Haley Reinhart is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. She gained widespread recognition after placing third in the tenth season of the reality singing competition American Idol in 2010. Her journey in the entertainment industry reflects a blend of musical talent, creativity, and a passion for performance that has resonated with audiences across the globe.
Born on September 9, 1990, in Wheeling, Illinois, Haley was raised in a musically inclined family, with her father, Harry Reinhart, being a former member of a band and her mother, Patti Miller-Reinhart, fostering her artistic interests. Her early exposure to music led her to develop a distinctive style that combines elements of rock, jazz, and pop. After participating in local talent shows and honing her craft, she made her way to the national stage with American Idol, where her renditions of classic songs earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Following her success on American Idol, Reinhart signed a recording contract with Interscope Records in July 2011. She released her debut album, Listen Up!, on May 22, 2012, which received positive reviews and showcased her versatility as an artist. Notably, she became the first alumna from American Idol to perform at the iconic music festival Lollapalooza. Reinhart’s career took another significant turn in 2015 when she joined Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, gaining further acclaim for her jazz cover of Radiohead's "Creep," which spent an impressive 58 consecutive weeks on Billboard's Jazz Digital Songs chart.
In addition to her work with Postmodern Jukebox, Reinhart captured the hearts of many with her rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," featured in a commercial for Extra Gum. The cover became a viral hit, peaking at number 16 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2023. This success was complemented by a Cannes Lion for Entertainment and a Clio Award awarded in 2016.
Haley's discography continued to expand with her second studio album, Better, released on April 29, 2016, which debuted at number 22 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart. The album was supported by a summer headlining tour in the United States and a subsequent European leg in 2017. Her third album, What's That Sound?, was released on September 22, 2017, featuring the lead single "Baby It's You," and further solidified her presence in the music industry with another headlining solo tour later that year.
In 2018, Reinhart showcased her versatility by collaborating with Jeff Goldblum on his debut album, The Capitol Studios Sessions, and lending her voice to Vicetone's single "Something Strange," which reached number 23 on Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts. She continued to release music, including the standalone single "Last Kiss Goodbye," which charted on Billboard's Jazz Digital Songs chart.
Her fourth studio album, Lo-Fi Soul, was released on March 27, 2019, and featured several singles, including "Don't Know How to Love You." Reinhart embarked on a North American tour to promote the album in the fall of 2019. In September 2022, she released her EP titled "Off the Ground," followed by a continuation of her tour in early 2023.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Reinhart made her voice acting debut in the animated comedy F Is for Family in 2015, where she voiced the character Bill Murphy throughout the series. She later made her live-action acting debut in the 2020 film We Can Be Heroes. Today, Haley Reinhart continues to be an influential figure in the music industry, known for her unique sound and artistic versatility, captivating fans with every new project she undertakes.