By Madeline Masters

Hometown pride has swept all of Oakland County recently as Farmington Hills native Jena Irene Asciutto made it into the top three on American Idol. Qualifying for the top three allowed her to return home for an honorary parade and small concert.

Over 6,000 people crowded 13 Mile Road between Farmington and Orchard Lake to welcome home the rising star. The parade started at Woodbrooke Swim Club and ended at Asciutto’s high school, North Farmington. She was escorted in a white Mustang convertible accompanied by her brother and mother and followed by the NFHS pom pon team. She was greeted by screaming fans with signs that read “MI LOVES JENA” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with Jena” (reference to the Elvis song “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” that she performed the previous week).

After the mile long parade, family, friends, and fans swarmed into the NFHS football field. American Idol camera crews scanned the crowd, instigating cheers, chants, and excitement for Jena’s performance.

Moments later, one of Jena’s close friends introduced her as she was ushered on stage. The moment she stepped onto the stage, the crowd went crazy and Jena’s reaction was priceless. The excitement in her face was like no other.

She performed three songs, one being an original piece and American Idol hit, “Unbreakable Me”. Her performance and voice gave chills to all in attendance. She is definitely a front runner in the competition.

Her main competition is rocker Caleb Johnson. Judging by the massive support Jena has received throughout the competition, she should not have too much of a problem.

The finale airs on Wednesday May 21, so tune in and vote for Jean Irene!

Vote by texting “8” to 83676; searching “vote American Idol” on Google, calling 1-855-4-IDOL-08; or downloading the American Idol app to SuperVote.