Alejandro Aranda American Idol Hometown Visit Highlights (VIDEO)

Pomona California rolled out the red carpet for Alejandro Aranda, declaring Tuesday “Alejandro Aranda Day.”

The singer/songwriter, a Top 3 contestant along with Laine Hardy and Madison VandenBurg on American Idol, headed to his hometown on Tuesday for the traditional “hometown visit” ahead of Sunday’s (May 19) finale. Clips from the visit will air during the episode.

There was an afternoon parade that led up to the historic Fox theater. The mayor made a personal presentation of Alejandro, followed by a few concert on an outdoor stage constructed right in front of the theater. Alejandro also made a stop at the Folk Music Center owned by musician Ben Harper, which his grandparents started. Alejandro and Harper jammed a bit before the singer left the store.

Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval declared it “Alejandro Aranda Day” in honor of American Idol finalist Alejandro Aranda. Check out photos from the event. There’s more HERE.

Aranda addressed the crowd briefly, beginning: “Show or no show, this is a community.”

After a break, he was introduced by musician Ben Harper of Claremont as “a once-in-a-generation artist, and he’s from the 909.” Aranda and Harper performed “There Will Be a Light,” the Harper song on which they had duetted on TV. Then Aranda did six of his own songs on guitar and piano.

“I’m trying to play for you all. They’re trying to make a TV show,” Aranda joked. “(Expletive) that.” You won’t see or hear that on TV, I’m sure.

“It kind of feels surreal” Alejandro told ABC7 “But I’m going to embrace it,” he said. He promises a “big surprise” at the finale. Hm.

Correction: Sisters identified as Alejandro’s sister’s are actually not his family! However, still read more about his day at the Daily Bulletin

Performances from the concert!

Ben Harper introduces Alejandro

Ben calls Alejandro a “Once in a generation artist” before the two perform together.

There Will Be a Light

Alejandro Aranda – Out Loud

Alejandro Aranda – AMAZING JAM SESSION

He plays four or five songs in a stream of consciousness style

Alejandro Aranda – I Won’t Fall in Love Tonight

Alejandro Aranda – Millennial Love

Alejandro Aranda – 10 Years

Cholo Love

The Mayor declares “Alejandro Aranda Day”

About mj santilli 34831 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!