“American Idol” Season 10 2nd runner-up Haley Reinhart has signed to Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope Records, according to multiple sources.

Haley is now the fourth season 10 contestant to sign to the label. The others were winner Scotty McCreery, runner-up Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano.

Earlier in the summer, Haley, along with other Top 11 contestants were given management deals from Red Light Management. So that means she’s ready to cut her first album.

While there aren’t any details on her album, Haley did tell Reality Rocks that she has some hopes for her upcoming release.

“In a perfect world, I would love it be bluesy, soulful, funky – a lot of stuff incorporated,” she told the site. “I think it’s possible!”

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After more than 95 million votes, America chose country teenagers Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina as its 2011 “American Idol” Top 2.

While I think it’s going to be a somewhat boring competition show next Tuesday, I don’t think it’s a bad Top 2. I was rooting for Haley Reinhart to make it to the finale with Scotty, but only because I enjoy her performances more. Overall, I’m good because I was on the team that believed any of the Top 4 would’ve made for a great finale.

At the beginning of the night we were treated to immediate filler of the Top 4 visiting J.J. Abrams the previous week and they couldn’t have been less excited. That was followed by what I think might have been a seizure from Elle Fanning.

The first real order of business was footage from Haley’s homecoming. It was nice to see a softer side of Haley. She’s been pretty tough all season, so it was good to see that human side. Had she shown that side of her earlier in the game, she might have made the Final 2.

After that and a Ford video, we were “treated” to a performance by Il Volo for some reason I still don’t understand. Nothing like baby faced boys who sound like 50-year-old Opera singers.

Next up is Scotty’s trip home. Scotty seemed truly modest, as if he had no idea he’d have that many fans. And like Haley, he was very emotional.

More crap filler follows in the form of a pre-recorded performance by the new “X Factor” host and it’s passed off  as a live performance. Why do they always want us to think these performances are happening live? It’s so insulting.

Lauren’s home visit seemed to be the most grand. When I saw the incredibly HUGE crowd that turned out for her, I knew right then she was in the finale. And from that footage, I think she could even beat Scotty next week. Maybe.

Finally, it’s time for the results. Ryan calls the three of them up and first announces that Scotty is going to the finale. Then he tells Lauren to join him. Haley seems shocked and maybe angry, but quickly covers and comes off very respectable with her reactions.

Haley sings one last time (well, until next week) and does her awesome version of “Bennie And The Jets.”

So it’s Scotty and Lauren. It’s been a long season with a lot of curve balls, but it’s almost over. I’m either going to be ready for a break or miss this ridiculous show like crazy. I’m not sure which yet.

What are your thoughts on the Top 2?

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I’m not sure what I enjoyed most about tonight’s “American Idol” Top 3 performance show, Randy Jackson’s 100 name drops or Lauren Alaina’s quest to prove she’s really a seven-year-old girl. Oh how I miss the days when 25 and 28-year-olds ruled the show.

Wait, or maybe my favorite part was the fact that Jimmy Iovine and the judges were trying to sabotage Haley Reinhart with two incredibly difficult song choices.

Now that I’ve gotten those annoyances off my chest, I need to get into the reviews. There’s a lot to cover tonight. As always, I’ll review each performance and assign them the letter grades I think they deserve.

In order of performance

ROUND ONE: Contestant’s choice

*Scotty McCreery, “Amazed” by Lonestar. I had a feeling Scotty would sing this at some point during the season. It was actually a very smart song choice. Scotty hasn’t thought about catering to the non-country fans much this season and he finally did tonight. I think it’s safe to say most people know that song, whether you’re a country fan or not. Especially since, as Randy so modestly pointed out, he produced a version of the song for Boyz II Men. I thought the performance was probably one of Scotty’s best of the entire season. Oh and did anyone notice for the first time this season Randy picks on Scotty’s pitch? His performance was the best its ever been. Seriously, what’s wrong with Randy? He was really on my nerves tonight. A+

