Rocky Mountain News LINK

"American Idol's" Boulder boy Ace Young came home Tuesday night.
It was clear from the crowd reaction during the American Idols Tour at the Pepsi Center, and it was clear from the more than 100 family, friends and fans who waited in line — some more than an hour — to get their souvenirs signed and pictures taken from the home-grown overnight sensation.

"Give me a hug," Ace must have said a jillion times during the post-concert meet and greet in one of the Pepsi Center's holding areas outside dressing rooms.
The well-behaved crowd waited patiently for their turn in Ace's afterglow. Ace's proud papa, Jay Young, entertained the troops with stories about his suddenly famous son — the youngest of five boys — while the crowd pressed forward.

-----

HERMAN'S NO HIDEAWAY: When I walked into Herman's Hideaway near midnight after the American Idols concert Tuesday, the place was packed to the rafters with fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of Idol winner Taylor Hicks, whose band, The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, had warmed up the crowd in anticipation of Hicks' arrival.
Anticipating the crowd crush, Hicks must have gone in through the back entrance. But Ace and his equally gorgeous 6-foot-7 older brother, Ryan, were stopped at the curb outside the front door by fans waiting for pix and autographs.

I found Ryan, who said, "Stick with me," so a staff member could steer us through the maze of people inside and to a table where I was to sit with the parents, Jay and Kay, and other invited guests. I filed into line behind Ace and in front of Ryan and stepped back inside, where the flash of cell phone cameras was blinding.

"I can't see where we're going," I shouted to Ryan.

"I'll show you," he said, placing a guiding hand on my shoulder.

While the rest of the entourage escorted Ace into the green room, Tim, the nice Herman's staff member, took my hand and led me to the table.
As many of these "red carpet" entrances as I've covered, I've never walked the walk.