Lynbrook fourth-grader wins singing contest

Nine-year-old Melanie Galeano made her singing stage debut at the 2010 Nassau Youth singing contest, which she won first place for her age group at the grand finale event on Oct. 23 at the Cultural Arts Theatre in Hempstead. The budding singer from Lynbrook performed the song, “I Believe I can Fly,” by R. Kelly.

Since age four, Galeano, a fourth-grade student at Maria Montessori School, has been singing her heart out, according to her dad, Nelson. “She has not taken any classes, but she sings around the house,” he said. “Singing is her passion and she picks up tunes quickly.”

But instead of singing along to American Idol, Galeano took her show on the road and entered the contest, garnishing praise and a $600 prize. Co-sponsored by Healthfirst and the NuHealth System, the contest featured over 300 participants from kindergarten through 12th grade who live in Nassau County. Each contestant was divided into three age groups: 5-9, 10-13, and 14-18, which three contestants were selected from each age group among 25 finalists.