American Idol Results: Haley in Final Five, Casey Cut

Wheeling native and Harper College student Haley Reinhart didn't have to wait long to find out her fate on American Idol Thursday.

Reinhart was the first contestant to learn that she was safe and would be advancing to the final five. Reinhart had been among the bottom three in terms of votes the previous week and she has flirted with elimination four times this season.

Not as fortunate was Casey Abrams, who was eliminated this week. The bottom three also included Jacob Lusk and Scott McCreery. Abrams previously received the fewest votes in the competition but was "saved" by the judges. There were no more saves Thursday.

Reinhart's success this week was not surprising. She performed "Beautiful" by Carole King Wednesday and received mainly glowing comments from the American Idol judges.

"I just saw God," Steven Tyler said. "I heard God in your voice. You nailed it."

"You have one of the best voices in this competition," Jennifer Lopez said. "Amazing."

"I didn't love the beginning but the end was great," Randy Jackson said. "The end was were I got a little bit more excited, the beginning was a little boring for me."

Early on in the show, the contestants answered questions from fans. Reinhart was asked who was her favorite all-time great American Idol contestant?

"There is so many greats I don't know if I can put it into one, I've watched the show forever," Reinhart said. "As far as uniqueness Adam lambert he just did things with his voice...the talent. Whoa."

Reinhart also mentioned other past winners such as Kelly Clarkson.

"I got to give props to Lee [DeWyze]," Reinhart said. "First of all, he comes from the town [right] over from me. Him and Crystal [Bowersox] they had such a unique cool rock style."

Reinhart and the other four American Idol finalists will return to the stage Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Fox.

Source: palatine.patch.com