They are practicing away, getting warmed up with those dance routines, vocal solos on the piano.

We have some exciting acts ahead as we kick off this talent championship.

Bill.

What a run!

Run!

In the past ten days, well, the championship day is here.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's the 2025 Bill Riley Talent Championships.

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Oh hello Iowa.

How are we doing?

And welcome to everyone watching on Iowa PBS.

My name is Bill Riley and I am thrilled to be joined with my co-host Abrah Wright, and we are about ready to roll into one of the best championship shows that we've had in some years.

Thank you so much for being my co-host.

You helped me out last year when I was unable to attend, so thank you so much and I'm thrilled you joined us back here again.

We've had a riot for the last ten days, but now is championship time.

It's an exciting show ahead.

Bill I am looking forward to being a part of it with you.

So thanks for having me back.

Wonderful.

Now, an important component of this show is the judges.

So we've got some really, really special people for you to introduce.

They've got a hard job ahead, so let's get to it.

Our first judge is Janice Baker.

Janice is an assistant professor in dance at Iowa State University.

She is an associate director of Iowa Dance Theater, linking many area studios in diverse educational and performing activities.

Welcome, Janice.

Dr. Jennifer Wohlenhaus Bloomberg Jennifer is the principal oboist of the Des Moines Symphony.

In addition to performing Dr. Wollenhaupt, Blumberg teaches oboe, bassoon, music theory, and aural skills at Drake University.

Welcome, doctor Blumberg.

Our next judge is Sidney Garrett.

Sydney is no stranger to the Riley Stage.

Her tap style and skills earned her the titles of Sprout Champion and Senior Finalist.

She is a dance choreographer and educator in Southeast Iowa.

Thank you for being here.

Sidney Garrett.

Natasha Overturff Gehrts.

Natasha is an experienced dance educator and choreographer who has performed nationally and internationally across the United States, Europe and Asia.

Welcome back Natasha.

Our fifth judge is Edwin Griffith.

Edwin is a classically trained vocalist, a three time winner in the Nats competition, and a regional finalist with the New York Metropolitan Opera Auditions.

We are glad to have you Edwin Griffith.

Adrian Oldenburger.

Adrian is a professional ballet dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany.

He was a Prix de Lausanne selection and probably Bill's personal favorite, the Bill Riley Grand Champion.

In 2013.

Welcome, Adrian.

Today we also have Dr. Nicholas Roth Nicholas, professor of piano at Drake University, is a fellow of the American Pianists Association and an internationally featured performer and teacher.

Welcome, doctor Nicholas Roth.

And rounding out our panel of judges today is Matthew Chute.

Matthew is a National Board certified music teacher.

He's also a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly and dedicated 35 years to teaching in Iowa schools.

We are so glad to have you.

Matthew Chute.

And wow, the distinguished panel of judges we have.

Yes.

And you're going to find out why we have that distinguished panel of judges, because the senior division is ready to start ten acts in competition.

Ladies and gentlemen.

So let's get started.

Our first performer is from Clive Iowa.

Welcome, Dawson Hinker to the stage.

Here she comes.

Beautiful young lady from Clive, Iowa.

As I mentioned, 15 years old.

This is a musical theater vocal soloist.

Dawson has selected from the musical band Geeks.

Lost in the brass.

There it goes again.

The moment's gone.

And I'm too lame to speak.

Another wasted opportunity.

Always waiting for something to happen.

But nothing's going to happen.

Not for me.

Buddy, I'm always buddy.

I'm a girl.

For your information, forever in this situation, waiting and hoping he'll notice how I'm feeling.

But every time I get him near, I fade away.

I disappeared.

That's me never getting hurt.

He just smiles and walks away like I never said would.

All.

Can anybody hear me?

Am I just blowing air while the whole world marches past.

Still I blow and blow.

Though I know it gets me nowhere I just get lost.

Lost in the bright.

Day.

So I don't wear makeup.

I don't stick my hair up with some awesome tastic pink barrette.

No, I'll never be a majorette.

I'm plain, I'm basic, and I sweat when I get nervous.

I suck it.

Popularity.

People just don't notice me.

Some high school's got to end.

And I'll finally find a place where this would wind doesn't blow.

Don't.

Can anybody hear me?

I just know, I know I can sparkle on the grass.

But my melody can never be heard clearly I just get lost, lost, lost in the brass I get so lost, lost in the crowd.

Listen, I'm not background noise.

Listen, I make music, see me.

I'm not one of the boys.

I shine, I shine, I shine.

Oh, I'll be solo.

I'vegotto gotten and clear right through the tuba blasts soaring high above that clumsy bass from Brato.

I won't be lost, lost, lost in the brass.

And finally they'll see.

There's so much more to me at last I won't be long lost in the brass.

Lost in the brass.

Wow, what a start to our senior division competition.

Dawson Huinker from Clive Iowa performing Lost in the Brass from the musical band Geeks and Abra.

What a treat!

Chad.

Twila.

Twila on accompanist.

He was the grand champion in 1993.

And Dawson's uncle.

How about that?

I guess talent runs in the family.

Bill.

What a treat to be out here today.

Certainly does.

Who do we got next?

We are bringing out our next soloist.

But switching to musical theater.

Dance.

Welcome, Moriah Denhart of West Des Moines, Iowa.

And as she moves into position, Moriah is 18 years old, performing her musical theater dance solo to the title My Party Dress.

This is Moriah Denhart.

Did you see my party dress?

This morning I was feeling dressy.

