Thursday, October 1, 2026
Merokean Robbie Rosen, 15, found his time to shine at Nassau County’s "Reach for the Stars" talent contest last Saturday night at Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre.
The Calhoun student took first place for his rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” “It's a great song, a classic song, a big song,” Rosen said of his winning choice. “It's one of those songs that if you sing it well and if you sing it right, you can win a challenge.”
The contestants were chosen from a county-wide audition pool of 68 contestants. The panel of judges included former “Reach for the Stars” winner and “American Idol” finalist Kevin Covais and professionals from the music and entertainment industry. Radio Disney personalities hosted the free show.
This was the third time Rosen competed in "Reach for the Stars," and the first time he placed. As part of his grand prize, he will perform the national anthem at an Islanders hockey game in the upcoming season.
“I really wanted it, obviously, coming back for the third year,” Rosen said.
In June, the singer, songwriter and pianist won the WOR Radio Shining Star Competition, earning $7,500 for Calhoun and $1,500 for himself. He credits a talent contest for kick-starting his career at a young age. “I played piano and sang at 8 years old at a local talent show,” he said. “That's when I got my agent and manager and pretty much got my career going.”
From ages 8 to 11, Rosen worked in commercials, educational videos and local performances of Broadway shows, his mother, Loren Rosen, said. Now, though he no longer has an agent or manager, he is working on his own to build a music career. “This is my dream,” he said.
Also competing from Merrick were Andrew George, 16, and Lauren Lamonsoff, 13.
