Whatever Happened To Haley Reinhart?
As the likes of Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson and Katharine McPhee have all proved, you don't need to go all the way on "American Idol" to carve out a glittering career. And Haley Reinhart looked all set to join this exclusive club when she finished third in the 2011 tenth season behind the country music one-two of Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.
Indeed, the Harper College attendee subsequently signed a deal with Interscope, became the first ever "Idol" graduate to make the Lollapalooza bill, and reached the Top 20 with her largely self-penned debut album, "Listen Up!" However, thanks to a mixture of record company woes, personal problems, and the fickle nature of the Simon Cowell machine, Reinhart hasn't troubled the main Billboards charts since.
But while the singer may have struggled to sustain her initial success, she's still very much a fixture of the entertainment scene. From voiceover roles to vintage covers bands, here's a look at what Reinhart has been up to since the mid-2010s.
Haley Reinhart has gone indie
After releasing her first three albums on Interscope, ole, red dot, and Concord Records, respectively, Haley Reinhart decided to get off the label merry-go-round in 2019 and issue her fourth independently. Yes, heavily inspired by her love of all sounds retro, "Lo-Fi Soul" was released through her own Reinhart Records company, and the "American Idol" graduate couldn't have been happier to take on more control.
In an interview with Billboard to promote the LP, Reinhart said, "I put out exactly what I want, when I want. There's no compromising or dumbing down my vision when it comes to the music and my aesthetic — and I own it, too. I've enjoyed working with labels in the past, but it feels good to be at that point in my career where I can do it on my own. It's definitely been more work on the business end... but boy is it worth it."
Reinhart was supported in her efforts by Larry Rudolph, the manager she then shared with a certain Britney Spears. He told the same publication, "If anyone can thrive as an independent artist in today's music space, it's Haley Reinhart. Her unique and undeniable talent, along with her commitment and conviction to her art is unlike anything I have seen in a long time."
Haley Reinhart is now an actor
In 2012, Haley Reinhart made her acting debut in an episode of the first "Beverly Hills, 90210" reboot, although by simply playing herself, it's fair to say the role wasn't much of a stretch. However, the "American Idol" alum has since pushed herself a little further in her sideline as a thespian.
Indeed, in 2020 the performer landed her first film role, and a live-action one at that, when she was cast as Ms. Vox in Robert Rodriguez's caper "We Can Be Heroes." Reinhart, whose character's superhero ability was a sonar scream, told Variety that she was honored to be part of such an inspiring project: "Robert sends out positive and powerful messages to kids and adults alike — reminding us all that we can do anything we set our minds to. I believe that the world needs an optimistic perspective more than ever."
In another chat with The Knockturnal, Reinhart revealed that she has ambitions of being a Bond and Austin Powers girl before adding, "I love the weird parts like 'Girl, Interrupted,' like Angelina Jolie. If I get to play a freaky, crazy role, it could be cool. I'll start off with something more girl next door maybe though."
She is dating another musician
Haley Reinhart began dating another musician in 2015, but sadly for certain "American Idol" shippers, it wasn't Casey Abrams. The pair had constantly been linked during their time on the Fox juggernaut, but both parties have since confirmed that their strong relationship has only ever been strictly platonic.
That isn't the case, however, with Reinhart and hirsute bluesman Drew Dolan. The pair have been together since 2015, gracing the red carpet at the likes of Steven Tyler's annual Grammy Awards viewing party. And they're not afraid to mix business with pleasure, either. In 2019, Dolan proudly shared the news on social media that he'd played the keyboard on his other half's cover version of La Roux's "Bulletproof."
Self-described as a "true traveler" whose sound is a "melting pot of Funk, R&B, Soul and Swampy rock" (via his website), Dolan appears to be something of a spiritual soul. In a 2019 interview with VoyageLA, the singer said, "I am a believer in Joseph Campbell's philosophy that we are all here to 'follow [our] bliss.' It is through my own personal bliss state — the writing and performing of original music — that my offering is made."
