Guitar in hand, American Idol’s hopeful Chayce Beckham arrived Tuesday at Vanguard Preparatory School in Apple Valley, where hundreds of cheering students greeted him.
“Chayce! Chayce! Chayce! “sang the masked students as the 24-year-old Vanguard alum performed at a lunchtime meeting.
When Beckham smiled and stepped out of a passing white stretch limo, the students waved pompoms and held signs and banners that read “We love you Chayce,” “Welcome home, Chayce Beckham,” and “Chayce, you got this!”
Beckham’s return to Apple Valley was part of his “American Idol Hometown Visit,” which included his appearance on Vanguard and several private events with limited capacity due to the COVID-19 health and safety protocols established by broadcaster ABC that the American Idol. radiate. Show.
The school assembly had social distancing rules and attendance restrictions. Media were not allowed to participate.
Beckham’s arrival in town comes ahead of the Season 19 finale on Sunday night, when the singer will compete for the coveted “Idol” crown.
Last Sunday fans voted Beckham, along with Grace Kinstler, 20, and Willie Spence, 21, to be the top 3 on the show.
“What an exciting day for our students to see an ‘American Idol’ hero return to school,” Dennis Bender, director of the Apple Valley Unified School District, told the Daily Press.
Bender said Beckham’s visit to Apple Valley was “good for school, good for the city, and good for the entire high desert.”
“In these challenging times, we need a little inspiration, a good story about someone from a small desert town who makes it big,” said Bender. “I know Chayce will be a success no matter how well he does on Sunday night.”
Beckham’s visit to Vanguard included a heavy AVUSD police presence. The officers did not allow vehicles to drive or park near the school campus.
Brian Goodrow, director of the avant-garde, said Beckham’s appearance at the school was “a fantastic experience for students and staff.”
“I’ve been in the school district for 17 years and started teaching here soon after Chayce left our school,” said Goodrow. “I almost had a future American Idol singer in my class.”
Beckham attended Vanguard and Sitting Bull Academy, both at AVUSD, before going down the mountain at the age of 12.
After Beckham attended Glendora High School, he moved to Whitcomb High School, a secondary school in Glendora, where he graduated in 2014.
AVUSD Superintendent Trenae Nelson, who also attended Glendora High School, was also at Vanguard to greet Beckham.
Beckham was born at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville and spent most of his childhood in the city, Hesperia, and the Apple Valley, he previously told the Daily Press.
The season finale of “American Idol” is scheduled for May 23rd at 5pm on ABC.
Visit the American Idol YouTube channel to see all of the performances. Episodes are available on Hulu.
Daily press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz can be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.