ATLANTA — Georgia native Caleb Lee Hutchinson was named in the top three Sunday night on 'American Idol' -- and today he's back in town for a visit!
Hutchinson, 19, beat out a field of hundreds of aspiring singing stars for one of the coveted spots in the top 3 this season. Today, his hometown of Dallas welcomes him back for a brief visit to get him pumped up for the live, two-part finale May 20th and 21st.
The country singer spent the morning with Channel 2's Fred Blankenship and talked about the incredible journey he's been on before he heads back to Dallas this evening for a visit to his high school and a parade/performance.
Upon arriving at WSB-TV Tuesday morning, Caleb told Fred, "I watch you all the time!"
After his arrival, Caleb had a busy day and we were there along the way.
5:30 p.m.
Crowds along the parade route await Caleb's arrival. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and we will livestream it on wsbtv.com and our Facebook page.
These little kids are too cute! Holding their @calebleemusic signs high! We're live at 5:08pm on Ch2 pic.twitter.com/EH5WvHhvBf
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) May 15, 2018
4:00 p.m.
People are already lining the parade route in Dallas hours before it's supposed to start!
Dallas GA is already packed with hundreds awaiting Caleb Lee Hutchinson two hours before the parade and concert. @calebleemusic @AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/KDkYDb2YIa
— Rodney Ho (@AJCRodneyHo) May 15, 2018
2:30 p.m.
Cheerleaders at South Paulding High School show their support for Hutchinson at their pep rally this afternoon!
South Paulding HS cheerleaders were so excited to cheer on one of their own - on his journey to become the next #AmericanIdol. He's in the top 3 & his pep rally today was "lit" according to all the kids. Live reports on Ch2 starting at 4pm today pic.twitter.com/0XuUOMuTbW
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) May 15, 2018
Students had so many creative signs to welcome a "hometown hero" back to Paulding Co. #CalebHutchinson has been on a long journey to become the next #AmericanIdol - he's in the top 3 now! pic.twitter.com/BduA5cMb0E
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) May 15, 2018
Businesses along the parade route in Dallas are also showing their support for Hutchinson!
Our store front is decked out and ready Caleb Lee Hutchinson and the parade! pic.twitter.com/VVom6Cuxbj
— Burgess Agency (@FARMERS_BURGESS) May 15, 2018
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Students at South Paulding High School have gathered on the football field for a pep rally to celebrate Hutchinson, who graduated from the school in 2017.
Pep Rally for American Idol's Caleb Lee Hutchinson🎉🎤 GO CALEB! South Paulding High School is holding a pep rally for Georgia's own American Idol star, Caleb Lee Hutchinson Music! https://2wsb.tv/2jWtD5K
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Students file in to the Pep Rally for hometown celeb #AmericanIdol contestant in the top 3 - #CalebHutchinson - at S. Paulding HS pic.twitter.com/tnSXlgmh95
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) May 15, 2018
8:30 a.m.
Channel 2's Fred Blankenship, Tyisha Fernandes and Berndt Petersen are all in Dallas for the festivities:
Getting ready for a rally for American Idol finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson. He's back at his old school In Paulding County. See you at noon. @AmericanIdol @calebleemusic @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/3kzSWYeOZy
— Fred Blankenship (@FBlankenshipWSB) May 15, 2018
Hutchinson was clearly happy to get a few days to spend at home with his family -- and his pup!
MY BABY! pic.twitter.com/WmPKnSAxI3
— Caleb Lee Hutchinson (@calebleemusic) May 15, 2018
Next on the agenda today? A pep rally at Hutchinson's high school, South Paulding:
#CalebHutchinson graduated from South Paulding HS last year - & now the 19 y/o is in the Top 3 of the #AmericanIdol competition !!! We're covering his big send off today starting on Ch2 Action News at Noon pic.twitter.com/uopaM8S0Ay
— Tyisha Fernandes (@TyishaWSB) May 15, 2018
8:00 a.m.
Caleb visited with Channel 2 staff and did interviews on WSB Radio. He was smiling ear-to-ear the entire time.
Watch Caleb's visit to the WSB-TV studios in its entirety below:
'American Idol' star Caleb Lee Hutchinson visits Channel 2!Georgia's own Caleb Lee Hutchinson Music - a finalist on American Idol - is visiting with Fred Blankenship at the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta! Crews from the show are filming for Sunday's episode! (DETAILS - 2wsb.tv/2jW55d7)
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
After his visit at the WSB-TV studios, Caleb and Fred headed to Dallas.
The 'American Idol' crew is filming the entire visit to air on Sunday's episode.
Y'all ready to cheer on #Atlanta native #calebhutchinson as he travels this road to become the next #americanidol ??? We have team coverage today as his hometown folks in #dallasga give him a #georgia sendoff today! pic.twitter.com/lBVCrEhiNQ
— Matt Serafin WSB-TV (@MattSerafin) May 15, 2018
After 20 million votes, the top three are Caleb, Gabby Barrett and Maddie Poppe. That means Cade Foehner and Michael J. Woodard were eliminated.
This is the fourth time a Georgian will be in the finals following season three runner-up Diana DeGarmo, season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina and season 11 winner Phillip Phillips.
Caleb is from Dallas, Georgia, about 40 miles west of downtown Atlanta.
Make sure to watch the 'American Idol' final 3 THIS SUNDAY at 8 p.m. on Channel 2!
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