NC town hosts celebration for 'Idol's' McCreery

[May 16, 2011]  GARNER, N.C. (AP) -- Thousands of "American Idol" fans have turned out in a small North Carolina town to welcome home finalist Scotty McCreery.

McCreery rode a yellow convertible through the streets of his hometown of Garner on Saturday, blowing kisses. He signed autographs before a scheduled concert. Afterward, he was to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game in nearby Raleigh between N.C. State and Florida State.

The 17-year-old McCreery is one of three semifinalists on "American Idol," and celebrations also are being held for Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alania. One of the three will be voted off the show next week, and the 10th season winner will be named May 26.

McCreery says he was honored by the hometown support and was glad to finally hear Southern accents again.

[Associated Press]

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