The devilish attraction of "American Idol" is a promotional bonanza for Fox. All Utah media — with the exception of the nerds at public television and radio — turned out for finalist David Archuleta's "homecoming" today.

The photo above is from Achuleta's autograph-signing appearance at Gateway Mall. Hundreds — maybe thousands — of screaming tweener princesses (Utah's junior highs must be decimated), their parents and a few queens, turned out in the rain to get a glimpse of the Mormon singing marvel as he pulled up in a limo. Most were holding signs that said stuff like, "Good Luck, David" and "I'll Stand By You."

Archuleta gave TV and radio interviews all morning. After Gateway, he will join Gov. Jon Huntsman at a Murray High School pep rally for native David at about 4 p.m. (I'm guessing the Guv, who is up for re-election, will offer to accompany on the piano.) Then at 7 p.m. Archuleta will kick off the Jazz-Lakers game with the National Anthem.

If you think Utah's pretty special, forget it. Fox has carbon-copied "homecomings" for all three Idol finalists that are proceeding apace in their hometowns:

David Cook will be in Kansas City, Missouri, where he will do a homecoming parade, interviews and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at a Royals game.

Syesha Mercado will do a similar round of local events in Tampa, Fla., then sing the National Anthem at a Rays game in St. Petersburg.

Trib TV critic Vinny Horiuchi, who is probably ready to kill himself, is blogging on the excitement here.
And FOX will keep you abreast of the fall of Western civilization here.