By: Sydney Zatz
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Hundreds of people lined the streets of Fergus Falls Saturday afternoon to welcome home Chris Tungseth, the city’s native son who finished in the top 5 of this season’s ‘American Idol.’
Tungseth is the first Minnesotan to reach the top 5 in the competition.
“I’m overwhelmed with so much love in the best way. It’s surreal to me. I was gone in a hotel room for six, seven weeks. Then you come back home and you’re like, ‘Oh, this is real life.’ Like, it doesn’t feel real. I don’t know what is happening but I’m so grateful,” Tungseth said.
The city prepared for weeks for the celebration. ‘American Idol’ actually requested the Viking cruise ship Tungseth rode on through the streets of Fergus Falls.
“Before Chris would’ve been here before he made the Top 3, ‘Idol’ essentially says ‘This is what we want you to do, so please do it.’ They wanted him to ride in a Viking ship. You just had to do it. I mean, there’s no option if he didn’t make it or not. We were going to have the parade anyway. It took three guys and 90 hours,” said Pat Shol, Owner of The Viking Cafe.
Tungseth said watching the show every week growing up was a ritual. He says whatever age you are, it’s never too late to dream.
“It was the Lord hand placing me where he placed me. He gave me an opportunity and it’s just like ‘Alright, Lord, I’m going to work hard at this.’ It doesn’t matter where I go, how far I go in this competition. His hand was over me and it was just fun to connect with people,” Tungseth said.
Patty Albertson, a Fergus Falls resident, said she came to see Tungseth.
