Casey Abrams wows on ‘American Idol’ with Joe Cocker song

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Wilmette native Casey Abrams continues to lead the “American Idol” field Wednesday night, singing Joe Cocker’s signature “With a Little Help From My Friends” — which he first heard on the TV show “The Wonder Years.” Jennifer Lopez grabbed fellow judge Randy Jackson’s leg, “and I was like, ‘What am I watching right now?’” she said. “I am watching somebody important.” Steven Tyler piped in with “rainbow of talent” and “plethora of passion.”

Chicago’s other hopefuls showed off their versatility. Wheeling’s Haley Reinhart managed to both yodel and be sexy with LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue.” And Naima Adedapo, who’s from Maywood, put her own spin on Rihanna’s “Umbrella” — and had the good luck to work with the producer of the original, Tricky. “You got fire, girl!” shouted Lopez.

Paige Wiser, TV critic