Schools from as far away as northern Wisconsin submitted YouTube videos urging the group to choose Henryville, Ind., as the winner of its "Own the Night" prom contest. The town's schools were heavily damaged when powerful storms ripped through southern Indiana on March 2 during a series of tornadoes that killed 13 people.
Lady Antebellum chose Henryville but won't be able to perform at the school's prom because of a schedule conflict. Instead, the group will perform May 16 in nearby Louisville, Ky., for the school's juniors and seniors, followed by a benefit for the community.
In the band's video announcing the win, singer Charles Kelley said the Henryville students shouldn't be disappointed that the band won't be able to visit their community.
"Trust me, we have something even bigger in store," Kelley said.
"See you soon, Henryville!" added singer Hillary Scott.
Details of the show will be posted on the band's website in the coming days.
Entries supporting Henryville came from D.C. Everest Senior High School in Weston, Wis.; Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, Ind.; and from Harrisburg, Ill., where a tornado struck Feb. 29, killing seven people.
The winning video was submitted by Silver Creek High School in Sellersrburg, Ind., which is a longtime sport rival of Henryville High School. Despite their own community's loss, Harrisburg students said they decided to back Henryville's prom bid.
In the band's winner announcement, it said Henryville students were chosen for "their story, resilience and unity following devastating tornadoes."
