I did something today that I thought I would never get the chance to do. I attended an American Idol homecoming celebration. Top 3 contestant, Angie Miller came back to her hometown, Beverly MA this weekend.
A picturesque seaside town about 30 miles north of Boston, the folks their rolled out the red carpet excitedly for Angie.
I found a spot on the parade route that wasn’t very crowded and waited. There were families, kids with signs leading cheers, cops directing traffic. The parade was supposed to begin at 3 pm., but of course, by then FOX was running way late. It was going on 4 pm when Angie left a meet and greet and Centerville elementary school. She passed us in the American Idol limo, going in the other direction on the way to the parade start
Finally, we could hear the sirens. Police and firetrucks were first. An army troupe (probably the local National Guard?), a drill team made of of little girls dressed in blue, A marching band, and then finally Angie sitting on top of a mustang. It was a pretty short parade, but I did manage to catch it on film. Sorta.
After, I hopped in the car and made my way over to the high school. I didn’t think I’d find a place to park. But I did! Mostly because it was incredibly and totally illegal. So much so, I had a tiny fear I’d be towed. But I figured local law enforcement would be otherwise engaged and cut me some slack. They did!
There were a lot more people at the high school compared to my spot on the parade route. Check out the photos below. I didn’t venture down on to the field, because, frankly–I hate crowds. But I could hear just fine.
After giving Angie the key to the city, she performed 5 songs, including, “Titanium,” “Halo,” “Love Came Down,” “Who U R”,” “Home,” and her original “Set Me Free”.
Angie had a full band made up of her brother and friends, and she did sit at the piano for a couple of numbers.
Thanks to Sandy aka Boston Cookie for the HQ Vids!
- Check out the Boston.com live blog with LOTS of photos Click Here.
- Report from Wicked Local
- Angie Met her Fans at Beverly High School HERE
- Estimated 20K showed up for Angie yesterday HERE.
- A photo of the crowd HERE.
WATCH FOR UPDATES INCLUDING HQ VIDS
Titanium
Halo
Love Came Down
Who U R
Home
You Set Me Free
Parade – Marching Band
Parade – Angie’s Car
Entire Parade from the Salem News