Nearby: Kristen Murphy Wins "Reach for the Stars" Contest

Written by Michael Ganci

North Bellmore resident Kristen Murphy was crowned the winner at Monday's finals of the Nassau County "Reach for the Stars" contest at Eisenhower Park.

Murphy, who used the song "Popular" to secure the victory, was amongst the 22 finalists chosen from an audition pool of 64 contestants.

Christina Cinnamo from Franklin Square, who sang "The Lady is a Tramp," finished in second place, while Alexa Ford from Lynbrook, who sang "No Reason at All," came in third.

The annual competition showcases the county’s most talented young stars between the ages of 13 and 19, according to county executive Ed Mangano. Previous winners include participants who moved on to American Idol fame - Kevin Covais (2003) and Robbie Rosen (2009).

Other finalists included:

• Christina Cinnamo, of Franklin Square
• Jackie Cotumaccio, of Roslyn
• Caity DiBattista, of New Hyde Park
• Alexa Ford, of Lynbrook
• Dari Goldman, of Oceanside
• Amanda Goldstein, of Plainview
• Taylor Hogan, of Massapequa Park
• Bridget Iaboni, of Levittown
• Anna Le Petri, of Rockville Centre
• Alyssa Lopez, of Levittown
• Emily Lutz, of Carl Place
• Alessandra Mannino, of West Hempstead
• Rachel Margolin, of Massapequa Park
• Alyssa Pallotta, of East Meadow
• Joanna Pisciotta, of Massapequa
• Ashley Shapiro, of Oceanside
• Samantha Siclari, of Levittown
• Samuel Tesch, of Roslyn
• Christina Tramantana, of Wantagh
• Riley Walsh, of Westbury