According to Barbados Nation, If the 2026 Richard Stoute Over-21 semi-finals is any indication of how the finals will be, patrons are in for a show at CARIFESTA House in Waterford, St Michael, come on October 31. Thirteen singers went before the judges on Sunday night hoping to be called among the chosen ten. After the presentation of medals to all the contestants, emcee Carl Padmore revealed the qualifiers. They are Crystal Hope, Lisa Hackett, Tarique Griffith, Dave Cumberbatch, Kayla Alleyne, Malik Stuart, Shaquan Smith, Javed Forde, Weslon Samuels and Jaleesa Greaves. Keonai Walker, Bentley Jones and Kiara Hinckson did not advance. All of the contenders should be familiar with the criteria – voice, rendition, points, diction, clarity, stage presence, technical skills, originality and creativity – having gone from preliminary to present. If there is one performer to watch it would be Lisa Hackett. She was a tower o