Idol Chatter & Voice Views

I haven’t seen an official announcement of any sort, but everyone from Billboard to MTV is reporting that Haley Reinhart has been signed by Interscope Records.

That would confirm what’s been rumored since even before the Idol finale — that sometime in 2011, we’re likely to get an album of new music from the 20-year-old who finished third on Season 10 of American Idol.

Don’t look for a quick confirmation from Haley herself.  Unlike some of the Idols, she’s not a frequent tweeter. (Lauren Alaina, for instance, just tweeted that she’s completed five songs for her album).

Personally, I can’t wait to hear original music from Haley. Her near-elimination to near-finalist journey on Idol was one of my all-time favorites. I still think she should have been opposite Scotty McCreery in the finale. I still think she was one of the most improved Idol contestants ever over the course of a season.

But, for that very reason, I also hope I have to wait a while to hear that new music.

That Interscope takes its time and, more importantly, makes sure Haley has time to make that debut album something special.

No disrespect to Scotty or Lauren, but they’re going to have an easier time getting a listen on country radio than Haley will on Top 40 radio or any other format.

Look at what’s happened to the first single from Pia Toscano. Her early ouster was bemoaned by Idol fans far and wide. But as of this morning that single, “This Time,” released just two weeks ago, isn’t even among the top 200 downloaded songs on iTunes.

Haley’s got the looks and charisma of a star. She’s got the stage presence to slink sultry circles around the aforementioned Pia.

But force her to rush release something along the lines of … oh, let’s say Bo Bice’s “The Real Thing,” which was anything but … and everything that’s special about Haley will be lost.

Take care with that growl, Interscope, and we’ll all be in for a treat.