Barbara Mootoo of Garner was one of many teens that participated in Raleigh’s Carolina Teen Idol in July. The contest was hosted by For Teens Only Expo (FTO). The winner got to perform in front of record label executives, receive professional voice coaching, studio time, a Sprint phone, Carowinds tickets, a Coca-Cola prize pack, apparell from Dillard’s Northlake and have his or her photo featured on advertising billboards.

Mootoo was named one of six semi-finalists along with Amanda Cancio, Tyree Douglas, Brittney Farmer, Casey Graham, Shahde Hardwick and Ashleigh Paylor. They will go on to compete in Charlotte against Winston-Salem and Charlotte area teens for the finals.

Three finalists will perform on stage at the For Teens Only Expo, Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Charlotte Convention Center.