Anoop Desai certainly showed his love for Chapel Hill during his run on American Idol, and, judging by the number of fans who came to the Franklin Hotel on Sunday afternoon to welcome him home, the feeling is definitely mutual.

Here are a few photos from the event. Check back soon for more!

Ben, Leah, Max and Dean Linke

Anoop with CHM's Ellen Shannon and Michael Donaldson of the Franklin Hotel.

Update: Here's the full slideshow of the photos CHM's Andrea Griffith took Sunday afternoon. You can also spot these and other photos of local parties and fundraiser events on our People & Places page.