Aleesha Smith of Waterloo took home the top honor in the senior division of the 65th annual Bill Riley Talent Search Competition, held Sunday, August 17, at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Smith impressed the judges with her vocal solo, earning a $10,000 prize.
Second place and $5,000 went to Des Moines duo Claire Southard and Andre Johnson for their contemporary dance performance. Third place was awarded to Audrey Janssen of Indianola, who earned $2,500 for her piano solo.
In fourth place, a tap dance quintet featuring Hannah Harris of Dunlap; Lauren Herrig, Tayla Broderson, and Addison Houston of Denison; and Brylee Schechinger of Harlan took the stage. Fifth place went to Emma Davis of Fort Dodge for her vocal solo.
The competition, hosted by Bill Riley Jr., drew top talent from across Iowa, with performers earning their spots through statewide preliminaries. More than $22,000 in prize money was awarded across both the senior and sprout divisions.
Sprout division winners included:
- Lucy Lis, 7, Waterloo – Vocal Solo
- Julianne Kline, 12, Clive – Baton Solo
- Marianne Rose Scott, 12, Johnston – Piano Solo
- Reese Freml, 11, Johnston – Tap Dance Solo
- Warren Place, 12, Pella – Lyrical Dance Solo
- Kinsley Schooley, 12, Chariton; Paisley Wickett, 10, Chariton; Paislee McFall, 12, Chariton; Eleanor Brown, 12, Allerton – Jazz Dance Quartet
- Harlow Schultz, 13, Polk City – Lyrical Dance Solo
- Maddi Hodge, 10, Sioux City – Vocal Solo
The final round was held on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, sponsored by Pepsi with media support from iHeart Radio.
