Pomona California rolled out the red carpet for Alejandro Aranda, declaring Tuesday “Alejandro Aranda Day.”

The singer/songwriter, a Top 3 contestant along with Laine Hardy and Madison VandenBurg on American Idol, headed to his hometown on Tuesday for the traditional “hometown visit” ahead of Sunday’s (May 19) finale. Clips from the visit will air during the episode.

There was an afternoon parade that led up to the historic Fox theater. The mayor made a personal presentation of Alejandro, followed by a few concert on an outdoor stage constructed right in front of the theater. Alejandro also made a stop at the Folk Music Center owned by musician Ben Harper, which his grandparents started. Alejandro and Harper jammed a bit before the singer left the store.

Cameras take it all in. pic.twitter.com/xz0yuKvj2F

— David Allen (@DavidAllen909) May 14, 2019

Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval declared it “Alejandro Aranda Day” in honor of American Idol finalist Alejandro Aranda. Check out photos from the event. There’s more HERE.

Aranda addressed the crowd briefly, beginning: “Show or no show, this is a community.”

After a break, he was introduced by musician Ben Harper of Claremont as “a once-in-a-generation artist, and he’s from the 909.” Aranda and Harper performed “There Will Be a Light,” the Harper song on which they had duetted on TV. Then Aranda did six of his own songs on guitar and piano.

“I’m trying to play for you all. They’re trying to make a TV show,” Aranda joked. “(Expletive) that.” You won’t see or hear that on TV, I’m sure.

“It kind of feels surreal” Alejandro told ABC7 “But I’m going to embrace it,” he said. He promises a “big surprise” at the finale. Hm.