Mother thinks I'll get it messy, but she cannot see where I spilled.

I spilled here and here and here and here.

Oh, now that was on my other dress.

Shawn Michaels stole my birthday cake, and Jenna Walker tried to take my crunch it munch.

It wasn't fair.

I slammed the punch.

I climbed the chair.

But then I fell and punch.

When everywhere on the floor, on my chair, on his shoes, in her hair.

But it wasn't on my party dress.

John Michael was made fun of soccer, so I stuffed him in a locker.

I play soccer and they play the flute.

I do art and discover camp and and T-ball, and I play piano every night.

My dad says I'm a prodigy, but I think I would rather be the FBI or CIA.

A secret spy who saves the day.

And when I'm finished saving it, I'll play.

Oh, to Joy, Joe, Chaka Allegro.

The pocket bell cannon and also the song I wrote.

La la la la la la la la la la la.

It has worked.

La spy.

Do you like my party dress?

When I do pirouettes it, Russell, I buy all my clothes in Brussels.

Dad says that's where Brussels sprouts are from.

I've toured Brussels and Paris and Vienna, and this one time we pretended to go to Rome.

But we went to Iceland.

And in Iceland my dad presided over an international corporate trade hearing.

Oh, that was a secret sulfuric Pella.

My dance class is on Saturday, miss Water and Miss Lisa say I'm much more bright than I appear.

I shall say.

Right.

It's very clear that I'll be in the Nutcracker next year as a mouse.

Then a soldier, then Can-Can or marzipan, then Russian or an angel, then a Polish.

And now let me dance to this song, cause I wrote it so well.

It goes.

I will do a turn, then another turn.

Mother says I'll quit.

I will never quit.

I will do a split.

And I guess that's it.

My.

Part is.

Just outstanding.

Bringing fun to the fair.

And so much fun.

Absolutely.

That is Moriah Denhart of West Des Moines, Iowa.

All smiles after that one.

Yes, you can see it in her face.

She's having a great time out here at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage Moriah Denhart from West Des Moines, Iowa.

And my great performance.

So much fun in the senior division.

Goodness, I can't believe we're already into the finals at the 25 fair already.

Well, the talent has made the days go fast.

It is fun to watch for sure.

Bill.

Next up, Lyrical Dance Solo has joined us from Stuart.

Iowa say hello to Scarlett Putney.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Scarlett is now taking position.

As I mentioned, she is from Stuart, Iowa.

15 year old dance soloist Scarlett has selected.

I'll Never Love Again.

I wish I could, I could have said goodbye.

I would have said what I wanted to.

Maybe even cried for you.

If I knew it would be the last time.

I would have broke my heart into.

Trying to say part of you don't want to feel another time.

Don't want to start another fire.

Don't wanna know another kiss.

No other name.

Falling off my lips.

Don't want to give my heart away.

To another stranger.

Or let another day begin.

Won't even let the sunlight in my heart.

I'll never love.

Oh, God.

I'll never love again.

Ooh ooh.

All.

Don't wanna feel another touch.

Don't wanna start another fire.

Don't wanna know another kiss.

Baby.

Unless they are your lips.

Don't give my heart away.

To another stranger.

All in another day.

Begin.

Won't even let the sunlight in.

Oh, never love again.

Love I, oh, I'll never love again.

I never love.

Again.

Heartfelt performance.

Remarkable dancer.

Lyrical dance soloist.

Scarlett Putney.

Just 15 years old.

Abra.

Absolutely beautiful performance.

A stellar performance.

And I'll never love again.

Hey, I want to take a minute to thank all of the parents out there and the instructors that make this possible for these youngsters to do what they love to do, but they need support and instruction.

And I can tell you, the parents driving all over the state, if they're doing the Bill Riley thing, they're covering some county fairs and festivals and put miles on the old station wagon.

That's right.

It takes a village.

And a lot of these performers are standing on the shoulders of many others.

So we are excited to showcase that talent here on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage this year at the 2025 Bill Riley Talent Search Championships.

And next up, we are getting set up for Audrey Janssen beautiful young lady.

Audrey is 18 years old of Indianola Iowa Audrey is performing a piano solo today, so we are going to let her get set and seated at the piano.

And as she does that, we'll introduce her piece.

She is performing Sonata number two by Robert Schumann again.

She's 18 years old, showcasing the many years she's invested in her piano skills.

Audrey Janssen of Indianola performing Sonata Number two by Robert Schumann.

Just magnificent Audrey Janssen, an 18 year old piano soloist representing Indianola Iowa very well with her piece Sonata Number two by Robert Schumann.

So proud of Audrey down in the Warren County Neck of the woods, and she did a great performance here again at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Great job.

Audrey Janssen.

I want to thank Tanya Cook, Liz Ley with a special events department, Iowa State Fair and interns Hannah Olson and Carly Cox.

Those folks scheduled all the shows that came came in during the summer season.

All the fairs and festivals.

So thanks to Tanya Cook and Liz Ley in the Special events department.

But the the interns are so important to every summer.

Hannah Olson and Carly Cox, just a wonderful pair.

They're backstage all fair long, helping us behind the scenes, and they didn't get too many accolades.

Certainly not what they're due.

So I'm apologizing about that.

But I wanted to thank them official like rod here.

Yes.

And it really doesn't happen without them.

Hannah and Claire were here every day making it happen, and we're glad to have them as a part of the State Fair team.

And if you'd like to have a show in your neck of the woods, those are the folks to get in touch with.

