‘American Idol’ lovefest continues, but Haley Reinhart underwhelms

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

After last week’s love fest, America was hoping the “American Idol” judges would Simonize their comments — maybe even express a negative opinion.

For the most part, America was disappointed.

“You know, everybody wants us to be tough with you guys,” said judge Jennifer Lopez. “But the truth is, you’re all so damn good!”

Only Wheeling’s Haley Reinhart underwhelmed the panel Wednesday night. Her cover of “Call Me” was “very karaoke,” said Randy Jackson. Lopez began to agree with Jackson, but stopped herself, saying, “I don’t want any of the girls to go home!”

The rest of the top eight:

◆ Paul McDonald drew screams for his “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll.” When he came out in a black version of his trademark rosy suit, I realized that he’s using the classic pickup technique called “peacocking.” And it’s working!

◆ Lauren Alaina stacked the deck, choosing “The Climb” so she could out-sing Miley Cyrus. Mission accomplished. “You move me beyond tears,” said Steven Tyler.

◆ Stefano Langone’s choice of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” was just the thing to remind teenage voters that he’s a one-man boy band. “That was the s---!” said a bleeped-out Lopez.

◆ Scotty McCreery delivered George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” — and a wink or two. “A star is born on this stage!” gushed Jackson.

◆ Wilmette native Casey Abrams stuck to his guns and performed Nat King Cole’s jazzy, spooky “Nature Boy,” despite in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine’s objections. The risk paid off: Abrams reestablished himself as the anti-Idol. “I thought it was absolutely genius,” said Jackson.

◆ Jacob Lusk was chastised by Iovine for “preaching to people” last week and hinting that “America wasn’t ready to look at themselves in the mirror.” He redeemed himself, though, by trading in his corny song choice (“The Impossible Dream”!) for Iovine’s suggestion: “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The last note soared.

◆ James Durbin, who’s already met hero Hulk Hogan onstage, lived out another fantasy: He sang Sammy Hagar’s “Heavy Metal” accompanied by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde.There weren’t any surprises — screeching vocals, check; gratuitous backbend, check — but the audience loved it.

A few times, it was difficult to focus on the contestants’ voices. They had to compete with a full battalion of backup singers, swelling music, and in Alaina’s case, an excitable electric guitar.

They also had to compete with the pulsing star power of J. Lo. Suddenly, she’s everywhere. “American Idol” cuts to her L’Oreal commercials. She shows off her legs in ads for Venus razors; she shows off her 3-year-old twins in ads for Gucci. Her most recent triumph? Host Ryan Seacrest congratulated her on air for being named People magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Woman.

As expected, she was gracious in accepting the worship. She gave a quote to People about being happiest without makeup. And along with diet tips and reminiscences about running a triathlon just six months after giving birth, Lopez admitted frankly, “The thing is, it’s part of my job.”