The singer joined a vintage covers band
Haley Reinhart made her name performing everything from Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" to Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" during her 2011 run on "American Idol." So you could say that joining a covers band would be an obvious next step. Of course, Postmodern Jukebox is no ordinary covers band.
A collective that's boasted over 200 different performers since its formation in 2011, including a sad clown named Puddles, Scott Bradlee's brainchild has become something of a web phenomenon thanks to its retro-styled renditions of contemporary pop hits. And in 2015, Reinhart joined the fold with distinctive takes on Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass," Tove Lo's "Habits" and Radiohead's "Creep," the latter of which has racked up more than 100 million YouTube views.
The singer also toured across Europe, Australia, and North America with the band before roping in Bradlee for her 2017 third studio effort. Rather aptly, "What's That Sound?" was also a nostalgic affair which saw Reinhart pay homage to her favorite songs of the 1960s. When asked by Atwood Magazine about how the pair first connected, Reinhart replied, "I sat in one night at a club called Hyde, a residency they had going in L.A. After I got up, Scott said, 'We should really do some videos and touring together.' The feeling was mutual."
Haley Reinhart has been courted by major names
As well as becoming an integral member of Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Haley Reinhart has also been courted by everyone from Dutch house duos to much-loved Oscar nominees since leaving the world of "American Idol" firmly behind. 2018 was a particularly fruitful year when it came to collaborations. Not only did Reinhart provide guest vocals on Vicetone's "Something Strange" and open for Steven Tyler; she also duetted with none other than "Jurassic Park" star Jeff Goldblum!
Yes, the Wheeling, Illinois native joined the actor on covers of Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares for Me" and The King Cole Trio's "Gee Baby (Ain't I Good to You)" for his debut album "The Capitol Studio Sessions." The pair showcased their natural chemistry with a performance of the former track on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," too, while Reinhart also presented Goldblum with the Man of Style award at the InStyle Awards. When asked by Daily Bruin what it's like working with the star, Reinhart responded, "He is just as fascinating a person as he is an actor. What you see is what you get. He's never really putting anything on — he's just as wacky and fascinated by the world as he appears to be."
The year previously, Reinhart had lent her talents to tracks on trumpeters Irvin Mayfield and Kermit Ruffins' LP, "A Beautiful World," while in 2016 she'd joined forces with fellow talent show alum Casey Abrams on an EP, "Tales from the Gingerbread House."
Haley Reinhart was found guilty of battery
"A very unfortunate circumstance." That's how Haley Reinhart described the 2017 incident which led to her being charged with and found guilty of a battery count (via TheWrap). The trouble began when cops were called out one particular night to the Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille in Illinois over some unruly guests — Reinhart and others "were asked to leave after knocking over a table," per the outlet. And it was then that Reinhart was reported to have punched a security guard in the head.
The "We Can Be Heroes" star claimed, through her attorney, that she'd been the victim in the case. But the judge believed her testimony to be "evasive, argumentative, and sometimes implausible" (via TheWrap). As a result, Reinhart was fined roughly $650, although she was also told that her conviction would be cleared within two years if she avoided any more run-ins with the law. Bouncer Adam Sobanski was also sentenced to anger management counseling and probation for his involvement after being found guilty of aggravated battery.
The Postmodern Jukebox regular later insisted to TMZ that this had been a miscarriage of justice: "I didn't see it going this way. The judge was wrong in his interpretation and had a cold and unfortunate perspective on the case."
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
The multi-hyphenate is also a voiceover artist
Just like eternal pre-teen Bart Simpson, "F Is For Family" resident 12-year-old boy Bill Murphy is also voiced by a fully-grown woman. Yes, that's former "American Idol" star Haley Reinhart's dulcet tones you can hear in Bill Burr's foul-mouthed Netflix animation as the bullied Charlie Brown-esque figure.
