Locals preparing for big break with 'Idol' auditions

Auditioning for "American Idol" is like competing in "The Hunger Games."

It's not for the weak or the cowardly. Contestants will wake up well before sunrise to stand in what appears to be a never-ending line made more daunting by the Tallahassee heat and humidity. After the eternity of waiting and sweating, contestants will finally come face-to-face with their ultimate challenge — singing in front of a TV producer to attempt to advance to the next round.

Although the odds can't be in everyone's favor, there are four Tallahassee vocal warriors who believe they have what it takes to impress the judges. Despite their nerves and excitement leading up to Sunday – the big day – the four shared their stories and why they could be the next American Idol.

The bloomer

Trying out for "American Idol" is more than just an audition to Kailin Schrier. It's the chance to overcome her fear of singing publicly.

The 16-year-old always loved to sing, but her mom, Ssusan Schrier, was one of the only people to hear her. When the two saw that the "Idol" bus was headed to Tallahassee, the mother convinced her daughter to try out.

"For me it's a big confidence step, singing in front of people," the daughter said. "I've never done that."

It was only a week ago that she stepped out of her comfort zone and sang in front of someone outside of her family. She met with Tareva Moore, a private voice teacher.

"The first time I sang in front of Tareva I cried," Schrier said. "It was embarrassing. I had to take a moment and reel my emotions in. Once I did that, I got over a huge fear in my life and it's awesome."

Schrier's been hard at work polishing her talent with Moore. She's deciding between "Turning Tables" by Adele and "Royals" by Lorde for the audition; Schrier's voice resembles both artists' vocal styles and sounds, but she adds her own pizzazz to the numbers.

"Something that my mom keeps telling me is that even if I don't make it through, it's about the experience and the exposure," Schrier said.

The powerhouse

"I feel like because I am young-looking, short and little, my voice is way bigger than what people expect to come out of this little body," P.J. Wilford said. "And that is something unique."

The 24-year-old powerhouse performer has been lighting up the stage since he was 9. He said he had an instant connection with music because of its ability to create an emotional release. His musical knowledge continued to flourish when he received an undergraduate degree in music from Florida State University.

He's currently a music teacher at Young Actors Theatre, a music minister at St. Louis Catholic Church and a private voice teacher. Because his days are filled with teaching music, he admits that he hasn't had a lot of time to practice for "American Idol" auditions. That hasn't hindered his spirit.

"I feel like I have what it takes to make it far," Wilford said. "I believe in my abilities and my skills."

Wilford plans on singing "You Found Me" by The Fray on Sunday, though he said he was tempted to sing a Beyonce song.

"Just being able to say I auditioned for 'American Idol' is really cool," Wilford said. "Not everyone has the confidence level to put themselves out there in front of people who could change your life."

The twister

Cooper Smith, 16, admits he's nervous for the audition, but he's ready.

"I have something to prove because I am younger," the Leon High student said. "It's a challenge, but I'm ready for that challenge."

Smith is a natural born singer. His family has always been involved with Young Actors Theatre and he fit perfectly into the mix. Outside of YAT, Smith is part of Leon High's Concert Chorale.

Smith says his voice is similar to Marcus Mumford's, lead singer of Mumford & Sons, but his style can span across genres from show tunes to pop to country.

"I feel like my voice has a very unique tone to it," Smith said. "There's a lot of things that I am able to sing that I put my own twist on."

Smith used this philosophy to pick out his audition song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. He's been practicing in 30-minute increments almost every day for the past couple of weeks.

"I'm just looking forward to the opinions of the producers," Smith said. "If I get in, that would be great, but it's the experience I'm looking forward to."

The newcomer

Don't let the fact that Wesley Armstrong, a Tallahassee Community College student, only started singing a year and a half ago lead you to believe he doesn't have experience.

The 20-year-old baritone found his knack for singing when he joined the youth choir at Thomasville Road Baptist church last year. Before he joined, his car and shower were the only stages where he performed his favorite Billy Joel, Rascal Flatts and Aerosmith tunes.

"I've always had a fear of judgment," Armstrong said. "I had been told that I was good, but in my mind I thought it was abysmal."

But this fear was quickly put aside. In the short time Armstrong has been rockin' he had the opportunity to participate in the "American Idol Experience" last year. The "Experience" is an Orlando theme park attraction based on the television series. Armstrong was a runner-up in the contest.

Listening to Armstrong sing, one can't help but think of "American Idol" season 10 winner Scotty McCreery, but with a rock 'n' roll twist. McCreery is one of Armstrong's musical role models.

Armstrong has been practicing for Idol auditions between summer classes and his job at Chick-fil-A. He doesn't yet have a song pinned down for Sunday, but is leaning toward a Josh Turner tune. He admits he's nervous for the day, however, and is looking forward to the opportunity to simply be himself and share his voice.

"Idol" auditions live

Democrat reporter Nicole Tschetter will also be auditioning for "American Idol" on Sunday. Follow @NicoleTschetter on Twitter for live updates all day long.

If you're auditioning, tweet selfies and vines of you singing while you are waiting. Include #TallyIdol so we can feature some of Tallahassee's stars on our website.