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'Idol' finalist Scotty McCreery gets hometown buzz

The Associated Press Published Saturday, May 14, 2011 10:32PM EDT

'American Idol' finalists pose together at the 'American Idol' Finalists Party in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 3, 2011. In the front row from left to right are Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, James Durbin and Stefano Langone. In the back row from left to right are Lauren Alaina, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, Karen Rodriguez, Scotty McCreery, Naima Adedapo, Pia Toscano and Ashthon Jones. (AP / Chris Pizzello)

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GARNER, N.C. - Thousands of "American Idol" fans have turned out in a small North Carolina town to welcome home finalist Scotty McCreery.

McCreery rode a yellow convertible through the streets of his hometown of Garner on Saturday, blowing kisses. He signed autographs before a scheduled concert. Afterward, he was to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game in nearby Raleigh between N.C. State and Florida State.

The 17-year-old McCreery is one of three semifinalists on "American Idol," and celebrations also are being held for Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alania. One of the three will be voted off the show next week, and the 10th season winner will be named May 26.

McCreery says he was honoured by the hometown support and was glad to finally hear Southern accents again.