American Idol contestant Adam Lambert arrived in San Diego Friday morning – and was greeted by a very excited crowd.
He kicked off the festivities with radio interviews at Clear Channel studios with Star 94.1 and 93.3.
"It's so kickback here, I miss it," Lambert said during an interview. "Oh look how crazy it is out there."
Crazy is right. Fans started gathering outside the Clear Channel studios at 2:30 a.m.
If teachers were scratching their heads trying to figure out where all their students were, they probably should have checked the Clear Channel studios. One sign read “Adam, we’re late for school can you autograph a tardy pass.”
After the interviews Lambert was scheduled to perform a concert at his alma mater Mount Carmel High School.
In case you’re not an avid fan, he's the contestant with the slate-chopped hair and black-painted fingernails – also known as the one with the “pipes.” Week by week Lambert has belted out fantastic performances and can do no wrong in the judge’s eyes. America seems to agree, he's one of three finalists left on American Idol.
The hype over Lambert is nothing new to his vocal teacher, Lynne Broyle, who said she recognized his talent the first time she heard him sing and had him autograph a picture years ago.
"They're all talented, but there's that little extra something that makes you the star," Broyle said.
Students at Lambert's high school, even the ones who don't watch the show, realize this is a big deal.
“It's kind of cool to finally have someone kind of make it out in the public eye and reflect back on our school," Alex Lange said.
His teacher agrees that this is bigger than one television network and about more than singing.
"So, for all of those kids, whatever their goals are, he's hope, he's like look, you can do it," Broyle said.
Before Friday’s concert, there will be a parade and then the school says Lambert will meet with a few of his former teachers. Later, he will visit Marines, sailors and their families at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
