HALLOWELL — Julia Gagnon has been crowned the winner of this year’s “Central Maine Idol” after defeating 19 singers over several weeks of performances at The Quarry Tap Room in Hallowell.

Gagnon took home a $10,000 prize Wednesday night, which she claimed onstage in front of a packed audience, as fireworks went off over the Kennebec River.

The popular local singing competition is modeled after the television series “American Idol.” This was the third year the event, produced by Chris Vallee, has taken place.

“(Gagnon’s) so unbelievably talented,” said Daniel Taylor, one of the judges, in a video posted ahead of the finale by those running the show. “It seems effortless — if she’s struggling it doesn’t show. She has a little bit of that confidence about her that’s like you know she knows she’s good, but she’s also very humble.”

Gagnon has a background in musical theater. She did not respond Thursday to a request for comment.

“She’s given me chills multiple times. I’ve jumped up multiple times for her to clap,” said Teresa Curley-Beaudoin, another judge. “I think the songs she’s chosen have really showcased her ability. She has a really phenomenal voice,”

Gagnon performed “Stand Up,” by Cynthia Erivo; “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis; and “Show Yourself,” by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood at Wednesday’s finale.

The other finalists this year were Ashley Maron and Sierra Harris.

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