Parade or pass? Haley finds out tonight

When Haley Reinhart gets mad, she gets even.

The Wheeling native was once again the only contestant who heard a shred of criticism for her song choice on "American Idol" Wednesday night.

Once again, she channeled her fury into a performance that brought the judges to their feet.

Reinhart led off the "Songs that Inspire" round with a heartfelt take on Michael Jackson's "Earth Song." She seemed to feel each word of the song, and while it wasn't her best performance, it was by no means the worst vocal of the night.

Not that you could tell by the judges' comments.

Randy Jackson in particular ripped into Reinhart.

"The song doesn't really suit you or fit you, he said. "You were at the top of your vocal range and it was verging on screaming."

Reinhart, perhaps weary of being critiqued when the remaining other Idols are given a free pass, fought back.

"That wasn't the top of my range, I was just feeling it," she said.

Still it had to sting when host Ryan Seacrest asked Jackson who won the first round and he listed everyone - except Reinhart.

But exhibiting that same steely-eyed resolve that allowed her to claw back last week, Reinhart came back with a vocal masterpiece.

Maybe it was the influence of mentor Lady Gaga, who Reinhart seemed to have an instant connection with, because Reinhart emerged the clear winner of the second round.

Her "I (Who Have Nothing)" earned Reinhart her third standing ovation of the season and finally, finally the judges' response seemed in line with what Reinhart delivered.

"This is why we can't take it easy on you, baby," Lopez said. "Look what you're capable of! That was amazing. One of the best performances of the year."

Jackson agreed.

"Everybody needs a moment tonight," he said "You just had a moment right here. ... This is what you have to do, and you did it."

Steven Tyler, the only judge to defend Reinhart's first song choice, went one step further.

"This was a classic moment with classic Haley," he said. "You just Reinharted yourself into the middle of next week."

Wednesday's show opened with a montage of past hometown visits. Front and center was reigning Idol Lee Dewyze, overwhelmed by the crowd in Mount Prospect.

Will Reinhart get her own parade? Tonight's top three finishers will be honored in their home towns this weekend. We'll find out tonight starting at 7 p.m. on Fox