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Team coverageIt was a huge homecoming for singing sensation David Archuleta. The "American Idol" finalist was greeted by thousands of people as he made several stops in the Salt Lake Valley Friday, just days before the next elimination on the TV show.
Archuleta capped off his busy day by singing the National Anthem at the Jazz-Lakers game Friday night, and it looks like this new hometown hero brought the hometown team some luck. They're both going to bed as big winners, regardless of what happens in the coming weeks.
He is the biggest singing sensation to come out of Utah since the Osmonds: David Archuleta. He came back to Utah Friday to meet fans.
David started his short visit to Utah at FOX 13 studios talking about how amazing his whole experience has been so far on "American Idol."
From his first audition to now, David says he's tried to stay himself. "I've just always been myself, just kind of the goof, airhead David," he said.
After a couple of stops at local radio stations, David headed to The Gateway in Salt Lake. He arrived in a huge limousine, and as he pulled up, his fans just went crazy. A lot of them were young girls there with their parents. They missed school just to get a picture or a quick glance at David.
He went to the mall to sign autographs. Those waiting in line waiting for him say they thought it was so important to be there. "He's fantastic. … I love the pure singing talent," one woman said.
A young girl said, "Well, he has a great voice. He's very funny and shy and really cute."
We also got a chance to talk to David. "I cannot believe it. I cannot believe how many people came. I just, I can't believe it. I didn't know this many people would show. Oh my gosh!" he said.
At one point, David turned around and was wiping tears away because he was just so overwhelmed.
His mother, Lupe Archuleta, said, "It's overwhelming in a great way because he's living his dream."
Friday afternoon, a huge pep rally was held for David at Murray High School, his high school. Thousands of friends, family and fans were at the school's football field wearing shirts and carrying signs declaring David Utah's American Idol.
He entered the stadium in a parade, with his mom sitting beside him waving to the crowd. People were so excited they ran after the convertible.
As for the fans, they just wanted to get a glimpse of their idol and wish him well in the final stages of competition. They say if he goes all the way and wins the competition, they'll be very excited. But what if he doesn't? "Then he'll still be a hero. He'll still be so good!" one fan said.
David performed three of his big hits from the season for the crowd, including "Stand By Me" and "Imagine." Gov. Jon Huntsman and Murray City Mayor Daniel Snarr both read proclamations proclaiming Friday "David Archuleta Day."
The young idol seems genuinely overwhelmed by the turnout and all the attention and repeatedly thanked everyone for coming out. That's one of the things fans kept mentioning: his humility and how he's just a shy, quiet guy from Murray who just happens to be able to sing.
David will be back on the American Idol stage Tuesday, with an elimination Wednesday. The show's finale is coming up on May 21.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
