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‘Idol’ finalists cheered at hometown rallies

Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks all returned to their hometowns and received warm welcomes from fans of their “American Idol” exploits.
/ Source: Access Hollywood

Before she became an “American Idol” finalist, Melinda Doolittle was a mascot at Belmont University in Tennessee cheering on athletes at her school.

This time around, she was on the receiving end of some big-time cheering Friday when she and the other “Idol” finalists got some love from their hometowns.

She had on that surprised look she usually does when she has praise heaped on her.

Doolittle told the audience the gathering was “probably one of the most amazing things” she has ever experienced.

Oddly enough, her mom told the gathering her daughter couldn’t carry a tune until after she was in the sixth grade.

In Seattle, Blake Lewis was joined by rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot for his rally.

And in Glendale, Ariz., some 5,000 fans turned out in 100-degree heat to see Jordin Sparks. Despite the warm temps, some fans waited up to five hours to see her.

She said she hopes that she will make them proud next week.