<b>By Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer</b>

Candice Glover was treated to an emotional homecoming last weekend as thousands of Lowcountry residents flocked to see her in person at several locations throughout Beaufort County. The American Idol hopeful arrived to the cheers of a few hundred <a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCN0635.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11125" alt="DSCN0635" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCN0635-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a>people at Signature Airport in Savannah on Friday evening, where TV crews and reporters interviewed her during her about the last few weeks on the popular FOX show and her feelings about coming home. “I just can’t wait to eat my mom and grandma’s cooking,” she said. “I miss Southern cooking so much!”

Donning her favorite color purple all weekend, the Lowcountry Idol was poised, humbled and gracious while making numerous appearances on Saturday, even though she stayed up late chatting with friends and family Friday night. She signed autographs in Habersham after a live broadcast on 94.5 The Coast with Joel Garrett before heading to a private reception in her honor at Penn Center on St. Helena Island. She then headed downtown for the homecoming parade, which included participants and organizations who have influenced Glover’s life. A concert was held on the corner of Charles and Bay Streets, and an estimated 10,000 people watched as the new queen of soul performed her well-known hits from the show, including “Love Song” and “Girl on Fire.”

Additionally, Mayor Billy Keyserling gave Candice the Key to the City. He commissioned artist Jeri Taylor to weave and fashion the key made from the indigenous Bull Rush grass to symbolize Candice’s ancestry and St. Helena Island’s unique heritage. Locals united for a fun-filled weekend recognizing one of their own. And, whether she wins or not, Candice Glover is a true American Idol.

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