Tanya Cook and Special Events Department, Iowa State Fair and Liz Ley, or even myself.

We would love to have a show in your neck of the woods, a fair or a festival doesn't have to be during the summer either.

We would just like you to join the Bill Riley Talent Search family, so get in touch with us.

We would like to have a show in your neck of the woods.

Well, we're set for our next performer.

This young man is from Winterset, Iowa.

Musical theater, vocal soloist David Michael Negley.

Now taking position.

David Michael Negley.

As I mentioned, vocal soloist, 20 years old.

And he has selected Goodbye.

It's a happy ending to the greatest show on earth.

Now the curtain's descending and I hope you got your money's worth.

Gonna stop the show now.

Cause I want to leave on time.

So get up and go now.

Cause there's nothing left inside my head.

Everything that's left to say has been said.

But goodbye.

Goodbye to all the song and dance.

Goodbye.

Offstage I stand a better chance.

The show is through the parts been played.

No standing in the wings.

Afraid.

No violence or phony tears.

The words that's music in my ears is goodbye.

A goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I'm not afraid of stopping this end.

Could be my start.

I want to live a life and not just play a part.

I walk into the sunset.

I'll sail across the sea.

The final word.

The last you'll hear of me.

Oh, man.

Goodbye.

A goodbye to all the night alone.

Goodbye.

Goodbye to lives that I don't own.

I'm tired of living on the stage A life that's only on the page.

The empty lives are in the past I've tried before.

But here's the last goodbye.

A goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Wow.

Put your hands together for David Michael Negley.

A 20 year old of Winterset, Iowa.

No stranger to the stage?

Not at all.

And he owned the stage with that one.

That's right.

That young man is built to be on stage, entertaining.

Great performance.

And I would say the same about this next crew.

This is going to be some fun and some energy.

It sure is.

Bringing with this Tap Dance Quintet.

Let's welcome Hannah Harris 18 of Dunlap Lauren Herrig 18 of Denison.

Tayla Brodersen 18 of Denison.

Brylee Schechinger 18 of Harlan and Addison Houston 17 of Denison.

This Tap Dance Quintet is getting into position as they perform their number.

Don't stop me now.

Get ready folks.

This is going to be a good one.

Tonight I'm gonna have my say a real good time.

I feel alive, I.

And the world.

Turn it inside out.

Floating around in the.

So don't stop me now.

Don't stop me.

Cause I'm having a good time.

Having a good time.

Shooting star to the sky like a tiger.

Defying the laws of gravity I'm a racing car.

Passing by like Lady Godiva I'm gonna go, go, go.

There's no stopping me a body through the sky.

You hundred degrees.

That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit I'm traveling at the speed of light.

I wanna make a supersonic man out of you.

Can't stop me.

Don't stop me.

Don't stop me.

Hey hey, hey, don't stop me, don't stop me.

Ooh!

Stop it, stop me.

Have a good time, good time.

Stopping.

Don't stop me.

Oh!

Burning through the sky.

The reasons for they call me mister Farrakhan.

Stopping the speed of light.

Wanna make a supersonic man out of you?

Now I'm having such a good time I don't wanna stop at all.

Oh my goodness.

Oh, boy.

Bill, I've said it before.

I've never had tap dance shoes before.

But they.

Make me want to go get some.

Yeah, we can.

Get you.

Hooked up.

Okay, well, maybe I'll join their quintet.

Next year.

That was Hannah Harris Lauren Herrig Tayla Brodersen Brylee Schechinger and Addison Houston of Dunlap Denison and Harlan.

With that fun Tap Dance Quintet.

Don't stop me now.

So.

Freddie Mercury.

Would have loved that one.

That's right.

Oh, boy.

We have got four more acts.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I can't believe we're cruising right through the Senior division, all competing to get to that big championship spot at the Championship 2025 of the Bill Riley Talent Search.

Next up from Manilla Iowa.

Welcome Hayden Miller.

Acro/Jazz Dance Solo Hayden is a 17 year old now taking position.

And as I mentioned, she's from Manilla Iowa.

She is set and ready to go.

She is going to dance to feeling good.

And I'm feeling good.

I'm feeling good.

Fish in the sea.

You know how I feel.

The river running free.

You know how I feel.

Blossom on a tree.

You know how I feel.

It's a new dawn.

It's a new day.

It's a new life for me.

And I'm feeling good.

Starts when you shine.

You know how I feel.

Scent of the pines.

You know how I feel.

Oh.

Freedom is mine.

And I know how I.

Feel.

It's a new dawn.

It's a new.

Day.

It's a new.

Life.

It's a new.

Life for me.

And I'm feeling.

Good.

I'm.

I feel so good.

Oh, my.

We said it when we started the show.

The judges are going to have their hands full.

What a performance by Hayden Miller Acro/Jazz Dance Solo.

And they are proud, proud, proud of her and Manilla Iowa 17 year old Hayden Miller performing to Feelin Good.

The bar is set across all of these performances.

I do not envy the judges on the work they have to do.

Yeah, absolutely.

So we're going to get set up for this next one, and the talent's going to keep coming at you as we bring out Emma Davis.

Emma is 19 years old from Fort Dodge, Iowa.

She is a vocal soloist getting into position as she performs her piece Little Girls from Annie.

Let's give her a round of applause.

It's Emma Davis.

Little Girls.

Little.

Girls everywhere I look, I can see them.

Little Girls Little Girls night and day I eat, sleep and breathe them.

I'm an ordinary woman with feelings.

