DeGarmo fans remain proud

updated 9:21 a.m. ET May 27, 2004

ATLANTA - Diana DeGarmo may be coming home second best, but there’s still a parade waiting for her.

Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer said a heroine’s welcome would greet DeGarmo at her suburban Atlanta hometown despite being bested Wednesday on Fox’s “American Idol” by North Carolina resident Fantasia Barrino.

“She’s going to have a great future in front of her,” Oberholtzer said.

About 2,500 people, including Oberholtzer and Gov. Sonny Perdue, gathered at the Georgia Dome to watch the two-hour broadcast of the popular reality television show.

Kristi Barksdale, whose daughter went to school with 16-year-old DeGarmo, was disappointed with the native daughter’s loss but didn’t see it as the end of the world.

“We’ve supported Diana from day one, so it’s a disappointment. But we’re happy for both of them,” Barksdale said.

Meanwhile, fans of Barrino who were in attendance erupted into cheers.

“It was a shock, but I just gave a high five to a guy holding a Fantasia sign,” said Scott Grigsby, of Snellville, who was accompanied by his 14-year-old daughter.

For others, the disappointment outweighed being happy for the winner.

“We’re not happy,” Snellville resident Evey Hanrich said with a frown as she left the arena with a crowd of other DeGarmo supporters.

But if the fate of last season’s runner-up is any indication, DeGarmo may still have a lot to look forward to. Clay Aiken, who finished second last season, went on to sell more than 2 million copies of his debut CD and enjoys just as much fame as the winner, Ruben Studdard.

MORE FROM AMERICAN IDOL FINALE

Newly crowned 'Idol' looking forward

Newly crowned 'Idol' looking forward Fantasia is the new 'American Idol' ‘American Idol’ is showing its age Reed: Fantasia was the right choice Eight dos and don'ts for ‘Idol’ success American democracy meets American Idolatry America loves 'Idol' but will record buyers? Test your 'American Idol' knowledge   Add American Idol finale headlines to your news reader: