Fans of American Idol finalist Maddie Poppe brought signs to show their support at her Iowa homecoming concert at the Butler County Fairgrounds on May 15, 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

ALLISON, Iowa – Iowans can be proud.

Not only is Maddie Poppe in the top three of “American Idol,” but the 20-year-old Clarksville native is just as humble, Iowa-nice and incredibly talented in person as she appears on the show.

A homecoming parade welcomed her back to Clarksville on Tuesday, May 15, followed by a performance at the Butler County Fairgrounds in Allison, attended by more than 10,000 fans.

Both will be featured during American Idol’s finale, beginning at 7 p.m. (CST) Sunday, May 20, 2018, on ABC.

Vendors sold Maddie Poppe water during the free concert. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Oftentimes Hollywood portrays the state as nothing more than fields of corn when Iowa connections exist, such as “The Bachelor,” “Dancing with the Stars” and other seasons of American Idol.

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Some of that might be the “reality” on this reality show, where country music blared for hours while the crowd gathered at the fairgrounds, holding signs for their favorite hometown idol.

Wearing overalls and accompanied by her family, Poppe took to the stage amid cheers from the packed audience.

She became emotional during her first tune, “Rainbow Connection,” the song she used for her audition.

“I always dreamed of this,” Poppe said, her voice breaking as she looked at the crowd.

Fans show their support for American Idol finalist Maddie Poppe. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Others songs during her one-hour set were “Landslide,” which she dedicated to her hometown; “Don’t Ever Let Your Children Grow Up,” an original song she wrote and  performed on the show; “Homeward Bound,” which she sang with her guitar-playing father; and “Me & Bobby McGee.”

The latter song was one she performed on American Idol that didn’t air, Poppe said.

She played Homeward Bound a second time, for more TV shots, and then said she had to end the show, but came back shortly after with the tune that Poppe said was the turning point for her on Idol: “Brand New Key,” to more cheers from the crowd.

Learn about a different Iowa Maddie on a past season of American Idol and see more photos from tonight’s concert here. (photos © Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan)