Aleesha Smith Returns to Win Iowa State Fair 2025 Talent Search

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

The Bill Riley Talent Search is one of the most anticipated events at the Iowa State Fair, where Iowans from all corners of the state gather to showcase their talents in front of a large audience. This year’s competition was particularly special as it marked a triumphant return for 17-year-old singer Aleesha Smith from Waterloo, who claimed victory after years of dedication and hard work.

From a young age, Smith has had a natural talent for singing. As a two-year-old, she would sing for anyone around her, whether during karaoke nights or car rides. What began as a simple hobby eventually evolved into performances at church and, later, her first appearance at the Bill Riley Talent Search when she was just eight years old.

Over the years, Smith has participated in the event consistently, making it past the semifinal rounds in the sprouts competition. In the seniors category, she reached the championship round in 2022 but fell short of the title. After taking a few years away from the competition, she made a strong comeback this year, ultimately securing a spot in the final round and delivering a performance that left the audience in awe.

“I’ve always been singing my whole life,” Smith said. “It’s just me.” Despite the nerves that come with performing on such a big stage, she has learned to manage them over time. “I do get nervous from time to time, but I’ve gotten used to it. It’s definitely something I can get better at, but for the most part, I think I’m doing pretty good.”

Smith has already performed the National Anthem at several University of Northern Iowa sporting events and continues to seek out new opportunities, including potential appearances on a national stage. Her mother, Yvonne Adda-Smith, expressed full support for her daughter’s ambitions. “We’ll support her wherever she wants to go,” she said. “If she expresses interest, we’ll take her. It’s not always about the competition, but just entertaining people. That’s what it’s about right now.”

Talent runs in the family. Smith’s brother, Michael, also showed his skills by competing in the 2023 sprout finals and is planning to enter next year’s senior talent search.

Results of the Senior Talent Search

The winners of the senior division were announced with the following awards:

• First Place ($10,000): Aleesha Smith, 17, of Waterloo, for her vocal solo
• Second Place ($5,000): Claire Southard, 17, of Des Moines, and Andre Johnson, 18, of Des Moines, for their contemporary acro dance duet
• Third Place ($2,500): Audrey Janssen, 18, of Indianola, for her piano solo
• Fourth Place ($1,000): Hannah Harris, 18, of Dunlap; Lauren Herrig, 18, of Denison; Tayla Broderson, 18, of Denison; Brylee Schechinger, 18, of Harlan; and Addison Houston, 17, of Denison, for their tap dance quintet
• Fifth Place ($750): Emma Davis, 19, of Fort Dodge, for her vocal solo

Other contestants received $500 each for their performances, including:

• Dawson Huinker, 15, of Clive, for her musical theatre vocal solo
• Moriah Denhart, 18, of West Des Moines, for her musical theatre dance solo
• Scarlett Putney, 15, of Stuart, for her lyrical dance solo
• David Michael Negley, 20, of Winterset, for his musical theatre vocal solo
• Hayden Miller, 17, of Manilla, for her acro/jazz dance solo

Sprouts Finalists

The sprouts category featured young talents who impressed the judges with their performances. Some of the finalists included:

• Marianne Rose Scott, 12, of Johnston, for her piano solo
• Julianne Kline, 12, of Clive, for her baton solo
• Harlow Schultz, 13, of Polk City, for her lyrical dance solo
• Maddi Hodge, 10, of Sioux City, for her vocal solo
• Kinsley Schooley, 12, of Chariton; Paisley Wickett, 10, of Chariton; Paisley McFall, 12, of Chariton; and Eleanor Brown, 12, of Allerton, for their jazz dance quartet
• Lucy Lis, 7, of Waterloo, for her vocal solo
• Warren Place, 12, of Pella, for his lyrical dance solo
• Reese Freml, 11, of Johnston, for her tap dance solo

The success of the Bill Riley Talent Search highlights the dedication and passion of young performers across Iowa. With each year, the competition continues to inspire and celebrate the diverse talents of the state’s youth.