Gilbert Pianist Wins 55th Annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search

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2014 Talent Search Champion Roberto Gemignani impressed judges with his piano solo.

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2014)(readMedia)-- Roberto Gemignani, 15, of Gilbert placed first in the Senior division during the championship round of the 55th annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition held Sunday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Gemignani walked away with an $8,000 prize for his piano solo.

Emily Solo, 21, of Clive was awarded second place and $4,000 for her vocal solo.

Third place and $2,000 went to Renee Brechtel, 20, of Urbandale for her violin performance.

Kami Badger, 18, of Bagley, Kate Sandage, 18, of Grand Junction, Hannah McConnell, 15, and Karli Anthofer, 15, both of Jefferson, placed fourth and received $1,000 for their tap dance. Shana Liu, 14, of Urbandale placed fifth and received $500 for her piano solo.

Acts competed statewide to qualify for competition in this year's Talent Search. The championship round took place on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi. Bill Riley, Jr. once again hosted the show.

More than $18,000 was awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest was sponsored by Hy-Vee.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2014 Fair ends today. The 2015 Iowa State Fair is set August 13-23. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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