Fantasia Barrino received the second-lowest vote total this week on “American Idol,” but she got nothing but love from the fans on a visit home.
Barrino emerged in tears from a stretch sport utility vehicle when she pulled into her hometown Thursday. Police estimated 3,000 people showed up to give her support and compare conspiracy theories.
The 19-year-old almost got booted on Wednesday’s episode of the Fox singing competition. The viewer-vote results shocked the studio audience and the panel of judges who thought she and La Toya London — who got the least votes and her walking papers — performed far better than remaining singers Jasmine Trias and Diana DeGarmo.
High Point resident Joan McCorkle voted six times for Barrino in the latest round.
“Fox needs to tell how many calls each contestant got, and they need to leave the lines open longer because not enough people could get through,” she said.
City officials gave Barrino a key to the city, and the High Point City Council and Guilford County Board of Commissioners read proclamations of support.
The visit was capped by an afternoon performance at Providence Place’s First Wesleyan Church, where Barrino sang “Something to Talk About,” Bonnie Raitt’s 1991 hit single, to cheers from the crowd.
She returned the compliment: “I love y’all! Thank you all so much!” she said. “We’re almost there! We’re almost there!”
The finale is May 25-26, when one singer wins the “Idol” crown and a record contract.