Round Lake girl makes most of losing Cubs singing contest

Round Lake 10-year-old Jayne Diliberto won't be singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for Cubs fans in September as she hoped.

But the fifth grader at Olive Mary-Stitt Elementary School in Arlington Heights is finding success on a local Round Lake radio station.

Diliberto, who was one of 50 semifinalists of the Baby Ruth/Chicago Cubs 7th Inning Stretch Contest, did not make the list of 10 finalists, Cubs officials said.

But she took the loss well, her mother said, and now has even parlayed it into a recurring gig at WRLR Round Lake Radio.

"There were some tears after she found out she didn't become a finalist, but she got over it quick," Dawn Diliberto said. "But, after the contest started, she got a call from WRLR and has been on air singing."

Jayne has been on-air once thus far, but plans are for her to return to the studio Wednesday afternoon, said WRLR office manager George Buchardt.

"She is a wonderful youngster who sings very well," he said. "We absolutely plan on bringing her back in the studio after Wednesday and have her on as much as possible."

Jayne sang four or five different songs on the radio, Dawn said, and the radio station enjoyed it.

Jayne has started school and was unavailable for comment. But the mother said her daughter is excited at the new opportunity.

"She is very excited about (being on the radio)," Dawn Diliberto said. "So, while one door may have shut for her, it seems like another one opened."

Ten people remain in the contest, Cubs officials said. People can view their auditions and vote for their favorite at www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com. The Cubs are identifying the finalists only with a first name and last initial. Voting closes Aug. 29.