Georgia Welcomes Home 'American Idol' Star With Hometown Parade

DALLAS, GA – Georgia's "American Idol" star, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, 19, was welcomed home Tuesday night by thousands of "Hutch Puppies" and fans of all ages with a parade in his honor. "Hutch" rode in the back of a pickup truck, next to his parents, waving to fans and pointing to people he knew in the crowd.

The parade started at Hardee Street and winded through downtown, ending at the historic Paulding County Courthouse. That's where Hutchinson greeted fans and treated them to a concert.

Dallas Mayor Boyd Austin Jr. surprised everyone before the concert, and said, "Welcome to Dallas, Georgia, the home of the next American Idol." He announced that May 15, 2018, was officially Caleb Lee Hutchinson Day in Dallas.

Austin also presented Hutch with a key to the city and a commendation by Governor Nathan Deal.

"Hey guys," Hutch said as he addressed the cheering crowd. "I don't even know what to say, oh my gosh. I don't think I've ever seen this many people gather anywhere. I don't know if there's really words that would fit how I'm feeling right now. I am so overwhelmed and so grateful. Thank you all so much for coming out here. I never imagined I would have this much support. And you guys have been so great about voting for me and everything, getting me to the top three. So I figure, we're in the top three, we might as well try to make it to number one, right?

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"I wanted to tell you all, I love you," he continued. "I appreciate you more than you will ever know. Guys, follow your dreams in this life because sometimes you take a chance and then something lands like this. And I just have to thank God for it. "

After a quick setup, Hutch put on his guitar with the already famous "CLH" adorning the strap.

"I'm going to try and sing," he warned. "I was so choked up on the back of that truck, I don't know if I can make anything come out."

Bringing things full circle, Hutch's first song of the concert was the one he auditioned with, the Steeldrivers' "If it hadn't been for love."

Earlier in the day, Hutch started off his brief visit back home from Hollywood with a 7 a.m. interview on 94.9 The Bull. At 8 a.m., he went to WSBTV, where he was interviewed and toured the station. Hutch continued his busy day with a return to South Paulding High School, where he was a student just last year. The school treated the former Spartan with a shower of red and gold during an all-out pep rally.

An "American Idol" film crew followed Hutch around all day and will feature a montage of highlights on the show when he returns to Hollywood next Sunday, May 20, for the two-day finale.

After making it to the final three contestants last Sunday, Hutch will face Maddie Poppe and Gabby Barrett this week for all the marbles.

Track Caleb Lee Hutchinson's "American Idol" progress here:

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Photos by Patch Editor John Barker