Grafton gathers to send good luck to ‘The Voice’ singer Ricky Duran

“It’s surreal,” said Natasha Malgarie, standing on Grafton Common holding a stick with her brother’s face on it.

The common was filled with fans holding signs dedicated to her brother — Ricky Duran, a Grafton native turned contestant on NBC’s “The Voice. Family, friends and fans turned out to shoot pictures and video from his hometown to be featured on the show, where seasoned musicians take new singers under their wings with the hope they will become the season’s ultimate winner.

“Our kids are all close to the same age,” said Linda Erickson, who came early with friends and a banner. “I’m so happy for him. He deserves this so much.”

Grafton High School nurse Cecelia Thurber and teacher Beth Lambert were disappointed their former student wasn’t able to make it himself — he’s spending time with his coach. Blake Shelton — but spoke fondly of Duran.

“He was always very talented, very nice kid and very supportive of the other students,” Thurber said. “I have so many great memories of him as a student. I’m so happy to see him doing so well. He deserves it.”

People flocked to the common holding handmade signs or hastily grabbed a piece of cardboard and a marker to craft a last-minute tribute.

The hometown tribute will be featured on a future episode of “The Voice,” which airs Mondays on NBC.

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