singers, so I think they did really good.”

Reinhart, who released her debut album, Listen Up!, in May, doesn’t envy the incoming contestants who will have to perform in front of Carey, admitting that the powerhouse diva is a bit intimidating.

“I think it would be a little more pressure,” Reinhart said of singing in front of Carey. “So I’m glad she wasn’t there, but it would have been very cool to meet her.”

Even though Carey is locked in, the rest of the panel is still in flux. Randy Jackson has yet to confirm whether he is staying as a judge or switching to a mentor, while many names have been thrown around for the third position. Hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams has been rumored, along with Nick Jonas, who confirmed that he is in talks to join “Idol.”

“Pharrell, Nick Jonas — interesting,” Reinhart said of the rumored judges. “I think there so many different takes. That last spot can go in so many different directions. I know they are even talking about Adam Lambert, which would be cool, ’cause it’s a past contestant. He knows what it’s about and he’s been through it all, so I think any one of those would be really interesting to see. I’d also like to see somebody amazing like a classic rock-and-roller: Prince or Elton John, Paul McCartney.”

Reinhart, who finished in third place during season 10, said she would want to return to the show that started it all for her — but as a mentor, not a judge.

“Honestly, there’s nothing that I really love more, aside from performing, but to be a guiding force and to help people and to mentor and to judge in the nicest way possible and just be real,” she said. “So I would love to [be a mentor] at some point. I mean, definitely working on my career right now, but maybe one day.”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Lollapalooza Stars Geek Out Over Chili Peppers, Frank Ocean, More!

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CHICAGO — Nearly 150 acts turned up to Lollapalooza over the weekend to perform for tens of thousands of concertgoers at the sold-out festival. While the artists’ main focus was the fans, many were also geeking out over performances they were excited to see at Grant Park.

“Lollapalooza is just so much fun. There’s so many iconic people performing so it’s a good time,” Rita Ora told MTV News during her Rolling Stone showcase Saturday afternoon. “I cannot wait to see Red Hot Chili Peppers, Frank Ocean … and that’s it for right now, there’s so many I can’t remember. … I don’t know if I’ve missed Little Dragon, I love Little Dragon.”

Indie-pop singer Dev was also enthusiastic about the 2012 lineup. “Everybody this year is really rad,” she said.

Her act of choice? With so many talented performers scheduled to play, the bleached-blond singer couldn’t pick just one.

“When I first found out I was going to be part of this festival and I looked at the lineup, I couldn’t believe, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, Black Sabbath, Santigold, Florence and the Machine, Frank Ocean … Channel Orange is awesome, f—ing killed it,” Dev explained. “Congratulations [to everyone] for keeping the festival alive.”

Although pop-rock trio Fun. almost missed their performance due to inclement weather, there was nothing stopping the threesome from seeing some of their faves perform.

“I love LP, I think ‘Into the Wild’ is one of the best songs of the year,” guitarist Jack Antonoff said.

“I was thinking the Red Hot Chili Peppers because I like to think of the drummer, Chad Smith, as an older Jack,” Fun. frontman Nate Ruess added.

Although Illinois native Haley Reinhart grew up right outside of Chicago, this was not only the “American Idol” alum’s first time performing at the festival but attending it as well.

“There’s so many awesome people, I’m really going to try to see Black Sabbath, of course, Black Keys, the Shins,” Reinhart told MTV News after taking the stage. “I don’t know if I missed them or not already, but there’s plenty of people I’m dying to see.”

Haley Reinhart ‘Lets Loose,’ Raps At Lollapalooza

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CHICAGO — Former “American Idol” contestant Haley Reinhart made history among “Idol” contestants on Friday (August 3), becoming the first to perform at Chicago’s famed Lollapalooza festival.

“It’s pretty rad, I can’t believe it. It’s so rewarding,” Reinhart told MTV News following her performance. “I’m feeling so honored to be a part of it.”

Reinhart was among the first acts to perform on opening day of the festival, wowing hundreds of fans with songs from her debut album, Listen Up!, which was released in May. Yet, it was the people that joined Reinhart onstage that made the experience all the more memorable.

“Not only did I have an amazing band that I’ve barely played with behind me, but my mom and sister doing backup vocals, my dad on guitar, just such an incredible feeling,” she said.

