Amid a group of so many supposed “frontrunners” who each have a unique demographic appeal, “American Idol” contestants like Haley Reinhart and Naima Adedapo have often struggled to get noticed.
Both have visited the bottom three this season, and while each has had at least one well-reviewed performance, neither ever seems to garner legitimate excitement from the judges and diehard “Idol” fans and critics.
For one of them, however, things changed Wednesday night. As part of Elton John night (changed from the originally-advertised 80s songs theme), the Top 11 took the stage for a second week, and Haley Reinhart made the strongest impression.
While Headline Planet’s full performance review, due Thursday morning, will question some facets of her performance, there is no denying the fact that she took a million steps forward on “Bennie and the Jets.” For the first time since the live competition began, Haley’s unique vocal style, which includes a distinctive growl as well as a “yodel” sound, seemed perfectly suited for her song selection. The result was a showing that earned the “performance of the night” billing from Randy Jackson, who has emerged as the straightest shooter of the 2011 judging panel.
Naima Adedapo, meanwhile, received the night’s worst reaction. Her reggae version of “I’m Still Standing” raised eyebrows, with both Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez questioning whether the gimmick made sense on the song selection.
Two contestants will leave Thursday, which put “fringe” performers like Reinhart and Adedapo, as well as Thia Megia and Stefano Langone, in legitimate danger ahead of Wednesday’s performances. Based on the strong, polar reactions to the performances, it appears Haley did enough to keep herself in the competition, while Adedapo is likely on the chopping block.
But who expected Casey Abrams to be the lowest vote-getter last week? Another shocker could still be in the cards.