Murrieta Valley High School graduate Sam Larsen wins ‘The Glee Project’

Murrieta Valley High School graduate Sam Larsen has won Oxygen Channel’s “The Glee Project.”

Sam Larsen (Facebook)

Ryan Murphy, “Glee” co-creator and “Glee Project” executive director and judge, announced that the now-19-year-old 2009 grad won the reality TV show competition on Sunday night’s finale.

“Sam, you have won ‘The Glee Project,’” Murphy said.

Larsen’s hands shot to his forehead, grabbing his signature dreadlocks. He then crouched to the ground before getting up to hug fellow contestant Lindsay Pearce and runner-up Damian McGinty.

McGinty, though heartbroken at losing, said Larsen earned the win.

“I’m delighted for Samuel, obviously. It’s hard gettin’ so close, but Samuel deserves it, so…” McGinty said, trailing off.

Murphy then announced the biggest surprise of the evening: McGinty also won the competition.

The announcement of two winners was a surprise for the show. Both Larsen and McGinty will each be featured in seven episodes during Season 3 of “Glee” on Fox.

Also, runners-up Lindsay Pearce and Alex Newell were told they won two-episode arcs – another surprise for the show.

“Did we all just win, a little bit?” Pearce said during a pickup, or monologue/transitional commentary, on Sunday’s show.

Larsen won thanks to a performance of “Jolene,” originally sung by Dolly Parton.

“I’m on ‘Glee.’ My dream just completely came true,” Larsen said in a pickup. “Thank you, everyone that supports me, ‘cause you helped me achieve this. You help make me stronger. And you help make me more confident. And now I get to live my dream. Thank you, ‘Glee Project.’”

Check out EW.com’s interview with Larsen and McGinty following their win.

The first episode of Season 3 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Email the reporter at rachael.recker@swrnn.com or follow her on Twitter