Fifteen-year-old Triston Harper of McIntosh will compete in "American Idol's" Top 5 on Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC.
If he avoids elimination and advances Sunday into the Top 3, he will then be feted back home in Alabama. A release from the organizers says the public is invited to all three events, and there is no admission fee or ticket required.
On Monday night, May 13, his native MOWA tribe of Choctaw Indians will conduct a Pow Wow in McIntosh.
Then, on Tuesday, May 14, at noon, Triston will be honored with a parade in McIntosh.
The night of May 14, he will put on a free concert in nearby Mobile at "The Grounds," the new name for the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the concert starting at 6. Better get there early, as a full house is expected.
All of the Alabama events are contingent on Triston's making the cut Sunday night, when the current Top 5 will be narrowed to the Top 3 for further competition the following Sunday. Triston's friends and fans in Alabama seem confident he will make the cut and have laid plans for the welcome home events.
When asked if the concert will go on if Triston does not make the Top 3, the organizers in Alabama confidently replied that they are not worried about that contingency.
Last Sunday's performance tested Triston's ability to sing outside of his natural country genre. It was "Adele Night," with each contestant selecting one Adele song. Harper sang "Easy On Me."
Each contestant also sang a "Song that Makes Me Wanna Dance." Triston sang "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" by Travis Tritt. And dance he did. He has gotten more animated as the competition continues.
Two contestants were eliminated, creating the Top 5 for the Sunday, May 12 episode.
In the upcoming Sunday episode, it is vital that Alabama folks not only watch their "Native American Son" but also cast their votes for Harper. Instructions on how and when to vote are given on the broadcast.
Each viewer can vote 30 times – 10 in each of three ways. Text, American Idol app and here.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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