Humboldt Vocal Soloist Wins 2023 Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2023) (readMedia)-- Elle Clark of Humboldt placed first in the senior division during the championship round of the 63rd annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition held Sunday, August 20, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Clark was awarded a $10,000 prize for her vocal solo.

Lucy Gannon of West Des Moines was awarded second place and $5,000 for her piano solo.

Third place and $2,500 went to Claire Southard and Andre Johnson of Des Moines with their contemporary dance duet.

Fourth place went to Lauren Carney of Parkersburg with her musical theater vocal solo.

Fifth place was awarded to Nelley Pelzer, James Brown, Kylie Templeton, and Drayce Moore, of Atlantic, for their clogging quartet.

Acts competed statewide to qualify for competition in this year's Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair. The championship round took place on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor iHeart Radio. Bill Riley, Jr. hosted the show.

More than $20,000 was awarded to the senior and sprout divisions combined.

Sprout winners included:

Reese Freml, Johnston, Tap Solo

Mya Burns, Sioux City, Vocal Solo

Michael Smith, Waterloo, Vocal Solo

Katelynn Larson, West Des Moines, Lyrical/Contemporary Solo

Abby Lorch, North Liberty, Violin Solo

Vivian Speck, Dayton, Vocal Solo

Ethan Larsen, Rubik's Cube Solver, Ankeny

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 160 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Best Days Ever at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20, 2023. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.