Warm Welcome Home for “The Voice”

Hundreds of people filled the bleachers of Bunnell Field in Startford on Sunday afternoon to welcome home Javier Colon, who won NBC's "The Voice." 

The Stratford native received a police escort to the celebration.

"It feels great to be home. It's amazing. I can't believe all of this. This is insane," Colon said.

The crowd was filled with family, friends and others whose votes helped Javier win the singing competition on June 29.

"I voted for him a lot. He definitely deserves it," said Airel Fernandez, who went to middle and high school with Colon.

"I am proud to go to the same school that he came from and know his story," said Bunnell High School junior Kristin Borrelli.

The ceremony included many honors for Colon. Mayor John Harkins awarded him with the key to the city.

"He's getting a key and I think the key to many hearts that were unlocked to vote for him during the competition," Mayor Harkins said. 

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal bestowed a certificate of recognition from the United States Senate. Gov. Dannel Malloy read a proclamation, declaring July 10, 2011 as "Javier Colon Day" in the state, prompting a standing ovation by the crowd.

"I still can't believe all those nice things that were said about me and all the honors. And to have a day, to have a day, that is amazing," Colon said.

But if you ask his friends and family, it's Javier, a husband and father to two little girls, that's amazing.

"If you think he's talented singing-wise, he will match that as a father," said Kathie Welch, of Cheshire.

"We are just overjoyed that the rest of the world is getting to see Jav the way we've always seen him," Javier's brother Pablo told the crowd.

Javier sat with his guitar and treated the crowd to some of the songs that helped him beat the competition and land a record contract, which means the world will hear more from Javier in the future.

"I am honored to come home as the winner of a show that changed my life and changed the lives of my family, so I am grateful for all of this," Colon said.

 

 

 

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