The City of Pensacola is planning a free hometown concert for American Idol contestant Keyla Richardson at Community Maritime Park and Wahoos Stadium, with Mayor D.C. Reeves already in contact with the show's producers and a tentative date of May 6 locked in, if Richardson makes the Top 3.
The city announced the plans April 23 through its official newsroom. Richardson, a Pensacola singer currently among the show's Top 7 contestants, faces the next elimination Monday, April 27, when the field narrows from seven to five. The final three are decided May 4. Those contestants travel home for a parade and concert before the season finale, which airs May 11 from Hollywood on ABC.
If Richardson makes it, Pensacola would host an American Idol hometown celebration for the first time. Reeves flew to Hollywood to attend the April 6 episode, bringing signed cards from the community. He has since had two preliminary calls with American Idol producers as the competition narrowed.
Shannon Hannah, event sales manager for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, said the team is building out logistics now rather than waiting for the official result. Planning for a concert with a few days of lead time is unusual for the stadium, but the organization is treating the event as if it will happen. Blue Wahoos Stadium sits steps from Community Maritime Park, where the outdoor portion of the celebration would be staged.
Reeves is coordinating with Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May on the event details. The concert would be free to the public. The city has also prepared a backup plan to honor Richardson regardless of whether she advances to the Top 3.
Richardson performed Circle of Life from The Lion King on April 20 during the show's Disney Night, drawing Jennifer Hudson to tears from the judges' table. A mural in her honor has already appeared on Graffiti Bridge. The Top 3 will be announced May 4, and the hometown visits, if Richardson is among them, would follow immediately, with filming in Pensacola on May 5.