*Lauren Alaina, “Wild One” by Faith Hill. I didn’t like it. It made me feel like I couldn’t breathe. Lauren barely kept control of the song and it honestly left me gasping for air. I don’t know if she needed to slow it down or what. I’m supposed to enjoy a performance and this just didn’t do it.  She still sounded as good as always, but this is the final 3, I have to judge all sides of the performance. B-

*Haley Reinhart, “What is And What Should Never Be” by Led Zeppelin. WHAT? Zeppelin? On American Idol? At this stage of the game? I thought Haley bought her ticket home right then and there. But then she pulled out an amazing performance and the fact that most people under 30 have never heard of that song didn’t matter. She owned it. It was HER song. And she killed it. And it’s not an issue that she fell, so I’m not even going to go there. People fall! Bottom line. A+

Winner of Round One: Haley. The judges unanimously agree with me.

ROUND TWO: Jimmy Iovine’s choice

*Scotty McCreery, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” by Thompson Square. I have no idea what this song is. I don’t think Jimmy’s pick was very well thought out. Scotty handled the song well and seemed to have a lot of fun with it. It was good to see him with the guitar again. We’ve seen very few musical instruments this season. I miss that. B+

*Lauren Alaina, “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry. So far Jimmy’s song choices are very meh. Again, I didn’t like the song. And again, Lauren couldn’t keep up with the song. This time I’m not sure why though because it’s not a fast song. She just really stumbled. I even thought she forgot some lyrics. I thought it was horrible, but Jennifer Lopez thought her flubs were beautiful! Really? What’s wrong with these people!? C-

*Haley Reinhart, “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. Oh, how I love Stevie Nicks! I was very happy when I heard this was Jimmy’s pick for Haley. So he did at least pick one good song tonight. But then I realized how hard the song is and I’ve only ever heard Stevie do it. So when Haley had a couple rough spots it was understandable. And by the time she got to the middle and the end I couldn’t even remember the rough spots. Haley’s confidence is really showing and it’s a good thing to see. A

Winner of Round Two: Haley (With a very close Scotty behind her).  The judges, however, didn’t agree and were split. Steven went with Lauren and Jennifer and Randy went with Scotty.

ROUND THREE: Judges’ Choice

*Scotty McCreery, “She Belives in Me” by Kenny Rogers. Another blah song choice. Sorry, people, but it’s Top 3 and I want excitement! The song just sounded so old-fashioned and, well, old. Scotty is a teenager so it was just a bit awkward for me. He did his best thought and luckily, his best is always pretty good. A

*Lauren Alaina, “I Hope You Dance,” by LeAnn Womack. Zzzzzzzz. I’m falling asleep. Kidding! It wasn’t that bad. It was slow, yeah, but Lauren was mostly fine. She just didn’t add anything new or exciting to a very over-played song. I just wasn’t feeling her tonight. I normally enjoy her singing, but tonight she rubbed me the wrong way.  A-

*Haley Reinhart, “You Oughta Know,” by Alanis Morrisette. Haley truly rocked the chorus in this one but a lot of the other parts were hit and miss. It’s just a fast song and who really has ever known those lyrics? It’s pretty obvious the judges picked that song so she would mess it up. Well, she did way better than they probably thought. B+

Winner of Round Three: Scotty. Steven went with Haley while Randy and Jennifer picked Lauren.

The averages

Scotty: A+ | B+ | A | A
Lauren: B- | C- | A- | B-
Haley: A+ | A | B+ | A

Scotty and Haley tied the night as far as grades go, but as far as overall performances go, I’m going to say Haley won the night. Scotty was superb, but Haley put on a show. And that’s what matters now. We know they can all sing, but who can put on a show? Haley can.

For the first time this season, I’m actually going to say who I think should stay and who should go. A lot of people have mistaken my predictions as a personal preference most of the season anyway, so why not?

Your Final 2: Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart

My thinking: Lauren Alaina is too immature. Sure her voice is where it needs to be. But I see her with her pigeon toes and her fake bunny smile and her prom dresses and I see a little girl.  She’s amazingly talented and beautiful but I think a stronger Top 2 would be Scotty and Haley.

