The sold out “Hampton Bays Idol” talent competition finale on Thursday, April 15, held at the high school auditorium, was a huge success, not just for the 19 performing finalists, but for the audience as well.

The rousing evening included performances from nine Hampton Bays High School finalists and 10 Hampton Bays Middle School contestants--Amanda Sanabria was the high school winner and Elizabeth Lowry was the middle school winner—and also a special performance by judge Prentice McNeil from the Drifters and performances by Hampton Bays teachers and staff, including: Mr. Pilero, Ms. Vermette, Ms. West, Mr. Crook, Ms. Liso, Mr. DeBlasio, and Mr. Clemensen.

High School competitors included: Samantha Downs, Abigail Kraycar, Maria Jauregui, Amanda Sanabria, John Capuano, Rachel Reed, James Tran, Cynthia Reyes and Deborah Carlin.

The Middle School contestants were: Alyssa Ortiz, Elizabeth Lowry, Gioia Sacco, Taylor Dunn, Christina Pasca, John Sanabria, Mackenzie Engledrum, Lily Pugsley, Savannah Medina and Samet Kardeniz.

“Hampton Bays Idol” winners received a yearlong free pass to Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead for the entire family, a day-stint as a guest DJ on 106.1 WBLI, a day at a recording company, and gift certificates from Cactus Salon.