I'd like a man to nibble on my ear.

But I'll admit no man has bit.

So how come I'm the mother of the year, little cheeks, little teeth.

Everything around me is little.

If I ring a little neck, surely I would get another little.

Some women are dripping with diamonds.

Some women are dripping with pearls.

Lucky me, lucky me.

Look at what I'm dripping with, honey.

All girls.

How I hate little shoes.

Little socks.

And each little bloomer.

I'd have cracked years ago if it weren't for my sense of humor.

Someday I'll step on their freckles.

Some night I'll straighten her curls.

Send the flood, send the flue.

Anything that you can do to live.

I'll girls.

Someday I'll land in the nut house with all the nuts and the squirrels.

You can judge me.

There.

I'll stay tucked away till the prohibition of live.

Girls.

Oh, just spectacular Emma Davis.

That's the third time we've seen that performance.

And it is.

It's so entertaining.

It is.

She's fully in character, which is just amazing.

It might have some people rethinking a career as an educator.

I'm just saying.

That could be true.

Might slow them down a little bit.

Hey, before we get our next act into place, I want to thank my FFA crew, Andrew Fleming from Washington, Iowa, Jakob Markson from Audubon, Luke Kruse from West Point, Iowa, John Perlman from Paulina, Abby Hughes is from Clarinda, Megan Johnson is from Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Kirsten Pettit, I believe, is from the Vinton area.

Round of applause, ladies and gentlemen, for my FFA crew.

They have worked tirelessly out here all fair.

We could not do the state fair shows without them.

So thank.

We've got the best and you're an FFA.

I was.

You were like the president of the whole thing.

Well yes.

But I got my start here at the.

State fair.

Yes.

Just like.

Them stage attending.

That's right.

FFA and Four-h so important to the state of Iowa.

All right.

We are set and ready to go for our next performers.

This is Claire Southard and Andre Johnson from Des Moines, Iowa.

Now taking position Claire and Andre Claire is 17 years old.

Andre is 18.

Contemporary Acro Dance Duet.

And they are from Des Moines, Iowa.

Claire and Andre.

They are set and ready to go.

They're performing to The Raven, part two.

Nevermore.

Here I opened wide the door.

Darkness.

There and nothing more.

And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain thrilled me.

Filled me with fantastic terrors.

Never felt before.

So that now to still the beating of my heart I.

Stood repeating.

Tis some visitor.

And treating entrance at my chamber door.

This it is and nothing more.

Profit said I thing of evil prophet.

Still if bird or devil by that heaven that bends above us.

By that God we both adore.

Tell this soul with sorrow laden.

If within the distant Aiden it shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angel's name Lenore.

This I sat engaged in guessing.

But no syllable expressing to the foul, whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosoms.

Core this more I sat divining with my head at ease, reclining on the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated over.

But the raven sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only that one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour nothing farther than he uttered.

Not a feather than he fluttered till scarcely more than muttered.

Other friends have flown before.

On the morrow he will leave me as my hopes have flown before.

And the bird said of never nevermore.

Oh, my goodness!

Claire Southard and Andre Johnson Contemporary Acro Dance Duet the Raven, part two.

Nevermore.

Such a showstopping performance.

Oh.

The emotion in that performance just breathtaking.

And again, Abraham, we've talked about this all fair long.

Just the hours alone of practice going into that performance is just amazing.

Claire Southard and Andre Johnson Contemporary Acro Dance Duet from Des Moines.

And again, the piece was The Raven, part two.

Nevermore.

Well, we have one act left in this strong senior division as we welcome to the stage Aleesha Smith, beautiful young lady.

Aleesha is going to get set on stage as we introduce her Vocal Solo representing the town of Waterloo, Iowa.

At 17 years old, she has selected the piece I am changing.

Look at me.

Look at me.

I am change.

Trying every way I can I am change.

I'll be better than I am I'm trying.

To find a way to wander.

Stay.

But I need you.

Oh, need a. Oh my life I've been a fool.

Who said I could do it all alone.

Walking down that wrong road.

There was nothing I could find.

And all those years of darkness can make a person blind.

But this time I.

This time I'm.

Oh, yeah.

Change.

I'll get my life together now.

Oh.

Yeah.

I'm true.

And oh yes, I know how I'm gonna start again.

I'm gonna leave my past behind.

And know God up in me now.

Bringing the house down with that final performance.

Aleesha Smith of Waterloo, Iowa.

Just 17 years old, with her vocal.

I am changing.

What a Sprouts senior division competition.

Ten acts in competition.

Aleesha wrapping it up with a beautiful vocal solo.

My goodness.

Well, we're going to excuse the judges at this point.

And the task before them is a doozy.

My goodness, to select a winner out of that incredible lineup is just I don't want to do it.

I'm thankful we're not in that position, Bill.

We're going to take a brief break.

Ladies and gentlemen.

But don't go far.

When we come back, we've got eight Sprouts champions to entertain with more state fair fun right here on Iowa.

PBS.

Hello, I'm Andrew Bott, executive director and general manager at Iowa PBS.

Congress's rescission vote, eliminating $3.5 million in federal funding to Iowa PBS is the largest one time cut in public money in our 55 year history.

These funds represent 18% of our current budget and have historically helped maintain our noncommercial, nonprofit, statewide network, including our nine broadcast towers that send Iowa PBS to every urban and rural community in Iowa.

And while we work diligently to find more efficient ways to deliver Iowa's stories to you, our viewers, we remain committed to our public service mission to educate, inform, enrich and inspire you.

