American Idol winner and Louisiana son Laine Hardy is set to perform at the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts in Franklin next month, bringing excitement and impact to the city and its people.

Hardy, winner of American Idol season 17, was born in Baton Rouge and raised in Livingston. He will soon make his way to Iberia parish to perform at his first Acadiana concert at the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts on Nov. 10, with a time not yet announced.

His love for Acadiana will be center stage, Ed “Tiger” Verdin, co-executive director at Soulful Productions said, after Hardy reached out to him saying he would love to perform in Franklin.

Hardy will perform songs from his albums, including some of his favorites. In between his performance, he will sit down for a conversation with Verdin on his life and journey thus far.

“We’re going to talk about American Idol, we are going to talk about the process, talk about him going home and him winning,” Verdin said.

Hardy’s attendance will be part of Franklin’s revitalization movement that is bringing more people into the community.

“We’re seeing a lot right now,” Verdin said. “We have a lot of developers looking at Franklin right now. It’s a great thing.”

Hardy’s performance on Nov. 10 will help to spotlight the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts, which will help to showcase the theater and the surrounding businesses.

Hardy’s ability to wow a room is no surprise to anyone who has seen him perform live. Verdin said he is Elvis reincarnated. His fanbase stretches far and wide.

“We’re blessed and we are humbled that he selected us,” Verdin said. “We are going to do all we can to help him out as well.”

Before his performance, local resident and native Chris Ibert will open for him. Ibert is similar in his music and range and guitar to Hardy, Verdin added.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, tickets may have not been announced yet, but are expected to be available soon. Look out for more information on Laine Hardy’s social media in the coming days.