Quote:xdivinechaos:

American Idol 31 Day Challenge
Day 30 - Your favorite Idol contestant from season 10

There were other people on this season?

No, I’m kidding. Kinda. Anyone that follows me knows that the lovely Haley Reinhart is my favorite contestant from season 10, and is also my favorite contestant…ever. No question about it. I’ve been looking forward to this day since the challenge began. Now that it’s here, I genuinely don’t know where to begin describing my respect and admiration for this woman. I’m not even sure if words can fully display it, but I’ll give it a go.

When Haley performs, everything just seems to light up. It’s like a fire. You can always feel her soul and passion on that stage. She enjoys every moment, and fills the stage with such grace and energy, which is a rarity among both contestants and contemporary artists these days.

In terms of vocals and style, I personally believe that Haley is the most unique contestant in those regards. Her range is absolutely incredible. From those amazing low notes to her head voice, which is so divine. Her phrasing is hauntingly impeccable and engaging. And obviously, we can’t forget that signature growl.

She’s certainly a polarizing person, and not the cookie cutter type that we’ve become accustomed to on American Idol. She exhibited so much versatility. During her duration on the show, she tackled r&b, country, blues, jazz, classic rock, etc. The woman can do it all, and can it do it all pretty damn well.

Something that still gets talked about to this day (mainly because of that damn Idol confessions blog) is her “attitude” throughout the competition. This does not compute with me. It never has. She’s the FARTHEST thing from a stoic, cold-hearted person. Everything about her is pure sass and cuteness all around. The “attitude” came during a point where “attitude” was direly needed. She tolerated vitriol from the “judges” for weeks, and was certainly held to a different standard than the other contestants. I don’t know who wouldn’t catch an “attitude” at that point.

I still can’t figure out why Randy and J.Lo were such assholes (to put it nicely) to her, but it’s all water under the bridge. Forgive and forget.

LOL just kidding. I still hate them.

I can’t conclude this without speaking briefly on her unbelievable post-Idol debut album. Striking while the iron is hot, platinum sales, and chart-topping singles are fine and dandy when it comes to bragging rights, but there’s nothing that I can admire more than an artist taking time to fully and properly develop their own authentic craft. I would advise any lover of music to check out Listen Up! So many amazing gems on that album. Just saying!

(06-18-2012, 11:12 PM)john Wrote:

Quote:Now and then, TV talent shows uncover a little gem. In this case, 2011′s American Idol found Haley Reinhart.
. . .she conjures up a bloody good slice of quality pop!

Bloody good, indeed! Great to see some a positive review from a UK publication. I reckon Haley's going to do quite well internationally -- eventually.

Quote:I assumed Haley Reinhart’s debut album ‘Listen Up!’ would be like so many Idol alums before her – nice, but forgettable. I had started putting everything together before I listened to it, but I am glad I saved room. Once I hit play on track number one, everything changed.

‘Listen Up!’ is immediately surprising. You’d think a girl like Haley coming out of a place like American Idol would grab for something easy and possibly successful on radio – you know, Katy Perry/Rihanna grade electro/dance-pop. Instead, she takes another route, making an album that is poppy and soulful. The closest album I’ve heard like this in the past several years was Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’ (and that’s a fucking compliment if I’ve ever heard one). ‘Listen Up!’ is bluesy, her voice going from powerful to raspy on a whim and the call of the tune.

Reinhart comes out of nowhere with this sound (for me at least, I don’t watch American Idol, so I have no idea what she sang on the show) but does it very well. She isn’t the best singer in the world (maybe why she didn’t win), but it doesn’t matter. At no point does anything sound too stressed. You can hear that the girl is trying and giving it her all, but not stepping outside of what works for her. The sound doesn’t fit her image, but the girl fills out a track better than you’d expect.

“Free”, the album’s first single isn’t my favorite, but it is still rather good. Opening number “Oh My! (ft. B.O.B.)” is amazing, and it shows you what style is coming your way. Horns upon horns, pianos, and background girls singing “oooh”s take the place of any electronics. “Now That You’re Here” is so upbeat and pumping, you’ll be tapping along and dancing in your chair without realizing.

The lyrics are nothing to write home about, but they work well for her. In fact, everything does. I can’t believe I like this album as much as I do, but that’s how these things go sometimes. I’m not saying this would have been Amy’s next CD, but some of the music might have gone to her…

‘Listen Up!’ actually came out last month (sorry – I didn’t give it much credence!), and its available now.

(09-21-2012, 03:03 PM)Tusk Wrote: Pia giving a mention that Haley's album is her one of her favorites right now
She has tweeted lyrics from "Listen Up!" before
It would be kind of fun to hear Pia do a Haley song... maybe "Undone"

(09-21-2012, 06:33 PM)Tom22 Wrote:

(09-21-2012, 03:03 PM)Tusk Wrote: Pia giving a mention that Haley's album is her one of her favorites right now
She has tweeted lyrics from "Listen Up!" before
It would be kind of fun to hear Pia do a Haley song... maybe "Undone"

I don't thing Undone is right for Pia.. she' just doesn't do the vulnerable open heart thing that well.

What she woul do well and (cringe) better than Haley, is "What you Don't Know" . - The lyrics work better for her .. more commands and warnings (and she wanted to do songs about warning kids...this is a step that way sort of). - Pia's power-voice would bring more to parts that aren't as much in Haley's sweet spot.

Seriously, I think "What you don't know" is great for PIA.. I've also thought Beyonce could have a super smash with it. Its probably close to my least favorite from Haley. I like the Song ... just not sure it gives a place for my favoirte parts of Haley's voice.

(09-21-2012, 07:46 PM)riley Wrote: What you don't know is one of my favorite songs on listen up. I personally love how she sings it.

(09-21-2012, 07:54 PM)Haleylvr4evr Wrote:

(09-21-2012, 07:46 PM)riley Wrote: What you don't know is one of my favorite songs on listen up. I personally love how she sings it.

I really love it too! Does anyone else think she sounds a little "countryish" in the verses? Like in the way she says certain words