We thank you for watching, for standing up for public television, and for making a gift to friends of Iowa.

PBS today.

Together, we can weather this challenge to assure we can continue telling Iowa's stories long into the future.

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the 2025.

Bill Riley Talent Championships.

I'm Bill Riley with my good friend Abrah Wright.

And Abrah Wright.

There's the awards and the big trophy.

And the judges have been in the.

They're in the air conditioning.

I hope they come back out, because.

I do too.

It's tempting to stay in the cool these.

Days.

But they're working hard on the results.

And this is what's what's at stake.

So this beautiful trophy and all the awards lined up here, and man, it's just such an honor to be out here in this 66th year for the Bill Riley talent search.

So the fun thing about this, as you know, because you did it last year, is during judging of the seniors we roll out typically six Sprouts champions and they're not in competition anymore.

Dad stopped that years ago.

At this point, he said, just let the Sprouts have fun.

Let them just come out and let it rip.

So not in competition.

But we had such a good year this year.

We have eight Sprouts champs.

And from top to bottom, the crowd is going to be entertained at the fair, at home.

So shall we bring them out?

We we shall.

Let's get started as we welcome out our first Sprouts champion Marianne Rose Scott beautiful young lady Marianne is from Johnston, Iowa.

She is 12 years old and as she gets seated at the piano, she will be performing a piano solo to Haydn Sonata in D major.

Presto.

This is Marianne Rose Scott.

Just magnificent.

Marianne Rose Scott 12 years old, only 12.

Years old.

12 years old.

And that proficient as piano is just amazing.

Hayden Sonata in D major.

Presto Marianne Rose.

Starting us off Sprouts champion.

Wow!

What a thrill to have her on stage with us.

I want to thank everybody watching on statewide Iowa PBS.

Our statewide network, is thrilled that you've tuned in to watch this wonderful tradition.

The Bill Riley Talent Championships.

And I also want to thank my coordinators across the state of Iowa.

We had over 60 shows across the state this year, and the coordinators are the people that put those shows in position for these young Iowans to take the stage.

It gives them an opportunity at a community event, a fair or a festival to perform.

So again, as I said earlier, if you don't have a program in your area, think about it.

We'd love to have you join the Bill Riley Talent family.

Next up from Clive Iowa.

Welcome Julianne Kline to the stage!

Hello Julianne.

Now taking position.

Julianne Kline is a 12 year old from Clive.

She is a baton soloist.

She is set ready to go.

Julianne is going to twirl to Wings.

Told me not.

To waste my life.

She said spread your wings my little butterfly.

Don't let what they say keep you up at night.

And they can walk on by my feet.

Can't touch the ground and I can't hear a sound.

But you just keep on running up your mouth.

Yeah.

Walk on over there.

It's time to fly together.

Oh yeah.

You're words don't mean a thing.

I'm not.

Listening.

Keep talking.

All I.

Know is I'm up.

Told me not to waste my life.

She said spread your wings, my little butterfly.

Don't let what they say keep you up at night.

And they can't detain you.

Cause wings are made to fly.

And we don't let nobody bring us down.

No matter what you say.

It won't hurt me.

Don't matter if I fall from the sky.

This Wings for me to fly.

And we don't let nobody bring us down.

No matter what you say.

It won't hurt me.

No matter if I fall from the sky.

These wings are made to fly.

What a performance.

Julianne Kline twirler from Clive 12 years old.

Oh man, that girl has got a bright future ahead of her Julianne Kline twirling to Wings.

That is right.

And we love seeing all the dancers that have graced the Riley Stage as we welcome our next performer.

Another Sprout Champion.

It's Harlow Schultz Harlow is 13 years old from Polk City, Iowa.

She's getting set on stage in position and she is going to be performing a lyrical dance solo to the title fighting for me.

Let's go.

I need the.

Kind of love.

That can outlast.

The night.

I need the kind of love that is willing to fight when the going gets tough.

And my strength is not enough.

I see you showing up like never before.

This battle for my heart.

You took on from the start.

You are the piece when my mind, the war and all.

You will never stop fighting for me.

You will never stop fighting for.

Me.

Your love is winning me over your heart is pulling me closer.

Your love is winning me over your heart is pulling me closer.

You will never stop fighting for me.

Fighting for me.

Every word is a promise.

You keep I.

Every word is a promise.

You keep.

Cause you love me like nobody.

You stand up for me in the darkness.

Yeah.

You're by my side.

You will never stop.

You will never stop fighting for me.

Our heartfelt performance from Harlow Schultz.

, lyrical dance soloist from Polk City, Iowa, 13 years old, dancing to fighting for me.

So much emotion and heart in each of these performances.

You know, we always mention they make it look so easy.

We all know it isn't, but goodness, it's fluid, it's graceful, it's just gorgeous.

And that was a spectacular Lyrical Dance Solo Harlow Schultz from Polk City.

And they're very proud of Harlow in Polk City, Iowa.

That's right.

Beautiful.

All right.

Time we're heading up northwest now on highway 20.

Sioux City is the town.

Maddi Hodge is the vocalist.

Here she is, cutie, cutie.

Ten years old, from Sioux City, Iowa.

Vocal soloist and Maddi Hodge.

This is from wicked.

It's entitled Popular.

When ever I see someone less fortunate than I.

And let's face it, who isn't less fortunate than I?

My tender heart tends to start to bleed.

And when someone needs a makeover, I simply have to take over.

I know, I know exactly what they need.

