Warrenton teen Taylor Lacour has always dreamed of being a pop star. Those dreams came closer to reality after she recently was selected as a top-four finalist in the second KIDZ Star USA Talent Search — the largest national talent search for kids age 15 and under. Lacour, 14, edged out nearly 45,000 contestants on her way to being named a top four finalist. Her journey, which has included stops at NBC’s “Today” show and Sirius XM Radio, has been a life-changing experience. “It was my first plane ride and it was beautiful,” Lacour said of her trip to New York City. “I got a rock star makeover and met Gavin Degraw and got to hang out with his band. I’ve also met Michelle Branch and some other amazing people and have grown closer with the other finalists.” A panel of celebrity judges, including “American Idol” winner and RCA/Jive Label Group artist Kris Allen, will mentor the contestants and help select the winner, along with fan votes. Winning the competition would net Lacour a recording contract with the RCA Records/Jive Label Group, a starring role in a music video and a guest spot in the next KIDZ BOP television commercial. Andrea Evans, Lacour’s mother, said she was speechless when describing how proud she is of her daughter. “It’s all so exciting,” she said. “I am thrilled for her to be given such a great opportunity. Since she was a little girl, she would pretend to put on concerts at home. “Music means the world to her,” Evans added. “I’m thrilled she has the opportunity to do something that she loves. Our lives have changed. Everyone in town knows who she is and she’s being asked to participate in going to area schools to sing.” Evans said her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has also been a learning experience. “This is Taylor’s first time auditioning, being on the radio and being in a recording studio,” she said. “She’s learned how to interview and this is the first time she’s been recorded for anything other than us at home.” Never having formal vocal training, Lacour’s odds of being a top four finalist may have appeared slim. But what she lacked in training, she made up for in talent. “I never had to push her,” Evans said. “I just tried to encourage her to be patient and said when the opportunity was right, it would present itself. I know what her dreams are and if they were meant to be, they would be. With “American Idol” on television, it has opened so many doors for so many other things.” Lacour heard about the contest from a friend who said she could win by entering a video of herself singing. Evans knew her daughter had a good voice, but admitted she was a little shocked at the news of how far she had advanced in the contest. “One day, Taylor came up to me and said, ‘Mom, I’m doing pretty good in this contest,’ ” Evans said. While in New York City, Lacour and the three other finalists were filmed by Endemol — the world’s largest independent television and digital production company — for a series of webisodes following the musical journey of the contestants, which begin airing Thursday on kidzstarusa.com. For Evans, she knows an accomplishment such as her daughter’s could only lead to bigger things. “If she doesn’t win, I know there will be other opportunities and I know that she’ll be where she needs to be.” Lacour said this achievement was about seizing the moment and appreciating what she has in front of her. “I just feel really blessed to have this opportunity,” she said. Voting to determine the winner began Wednesday and will continue until Oct 10. Fans can vote for Lacour at kidzstarusa.com. The winner will be announced Oct. 13.