Lilburn Idol sings up piece of Americana

By SHANE BLATT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Camie Hull struts onto the stage, decked from head to toe in red and black.

The music starts. Hull tips her hat and belts out "Ain't She Sweet." She dances, waves her hand and twirls her red feather boa. The 200-plus crowd cheers.

Not bad for an 80-year-old competing in her first Lilburn Idol.

"If I'm not the best, I'm the oldest," quipped Hull, one of dozens in this year's contest.

For a city that just lifted its ban on karaoke at restaurants serving alcohol, Lilburn certainly loves its singing competition. In its sixth year, Lilburn Idol has become a perennial mainstay for this municipality of 12,000, offering family fun while raising money for a fountain at City Park.

"It's the best-kept secret in Gwinnett County," said Mayor Diana Preston, who is also a member of Lilburn Woman's Club, the event's co-sponsor.

Even after the fountain goes in, the show will go on given its popularity, Preston said.

"At some point it will wane and something else will take its place," she said. "For right now, we've had the best turnout ever."

More than 50 people auditioned in June for a spot in one of six categories, broken down by age. Participants perform in one of three Idol shows (the next one is July 24 at City Park). First-place winners in each category go on to the finale Aug. 7.

Lilburn Idol isn't affiliated with "American Idol." The judging panel doesn't include the barb-trading likes of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. And it doesn't offer fame or recording contracts for the winners, just a plaque and a brick engraved with their names.

That doesn't matter to Nic Stargel of Gainesville. The 9-year-old wants to become a rock star and actor, and Lilburn Idol allows him to hone his singing and performing. The exposure helps, too. Already, Nic has starred in five commercials and had parts in several TV shows, including "One Tree Hill" and "Monk."

"I think this is a pretty good experience," said Nic, who placed second Friday in the youth division (ages 6-12).

The winners aren't just left up to the three judges. Audience members vote with quarters. Each quarter equals one vote and accounts for 20 percent of the contestant's overall score.

To add a twist this year, organizers added "celebrity" judges, including Rep. Clay Cox (R-Lilburn) and Gwinnett County Commissioner Bert Nasuti.

"This is total Americana," Nasuti said after Friday's performances. "Everyone did really well, particularly our last performer, who wowed the judges."

That's contestant Hull, who sang in the new seniors division. Hull, who turns 81 this week, said the competition isn't about winning or losing.

"I just hope I make people smile," she said.