'Festival Idol' songbird: 'I want to sing like the birds sing'

Aug. 4—Going from songs by Jack Johnson to the "Frozen II" soundtrack, and from Stevie Wonder to original lyrics, singers from all over Michigan took the Grand Haven waterfront stage Monday night to perform during the Coast Guard Festival's "Festival Idol."

The "American Idol"-style show at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium featured three age categories: 13 and younger, 14-20 and 21 and older. The youngest performer was 9, while the oldest was 34, and both were winners.

First-place winners were David Lampman of Grand Haven in the 20-and-older group, Amelia Ford from the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods in the teen category, and 9-year-old Emily Szostak of Ferrysburg in the youth division.

Lampman, 34, sang a song titled "Miracles." He said he has led worship at his church, played in bands, performed at Christian music festivals and has released five CDs.

Lampman said he battled a chronic mental health condition called schizoaffective disorder and severe anxiety, and during that time, singing would make him feel very alone. However, singing in front of a crowd has helped him keep his mental illness at bay — he no longer feels isolated.

"I feel very grateful because I no longer have that," Lampman said. "Some of my favorite shows are when I go back to the hospitals I was locked up in. I just feel for people that have mental illness. I want to let them know that it's possible for them."

For some of the performers, dedications were a major part of their performance.

Laila Wilson, 14, from Rockford, dedicated her song to her stepdad, who had recently died. The song she performed was by Jack Johnson — the last song she played for him.

"I knew that he would want me to do this," said Wilson, who finished third in the teen category. "He's the one who taught me everything on guitar."

When she sings on stage, Wilson said she reflects on a quote by the philosopher and poet Rumi: "I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think."

"It just feels really great to be out there and just be who you are instead of just trying to keep yourself in this little box," Wilson added.