May 14th, 2011 was proclaimed Scotty McCreery Day in Garner, N.C. as the American Idol contestant returned home for his official Homecoming visit.
The 17-year-old McCreery flew home aboard a private jet just hours after finding out he was a part of the Top 3 in the 10th season of American Idol.
The first stop for McCreery was his hometown country radio station, WQDR. Then, it was off to a local AT&T store, his high school, and his old employer Lowe’s Foods. At 2:00pm, there was a parade in his honor followed by a short concert at 3:00pm. Thousands of people were in attendance.
After the concert, McCreery threw the first pitch at a baseball game between N.C. State and Florida State in Raleigh. The young man even made an appearance at his prom. It seems that he was able to slip through a back door at the Crabtree Marriott Hotel to join his classmates.
The 10th season winner of American Idol will be named on May 26.
In May of 2003, Clay Aiken celebrated his Idol success by visiting his hometown of Raleigh, N.C. Some of the events of the weekend included a visit to the YMCA where Clay worked at before AI, a wonderful BBQ at his Mom’s house, and a performance of the National Anthem at a Durham Bulls baseball.
It was fun looking up pictures and videos of Clay’s exciting homecoming in 2003. Did you see the celebration on AI?
I love homecoming week on AI. The kids have worked so hard all season that it's a special moment after everything they've been through.
Clay looked so adorable at his homecoming. You can see he was having the time of his life! Thanks for the cute pictures and video. 🙂
That was so much fun to see Clay's "Coming Home" video! Thanks musicfan! What a treat! I'd forgotten it!
I haven't watched AI in years, but Scotty seems nice…I just don't care for that type of music. I wish him well. I loved watching the video from Clay's going back home in 2003…I haven't seen that one in years…Loved it. He really didn't have any idea of what to expect going home with all the people..You can see the excitement, and amazement of it all. Clay is so comfortable when in front of crowds. Not so much in crowds, but in front…Thanks Musicfan.
All I can say is Thank God for Diane Buble and family. Loved another trip down memory lane. Thanks CANN.
Home-Coming Week is probably so special to the people at AI. Scotty seems like a very nice kid..but, unfortunately, I have never cared for Country Music that much. But, I wish him all the best. Clay looked so adorable when he was getting off the plane…especially when he said about all the cheering for him…"I could get used to this." Thanks so much for that video…I can't remember if I ever saw that one…and, I have been around since 2003.
Love the " do you remember" scenario. Actually, I've never watched that particular video before, nor have I seen a lot of what was shown in it. It was such a joy to see Clay take in the love of the crowds. He could hardly contain his happiness. It certainly was an emotional and wonderful homecoming for him.
Thank you CANN for the great video of Clay Aiken's home coming, I had not seen it before, what a cutie!
I had not watched the video of Clay coming home in so long. It was so great to see it again. Clay was adorable then and continues to be. Thanks so much for posting it.
I'm sure Scotty had a much better idea of what to expect than Clay did in 2003. I love the first screencap and the joyful excitement on his face. His expression reminds me of a little kid who just got the big present he asked Santa for.
Hey — What did say wrong to have a minus one (-1) by my homecoming comment? It's a very positive comment. I'm perplexed!
hopefulee……no idea about the minus. I would assume somebody was fooling around…but I just gave you a thumbs up and erased the minus!!
I will try and keepa better eye on the ratings!!