American Idol finalists go home...
Everywhere they go, American Idol contestants attract a crowd of admirers, well-wishers, gushy handmade signs and screams fit for a vintage Beatle. But when it comes to feting finalists, home is where the 'I (heart) you' is. In what's become an annual Idol rite of passage, the remaining three contestants – David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado and David Cook headed to their respective hometowns Friday for a dose of family and the inevitably intense local rah-rah routine, showing just how stirred up communities get when one of their own shines on TV's biggest stage.
Children are pulled from school. Elected officials make grand declarations. Pro sports teams clear the national-anthem calendar. Motorcades roll.
In Murray, Utah, Archuleta was greeted by the same sound that reaches the Idol stage every time he steps on it – screaming girls. There was no shortage of caterwauling Friday, from the cheerleaders who greeted him outside the KSTU-TV studios, to the students at Murray High School (where Archuleta is a junior) and intermixed among the thousands of people gathered for a glimpse at The Gateway, a Salt Lake City mall.
At the Murray High football stadium, many people wore T-shirts that read, 'I Voted For David Archuleta'.
"This is the biggest thing ever for Murray," said 12-year-old Marnie Hartbrecht. She and two friends explained how they get together as often as possible to watch the show and vote for the 17-year-old, lining up about seven cell phones for maximum effect.
The trio held a sign that said: 'I (heart) you David.' Another group held a sign above their heads that read: 'Future wife(s)' with arrows pointing to each.
Earlier in the day, Archuleta appeared for an interview at the Salt Lake City Fox affiliate, KSTU-TV. ''Wow!'' the pint-sized crooner exclaimed as he took stock of the cheerleading squad outside his stretch limousine.
