Adam Lambert's old high school greeted the "Idol" front-runner with cheerleaders, a marching band and thousands of fans on Friday.
In return, Lambert, 27, offered the crowd at Mt. Carmel High School two songs and a few words of appreciation.
"This is so weird," he said, thanking the crowd from a makeshift stage on the packed stadium's field. He advised students to "believe in yourself" no matter what others may say.
Lambert's renditions of Michael Jackson's "Black or White" and "Mad World" won applause despite a tinny sound system.
Lambert was a standout in high school, too, said Bryan Clark, 26, of San Diego, who graduated in the class of 2000 with him and attended the celebration Friday.
"He was definitely good," said Clark, who recalled seeing Lambert perform at pep rallies and other school events. "I'm proud of the guy. It's always good to see people making their dreams happen."
Kris Allen brought a little bit of rock back to his Arkansas hometown.
An estimated crowd of more than 20,000 packed an area of downtown Conway, about 20 miles north of Little Rock, to hear the 23-year-old finalist belt out songs such as Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."
Allen appeared a little overwhelmed by the swooning fans, telling them: "You guys are crazy."
The concert was the last big public event on Allen's schedule Friday, which included performances in Little Rock, at the University of Central Arkansas and a parade in his honor before the Conway show.
At the university show, 24-year-old Chris Rodriguez, who said he grew up with the "Idol" finalist in Arkansas, called the singer "a good guy. He's incredibly talented, and he is what you see."
Finalist Danny Gokey started his day at the local Fox affiliate, where hundreds of people, many young girls, screamed his name and held signs that read "Ga Ga Gokey, ur our idol" and "We love you Danny."
Gokey's schedule also included a parade with Green Bay Packers players; a concert at the lakefront festival grounds; and delivering the national anthem at a Brewers-Cubs game at Miller Park.
He also stopped at his church, Faith Builders International Ministries, on Milwaukee's south side. Gokey, 29, volunteered as song director at the church before auditioning for "Idol."
