Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart–the final three contestants remaining on “American Idol”–made their homecoming appearances this week, and the buzz is already building ahead of Wednesday’s show.
Along with photos from their trips back home comes news on the judges’ song selections. As reported last week, the contestants will perform three songs on Wednesday’s show–a judge selection, a selection from mentor Jimmy Iovine and a personal selection.
While some online bloggers are crying foul about Haley Reinhart’s selection–Alanis Morisette’s “You Oughta Know”–it is worth noting that she is the only one whose song choice would constitute the “risk” that is often desired from “Idol” contestants. Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery might soar on “I Hope You Dance” and “She Believes in Me,” respectively, but they could easily warrant the safe, impersonal label that has plagued so many past judges’ choice songs.
Photos from the homecoming trips are below; click the thumbnails for the full images:
Maybe someone really is trying to sabotage Haley. I’m pretty liberal, but I don’t think the lyrics to “You Ought To Know” are in any way appropriate for a family show. With the things people are already saying about Haley, this will start a firestorm. She should request another song. aside from the lyrics, it’s not a song that will showcase her talents. It seems like someone is trying to punish her.
The song “She Belives In Me” is what people want and expect to hear from Scotty. He should do well with it.
“I Hope You Dance” is perfect for Lauren. she will soar with this number.
I find it interesting that Lauren and Scotty are assigned well known mainstream songs, that everyone will recognize. Haley’s song by Alanis Morisette is the opposite of what Jennifer and Randy have been telling her to sing, week after week.
This is wrong. While I have not paid much attention to charges of favoritism up to now, I find this curious. If they won’t give her a different song, she should go to the producers or as a last resort refuse to sing it.
Most of what you raise is valid, but “You Oughta Know” was a huge mainstream hit. It’s, for all its potential flaws, consistent with what the judges have been asking Haley to do.
I personally think Scotty got the worst song for his voice! Kenny Rogers is the only person that has ever been able to sing that song not to mention all of the high notes!!!!