Reinhart, who hails from Wheeling, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, explained that this was her first time at Lollapalooza but was not bothered by nerves playing in front of her hometown crowd.

“I think I was more nervous every day leading up to this point and I got here and it kind of all went away. I let loose,” Reinhart said. “I’ve had a little bit of experience with that and the big crowds and live performing like this is what I really love. It’s my passion. I let loose and had a ball with it.”

The Lolla crowd also heard something new from the former “Idol” star: she busted out her rap skills. B.o.B, who is featured on “Oh My!” from her album, wasn’t able to hit the stage, so Reinhart took it upon herself to rap his part.

“I was just like, ‘Oh, I think I got it.’ I did it a couple of times. I listened to it enough that I knew it, and my adrenaline was skyrocketing,” Reinhart said. “So it came kind of naturally.”

Next up for Reinhart: She is hitting the road in the fall and is hoping to release “Oh My!” as the second single off her album. If she gets her wish, the singer already has the perfect idea for the video.

“I’m already jotting down ideas for that video. I’ve been doing it since Day One so I’m really excited to film that one,” Reinhart said. “I want it to be really really kind of New Orleans authentic vibing crazy cool party club. Something crazy cool.”

MTV News is at Lollapalooza slathering on the sunscreen! Stick with us for the best festival coverage, as we bring you up-to-the-minute access to the shows, performers and more.

If You Love ‘American Idol,’ Vote For Jessica Sanchez

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Unlike in previous years, when I called David Cook “a sociopolitical barometer with an awesome comb-over” and compared Adam Lambert to Barack Obama, I’ve avoided making sweeping generalizations about the 11th season of “American Idol,” mostly because, at this point, there’s not much about the show that inspires me to do anything (except complain, of course).

Worn down by the past four seasons — the revolving cast of judges, that time Casey Abrams did Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and, of course, the lilywhite list of champions (Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery) — I’ve come to view “Idol” for what it really is: a massively bloated, increasingly out-of-touch behemoth, one that lumbers and crashes with much import but leaves nary a footprint on the cultural landscape. It has become predictable almost to the point of parody, thanks to the de-fanging of the judges (not everyone is amazing, guys) and the voters, who, judging by their recent track record, seem to value stuff like “nice smiles” and “upper body strength” over genuine talent and commercial appeal. Oh, and the Y chromosome above everything else.

Because of that, “Idol” has unquestionably suffered. Long gone are the days when the show could create actual chart-dominating superstars. None of the previous four winners have done much of anything, sales-wise, which isn’t really surprising, given the female-driven shift of popular music. Rihanna or Katy Perry or Lady Gaga or Beyoncé could never be crowned champion these days, mostly because voters would choose the handsome guy with the guitar instead. Given that they’re the biggest stars in the universe, that’s slightly troubling. If anything, “American Idol” has become completely antithetical to what it set out to be: It reflects the whims of a demographic more attuned to adult contemporary as opposed to pop music.

And yet, I find myself breaking my season-long ban on “Idol” just in time for Tuesday night’s (May 22) performance finale, which pits yet another handsome dude with a guitar — the indomitably growly Phillip Phillips — against the sassy, sublimely talented Jessica Sanchez. I’m making this exception mostly because I have loved this show for 11 seasons now, but also because tonight’s extravaganza is much more than just another overproduced coronation ceremony: It may very well be a battle for the future of the show itself.

See, for the first time in years, “Idol” voters have a chance to make a genuine change tonight. In Sanchez, they have the show’s best hope recapturing that old magic, of creating an actual, of-the-moment pop superstar. She is young (just 16) and current, she can sing pop, RB and soul, and, as her alter ego BeBe Chez has proven, she possesses that sheer diva-tude that has driven the likes of RiRi and Bey to superstardom. In every way, from her biracial background to her grab bag of musical inspirations (Mariah, Xtina, MJ) to her supreme belief in self, she best represents the whims and attitudes of the millennial generation that drives trends and shapes culture (and downloads singles). In short, she is relatable to the people who really matter, and that’s the key to it all. Like Rihanna or Katy or Gaga, there is a belief — either real or imagined — that today’s biggest stars aren’t only your best friends, they’re you, living out your wildest dreams and fantasies.