And even in your case, though, it's the toughest case I've yet to face.

Don't worry, I'm determined to succeed.

Follow my lead.

And yes, indeed you will be.

Popular.

You're gonna be Popular.

I'll teach you the proper ploys when you talk to boys.

Little ways to flirt and flounce.

I'll show you what shoes to wear.

How to fix your hair.

Everything that really counts to be popular.

I'll help you be popular.

You'll hang with her like a horse.

You'll be good at sports.

Know the slang you've got to know.

So let's start.

Cause you've got an awfully long way to go.

Don't be offended by my frank analysis.

Think of it as personality dialysis.

Now that I've chosen to become a publicist or an advisor, there's nobody wiser.

Not when it comes to popular.

I know about popular and with an assist from me.

To be who you'll be instead of dreaming who you were.

Well, there's nothing that can stop you from becoming popular.

La la la la la.

We're gonna make you pop you.

When I see the creatures with unprepossessing features, I remind them on their own behalf to think of celebrated head to state or especially great communicators.

Did they have brains or knowledge?

Don't make me laugh.

They were popular.

Please.

It's all about popular.

It's not about aptitude.

It's so way you're viewed.

So it's very shrewd to be very, very popular.

Like me.

La la la la.

You'll be popular.

Just not quite as popular as me.

Wow.

Maddi Hodge.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Abra.

She's ten.

I am just.

Amazed every time I've gotten to see her.

The personality embodied in Maddi at ten years.

Old.

And she got the memo for the wardrobe.

That's right.

And yeah, she fits right in with our wardrobe today.

Maddi Hodge from Sioux City.

And I can't imagine the band music department in that school with that girl roaming around the halls.

They're going to have an incredible production this winter with that girl on the microphone.

Maddi Hodge from Sioux City, Iowa.

I'd say this next act is going to keep the energy rolling out as we welcome Kinsley Schooley, 12 years old, of Chariton Paisley Wickett ten years old of Chariton Paislee McFall 12 years old of Chariton and Eleanor Brown, 12 years old of Allterton.

They are a jazz dance quartet and will let them get set here on stage.

They're going to be dancing to the title Ring Masters.

It's Kinsley.

Paisley.

Paisley and Eleanor.

Are only two types.

Of people in the world.

The ones.

That entertain.

And the ones that observe.

I'm like the ringleader.

I call the shots.

I'm like a firecracker.

I make it hot when I put on a show.

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins.

Spotlight on me, and I'm ready to break.

I'm like a performer.

The dance floor is my stage.

Better be ready.

Hope that you feel the same.

Turn it up.

Let it overflow.

When you fill my cup like that on the map.

Anywhere I go is where it's at.

What you're looking at.

La la la la la la.

You're looking at.

Hey, come on, follow my lead.

Hey, move your head to the beat.

All eyes on me.

You like what you see.

All eyes on me.

Yeah.

Yeah I.

Got.

You like what you see.

All eyes on me, yeah, yeah I got to be free.

All.

Right here.

Check it out.

Let me show you now what it's all about.

Like this.

Get your bits.

You got everything you don't wanna miss.

La la.

What you lookin at?

La la la la la.

Looking at I see you looking, looking, looking at me.

Checking me out.

Looking, looking, looking at me.

What you see?

You're looking at me.

Checking me out.

Looking.

I see you looking.

All eyes on me.

And I see all eyes on me.

Yeah, yeah I got to be free.

I'm.

A yeah, yeah I got to be free.

All for me.

Ho.

Let's go.

Wow.

Put your hands together for Kinsley Schooley Paisley Wickett, Paislee McFall and Eleanor Brown of Chariton and Allterton Iowa with their Jazz Dance Quartet to Ring Masters.

Just the costumes alone in that performance.

Just remarkable.

All the hours that went into getting that together.

The choreography just amazing going in.

What a performance from our jazz dance quartet.

Well, we're moving on.

We got three more acts in the in the Sprouts show again, all champions, ladies and gentlemen.

At this point, they're not competing.

They're just out here letting it rip, having some fun during the judging of the seniors.

And we want to give the judges as much time as possible because it is a tough job for them.

All right.

Next up is a seven year old from Waterloo, Iowa.

Welcome, Lucy Lis to the stage.

Hello, Lucy.

Now taking position.

Lucy Liz is a seven year old vocal soloist from Waterloo, and she has selected Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Some.

One.

Rainbow way up high.

There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.

Some one.

The rainbow so blue.

And the dreams that you dare to dream.

Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star.

And wake up.

Where the clouds are far behind me.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops away.

Above the chimney tops.

That's where you'll find me.

Some one.

The rainbow bluebirds fly.

Birds fly over rainbow Bill.

Why then, oh, why can't sight.

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow.

Why, oh can.

Oh.

I love the big bow that gets me every time.

Lucy.

Liz.

Ladies and gentlemen, from Waterloo Iowa.

Vocal soloist.

Just seven years old.

With that kind of stage presence, you can't teach that stuff, Abra.

Not at all.

That girl is born to perform Lucy Lis from Waterloo Iowa and a vocal soloist.

I should say two more acts.

Two more acts.

And it's even more talent coming out on stage.

It just doesn't stop here in the Sprouts division.

With all of these champions, as we welcome Warren Place.

Pella Iowa.

And as Warren finds his position on stage, we're getting set and ready for a lyrical dance solo to Everything's Gonna Be All Right.

This is Warren Place.

You hear my cry.

My deepest pain.

Ellison patiently.

