Idol Chatter & Voice Views

They showed up in raincoats, hoodies or covered in plastic. Some wore boots to wade through the mud.

They turned out to see the gal they rooted for back on season one of American Idol, the gal they still follow.

Kelly Clarkson is seven years and four albums into her post-Idol career.

But a remarkable number of the fans who attended her Friday night show at the York Fair became fans when she was still a girl-next-door, competing with the likes of Justin Guarini, Ryan Starr and Nikki McKibbin to become the first-ever American Idol.

Those would include Marykate McGowan, 17 of York, who had an exposed seat on the track and sat shivering slightly in a gentle rain prior to Friday’s show. But she never considered not turning out. After all, she was attending her first “real” concert

“I just like her music. She went from being a normal person to having something special happen for her (on Idol). And I still like the way her music sounds.”

And those would include Casey McHenry, 22, who traveled from Bloomsburg to York to see Kelly perform live — for the seventh time.

Her boyfriend, Sean Ahmor, admits he tried to talk her out of attending. After all, it rained all day Friday, very hard at times, and was still raining an hour before the concert. Casey would have none of it.

“I’ve been watching her since American Idol. I just love her personality.”

That seemed to be a common theme among Kelly Clarkson fans.

She’s a star with girl-next-door appeal.

She’s a star even though she doesn’t look like Shakira, Beyonce or Jessica Simpson.

And she’s a star who manages to avoid being in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

“She has a good reputation. She’s a good person, good-hearted,” said Emily Shirk, 14, of Lancaster.

Hannah Zill was attending Friday’s concert as a birthday gift. The Hanover teen will turn 14 on Sept. 17. Like so many others, Hannah said she’s been following Kelly since she won Idol, though she admits her latest album is her favorite.

Among the reasons her mom, Amy, appreciates Kelly: “She’s a good role model. She’s a wholesome person, unlike some other singers her age.”

On Friday, Amy also appreciated the fact that her group’s seats were in the grandstand, under cover.

Megan Croft, 19, of Red Lion, was under cover, too. Down in the front row. “Breakaway” is her favorite Kelly Clarkson song. But the music isn’t all she appreciates.

“She’s stayed true to herself,” Megan said. “She’s not afraid to speak her mind. And she likes who she is. She doesn’t mind about her weight.”

Added Jessica Martin, 13, of Lancaster: “She’s an inspiration. She’s not stick thin.”

Then there’s the music of course. Churning out consistently good material in an industry where fans are known for being fickle certainly helps Kelly’s cause.

“She just keeps coming out with good albums,” said Marissa James, 17, of York.

Like “All I Ever Wanted,” released this March. It debuted at number one on the Billboard charts; it’s already spawned a number one hit. Amanda Turner, 21, of York, says it’s her favorite of Kelly’s CDs.

“It’s a lot different than the others,” she said. “It’s more upbeat.

Caroline Jennings, 10, of Dallastown was another Kelly fan watching her first concert Friday night. OK, Kelly might not be Caroline’s favorite performer. That distinction goes to Hannah Montana.

But Caroline ranks Kelly in the top two or three. Sitting in the second row, she had a single red rose, ready to present to Kelly should the chance arise.

Like so many others, she’s been a fan since Kelly’s days on Idol. Rather remarkable, seeing as how Caroline must have been quite young when Idol debuted on TV. Her favorite Kelly song: “My Life Would Suck Without You.”

Her dad, Jeff Jennings, said it was his idea to take the family to see Kelly. Of course, at the time, he probably didn’t anticipate such a wet opening at the York Fair.

Did he consider staying home?

“At $45 per ticket, I was coming if it was snowing.”

So, was it worth getting a little wet to see Kelly Clarkson perform Friday night?

“Oh, yeah,” Megan Croft said, as she left the grandstand’s track area. “That was the greatest concert ever. And she sang my song.”

Check out:

Kelly Clarkson wows wet York Fair crowd

Idol fans at York Fair weigh in on Ellen vs. Paula

Bucky Covington talks about his career, his new album and his upcoming York Fair show

Coming up:

Sunday: Coverage of Bucky Covington’s show at the York Fair

Tuesday: David Cook talks about his career and his upcoming show at the fair

Friday: Coverage of David Cook’s show at the York Fair