American Idol finalists go home...
In Bradenton, about halfway between St Petersburg and Sarasota, hundreds of fans including schoolchildren who were bussed in by the dozen awaited the arrival of Mercado. Manatee County Commissioner Gwen Brown whipped the crowd into a frenzy by setting a few things straight. Most importantly, she said, Mercado belongs to Manatee County not Sarasota, as her hometown is listed on the show's website.
"She is our girl," Brown said, asserting that Mercado went to high school at Sarasota's Booker High, but lived in Manatee County. "We just loaned her to Sarasota for a few hours a day."
Running about half an hour late, the 21-year-old's entourage finally showed up a sport utility vehicle stretch limo and Manatee County sheriff's cars carrying friends and family.
In Kansas City, the crowds withstood wind and drizzle for a glimpse of the shaggy-haired and raggedy-voiced rocker Cook, a native of the suburb of Blue Springs. His hometown tour during a day which Missouri and Kansas City officials declared David Cook Day started bright and early with TV appearances on the local Fox affiliate, followed by his late-morning appearance at the Power & Light District.
''What are you guys doing here?'' Cook said, teasing the screaming crowd. ''Guys, thank you, seriously. I don't know what else to say. This is the coolest day of my life.''
Fans sang along loudly as Cook performed Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer and a rocked-out version of Mariah Carey's Always Be My Baby, taking over the lyrics at times while Cook strummed his guitar and grinned.
''So, do you guys watch the show, seriously?'' Cook asked between tunes. ''Man, you guys are fantastic.''
