Quote:And you’d better make those 20 to 30 seconds count, said “Idol” alum and Wheeling native Haley Reinhart.

“You want to pick the best part of the song,” Reinhart said. “If there’s a long, boring intro, cut to the chase and get to the juicy parts.”

Reinhart, 21, first auditioned for “Idol” the last time tryouts were held in Chicago, back in 2009. She got as far as the celebrity judging round. The following year she made it all the way to third place. She — along with “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest — will be at the United Center on Thursday, giving encouragement to those waiting in the same line she once stood in.

“From what you’re wearing to how you present yourself to what you’re talking about, make sure everything is unique,” she said. “You want to make everybody in that room believe in you.”

Quote:Michael Orland ‏@MichaelOrland

@HaleyReinhart such a treat to see you today. And such a tweet too. Lol. See what I did there? Love ya. Xx

Quote:Wheeling, Illinois native and former Idol contestant Haley Reinhart joined Good Day Chicago's Bill Zwecker Thursday morning where she says seeing all the hopefuls standing in line is like déjà vu for her.

"Standing in a line, you know, just being a hopeful dreamer. Knowing how it turned out, I'm so excited for everybody here, especially Chicago, one of the greatest cities -- is the greatest city. The support system here is like no other.," Reinhart said.

Reinhart says at this stage in the contest, hopefuls only have about 15 seconds to impress the judges so it's important to "bring your game."

Reinhart, who will be appearing at Lollapalooza in August, says Idol was not just a platform for launching her career, it also helped her discover herself.

"Idol is the biggest, greatest platform to teach you everything you need to know about this business, so I'm grateful for that. Most important thing, I did it my way. I found myself throughout the show and I'm glad I stuck to my guns, made something I'm proud of," she said.

Reinhart did offer some advice for anyone trying out.

"Just be who they are. Stay true to that. Be able to represent yourself in the best light," Reinhart said.

Quote:Ivy Hogg ‏@IJH_

Start waiting in line to audition at 5 am tomorrow! ‪#excited‬ ‪

Quote:Ivy Hogg ‏@IJH_

IT'S GO TIME.

Quote:Ivy Hogg ‏@IJH_

@tjkramer undone by Haley Reinhardt

Quote:Ivy Hogg ‏@IJH_

Just met Haley Reinhardt. I'm singing her song. Lol what? ‪#omg

(07-12-2012, 07:57 AM)Miguel Wrote: Backstage with Michael Orland (really nice pic of Haley):

https://twitter.com/MichaelOrland/status/223422071324160001/photo/1

Quote:Michael Orland ‏@MichaelOrland

@HaleyReinhart such a treat to see you today. And such a tweet too. Lol. See what I did there? Love ya. Xx