She called it her homecoming.

To be clear, that singing ray of sunshine known as Leah Marlene has returned home lots of times since appearing on Season 20 of American Idol—not including a whirlwind parade through Uptown Normal and a televised, prime time concert with thousands of fans. That mainstage event was just steps from Uptown Circle, where a scrappy, guitar-toting teenager played, sometimes, to tens of people.

She called it her homecoming.
To be clear, that singing ray of sunshine known as Leah Marlene has returned home lots of times since appearing on Season 20 of American Idol—not including a whirlwind parade through Uptown Normal and a televised, prime time concert with thousands of fans. That mainstage event was just steps from Uptown Circle, where a scrappy, guitar-toting teenager played, sometimes, to tens of people.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.