Robbie Rosen Day takes over Merrick

Saturday was Robbie Rosen Day in Merrick, and hundreds of residents turned out to see the “American Idol” star in person.

He was the featured guest at the hamlet’s annual Kids Fest, where he sang “God Bless America,” along with an original song he wrote. Rosen, a junior at Merrick’s Sanford H. Calhoun High School, stuck around for a while to pose for photos and sign autographs.

“It’s unbelievable just to have a day named after you; you never expect that to happen,” he said. “I think the whole [“American Idol”] experience really brought the community together.”

Randy Schotland, president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, said its decision to make Saturday Robbie Rosen Day was easy.

“We’re very proud of the fact that he was a finalist,” he said. “As a local kid he’s brought a lot of light to the town, which has helped the economy of the town.”

For the most part Rosen is back to a normal life of school and homework. But there is one big change. Rosen is turning double plays at second base for the Colts baseball team after playing third on the team’s 2010 county championship squad.

Click here to watch Robbie's full performance of God Bless America