Haley Reinhart Stands Up for Herself Against Randy Jackson's Criticism on 'Idol'

With the theme around songs that inspire the Top 4, Haley Reinhart chose to sing Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song' for her first 'American Idol' (Wed., 8PM ET on FOX) performance this week. It's not one of his more well-known songs stateside, but it meant something to her and she poured her emotion into the song.

Jennifer Lopez criticized her choice of song, saying it was a bad move this late in the game. Randy Jackson took the criticism a little further, saying the song was out of her range and she needed to put more into it vocally than she did.



But Reinhart wasn't going to take that quietly. When Jackson said, "It felt like to me you were screaming, you were at the top of your range," Reinhart shot back, "That's not the top of my range. I just felt it."

'American Idol' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET on FOX.

When he said she didn't "go there," she retored, "To where?"

Jackson then said she needed to bring something extra to it, maybe incorporating runs toward the end rather than hitting the same note over and over again, as Michael Jackson did in the original.

"Oh, I didn't know I should even have changed that," Reinhart said. "I thought it was beautiful the way it was."

Steven Tyler, of course, jumped to her rescue. He told her to take from the criticism of Lopez and Jackson that they were simply both wrong.

What did you think of Reinhart standing up for herself? She came out strong with her second song on the night, but was it enough to make Top Three next week?


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[LookingAtYouFool]

@jenniibabyx

Most of the time they criticized her song choice. A song was either unknown, not known well enough or too well known. You know why they did that? Because they couldn't find fault with her actual performance. Meanwhile, they regularly looked over huge flaws in others' performances, calling them "emotionally perfect." So what she stood up to was the biased criticism. You see, unlike you, she is experienced enough to see through their bullshit. Judge Steven: "Don't listen to them!"

[dblubarry]

@imarunner89 you obviously didn't watch last season. Crystal and Siobahn stood up for themselves. when you see bullshit you're not just going to stand there and take it. there's a line between criticism and harassment. strong women who are serious about their art know when to "take it" and when to fight back. haley was in the right

[harmfulsweetz]

@Emmie949 Trust me, X Factor (both versions) are the biggest frauds of all.

[harmfulsweetz]

@dixieland414 Agreed. She gave her all, and no matter what she did, it wasn't good enough. The fact that she was getting standing O's says it all though. She had every right to stand up and say something, if she disagrees. Randy was just picking fault because he had nothing else to say. It was a standout, flawless performance and he just had to ruin it for her. Again. I think they cost her the crown. :-(

[harmfulsweetz]

@jfonte395 The fact that he's black is nothing to do with it. Stop being a racist asshole.

[harmfulsweetz]

@gnarlyincubus Yeah I agree. The others would put in mediocre performances, never take a risk, and get all the plaudits for doing so. Haley took risks, gave her all, was never mediocre, and she got criticised week in, week out. The only judge who was good to her was Steven Tyler, who always looked pissed when they criticised her. He's the only one that knows what he's talking about with regard to Haley. He got her, I think.

[harmfulsweetz]

@SoloRadioFM But Simon (and this is after putting up with the UK X factor for eight years or more) is also gratutitiously (sp?) nasty, and often likes mediocre things. He wouldn't have gotten Haley, because she wasn't commercial enough for him, or a puppet like other acts he would have gotten.

[hgrebnesor]

@realfinnatic And there is nothing sweeter than a doe-eyed Pocahontas when you are under the influence of the peace-pipe.....

[realfinnatic]

@hgrebnesor Yes; but, we smoked the Peace-pipe many moons ago and have had several great pow-wow about comely, doe-eyed Pocahontas... : )

[hgrebnesor]

@realfinnatic I'm glad you also call him a friend. Sometimes he can rub a few the wrong way - but deep down he really is a good guy.

[realfinnatic]

@hgrebnesor Love all your comments too, especially your repartee with our mutual friend Tosarge - priceless!! : )

[hgrebnesor]

@realfinnatic The perfect video to post your comment. BTW I loved your reply to dragon boy on the RITD vid!