Mississippi native Trent Harmon has risen through the rank and file of American Idol contestants to the top four of the hit reality show, and his hometown of Amory is celebrating him this weekend.
American Idol will send a camera crew to Amory to film what’s called a “home segment” for next week’s episode of American Idol. The crew will follow Harmon on his home turf as Amory celebrates his success with a parade down the city’s Main Street, followed by a congratulatory ceremony at the gazebo at Frisco Park.
The 25-year-old grew up singing at his parents’ farm and restaurant in Amory. He first wowed judges at the show’s auditions with the song “Unaware” by R&B singer Allen Stone. Since then he has continued to impress judges and grow a devoted fanbase of “Harmonies.”
Support has been growing for Harmon throughout north Mississippi. Billboards with Harmon’s face on them have appeared in Columbus, local businesses advertise flyers urging customers to ‘Vote for Trent,’ and rallies have been held in Harmon’s name in Tupelo.
Harmon will arrive at Amory at 11 a.m. Saturday, according to the Facebook page of Amory Main Street Inc., which has been coordinating with American Idol to arrange the events for the home segment. The parade will begin at 3 p.m.
A ceremony with state, county and city officials, including Amory mayor Brad Blalock, will follow on the gazebo at Frisco Park.
Harmon will end the day with a free concert at the Amory High School Football Field starting at 6 p.m. The gates to the concert will open between 5:30-5:45 p.m., according to Amory Main Street’s Facebook page.
“We’re super excited and very proud of Trent and how he’s represented himself in Hollywood,” Blalock said. “We all knew that he was talented and we’re so excited that he’s getting to showcase that to the world right now.”
Harmon is one of two Mississippians who have made American Idol’s top four round. La’Porsha Renae, of McComb, will also head to her home town for a parade and concert Saturday.
American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez predicted a few weeks ago during the show’s broadcast that the finale, which airs in a few weeks, would be between Harmon and Renae.
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