PORTLAND, Ore. -- The first round of tryouts for Portland's "Teen Idol" competition began Thursday at the east Portland Community Center.

The Portland Parks and Recreation is running the local singing contest for the third year in a row. More than 300 teenagers participated last year.

The winner receives an iPod and the chance to perform at "Movies in the Park" events in Portland throughout the summer.

"This was a very exciting event, I've been waiting since kindergarten to do this," said Teleia Moore, a "Teen Idol" contestant this year. "And when I heard I could do it, it was very exciting."

All of the judges in this year's competition are professional singers.

"We were so surprised so many of them were so good," said Mitzi Zilka, a "Teen Idol" judge. "I was expecting to see a handful, but ost of the people who come in here really know how to sing."

Auditions continue Friday at the University Park Community Center.

For a complete list of try-out dates, times and locations, visit portlandonline.com.