City Boots Lilburn Idol Competition

It ran for nine seasons, but city officials said there was less and less public interest for the singing contest.

This would have been the 10th season for Lilburn Idol, but for 2013 it's nowhere on the calendar. Nikki Young, the city's public relations manager said that because of "waning interest" the singing competition would not be held this year. Resources used for Lilburn Idol will be invested in July 4th activities and winter events, among other events. "Lilburn Idol was a fantastic program that was enjoyed by the community for several years," she said. "We plan to add fresh events to the calendar that will appeal to a variety of interests." Next year, Young said the city will re-evaluate having the contest. See also: -- Do you think this was a good decision by the city of Lilburn? Will you miss Lilburn Idol? Let us know in the comment section…

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

In Pictures: 2012 Lilburn Idol Finale

See pictures from photographer Richard Ferris of the evening's winners and fun.

2012 Lilburn Idol Crowns Winners

Lilburn Idol concluded its ninth season on July 20, 2012

Rainy weather threatened all evening, as Lilburn Idol wrapped up its ninth season of the local entertainment contest. During the intermission, Lilburn Idol moved the competition inside city hall, where winners also were announced. Mayor Johnny Crist was the emcee of the evening. Winners were: (Editor's Note: Photos were provided by Richard Ferris. See more by clicking this link: http://lnphotos.smugmug.com/City-of-Lilburn/Lilburn-Idol-2012)

•  2 Comments
• Photos (27)

Get Out: Your Weekend Planner July 20-22

With the children going back to school soon, there are still a number of activities for them and you before the summer break is over.

Here's what's happening in Gwinnett County this weekend. Click on the PDF accompanying this article for a comprehensive list of weekend events compiled by the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau. (To enlarge, click on the magnifying glass with the plus sign in it at the bottom of the PDF.) Events in and around Lilburn include: 1. Lilburn Idol Finale When/Where: Friday, July 20, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Lilburn City Park, at the bandstand behind Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex, 76 Main Street Why Go: This is the culmination of the ninth year of this community and entertainment event. It began with 59 contestants, and now there are about 20 vying for the title of Lilburn Idol. The group Norwood will perform, and there also will be food …

• Photos (1)
• Documents (1)

Lilburn Idol Finale is July 20

This year's finale for Lilburn Idol takes place July 20. Who do you think will win?

The finale of the 2012 Lilburn Idol takes place Friday, July 20. The winners from Idol I, Idol II and Idol III will compete for the big title. Idol III winners: Idol II winners: Idol I Winners: Norwood will perform during the finale show, which will begin at 7 p.m. at Lilburn City Park. Hot food from a local restaurant will be offered throughout the evening.

• Photos (1)

Idol III - A Night of REALLY Hot Talent

Lilburn Idol III showcases some amazing talent!

The big story in Metro Atlanta on Friday the 25th was the weather. It was a triple-digit-scorcher-day. The bigger story for Lilburn was Lilburn Idol III, the third and final of the first round competitions before the July 20th Finale. It was a great time, according to Leslie Edwin, Lilburn's Event Coordinator. "We were grateful to everyone who braved that sonic oven to come support the singers." The singers from all age groups gave their best to an appreciative audience. These performers will be moving on to the finale: Winners from Idol I and Idol II will join these boys and girls and men and women on July 20th for the Grand Finale. The Winner of the evening walks away with prizes, along with the title of Lilburn Idol. Norwood will …

• Photos (11)

Lilburn Idols and Superstars - Valda Harrison

Another amazing talent from Lilburn Idol II who moves on to the Finale on July 20th.

Valda Harrison, who has been in Lilburn about 13 years is another “reluctant contestant” to Idol who has made judges and fans sit up and take notice. Her boyfriend, Emmett Crockett, signed her up, put the application together and then just told her when to be on hand to sing the Star Spangled Banner for her audition. Though Valda says her dream of making more music is about 4 years away, she’s excited to have this jump start with Lilburn Idol. “If I am going to get out there to do some things, this was a good place to start,” she said.  She’s done some singing in her days … working with artists to do background vocals for a jazz CD, singing at parties and weddings, and a few funerals. She even performed at the Apollo in 1989 and though she…

• Photos (1)

Lilburn Idols and Superstars - The McHans

A look at a very special family's love of music.

Some families are born to sing ... sort of like the Von Trapp family, but without Julie Andrews and drapery-inspired clothing. Laura McHan and her three daughters are just that kind of talent. A couple of years ago, the McHans spent the evening at Lilburn Idol; Laura asked the girls afterward if they would like to one day sing in the competition. A resounding "yes" made it a goal. Last year they missed the deadline; this year, however, Mr. McHan made sure the calendar was marked and entry was made before the deadline. "None of us have ever done anything like this before," Laura says. They have all been active in church choirs and performed a few solos, but nothing like Idol. When the girls were younger, they joined the church's Cherub …

•  4 Comments
• Photos (2)

Lilburn Idols and Superstars - The Burrow Family

It's a family thing ...

In the June Lilburn Idol I and II competitions, there were 3 Burrows: Eleanor, Abby and Frank, who according to wife Angela, is "the talented one!"  The girls do it because it's fun and they "love to sing and perform," Angela says. They are encouraged to "do what they love ... and singing is one of those things!"  Beyond the innate talent inherited from dad, the family credits Ms. Kennedy, the excellent chorus teacher at Trickum Middle School, for their strong vocal foundation.  And while the girls perform in Lilburn Idol because it's fun and they get to perform in front of their friends ... they, of course, hope to win. Both Abby and Eleanor performed last year in the compeition and Eleanor placed first in her division. This year, Abby is…

• Photos (3)

Lilburn Idols and Superstars

A little 4-1-1 on some of Lilburn Idol's outstanding talent.

There's so much talent in Lilburn that it is difficult to find a place to start. Baseball championships, star students, exceptional football ... and music. There's all this music. The City provides the venue with Lilburn Idol, but the community seems to breathe with talent.  Throughout the tryouts for the 2012 Idol competition, a few notable personalities stood out to the organizers. We start with 71-year-old James "Tubby" Griffin, who played his guitar and sang a spiritual song to create new and avid fans of those who came out the for Idol I competition on June 8th.  James was raised in Pearidge, Geogia, but now lives in Mountain Park. Though he played in a band during his teens, he's a brick mason by trade and lately, part of the …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)