Lilburn Idol: Start Your Voices!

If the train interrupts, you get to start over.

That's comforting for those in Lilburn Idol singing competition at City Park -- Lilburn's version of the hit television show American Idol -- who boldly put themselves out there despite tracks barely 100 yards away.

"Some have notes and want to hit and want people to know they hit them," Mayor Diana Preston said. "We can't stop the train. We just have to manage."

During eighth annual Lilburn Idol auditions in City Hall today, Thursday and June 9, the train shouldn't be as much a factor. But in the park's competitions June 24, July 8 and the final Aug. 5, you best start with it far away.

Some sing over the disruptive roar, refusing to be drowned out. That typifies the mettle of the estimated 60 expected to audition for a shot at a plaque and their name engraved on a brick in the path in front of the park's stage.

"You're in an open park and have to command people's attention anyway," said Caretta Thompson, last year's senior division winner, who might return this year as a guest performer. "Otherwise, you start thinking, 'This is not the right song, and I haven't hit the right notes.' With people strolling around, eating, and what not, [your singing] has to say, 'Hey! I'm over here performing!'"

Thompson, 51, a Lawrenceville resident who is praise and worship leader at Lilburn's Central Baptist Church, overcame timidity that keeps some from showcasing their talent in one of Lilburn's premier events. She came from a rich singing background as sister-in-law of the late Paul Williams, a member of The Temptations, but still doubted whether her years in church choir was enough. Urged by a girlfriend, she jumped in.

Lilburn's Samantha Corley, 11, last year's pre-teen division winner with a little speaking voice but a bold singing one, isn't sure what country songs she'll likely sing again this year. Initially nervous, the Brookwood Elementary fifth-grader clinched last year's competition with Carrie Underwood's "Cowboy Casanova," and urges people her age not to be shy.

"It's really fun once you get up there and sing," she said. "I'd say give it a try and... just do what your heart says to."

Lilburn has been spoiled by good singing, most notably by Snellville's American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo, who reportedly performed several times at the Lilburn Days Festival. All the while, local music store owner Aubrey Carwile has handled the audio, playing sound tracks, tweaking the volume and equalizer to complement competitors' voices.

"It amazes me the local talent that surfaces from something like this," he said. "I try to make each person sound as good as they can."

Lilburn Woman's Club member Diane Bronk helped organize Lilburn Idol the year of City Park's rededication in 2004, the third year of American Idol. Competition is judged by a panel of local voice coaches, choir directors and others knowledgeable about singing, and sometimes, a local celebrity. Residents at large vote by throwing quarters into buckets numbered for each competitor. The money each gets, combined with judges' opinions -- never critical -- determines the winner.

Initially, not everyone made it beyond auditions. Now, though, everyone is allowed to compete, no matter how shrill.

"The first show we had was like, 'Wow, we didn't expect this,'" Bronk said of talent surpassing expectation. "We want to showcase people in Lilburn who enjoy singing and have enough nerve to do it."

And for those more off-key, Bronk said, "You try to say as gently as possible, 'You might want to consider choosing a different song.'"

For the most part, however, organizers consider competitors surprisingly good, especially after Carwile's tips on stage presence and how to hold the microphone.

In the end, talent shines through -- hopefully before the train.

Lilburn Idol

Audition dates

Today, Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.

Competition dates

Idol I: June 24, 7 p.m.; Idol II: July 8, 7 p.m.; Rain date: July 29, 7 p.m.; Idol Finale: Aug. 5, 7 p.m.