That’s just my opinion but what will really happen? I do think it’s possible to see a Scotty and Haley Top 2. As I mentioned last week, it’s possible the country kids will split the country vote and everyone else who hates country will vote for Haley by default. Those votes added to all the fans Haley’s picked up in the past several weeks could land her right there on the finale stage.

It still could be Lauren and Scotty (but boy I hope not). Who knows how big the country vote really is. More unlikely would be a Haley and Lauren finale. Too many teen girl voters will see that Scotty is there at the finale

What’s yours thoughts on tonight’s show and how the results could and should play out tomorrow night?

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America was shocked Thursday night when “American Idol” favorite James Durbin did not make the coveted Top 3. Most fans expected one of the remaining female contestants to go but for the first time since Season 6, there are two girls in the Top 3.

So your Top 3 is Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Scotty McCreery.

I was a bit shocked that James was eliminated. I was pretty sure it would be Lauren, but I never really thought it would be Haley. Speaking of Haley, this couldn’t have played out any better for her. Had Lauren gone home, she’d never have made it into the Top 2. But since James was sent packing, she’s almost certainly going to make the Top 2.

Here’s why: Next week Scotty and Lauren will probably split the country vote and Haley will get all the votes from the voters who aren’t country fans (if for no other reason than they have no other options), propelling her into the finale. It’s a pretty simple thought. Who of the country teens will join her? Scotty. A Haley vs. Scotty finale. Who would’ve thought. That just sounds so weird.

I had grown to like James, but it’s not the end for him. Remember, as Ryan Seacrest pointed out, Chris Daughtry went home in fourth place as well. And he’s been a huge success.

Earlier in the episode the guys opened the show with a lackluster country duet. I  did enjoy watching their interaction with the crowd, but I didn’t like the song or their version of it. The girls were much better with their “Gunpowder and Lace” duet. I found it hilarious that Haley had to sing all the “risque” lyrics.

Ryan then reveals the Top 3 stools and pretty quickly sends Lauren to safety first. At that moment, I knew James was done. That’s followed by a canned performance by Lady Gaga and a terrible performance by Enrique Iglesias.

Then we get Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks back on the Idol stage. At some point between her season and now, she transformed into a bad Beyonce impersonator. Then we get judge Steven Tyler’s new solo video. And I only have three words to say about that: stick with Aerosmith.

It’s time again for results. Ryan mentions that most of the talk this season has been about the guys, yet two of the Top 3 are girls, meaning Haley is safe. The shock on Scotty’s and James’ faces spoke volumes to me. They acted as if they were completely untouchable. I’ve never seen such an obvious display of crushed cockiness. Their reactions kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.

Then Ryan reveals that Scotty gets the final spot in the Top 3. And please take note that not one time did Ryan say the guys were the Bottom 2, so don’t presume Scotty had fewer votes than the girls.

I’m not even going to get into my thoughts on James’ reaction and statement, because I don’t want death threats. Let’s just leave it at this: I liked James’ performances and he is going to be fine. His fans will be fine when he puts out his album. Just be sure to be there to support him.

What are your thoughts on the shocking elimination?

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Did you get the feeling that Haley Reinhart took a little extra heat from the judges yet again last night after her performance of “Earth Song”? Well you’re not alone and you might even have some company in high places. American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe went to Twitter last night with some authoritative praise for the targeted singer along with some big voting news.

Nigel sent out three Tweets last night with only two of those having any praise for the Top 4 and yes, both put Haley on the receiving end:

@dizzyfeet: “I, Who Have Nothing” was my favorite performance tonight.”

@dizzyfeet: “I personally feel Haley is the most improved contestant.”

So was Nigel trying to keep things a little more balanced with some support for Haley or would these Tweets have hit the interwaves regardless?

The other big news from Lythgoe was that this season hit its highest vote count yet. More than 70 million votes were registered across the phone lines, texts, and online voting. Pretty impressive, but the finale vote should be even higher.

I wonder which fans were moved to put in that many votes. Could it have been Reinhart’s? That just might spell the end of Lauren on American Idol 2011.

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