And “Idol” hasn’t had a potential champ like that since, shoot, maybe Jordin Sparks in 2007 (who actually won). Allison Iraheta was gone too soon. Crystal Bowersox was great, but she wasn’t going to go pop, no matter what. Haley Reinhart was an old soul, pure and simple. And last year’s runner-up, Lauren Alaina, well, she was country to the core. By giving Sanchez the crown, not only can voters send her on her way, but they give the show a shot at actually becoming culturally relevant once again. It can be the launching pad for the next great superstar.

But will they actually do it? Of course not. Phillips is going to win this one in a landslide, carrying on the proudly predictable tradition of the past four seasons — back in January, I begrudgingly signed off my “Idol” predictions piece by declaring “a white guy will win anyway” — and (probably) disappearing very quietly into the night. He seems like a nice enough dude, but he’s certainly no superstar, and his win will only send “Idol” further down the relevancy scale, if that’s even possible. It will just be more of the same, which, for a show currently on life support, might prove fatal. And when the confetti falls on Wednesday night, and Phillips cracks that same goofy grin, I will shed a tear for this once-proud show and promise myself that I will never watch again. Of course, I will anyway.

So, “Idol” voters, if you love this show like I do (for whatever reason: unintentional comedy, overwrought balladry, you are contractually obligated to write about it, etc.), I urge you to set aside your emotions and vote for Jessica Sanchez. It’s the only way we can save “American Idol” from itself. Was she the best contestant this season? Of course not. But she’s still standing, and she’s our only hope. No offense to Phillips, but in our hour of desperation, we don’t need Kris Allen 2.0. We need a glimmer of hope, we need someone to believe in … we need BeBe Chez.

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘Idol’ Finalist Jessica Sanchez Gets Props From Philippine President

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U.S. presidents have typically stayed out of the “who is going to win ‘American Idol’” fray in the past in order to avoid upsetting any voting blocs. But that doesn’t mean that foreign dignitaries can’t offer up their two cents.

That might explain why on the eve of the penultimate performance night on “Idol,” the Associated Press reported that Philippine president Benigno Aquino III has wholeheartedly endorsed his choice for next week’s finale: Jessica Sanchez.

“Hopefully, she really reaches the top,” Aquino said of the 16-year-old top three finalists from Chula Vista, California, who is of Filipino and Latin heritage.

The President isn’t the only one who has co-signed the pixie-size diva. She’s gotten shout-outs and love from everyone from “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine and his music industry pal Tommy Mottola to former “Idol” champ Kris Allen. Onetime contestants Jennifer Hudson and Haley Reinhart, as well as singers Billy Joel, Beyoncé, India.Arie and Colbie Caillat have all sung Sanchez’s praises.

In an interview, Allen said, “I said that Jessica Sanchez was my favorite, and I hate saying that to be honest with you because I remember being on the show and other people being fans of other people on the show that were not me. But I think that she is my favorite to win the show. … I think it’s time for a girl to win, to be honest with you.”

While a girl has indeed not won since season six, Sanchez isn’t the only one getting props from famous admirers.

Leading contender Phillip Phillips has been feeling the love on his Twitter account, where he’s gotten shout-outs from past “Idol” contestants including Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo and James Durbin, who said Phil reminds him of (shocker) Dave Matthews. Also offering praise over the months: rocker Jonny Lang, new Twitter bestie and Dave Matthews bassist Stefan Lessard, fake crush Julianne Hough and the folks at his favorite hometown restaurant, El Coyote Café.

The other male left in the competition, soul sensation Joshua Ledet, is no slouch, either. In fact, over the past four months he’s turned into the celeb-crush object of the moment, chatting up former “Idol” finalists Pia Toscano, Alaina and Melinda Doolittle, as well as “X Factor” finalist Stacy Francis. “Idol” champ Allen had high praise writing, “I think @JLedetAI11 is the best singer that’s ever been on the show.”

Hudson sent a note to Ledet in February that he later said brought tears to his eyes, writing, “Joshua Ledet did an amazing performance of ‘You Pulled Me Through’ on @AmericanIdol last night. Gave me goosebumps!”

Show executive producer Nigel Lythgoe sent along a note from the legendary Percy Sledge that said how much he enjoyed Ledet’s version of “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Oh, and did we mention that Mariah Carey tweeted him? “Joshua, thank you for your kind words and your beautiful performance,” she wrote on March 29 after he sang her version of “Without You.” “I’m honored you chose to sing my version of the song. God bless.”

