The 13-year-old took second place in the senior category with his performance of the Frank Sinatra classic, "Ain't that a kick in the head."
Speaking after the event in Belfast's Castle Court shopping complex, Jon said: "I'm very pleased to have come runner-up - it's another place closer to achiving my dream of winning this competition."
The local singer, who was third in last year's competition, was full of praise for senior category winner, Caitlin McClurg from Bangor.
"When you lose to someone like Caitlin, you can't complain," he reflected. "She is simply an amazing talent. I'll be back next year and I'll hopefully go all the way this time."
Thousands of people packed into Castle Court for the grand final of Citybeat Young Star Search 2008, sponsored by easyJet.
Belfast singer Brian Kennedy was joined by international DJ and music producer Micky Modelle and top European dance act Jessy to sift through the finalists in the junior and senior categories.
Commented Brian: "Each of the young people in the final deserved their place - they all worked extremely hard and every one of them progressed and improved throughout the competition.
"Hearing the young talent we have in Northern Ireland has made me so proud to be from Belfast."