As long as it takes.

You are the strength when I am weak.

The only one who leads my soul to perfect peace.

And I will sing my way through the night.

The words that bring me back to life.

Everything's gonna be.

All right.

Everything's gonna be.

All right.

Everything's gonna be all right.

And I believe you I believe.

You're working all things for my good.

You're working all things.

And everything's gonna be all right.

Everything's gonna be all right.

You hold me in your arms.

Till all my fear is gone.

Everything's gonna be all right.

Everything's gonna be all right.

You love will be my soul.

Till all my fear is gone.

I believe, yes, I believe.

You're working all things for my good.

You're working all things for my good.

Just amazing.

Warren Place 12 years old, from Pella Iowa with his lyrical dance solo.

Everything's gonna be all right.

And I just think of the strength and athleticism in Warren's performance.

It takes a lot of determination and endurance to make it through something like that.

Dancing like that.

That young man is going to be very busy.

As the years unfold.

Warren Place, our dancer from Pella 12 year old, and everything's going to be everything's all it's always all right with.

Warren, right?

Right.

That's exactly right.

All right.

I can't believe it.

We're at our final Sprouts, champ.

You're in for a treat.

Ladies and gentlemen.

This.

This young lady is from Johnston.

Iowa.

Say hello to Reese Reese Freml.

Reese taking position.

Tap soloist.

As I mentioned from Johnston Iowa 11 years old.

Reese Freml tap in two.

I'm yours.

Well, are.

You done?

Done.

Me and you bet I felt it.

I tried to be chill, but.

You're so hot that I melted I fell right through the cracks.

Now I'm trying to get back.

Before the cool done run out.

I'll be giving it my bestest.

And nothing's gonna stop me but divine intervention I reckon it's again my turn to win some more.

Learn somebody won't.

Hey, it's all I no more, no more.

It cannot wait.

I'm yours.

Hey!

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror and bending over backwards.

Just to try to see it clearer.

But my breath fogged up the glass.

And so I drew a new face and I laughed.

I guess what I've been saying is there ain't no better reason to rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons.

It's what we aim to do.

Our name is our virtue.

But I won't ever take no more, no more.

It cannot wait.

I'm yours.

Listen to the music of the moment.

People dance and sing.

We're just one big family and it's our God forsaken right to be loved.

Love, love, love.

Love.

So why?

Whoa!

Hey, is your party no more?

No more.

It cannot wait.

I'm yours.

Oh, my tapping is the game.

Reese Freml is the name.

11 years old from Johnston.

Iowa and Abra Reese father is Luke Reese Freml and his sister Jamie.

They were sprout champs just a few years back as a duet tapping.

So I think tapping is running.

In the family.

That's right.

Yes, it's something in the food or.

Water.

I guess.

What a.

Grand finale.

We're going to take a short break.

Ladies and gentlemen, when we come back, the judges decision, we have some very important people to speak with.

We're going to get all the Sprouts out on stage.

The awards.

So much fun coming your way.

As we continue with our coverage of Fair 2025 on Iowa PBS.

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Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of the Bill Riley Talent Championships for 2025.

Abrah Wright.

What a show we've had today.

It's been an incredible afternoon watching the brightest talent in the state of Iowa.

I'm honored to be here.

Well, we're thrilled to have you back, my dear.

And I want to thank you again for filling in for me last time, as I had a little medical hiccup.

But I'm back.

We're so glad you're back, Bill.

It's not the same.

Without you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I'm honored to be back.

Now we have some very important awards to go in with our Sprouts.

They're all assembled.

I've got some great people to speak with, and then we've got the awards.

We have the decision from the judges.

That's right.

All right, well, let's let's go say hi to the Sprouts, shall.

We?

All righty.

So starting out our Sprouts champions once again, we had Marianne Rose Scott 12 years old piano soloist from Johnston, Iowa with her piece Haydn Sonata in D major.

Presto.

Then up we had Julianne Kline, also 12 years old, from Clive, Iowa, with her Baton Solo Wings.

Our next dancer was a lyrical dance soloist.

It's Harlow Schultz 13 years old, representing Polk City, Iowa to her title fighting for me.

Our fourth Sprouts champion is a ten year old from Sioux City, Maddi Hodge her Vocal Solo was popular from wicked.

Then up was that fun jazz quartet Kinsley Schooley Paisley Wickett Paislee McFall and Eleanor Brown 12 years old and ten years old from Chariton and Allterton, Iowa.

They dance to Ring Masters.

We were followed up with Somewhere Over the Rainbow by our sweet seven year old Lucy Lis, representing Waterloo, Iowa so well with her Vocal Solo.

And then we close it out with our last two.

First up was Warren Place, a 12 year old from Pella, Iowa.

He danced to Everything's Gonna Be All Right with that Lyrical Dance Solo.

And our final Sprouts champion dancing all the way from Johnston Iowa a tap dance soloist.

Reese Freml.

She's 11 years old, and she closed us out with I'm Yours.

And typically, we'd only take six Sprouts champs, but it's a reflection on the level of talent that came across the stage this year.

The judges took eight Sprouts champs, and there they are, ladies and gentlemen, give another round of applause, folks.

What a lineup.

Now, my pleasure to introduce some very special people to the stage.

To say hello to everybody.

Our CEO and secretary manager of the Iowa State Fair.

Jeremy Parsons is with us.

Jeremy say hello.

Thank you.

Bill.

Thank you again for being here.

You know, the Iowa State Fair is really kind of a big family reunion.

