Khalid celebrates album release with El Paso fans

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The day an Americas High School graduate has been waiting for is finally here.

Khalid Robinson released his album “American Teen” on Thursday, and it’s already No.1 on the R&B/Soul iTunes chart.

Khalid met with fans at the FYE store located inside of Bassett Place in celebration of the album’s debut. People who purchased wristbands and the album had the opportunity to meet him and get an autograph.

Thousands showed up. Parents and grandparents became the heroes for teens who couldn't make it to the signing until after school.

Lorraine Martinez rushed to Bassett to secure a spot for her daughter Briana and her friends.

"I had cheerleading tryouts but I've been a fan since day one and wouldn't miss this for the world," Briana said.

Fans like Andrea Ceniceros said they waited for hours to get the opportunity to meet with the singer-songwriter.

“I love him, I’m so excited, I’m still shaking,” Ceniceros said.

Khalid has told multiple media outlets that even though he spent most of his life moving around the country with his mom, who is a member of the U.S. Army chorus, he considers El Paso his home.

In a documentary released by Fader, the 19-year-old reflects on his love for the border city.

His song “Location” was released last May and received a lot of attention locally and across the nation. Famous names like Kylie Jenner and Sean “Puffy” Combs have raved about his music.

Khalid just returned from a European tour last month where he performed in Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and London but not before singing a sold out show at Tricky Falls in El Paso on Feb. 4.

Some of his next stops include Dallas, Minneapolis and Philadelphia.