Updated

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed Saturday as Fantasia Barrino Day (search) in North Carolina to mark the day she makes her first major singing appearance in her home state since winning the "American Idol" title in May.

On Saturday night, Barrino, of High Point, and fellow "American Idol" (search) contestants will perform in Winston-Salem, a stop on the "American Idols Tour 2004."

Easley's proclamation, issued Thursday, cites Barrino as "a true testament to what happens when you put your heart and soul into your dream." It says she "has shown through her amazing talent and larger-than-life personality that goodness does really grow right here in North Carolina."