And Rihanna too? “Joshua Ledet!!!!!!! I’m your #1 fan,” she gushed. Not to mention Mary J. Blige herself, who wrote on May 10, “I just voted for @JLedetAI11 on #Idol. He slayed his performances.”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ Alum Haley Reinhart Impressed By Jessica Sanchez

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On last week’s episode of “American Idol,” season 10′s third-place finisher, Haley Reinhart, returned to the “Idol” stage and quickly reminded everyone why she got as far as she did in the competition. The sultry singer gave a rousing performance of her new song “Free,” the first single off her debut album, Listen Up!, out May 22.

“It was a family reunion in many ways,” Reinhart told MTV News on Wednesday of returning to the show. “I felt great about doing my own thing onstage. It just shows how much hard work does pay off. This is it. ‘American Idol’ got me here … this is what I worked for.”

Reinhart set herself apart from the other contestants last season with her distinctive voice and bluesy sound, and she credits her individuality as the key to her success. During her return to “Idol,” Reinhart shared that advice with this season’s finalists.

“I got to meet up with them for a little bit. I let them know: ‘You’re doing a great job showing who you are,’ ” Reinhart said. “I think they really were in tune what was happening last season, everybody found their lane. I fought for who I was and I’m like, ‘Stick with your gut and listen to all these different opinions, but take what you need and go from there.’ ”

Looking back at her time on “Idol,” Reinhart can identify with the struggles some of the contestants are having with song choices and judges’ remarks, especially during the early stages of the competition.

“In the beginning especially, I was doing all these different kinds of genres because that’s who I am, and I think they were a little confused. I added soul to everything and that was my thing. If I could switch it up, make it my own by putting a bluesy spin on it … that was me,” Reinhart said. “You can’t do your exact style song every single week. You just gotta keep going with the flow and find your niche.”

So who has impressed Reinhart so far this season? “I caught it a lot in the beginning especially, and right when I saw Jessica Sanchez, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with,” Reinhart revealed. “She’s got it going on. So good luck to her and the rest of them — they have great voices.”

Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page, where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

‘American Idol’ Veteran Haley Reinhart’s New Single ‘Defines’ Her

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She may not have been crowned the winner of last season’s “American Idol,” but that hasn’t seemed to have any effect on the career of third-place finisher Haley Reinhart. The singer captivated viewers week after week on “Idol” by bringing her own soulful flare to songs like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Lady Gaga’s “You and I.”

And now, nearly a year later, the jazzy singer is finally ready to show fans who she really is with “Free,” the first single off her debut album, Listen Up!

“It’s amazing,” Reinhart told MTV News Wednesday (March 28) of the release of her single. “I know I took some time after the tour just to make things work and really worth it for me and the fans. It feels amazing to actually put it out there, my own material. I just wanted to make sure it had substance to it, and really could define me and show the artistry.”

Reinhart, who returned to the “Idol” stage last week to perform “Free,” says it’s the perfect song to define the artist she’s striving to be.

“I picked it out while I was touring with the ‘Idols’ and I was getting all these songs shipped into me,” she said of “Free.” “This one I just had to stop and say ‘Hey this has my name written on it.’ It’s something that I can look in the future and see it being able to define me. It’s got elements of the sultry, even hints of jazz in there.”

On Tuesday, Reinhart made her acting debut when she played herself on “90210,” and we will see her stretch her acting ability even more when she debuts the video for “Free” on Thursday. She said the filming the video was “a dream come true.”

“I had this vision and the director, Christopher Sims, really brought it to life for me,” she said. “There’s a guy involved, it is kind of a motivational break-up song, so I wanted to keep it mature, yet have the playful scenery behind us. We put it out in a ’50s-style diner and just kept it playful, fresh.”

And she’s bringing that playful, fresh vibe to Listen Up! which features collaborations with rapper B.o.B and Reinhart’s own father (whom she performed with on “Idol”).

“You’re going to be surprised to hear a lot of different flavors, but at the same time it all meshes well together,” she said of the album, which hits stores May 22. “I show a lot of different sides. I have my roots I come from a lot of different genres, so you’ll hear definitely sultriness throughout the entire thing, very retro yet modern take, and there’s pop undertones in it with some funk jazz rock, it’s got a lot going on.”

What do you think of Haley’s single “Free”? Let us know in the comments.