For the first time since he went to Hollywood as one of 24 "American Idol" finalists, David Archuleta is returning home to Utah this week.

Well, he'll be back pending the results of tonight's episode of the show (8 p.m., Ch. 13). But if the viewers are as enthusiastic about his Tuesday performances as the "Idol" judges were, he will easily advance to the final three.

"David, you didn't beat the competition tonight — you CRUSHED the competition," said Simon Cowell after Archuleta sang "Stand by Me" and "Love Me Tender."

And that high praise from the harshest of the "Idol" judges elicited perhaps the biggest emotional outburst from Archuleta to date on the show — and certainly the biggest grin from the smallest and youngest finalist.

Twelve days before this year's "American Idol" is crowned, Archuleta is tentatively slated to return to a hero's welcome Friday, rolled out for him by Murray city, the Murray School District, the Murray Chamber of Commerce and a variety of local businesses.

The schedule calls for a Murray High pep rally beginning at 4:15 p.m. at the school's football stadium. After performances by the cheerleaders, a cappella choir, pep band, drill team and dance company, at 4:30 p.m. Archuleta and his family will arrive in a parade that will include Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and Murray Mayor Dan Snarr. Archuleta will sing two or three songs, and the event will conclude by 5:15 p.m. with a hot-air balloon taking the 17-year-old and his party aloft.

From there, he's headed for EnergySolutions Arena to sing the national anthem before Game 3 of the Jazz-Lakers series.

The NBA, Fox and "Idol" producers have worked out the details and Archuleta will indeed sing (pending the outcome of Wednesday night's results show).

Gates will open Friday at 3:30 p.m., and no one will be allowed on campus before then.

Archuleta would, of course, be followed by cameras from "American Idol" — highlights of the event would be telecast as part of next week's episodes of the show.

In this week's first episode, the Utah teen was top of the pops as far as the judges were concerned.

"There's four of you left. At least there's one guy ... every time he hits the stage (he's) trying to win the whole thing," Randy Jackson said after Archuleta's first song, adding, "He brought the hot, mad vocals."

"We all forget that you are way beyond your years, honey," Paula Abdul said. "Being 17 in this competition — it's hard. ... You're seasoned already."

And Cowell called Archuleta's rendition of "Stand by Me" the "best performance so far" before saying he "crushed" the other finalists with his "Love Me Tender" performance.

Among the other finalists, David Cook got some criticism after his first song but unanimous praise after his second; Syesha Mercado withstood Cowell's criticism for her first song and Jackson's for her second; and Jason Castro was flamed for dreadful renditions of "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Tambourine Man."

"Jason, I'd pack your suitcase," Cowell said.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com