By Maddie Conway
Executive News Editor
As the “American Idol” contestant strummed his acoustic guitar and started to sing the Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” into the microphone at Arlington Park just after 8 p.m., the crowd of 41,369 erupted in cheers.
He was finally home.
On Friday, May 14, officially dubbed “Lee DeWyze Day,” former Prospect student and “American Idol” Top 3 finalist Lee DeWyze flew back to Illinois from Los Angeles for his “Idol” Hometown Celebration.
While in Mt. Prospect and the Chicagoland area, DeWyze made several stops throughout the day, including doing the morning weather for Fox News Chicago, visiting a local AT&T store, stopping at St. James School and Forest View Educational Center and throwing the first pitch for the Cubs game at Wrigley Field. In the afternoon,DeWyze marched in a parade through Mt. Prospect in which the Prospect Marching Knights, cheerleaders and poms participated.
But ultimately, the day culminated with the evening concert at Arlington Park Racetrack.
At the concert, although he was originally scheduled to only play three songs, DeWyze sang 10, beginning with “Use Somebody” and also including Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” and the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” both of which he performed on “Idol” this season, in addition to a few songs that he had written.
While singing on the stage in the racetrack’s winner’s circle, DeWyze’s emotions came through as he broke into tears several times throughout the show, often too choked up to continue singing.
But when the night came to an end, he made his hometown a promise.
“I would stay here all night with you guys if I could,” DeWyze told the crowd. “I’m going to try to win this thing.”
For an in-depth look at Lee’s homecoming and the community’s role in supporting him, see the June issue of the Prospector.
And for a full photo album from Lee’s Arlington Park performance, click here. and for photos of Lee’s homecoming parade, click here.