In a 2019 interview with the Dallas Observer, Reinhart revealed that she spent much of her youth preparing for such a role: "I grew up doing Cartman [of 'South Park'] a lot for my friends, that was pretty fun. I mostly make up a lot of my own whacky voices. I'm actually super inspired by Mo Collins from her 'Mad TV' days, and now I get to work with her and she's a good friend of mine, so that's pretty full-circle."
Collins plays numerous characters in the dark comedy, including Bill's bully Jimmy Fitzsimmons, Sue's boss Vivian Saunders, and widower Brandy Dunbarton. Reinhart might not be on her idol's level yet, but she does occasionally pull double duty, too. She additionally provides the voice of patriarch Frank Murphy in his younger years.
Haley Reinhart likes to pay it forward
Haley Reinhart has continued to pay things forward ever since she first appeared on the tenth season of "American Idol." In 2016, for example, she staged a benefit show in her native Illinois to help the Erin's Law and PAVE organizations develop a multimedia curriculum on the prevention of sexual abuse.
Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, the "F Is For Family" star revealed that it was a cause close to her heart. She said, "[It's] something I've really wanted to put energy and time into since I was a young girl. Plus, April happens to be Sexual Assault Awareness month. I'm just happy to be a part of it."
A year later, she graced the stage of Rally Idol, an event designed to boost funds for research into childhood cancer, and the fourth annual Pongo Environmental Awards. While in 2020, Reinhart performed at money-raising efforts for the Australian bushfires and homeless charity Homeward Bound. In a 2017 interview with StarryMag, she said, "Helping people has always been one of my callings. If I can brighten somebody's day in even the slightest way, I've done my job. I appreciate them and want to continue to move them."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Her obsession with touring
Although Haley Reinhart had appeared on the "American Idols LIVE!" tour in the wake of her talent show stint and joined Postmodern Jukebox on several global treks, it wasn't until 2016 that she hit the road for her own run of headline shows in aid of sophomore album "Better."
The "Free" singer has since made up for lost time, launching tours to support her 2017 third album, "What's That Sound?," and 2019 follow-up "Lo-Fi Soul." And in a chat with the Dallas Observer in the middle of the latter, Reinhart admitted that she'd well and truly caught the performing bug: "I'm obsessed with touring right now. I'm in love with my band, they're mostly new guys and they're flawless musicians."
Unfortunately, Reinhart had also caught an actual bug at the start of the tour, as she explained: "I was the sickest I think I've ever been, so it was a crazy rough beginning where I was crossing my fingers and saying a prayer, but they really just stepped it up and we worked it out, and it came together kind of miraculously. And now I'm just straight cruising."
Haley Reinhart has achieved an 'extra' gold record
Haley Reinhart scored something of a viral hit in 2015 when her rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" was chosen to soundtrack a Wrigley's Extra Gum commercial. Titled "The Story of Sarah and Juan," the campaign video racked up 20 million views on YouTube and helped the "American Idol" alum enter Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart for the first time.
Speaking to Billboard about how the audio and visuals complemented each other, Reinhart said, "It was a nice, pleasant surprise, because you have to really get an intimate vibe, and Extra is all about the small moments that lead up to the big finale and one journey of life and love. I wanted to make it sound as if I was talking to or whispering to a loved one next to me, that kind of vibe." The singer's ASMR-friendly treatment also resulted in a Women in Sync Award and a Clio Award for best use of music in a short form film.
But perhaps the most unique distinction that her homage to The King (which also featured fellow talent show contestant Casey Abrams playing the piano) received was an 'Extra' gold record. Yes, to say thanks for helping their ad go stratospheric, the chewing gum company presented Reinhart with a special personalized disc celebrating half-a-million sales.
Haley Reinhart is coming for Mariah's Christmas crown
Watch out, Mariah Carey. Judging by how much she's immersed herself in the holiday season, it looks as though Haley Reinhart has eyes on the diva's Queen of Christmas crown.
