Limelight big draw for local would-be superstars

Simon Fuller, not only did you create “American Idol,” you’ve also sparked an American fantasy frenzy that is showing no signs of flaming out.

From Tampa to Tacoma and performing halls in between, those who think they can carry a tune or keep a beat continue to line up for their free 90-second singing auditions or 40-foot walks down imaginary runways in hopes of fame, fortune and, well, maybe a date with Brad Pitt.

The Inland Northwest isn’t taking a back seat to what has become a pop-culture pastime.

Amateur hour turned into amateur hours after hours on Saturday as home-grown performers competed for prizes at the “Gimme The Mike” contest at the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights.

Presented by KHQ-TV, the competition continues today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contestants must be at least 18 years old. The top performer will win a 2005 Toyota Prius, valued at $27,000, and a chance to further their career in the music industry. A field of 20 semifinalists will be announced on KHQ, KNDO and KNDU in mid-March.

“It went really well,” said Casey Evans, a sweet-sounding 22-year-old from Cheney and the first up at Northern Quest.

“They don’t give you much time so you have to do your best,” added Evans, who chose to sing “Jesus Loves Me,” to show her range.

Although it proved unnecessary, some singers began lining up at the Northern Quest as early as 5 a.m. By day’s end, more than 200 performers had made their way through a maze to belt out their 1 ½-minute song, singing a cappella. The panelists, representing an area music production company, watched the singers on TV monitors.

Hollywood hopefuls also turned out in droves at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn, where they could audition for the opportunity to spend as much as $4,000 for professional training in the performance arts.

The event, promoted as “Be a Star in Hollywood,” attracted aspiring singers, actors, dancers, musicians, comics and models.

For the first 90 minutes Tami Smith, a Coeur d’Alene resident and executive scout for World Championships of Performing Arts, told the crowd of the importance of professional training for the performing arts. The captive audience of about 150 performers listened, as Smith explained that those who are called back for additional tryouts today will be required to deposit $795 if they choose to commit to the program.

Sandy Clemons, president of Ain’t It Good Productions of Coeur d’Alene, who works closely with Smith, said the cost of training could run as high as $4,000. Clemons, whose own company grooms performers, said the cost goes toward eight days in Hollywood, hotel and travel accommodations, professional photographs and more than 60 hours of training.

“The people who come here are going to get the look like ‘Amercan Idol’ after they’re shaped up,” Clemons said.

Mike Travis, a 22-year-old from Coeur d’Alene who read lines at the World Championships audition, was eager for his shot at fame. “There’s a lot of money out there if you can get into it,” Travis said. “And it’s a great form of expression.”