American Idol 2016 finalist Dalton Rapattoni is used to being adored by a legion of fans from his time as a former member of the Simon Cowell and Perez Hilton created boy band IM5. This time, however, the mass of supporters gathered in his hometown in Texas were all cheering and screaming just for him.
Dalton Rapattoni might be the most previously famous American Idol contestant on season 15, but he never got hometown treatment before like his did this past weekend. Not only did he receive a key to the nearby city of Rockwall, Texas from Mayor Jim Pruitt, he was also treated to his own personal parade and hosted concert in his hometown of Sunnyvale.
And, of course, Sunnyvale itself named the day of his visit “Dalton Rapattoni Day” in his armor and gave him a key to the city as well!
While getting his hair spiffed up at a local shop, Dalton was swamped with adoring friends, family, and fans. Everyone wanted his autograph and all the girls couldn’t stop talking about how handsome he is and how awesome he is on stage. I guess when you’re an American Idol finalist, you can’t even really get your hair cut in peace any more!
While getting his hair spiffed up at a local shop, Dalton was swamped with adoring friends, family, and fans. Everyone wanted his autograph and all the girls couldn’t stop talking about how handsome he is and how awesome he is on stage. I guess when you’re an American Idol finalist, you can’t even really get your hair cut in peace any more!
Dalton also made time to play a few songs at the local School of Rock, where he was a former student and part-time instructor before going on American Idol.
Everywhere that Dalton Rapattoni stopped during his hometown visit, he was absolutely surrounded by his supporters of all ages. In fact, he stopped in at Sunnyvale Elementary to meet and greet some of his youngest fans and gave a very sweet and heart-warming speech.
Of course, the biggest event of the hometown visit was a special concert for all of Dalton’s friends, family, and neighbors. During his performance, according to EastFieldNews.com, Rapattoni told the crowd that “every inspiration I’ve ever had came from [Sunnyvale].”
Are you rooting for Dalton to win it all? Tell us if you are Team Dalton in the comments area below! And be sure to join us for the American Idol finale this Thursday and watch the end of an era as the show comes to a close after fifteen seasons!
AMERICAN IDOL: Contestant Dalton Rapattoni visits his hometown of Sunnyvale, Texas. CR: Bill Matlock / FOX. © 2016 FOX Broadcasting Co.
First season winner is from Texas Kelly Clarkson and so we end the final season from Texas which is Dalton!