Bianca Lara, who recently auditioned for American Idol, also enjoys modeling. Sixteen-year old Bianca Lara of Campbellton, was among the thousands who auditioned for American Idol on June 14 at the Alamodome.

Lara and her mother, Laura Torres, arrived there at 2 a.m. The doors opened at 9 a.m. Auditions began right at noon, with Lara trying out about 1 p.m. for the directors. She sang “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera.

“They said I was good, but I wasn’t what they were looking for this season,” said Lara.

She has enjoyed singing since she was 5-years old and uses it as her tool, especially when she is feeling sad. Lara has sung for the band Xelente twice.

Although she didn’t advance in American Idol, she still describes it as a fun experience and enjoyed meeting a lot of new people.

The talented teenager can now devote her attention to another talent– modeling. Since the beginning of the year, Lara has been modeling with Nelson Fashion Group in San Antonio. She has been in runway shows such as the Quince Expo. She recently auditioned for a TV show, but is still waiting on the results. She was also nominated for a film tribute to the late Tejano star Selena on October 6.

Lara, who began being home-schooled after enduring bullying, encourages others to go for their dreams, whatever they may be.

She is also a semi-finalist for the Joel Chris TV show, an Internet broadcast around the world and she needs your votes. Just go to Facebook and search JoelChris.TV, then Like his page. Find Bianca, who is #20 and then click Like.

The top 20 will be on the show and the one with the most votes will win the spokesmodel spot of the month. Voting started June 1 and continues until June 30.