American

Nashville, Tenn. ? The three remaining “American Idol” contestants took to the streets Friday – of their rapturous hometowns. Local loyalists showed all day just who they thought should win Fox’s wildly popular singing contest, which will feature some of the scenes next week.

Back before she was an “American Idol” finalist, Melinda Doolittle was a Belmont University mascot. She wore a hot, sweaty bear costume and jumped around in the name of school spirit.

The tables were turned on Doolittle in a big way when she returned Friday to her alma mater. Hundreds waved signs and shouted encouragement to her: “We love you, Melinda.” “You’re going to win, Melinda.” “Doolittle’s Da Bomb.” “Melinda for President.”

The school even named a street after her, unveiling a black iron post with a blue sign that read: “Melinda Doolittle Way.”

Doolittle, who arrived waving from the back of a white convertible Mustang, looked – all too characteristically, as “Idol” judge Simon Cowell has scolded her – surprised and overwhelmed.

“If I talk too much I’ll cry,” she said. “You have no idea how much this means to me. … This is probably one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced.”

Doolittle, 29, graduated from Belmont with a music degree in 1999. Everyone in the crowd was certain she’d prevail over rivals Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

“She’s very talented, and she’s also very sweet and personable,” said Susan Belsante of Charlotte, N.C.

The scene was just as raucous in Seattle, where Lewis, 25, played a free concert before more than a thousand fans at Westlake Park. He was joined onstage by Seattle’s own Sir Mix-A-Lot, who sang his hit “Baby Got Back” over what many in the crowd came to see: Lewis’ beat-boxing.

“Every time you watch ‘American Idol,’ you see people that can sing, and that’s it,” Mix-A-Lot said. “This cat got real talent. : He’s the new king of Sea-town, baby.”

Lewis’ homecoming plans included a parade in his suburban hometown of Bothell and a performance of the national anthem Friday night at the Mariners-Yankees game. He looked out on the crowd in the warm midday sunshine and said: “I’m speechless. Thank you guys for all the support.”

Many in the crowd, populated largely by truant teenage girls, screamed and waved signs that read “Blaker Girls” or “We (heart) Blake.”

Blaire Ginnever, a 14-year-old eighth-grader, said she was skipping her lunch period and Spanish class at Villa Academy in Seattle.

“Blake es muy bueno,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Glendale, Ariz., an estimated 5,000 fans weathered 100-degree heat to see the 17-year-old Sparks, their hometown fave.

A stage was erected in an outdoor plaza at Westgate City Center and some fans waited up to five hours to see her.

“You guys are crazy, but I love you for it,” Sparks told the crowd before singing three songs that she has performed on the show: “Give Me One Reason,” “Heartbreaker” and “I Who Have Nothing.”

“I hope I make you proud next Tuesday,” Sparks told the crowd, referring to the upcoming semifinals. The last singer standing will be announced May 23.