The "American Idol" graduate first embraced all things yuletide in 2011 when she teamed up with fellow talent show contestant Casey Abrams on a cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Four years later, she headed into the studio to record "Santa, I Just Want You," an original track for Hallmark Channel film "Crown for Christmas," co-penned by its director Alex Zamm.
In 2018, Reinhart performed the National Anthem at San Diego's annual SDCCU Holiday Bowl, and the following year, she dropped three festive tracks in quick succession, "Santa Baby," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Christmas Song." Even her brief detour into stand-up comedy couldn't pass without a seasonal reference. While performing on Mo Collins' improvisational show "Mo and Tell" at Los Angeles' IO West Comedy Club in 2015, the "American Idol" graduate regaled audiences with a scary but amusing story about a pre-Christmas flight back home.
She's keeping it in the family
As well as working alongside her fellow musician boyfriend Drew Dolan, Haley Reinhart has also invited several members of her family to join her in the studio previously.
The talent show graduate first asked her mother Patti and father Harry to provide backing vocals and guitar parts, respectively, on her 2017 third LP, "What's That Sound?" The covers album had been largely inspired by the vintage rock anthems that her parents performed in their '60s tribute act, Midnight. Three years later, Reinhart once again made things a family affair when she roped in her folks on a rendition of Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart."
In a interview with Vents magazine, the singer revealed how much fun it was to be back in the studio with her loved ones: "One of my favorite moments recording was right at the end of our final session in L.A. We all grabbed a bunch of crazy percussive instruments and jammed out as the song built through the last chord... It was spontaneous and a total group effort. I'll never forget being in the round like that jumping around, getting into a groove, and laughing with each other... That's what it's all about!"
How Haley Reinhart stayed inspired during lockdown
Early lockdown life appeared to suit Haley Reinhart down to the ground, judging by the interview she gave to Lapalme Magazine in 2020. When asked about whether her creative streak had been stifled during the beginning of the pandemic, the "American Idol" graduate replied that her creativity had, in fact, blossomed.
Reinhart said, "This has been a great time to check in with friends and family and also go within to do some more soul searching. I'm feeling inspired and reacquainting myself with my short and long term goals as an artist. We are living through some seriously wild times, and I feel as though I'm here to continue to put out empowering messages to the universe and all of you listening out there!"
As well as reacquainting herself with various goals, the singer also managed to enjoy some downtime. And it seems as though Reinhart really is the free-spirited hippie she's always presented herself as, telling Lapalme: "My hobbies include taking walks around the neighborhood, literally smelling the roses, learning guitar, laying in the sun, playing vinyl and dancing around my casa lighting Palo Santo to purify and cleanse energy my space!"
Haley Reinhart has built up an impressive net worth
Haley Reinhart might have finished in third place behind Lauren Alaina on Season 10 of the world-conquering talent show "American Idol." But according to Celebrity Net Worth, she now has nearly twice as much money in the bank as the runner-up.
Yes, thanks to sales of her four studio albums, five-season spell on "F Is For Family," and role in Netflix movie "We Can Be Heroes" — not to mention a lucrative tie-in with Wrigley's Extra Gum, prestigious collaborations, and various touring commitments — the former Harper College student has amassed an estimated fortune of $1.5 million since leaving the Fox juggernaut. That's a cool $700,000 more than Alaina. Of course, both figures pale in comparison to the money that their season winner Scotty McCreery has allegedly made since 2011. The same site claims that the country singer has a whopping $4 million to his name.
Haley Reinhart is satisfied with her path. She said on Rick Glassman's "Take Your Shoes Off" podcast, "I have my own agreement where I can't do anything inauthentic. That's why I'm here; that's why I'm not signed with a major label... it's why I'm not selling my soul. It's why I'm doing the music I am, and it's why it's taken me slower to climb the ladder that some have just taken an escalator to. I've made that peace and that decision within myself."