David Cook and his brother, Andrew, were shown first-hand the support that Cook's hometown of Blue Springs has for its homegrown star. (Photo by Mike Jeffries)

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. -- University of Central Missouri graduate and final-three American Idol contestant David Cook returned to his hometown of Blue Springs Friday to open arms numbering around 10,000.

The celebration began with a parade on Adam's Dairy Parkway in which Cook and his brother, Andrew, rode in a red Ford Mustang and followed the Blue Springs South band to the high school, where the celebration officially commenced.

The brothers waved and showed their appreciation for the fans' support in Cook's brief career as a music and television star.

Once Cook was able to make his way through the adoring fans and onto the Blue Springs South football field, Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross awarded Cook the key to the city, and declared Friday, May 9, "David Cook Day."

The parade was only the beginning of the celebration, as the large crowd filled the football field of Blue Springs South High School afterwards for a brief concert. (Photo by Mike Jeffries)

Finally, what everyone in attendance was patiently awaiting, was a performance from their hometown idol. Cook did not disappoint, as he performed three songs for the large crowd, including his own renditions of Foo Fighters' "My Hero," and Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer."

After beginning the day making appearances on Fox 4 News, 95.7 the Vibe, 96.5 The Buzz, and Mix 93.3, another performance at Kansas City's Power and Light District, and then the Blue Springs celebration, Cook had time to stop by that night's Kansas City Royals game, where he sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch.

Cook even made time to sit in the broadcast booth with Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre. The Royals, Cook's favorite team, had sent him a personalized jersey, autographed by every member of the team.

The highlights of Cook's day in his hometown are planned to be shown during Tuesday night's broadcast of "American Idol."

'Nuff said. (Photo by Mike Jeffries)