American Idol hometown visit: Maddie Poppe in Top 3

Clarksville native Maddie Poppe continues on American Idol, moving to the top three after her performance Sunday night.
     Butler County will welcome her home Tuesday with a parade in Clarksville at 5 p.m. followed by a free concert at the Butler County Fairgrounds in Allison at 6:30 p.m.
     The parade will begin at the school in Clarksville and proceed to Main Street, then south to Superior Street, turning west and ending at the former City Hall building.
     When asked how he felt about Maddie Poppe’s return hometown visit, Clarksville Mayor Val Swinton said, “Like the rest of Clarksville, I’m very excited about it and so proud of her. We're happy she has done a great job representing Clarksville. It’s very pleasing and very exciting for us, a feather in the cap for Clarksville. I think it will be wonderful after all these months of watching her on tv. It will be nice to see her in person and to see and talk to her again."
     Sunday evening, Idol contestants each performed one song by previous Idol winner Carrie Underwood and another selection as a tribute to their mothers. Maddie’s two song choices were “I Told You So”, formerly recorded by Underwood, and “God Only Knows” as a tribute to her mother, Tonya.
     Following Poppe’s rendition of “God Only Knows”, judge Katy Perry said, “I’ve always been a huge
fan of yours; you did it such justice, you’re incredible.”
     Poppe will return to the stage next Sunday, May 20 for the American Idol finale with fellow Top 3 finishers Caleb Hutchinson and Gabby Barrett to vie for the American Idol crown.