Michiana Idol contestant performs at hometown fair

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- On this Fourth of July, a local teen is treating his hometown to a performance he hopes they won't forget.

Justin McCormick has come a long way since we first met him in September for Michiana Idol. 

The 16-year-old auditioned for Michiana Idol almost a year ago, with lots of success.

"In September I went out for Michiana Idol and I got through to the next round," he recalls. "I went to Chicago to audition for American Idol, in front of the producers." 

With a front of the line pass in Chicago, he had chance of a lifetime, and learned some valuable lessons. 

"They said I had a really good voice but needed to take a few more years to mature as an artist.  They told me to come back and I'd be well on my way to be on the show," McCormick adds. 

He's taken their advice to heart, traveling all over the state, to Chicago, and even Nashville. 

"I think this performance is my favorite, because it's my hometown fair for my hometown audience." he says. "I saw I was performing today, and I was like all the big artists perform then and it's a big deal to me to perform on the Fourth."

In a music filled celebration of America's Independence Day, he's celebrating the unwavering support of his community. 

"The more people there are, the more excited I am to perform," he says. "The heat makes it rough but it's all worth it for the fans."