PONCHATOULA -- Even though the stage was slightly smaller than what Lindsey Cardinale has been used to since appearing on "American Idol," the local star gave a huge heartwarming speech before hundreds of screaming hometown fans.

Unable to sing because of a binding contract with FOX, the 20-year-old top 12 "American Idol" finalist said many "thank yous" to her local entourage Saturday night after the Toast 'n' Jam to the Arts event.

Cardinale, who was eliminated from the hit reality show last week, was escorted through town by the Ponchatoula Police Department in a limousine before being taken to a small stage across from City Hall.

"I don't know where to begin," the girl said, while choking back tears. "I don't think that this many people will be at my first concert.

"I just want to say thank you obviously, and I wouldn't be here today had it not been for every single one of you." she continued. "And I will always remember you, and I will love you forever. And I'll tell you one thing, L.A. was fun, but it is nothing like Ponchatoula."

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the crowd as Cardinale spoke.

Among her fans were Joe and Delores Vanderlinden of Ponchatoula.

"She's worked so hard," Delores said. "It's the least we could do is come out and show her support. She's still a winner no matter what."

As for her early elimination, the Vanderlindens expressed their disappointment.

"I thought a couple of the other people should have been booted off," Delores said. "I won't say who. But I thought she did really well."

Paula Singer of Ponchaotula, who met Cardinale last year at the Strawberry Festival, was also in attendance.

"She's just a real sweetheart," Singer said. "She's got a beautiful voice. It was disappointing to see her go last week, and I voted about a 125 times. But I think she's going to go further."

Several city and parish officials joined the local singer on stage presenting her with numerous keepsakes including a key to the city, flowers and certificates.

"I don't know if it took me going to 'American Idol' to realize how wonderful my state is and how wonderful my hometown is," Cardinale said. "And if that's the lesson learned, then so be it."

Despite taking harsh criticism from celebrity judge Simon Cowell, Cardinale shared with fans that he hugged her after Wednesday night's performance and told her she was the first performer to exit with class and style.

Agnes Cardinale, the girl's mother, also took the stage singing her daughter's praises.

"I have always been a proud mother, but I guess the biggest night for me was on Wednesday when she was the lady that she is after taking four weeks of bashing from Simon ... she went out with style and class, and I couldn't be any more proud than if she won the title.

"I never shed a tear because my heart is full for her," Agnes said. "She did a class act job when she exited. And again thanks to every one of you, Lindsey is the top 12 'American Idol,' but she'll always be our No. 1."

She also thanked Dr. Ted Hudspeth, organizer of the Jam 'n' Toast for the Arts, for coordinating such events for aspiring performers. Cardinale has been involved as a singer with the event since it's inception five years ago.

"It's things like our Toast 'n' Jam that allows our young talent to express and be able to show the town and now America what they have," Agnes said.