American Idol Results: Haley Safe, Jacob Out

Haley Reinhart’s risk this week on American Idol was apparently worth it; the suburban singer was ushered into the competition’s final four Thursday night, while Jacob Lusk was voted off.

Reinhart for choosing to sing an unreleased Lady Gaga song Wednesday night, but later earned a standing ovation from the show’s judges and audience members for her rendition of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.”

The 20-year-old Wheeling resident, who attended Harper College before joining the American Idol competition, has felt the threat of elimination four times this season by landing among the three singers with the lowest vote counts, but she has rallied each time. 

Her local fan base has shown outward support; “Vote Haley” signs are displayed along Wheeling’s main roads, while area businesses display supportive messages on marquees and through various Idol-themed promotions.

Wednesday night, customers in Buffalo Grove received $5 off by presenting an e-coupon that proclaimed “We Idolize Haley” and promising to vote for her at least 10 times following her performance.

The competition continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox, with performances by Reinhart, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Lauren Alaina. The final three contestants, who will be revealed May 12, will be honored in televised American Idol hometown parades after the competition draws to an end.