Caledonia turns out for their 'American Idol' Abby Blake

Feb. 26—CALEDONIA, Minn. — Reality television producers are known for milking drama. Their formula put a crowd in Caledonia, Minnesota on the edge of their seats Sunday night at Elsie's Bar and Grill.

Abby Blake, known as Abby Hoskins to locals, is heading to Hollywood to compete in the 22nd season of "American Idol."

The few dozen people at the local restaurant responded with brief, stifled applause and celebration. Blake was still on the screen and even though the drama of whether she was moving on from her audition was resolved, people wanted to take in every second their newest local celebrity was on screen.

Alissa Johnson covered her mouth when two of the three judges voted to send her on to be part of the new season of the singing competition television series.

"I did gymnastics with her," Johnson said. "I was really close with her."

Blake auditioned with P!nk's "What About Us."

Blake was one of the last auditioning singers to perform on the two-hour episode Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Her musician friend accompanying her was also given a ticket to Hollywood for the season's competition.

After the audition episodes conclude, the competition episodes will begin. People gathered at Elsie's said they were glad Blake is guaranteed to appear at least one more time.

"It would be awesome if she were back on every week," said Julie Schleich.

There was one small piece of drama the producers didn't write into the show. Before Blake's performance aired, Schleich and her friends debated whether Blake, who now lives in Nashville, would claim Minnesota or Tennessee as her home.

Blake introduced herself as a Minnesota native who now lives in Nashville, to the delight of the crowd.

Elsie and Lee Babler, owners of Elsie's, said they wanted to share the town's excitement about Blake's time in the spotlight. The couple recalled seeing her perform at the Houston County Fair. Most people had similar memories or a connection with Blake's family. (Lee shoots trap with Blake's father.)

With a population of more than 2,800, Caledonia has had more than its share of athlete celebrities. Elsie said it was nice to see similar support for a performing artist on a national stage.

"There's a lot of talent in this area," she said.

Joanne Schuldt said it's always fun to see someone from her hometown go far.

"And it's so neat to see the community supporting her and supporting out local business at the same time," she said.

Some of those at the watch party admitted they don't regularly watch "American Idol."

Johnson's husband Curtis Johnson said that was one of the reasons they were watching at the viewing party and not at home.

"We don't actually have a way to watch it at home," he said. "But it's more fun this way anyway."

The next few episodes of "American Idol" will be other audition compilations before the competition portion of the season begins and Blake returns to the screen again for her hometown fans.