East End's Student Performers Wow At 'Hamptons Got Talent' Competition

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A gifted group of middle and high school students took to the stage at Westhampton Beach High School recently to participate in the 2026 Hamptons Got Talent competition.

The event was held on Friday, May 2, in the school auditorium.

Eleven musicians and vocalists from local middle and high schools showcased their talents before a panel of professional judges, the Southampton Town Youth Bureau said.

Audience members also received giveaways and voted for the People’s Choice Award.

Jude Roseto, a 6th-grade student at Quogue School, placed first in the Middle School category.

Samantha O’Neal, an 11th-grade student at Hampton Bays High School, placed first in the High School category.

Jack Graf, a 9th-grade homeschooled student from Southampton, earned the People’s Choice Award.

Finalists received commemorative plaques and gift certificates courtesy of Dream Recording Studios, Edgewater Restaurant, Hampton Theatre Company, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Bay Street Theatre, Guild Hall, Scotto’s of Hampton Bays, LTV Studios in East Hampton, Sticks and Stones Comedy Club, and the Hampton Coffee Company, organizers said.

"Hamptons Got Talent is a three-month program that provides youth with the opportunity to develop their skills, practice stage performance and public presentation, and build self-confidence," organizers said. "Participants attend a series of rehearsals and gain valuable insight, constructive feedback, and guidance from a panel of professional mentors in preparation for the main event."

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau thanked Tina Realmuto of the Southampton Cultural Center; Chris Jones and Natalia Rahim of East End Arts; and Iris Ornig and Olivia Foschi of East End Jazz for volunteering as mentors to this year’s performers.

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau also thanked Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli, Jody Gambino of LTV Studios, and Jennifer Ortiz of OLA of Eastern Long Island for serving as judges.

Special recognition was given to this year’s emcees — Casey Farrell (10th grade), Julianna Najdzion (10th grade), and Elhani Armijos (11th grade), all of Westhampton Beach High School; they were lauded for "their enthusiasm in hosting the event."