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(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Paul Nelson reporting
Our hometown boy, David Archuleta, has been spending a lot of time away from his friends while competing on American Idol, but he could be coming back to visit very soon.
If you ask students at Murray High School, the luster hasn't faded from David Archuleta's star. I asked one student, "Do you call in and vote, or not so much?" She assured me, "I call and vote, yeah." Another student said, "I think he's going to win. I think he's the best one on there."
However, others tell me they're not so sure he'll be the next American Idol, even though they think he'll still go pretty far.
One boy told me, "I think he'll get signed either way, win or lose." I asked one girl, "David Cook, he's looking tough to beat, what do you think?" She answered, "Yeah, I think it will come down to those two."
Here's the problem the city of Murray is facing. They've been told to be ready for a homecoming episode for the top three contestants. Currently, four contestants remain. So, they're waiting to hear those four magic words tomorrow night: "David, you are safe."
Whether Archuleta hears those words or not, Murray is planning to hold some sort of celebration Friday afternoon, tentatively at Murray High School. City officials expect the turnout to be huge.
Murray City Mayor's Chief of Staff, Jan Wells, said, "Probably, those are good words to describe it, I'd say huge and massive."
Wells says they're kind of in "hurry up and wait" mode. They have to prepare the spectacle without knowing exactly what American Idol will agree to. She says they've been getting ready for this kind of thing for a few weeks. "There are a lot of people who are very interested in David and who may wish to participate. What we're trying to do is make it open and accessible the best we can."
Wells says she doesn't think they'll have to shut traffic down, but never say never. After the homecoming, David will be rushed to the Energy Solutions Arena.
Murray School District spokeswoman D. Wright said, "David has been asked to sing the National Anthem at the Jazz game Friday Night. He needs to be there at about 6:15. You're hearing it here first."
As for the exact details of what this celebration will entail, Wright was not at liberty to say, yet. So, I pressed her for facts on another important topic. I asked, "What is up with Paula Abdul?" She responded, "You think I know?
Wright says she will announce details of the homecoming later today.
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