I was backstage here and I hear the name because my first start at the Iowa State Fair as a high school kid was 31 years ago, and his dad was here.

Even so, it was it was a great start.

But thank you for being here at the fair.

Thank you for your support of the fair, and thank you for your support of Iowa youth.

Whether it's in the livestock show ring or the Queen contest or the Bill Riley Talent Show, the fair is all about giving Iowa's youth a chance to shine.

And they have really done it over the past 11 days.

So thank you for supporting them and all of their efforts.

Leading the great effort at the Iowa State Fair is our tremendous fair board coming from across the state of Iowa, meeting year round to really put this fair on and leading them this year is our president, Curtis Claeys Curtis.

Thank you.

Jeremy, and thank you all again for being here.

Congratulations to all the people that have come out here on the stage and had the guts to to put it out there in front of everyone, each and every one of you is winners in that state.

But thank you very much for everything you do.

Bill Riley.

Thank you for what you do.

Also.

Thank you Curtis.

Okay, let's find some winners.

Right on.

Thank you Curtis and Jeremy hails from Leon, Iowa, South Central District.

And also I want to acknowledge and thank Queen Riah Schrage from Grundy County for joining us.

Your 2025 Iowa State Fair.

Queen crowned out of 101 county Queens.

What an honor to have Rhea on stage with us.

Well, Miss Abrah Wright time has come.

The time has come.

I have the results in my hand.

The judges handed them off.

Are we ready to announce who?

The senior.

I think I'm ready.

I always.

Get a little nervous here.

It's just.

I can't believe we're at this point.

But.

Yes.

Let's take a swing.

At it.

All righty.

I'll let you take it away.

All right.

The results in the 19.

See, I'm already choked up.

2025 Bill Riley Talent Championships and fifth place receiving $750.

Emma Davis from Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Emma.

In fourth place.

Receiving $1,000 from the Iowa State Fair.

Hannah Harris.

Lauren Herrig.

Tayla Brodersen.

Brylee Schechinger and Addison Houston from the Harlan and Denison area.

Tap Dance Quintet doing a great job, of course, just awesome.

Third place receiving $2,500 from the Iowa State Fair.

Audrey Jansen, pianist Indianola 18 years old Audrey.

Congratulations.

Just a thrill to have her back on stage.

They're very proud of her down in Indianola Audrey Jansen, third place in second place, receiving $5,000.

Our dance duet Claire Southard and Andre Johnson performing The Raven, Part two.

Nevermore.

And she wrapped it up.

Brought the house down your first place winner, Alicia Smith from Waterloo, Iowa, winning $10,000.

Ladies and gentlemen, from the Iowa State Fair.

What a thrill.

Thank you so much for joining me.

We had a great run at the fair.

Will you join me again next year?

I hope so.

Bill I'd.

Love to be here.

This has been an absolutely amazing showing.

It would be a thrill to have you back.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Abrah Wright Bill Riley and all of us at Iowa PBS.

Thank you so much for joining us, and we'll see you next year.

So long.

Look at me.

Look at me.

I am.

Trying every way I can.

I am.

I'll be better than I am I'm trying.

To find a way to wander.

Stay.

But I need you.

I need a hand.

Oh, my life I've been a fool.

Who said I could do it all alone.

Walking down that wrong road.

There was nothing I could find.

And all those years of darkness can make a person blind.

But this time I'm.

Yeah.

This time I'm.

Oh, yeah.

I'll get my life together now.

Oh.

Yeah.

I'm traveling.

Oh, yes, I know how I'm gonna start again.

I'm gonna leave my past behind.

And know God up of me.

Know.

Tonight's programing.

Has been brought to you by friends.

The Iowa PBS Foundation.

If you'd like to see more programs like Tonight Show, donate at iowapbs.org.

I'm trying not to cry this whole time.

On finding your roots.

In this episode.

We're going to do something we've never done before.

We asked, is there a mystery in your family history?

I'm speechless.

We invited three viewers to the show.

You always know that they're there, but to name them.

To uncover an ancestor's deepest secret.

These are pieces that I've been looking for for a very long time.

Tuesday at 7 p.m. Hi, I'm Mary Lou Metzger from the Lawrence Welk Show, a place full of music, memories, and joy.

That same spirit lives on today on Iowa PBS.

Let's keep the music and the memories alive by doing our part and supporting Iowa PBS today.

Celebrate 50 seasons of market to market at Iowa PBS in Johnston on Sunday, August 24th.

Enjoy a studio open house with refreshments and a restored tractor display starting at 2 p.m. Then join us at three for a live taping of the Mtom podcast featuring your favorite analysts, stories from the past, and a look at what's ahead.

RSVP at Market to Market.

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Next time on The Great American Recipe.

Since it is the finale, we're bringing in one more judge, Jay Cohen.

We can't wait to see your final dishes.

I'm hoping I can go home with a win.

I never dreamt of this.

And make sure everything is perfect.

One mistake could be the difference.

This is Colby on a plate.

If this is Colby on a plate, I'm glad to meet you.

The winner.

Of the great American recipe is.

Monday evening at 8:00 on Iowa PBS.

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On American experience.

We were to shoot literally anything that moved.

Many, many people died old men, women and babies.

It's not true.

This is simply communist propaganda.

I am a soldier and I obey the orders of the issue.

To me, the children happened to be there.

To this day, I think to myself, what could I have done to stop it?

And I don't know me.

Lie on American Experience.

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Tonight's programing has been brought to you by friends.

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