Haley Reinhart: "Free"

From yesterday's soul-wrenching blues songstress Brittany Howard, we turn now to a poppier version of the strong female blues vocalist. Haley Reinhart has been a friend of Daijams since being unjustly kicked off American Idol last year; no offense to Scotty McCreery, but this girl could sing circles around you. And what's more, she's different. Her voice has an edgy growl that could work in a dank basement club or dressed up like a pop star. Clearly, Ms. Reinhart has chosen the latter -- and she's flawless in her own domain.

This performance of her first single, "Free," proves why the ones who will make it are the really talented musicians, the ones who can phrase and emote outside the studio. It's also a nice piece of pop writing, memorable and luxurious in Reinhart's voice. The official single dropped this past Tuesday, and it's already being gobbled up by fans and drooled over by entertainment reporters. The full debut album, Listen Up!, comes out May 22.

Reinhart will return to the stage of her alma mater, American Idol, to perform this song tonight. Scotty McCreery will be watching from his living room.

Haley Reinhart: "Bennie and the Jets"

So I know I just did a post on American Idol's most recent talent discovery, Haley Reinhart, but now I can't stop YouTubing her performances. With each video I'm more convinced that American Idol voters are just plain stupid for voting her off. Though I guess I would have to vote to earn the privilege of complaining about the result. But I mean -- good lord, this girl is so talented.

I love Haley's cover of this song (originally released by Elton John in 1974) partly because it's gritty and kind of raunchy and totally convincing, and partly because it reminds me of this scene from the beloved romcom 27 Dresses. I spent one winter break in college watching and rewinding and rewatching this movie for like nine days straight. Yes, I'm a sucker.

Oh James Marsden and Katherine Heigl, you jokesters! But seriously, that looks fun.

Haley Reinhart: "What Is & What Should Never Be"

I have not been watching American Idol. The last time I watched American Idol religiously, a cute but powerful thing named Kelly Clarkson won. I struggled through season two, never really caring too much about anyone in particular; tried out for season seven (but didn't meet Randy or Simon or Paula, what a tease); and haven't thought much of it since.

I have a lot of respect for the talent that has come out of American Idol. Carrie Underwood has already been celebrated on this blog, and Jennifer Hudson's got some serious skills. But the show itself feels like a factory, churning out trendy, poppy artists that seem to grip the 12-to-22-year-old market for a few months and then drop off the face of the earth. (Hi, Clay!) That's fine, because at least they can sing a bit, so even if they inevitably become one-hit wonders, it's all better than...people who can't sing who make music anyway.

So last night we had a wonderful roomie dinner -- both of them are moving out on me this summer SADFACE -- and we turned on Idol because Brittan watches it. Stuffed full of grilled summer splendor, we settled in to pass judgment on the final three contestants of season ten. Little Scotty McCreery crooned a guttural country song, and he did it well because that's what he does. Lauren Alaina sang...I don't remember what Lauren Alaina sang, but that go-go-inspired top with the white cowboy boots was at once distressing and fearless. She did fine, but her voice doesn't really push to the limit. It's too safe.

Then Haley Reinhart slithered onto the stage, lingering over the first few notes of Led Zeppelin's "What Is & What Should Never Be." Oh. My. God. This girl has a voice I've never heard before. There are foreshadows of it in Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette and even Adele. She's what I imagine when I use the words "raw talent." Her voice is throaty and gritty and effortless and perfectly pitched and absolutely beautiful.

And then, after FALLING ON STAGE (talk about embarrassing), she rips out with this scat singing while her father shreds the guitar on stage next to her. That had to be one of the best moments of her life. This performance is incredible, and (spoiler) I'm truly in shock that she got voted off. Scotty and Lauren, sorry kids, but you are not going to have the career of Ms. Reinhart.

I hope she gets a good agent and becomes the first Idol contestant since Kelly whose debut album I've bought. Enjoy.