It was a homecoming fit for a Canadian Idol. Winner of the popular CTV singing contest, Kalan Porter returned to a cheering crowd in Medicine Hat on Saturday afternoon.

He rode into the exhibition grounds on a wagon pulled by two horses. Porter, 18, smiled as the thousands who showed up for the event waved flags and pom-poms.

"This is such a great city to live in. The more I'm away the more I appreciate being from here," Porter told the Medicine Hat News.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in Medicine Hat," he told the crowd.

Some of Porter's supporters wore face paint and shouted "I love you!" and "Marry me!"

The pop singer's first single was released on Tuesday. Awake in a Dream has already gone four-time platinum, just days after being released.

Medicine Hat's Mayor Garth Vallely also sang Porter's praises. "I've always said this is the best city in the best province in the best country in the world and Kalan Porter reinforced that by being named the Canadian Idol," he said.

"Who knows what your success will bring to this area in future years. It's immeasurable and intangible, but boy, have you put this area on the map, not only in Canada, but throughout the world!"

The mayor's remarks were met with approving screams and squeals by the teenage girls who made up a large part of the crowd.

Porter took it all in stride, looking down at his feet to hide the fact that he was blushing.

Even country music star Terry Clark, who grew up in Medicine Hat, took the chance to congratulate Porter via telephone.

"I don't know what they put in the water that makes such great singers up there," she quipped.

Porter is still working on his full-length album. It's expected to be in stores on November 23.

CTV.ca News Staff

With files from the Medicine Hat News