Music

Photo Gallery: Andrew Garcia meets fans in Moreno Valley

On Saturday, Andrew Garcia was back on the stage in front of adoring fans.

However, the former "American Idol" contestant wasn't Hollywood, but rather in his hometown of Moreno Valley for the Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Cinco De Mayo celebration at the Towngate Shopping Center.

Garcia appeared to introduce the performance of his girlfriend, Christine Concepcion, and to sign autographs. He did not perform.

Concepcion sang and played the guitar on her rendition of the song "Fireflies" while Garcia watched from the back of the stage.

Emcee Ed Vasquez asked Garcia a couple of questions about his time in the competition.

"It was probably one of the most craziest experiences I've had in my life," Garcia told the crowd.

As he spoke, pre-teen and teenage girls snapped pictures with digital cameras and cameraphones in the audience.

He professed his thanks to the community and to his fans repeatedly.

"You guys got me on the tour," he said.

Garcia was an early favorite on the show for his performance of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." He was eliminated in April but since he made the top 10 contestants, he will tour with the cast this summer.

More than 40 fans waited in line patiently to get Garcia's autograph after Concepcion's performance and he happily posed for photos and signed pictures.

Kristen Johnson, 13, of Moreno Valley, printed out her own picture to have him sign.

"I like him. He's a good singer," she said.

She has downloaded all of his songs from iTunes.

Her mother, Melissa, said Kristen stopped watching after Garcia was cut from the competition but that she is still watching.

Kristen said it was cool to meet Garcia.

Reach Vanessa Franko at 951-368-9575 or vfranko@PE.com