Whether you are a fan of “American Idol” or not, this weekend Mississippi was on a national stage thanks to the show.

Two finalists returned to their Mississippi hometowns over the weekend for a homecoming parade and to perform, with it being filmed for the show.

La’Porsha of McComb and Trent Harmon of Amory performed before thousands in each of the towns, creating some of the largest crowds ever seen in the small communities.

La’Porsha told her crowd: “Two months ago I was sitting on my couch eating greens cornbread, pecan pie and drinking sweet tea and milk.”

Harmon told his crowd to work hard and not give up because you can succeed.

These two residents, who are both in their 20s, are showing everyone in Mississippi that you don’t need to give up on your dreams. Even if you don’t get first place in a competition, or someone is critical of your work, or if you’re picked on all throughout high school, you can still venture out and succeed.

It’s a big deal for Mississippi to have two finalists at this stage in the “American Idol” competition. Consider turning on the television and checking it out this week and cheering for one of our own.