They had watched her soul-filled performances almost every week on national television, in awe and full of pride.

And on Sunday, hundreds of Julia Gagnon’s fans finally got to see her sing in person at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium.

Gagnon, 22, sang a mix of covers and original music on a sold-out stage, joined by a live band and backup singers. It was Gagnon’s homecoming performance after finishing as one of the top seven contestants out of thousands who auditioned for American Idol.

It was also the first of many performances Gagnon has planned around the state for her “Here in Maine” tour.

“She must feel so cool to have something sold out – at home,” said young fan Ava Thibodeau before the show.

Thibodeau and her family came from Naples to see Gagnon. They were wearing “Maine Idol” t-shirts that they purchased outside the auditorium.

“She’s from here,” said Michele Thibodeau, Ava’s mother. Grandmother Connie Madura added that the family members are “true home fans” of Gagnon’s.

Gagnon grew up in Cumberland with her adoptive parents, Meg and Jim Gagnon. She told the Portland Press Herald in March she was hesitant to sing when she was younger because she was scared of standing out. The Guatemala native was bullied for her looks and her background. She didn’t feel comfortable performing until signing up for a talent show in middle school, where she stunned her teachers and peers.

Gagnon continued performing throughout high school at concerts and musicals. Before she auditioned for “American Idol,” she won the Central Maine Idol competition in Hallowell in 2023.

On “American Idol,” she sang to millions across the globe through their TVs. She said it was a special moment she could share with her birth mother in Guatemala, who was seriously ill at the time and fighting an infection.

“I think it’s amazing to see the things she’s overcome,” said fan Libby Bureau before the show. She and Alexis Caron, both 22, were waiting for the show to start in the auditorium as fans claimed their seats.

One fan who traveled to Portland from St. Albans in Somerset County said she appreciated Gagnon for embracing Maine.

“I think it’s just good to see someone who has such a strong love for their state,” said Olivia, who only had time to give her first name before the auditorium doors opened. She and two friends were among hundreds waiting in a long line that snaked down Congress Street. “Which I think speaks to how (Gagnon) sings,” she added.

Another fan from Maine – Gov. Janet Mills – agreed.

Mills briefly joined Gagnon on stage Sunday to proclaim June 30, 2024, as Julia Gagnon Day.

“And we thank her for helping to bring more joy and positivity into the lives of Maine people this year,” Mills told Gagnon, before hugging her.

Brenda Sands, another Mainer, said before Sunday’s concert that it was “fun to watch (Gagnon’s) growth through the show” on “American Idol.”

“I think that her voice was really one of the top three,” said Sands.

Gagnon said on stage Sunday she and the other “American Idol” performers felt more like family than competitors. Gagnon was joined on stage by fellow contestant Ajii, who made it to the show’s top 14.

Gagnon sang several of the pieces she performed on the show, including her audition song, “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin.

She also sang original music that she wrote with her fiancé, Nate Haven, who played alongside her on his guitar. Their lyrics were inspired by growing up in small-town Maine and Gagnon’s experience with “American Idol.”

“Part of living in a small town is wanting to leave, until you leave,” Gagnon said in between songs. She said she got as far as LA for a few months, and then “all I wanted to do was come home.”

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