American Idol Top 3 contestant Maddie Poppe returned home to Clarksville Iowa to a heroes welcome on Tuesday (May 15).

After early morning radio appearances, Maddie headed to her former school where her entire graduating class of 22 surprised her. The elementary grades sang “Rainbow Connection” in honor of the song she sang at her “Idol” audition.

Next, Clarksville Mayor Val Swinton declared May 15th, 2018 as “Maddie Poppe Day.” Maddie joked that students had the day off school, and no one had to work.

After the proclamation, Main Street was shut down for a parade. Maddie also visited the high school where she graduated. The day wrapped up with a concert at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Over 10,000 fans attended, breaking the venue’s attendance record, according to officials. It was where Maddie performed for the first time. The singer performed five songs. She sang an original and duetted on “Homeward Bound” with her father. She announced “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac would be the “Hometown Dedication” song that she would perform on Sunday’s performance finale.

For more on Maddie’s big day check out The Courier, KAALTV, KCRG, WQAD, Quad-City Times, The Gazette, Des Moines Register, PHOTOS, a short video at WeAreIowa, Check out KCRG for a series of interviews.

Clips from Maddie’s big day, as well as from visits made by her fellow Top 3 contestants, Gabby Barrett and Caleb Lee Hutchinson, will be featured on the American Idol performance finale airing Sunday May 21 at 8 pm ET/PT

Maddie Takes the Stage