Bill Riley Talent Search 8.9.24

Musicians, Dancers and Singers Top Iowa State Fair Talent Search

Three talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) and four Senior division acts (ages 13-21) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 64th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 15, Friday, August 16 or Saturday, August 17.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the sprouts acts are:

Olivia Carlson, 9, Des Moines, Jazz Dance Solo

Lydia Rude, 11, Lehigh, Vocal Solo

Gunner Jennings, 12, Davenport, Musical Theater Dance Solo

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the senior acts are:

Josiah Vos, 17, Sioux City, Piano Solo

Aleesha Smith, 16, Waterloo, Vocal Solo

Brooklyn Beelner, 16, Kingsley; Jaiden Hurtig, 16, Pierson; Tap/Clog Dance Duet

Jonah Carney, 16, Parkersburg, Vocal Solo

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.