Bill Riley Talent Search 8.15.24

Day One of Bill Riley Semi-Finals 2024

Three talented Senior division acts (ages 13-21) have advanced to the Championship round in Bill Riley’s 64th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Sunday, August 18. Two Sprout acts were crowned champions.

Seniors

The names, ages, hometowns and routines are:

Jonah Carney, 16, Parkersburg, Vocal Solo

Lily Schloss, 18, North Liberty, Vocal Solo

Annelise Bell, 15, Ottumwa, Contemporary/Acro Dance Solo

Sprout Champions

Gunner Jennings, 12, Davenport, Lyrical/Contemporary Dance Solo

Luke Justice, 11, Urbandale, Bull Whip Demonstration

The Bill Riley Talent Search has put Iowa’s young talent on stages across the state each summer since 1960. 67 local qualifying competitions were held across the state and winners advance to the State Fair competition, where there are seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21), followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior Champion. The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals, but perform in the Championship Show as Sprout Champions set for Sunday, August 18 at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi and media sponsor iHeart Radio.

More than $20,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.