Haley Reinhart was EASILY my favorite contestant during season 10 of American Idol. There was just something about the quality and tone of her voice that was just so beyond her 20 years. Every performance sucked me in and left me in a heap on the bed. Unfortunately, after she appeared in the Bottom 3 four times during the run of the show, it became clear to me that Reinhart’s days were numbered. When it came down to the final three, I knew it was going to be a Country showdown between Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, and sure enough, that’s exactly how it played out. While I was disappointed with the results, I knew it was only a matter of time before Haley Reinhart was snatched up by a record label and signed.
“Free,” the first single from Reinhart’s forthcoming debut album LISTEN UP! was released on March 20th, followed by a sultry live performance of the song on the American Idol stage during the March 22nd Live Results show. The single is a exactly the type of music I thought Reinhart would produce, which brings me such joy. I was just praying Reinhart wouldn’t be corralled off in a musical direction that she wasn’t comfortable with (*AHEM* Katharine McPhee *AHEM*) “Free” is a slinky little jazz number that PERFECTLY showcases Haley’s smokey, bluesy vocal stylings, at the same time, complementing that old soul sorta vibe she gives off. The song was co-penned by British singer/songwriter Lucie Silvas and American songwriter/producer Busbee, the latter whom also served as producer on the track.
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| Photo Credit: Nick Spanos |
Many of the songs included on LISTEN UP! were co-written by Haley herself, with a little help from friends like Mike Elizondo, Rob Kleiner, Rune Westberg, Chris Seefried and others. The album is set to be released May 22nd via 19 Recordings/Interscope Records and promises a “retro-flavored, yet thoroughly contemporary-sounding collection of songs.” I can’t wait!
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| Photo Credit: Harper Smith |
Check Haley Reinhart‘s SMOLDERING performance of “Free” in the recently released Christopher Sims-directed music video (BELOW). I’m loving the old school feel of this video, featuring Haley dressed in fabulous vintage-inspired clothes, highlighted by lots of soft, hazy lighting. Absolutely STUNNING.
Download “Free” on U.S. iTunes HERE and stay tuned for more news on her debut album.
Check out Haley Reinhart on the web: