By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Des Moines, IA – After 80 qualifying shows and 10 days of finalist competitions at the Iowa State Fair, Elle Clark, a musical theater vocalist from Humboldt County, was named champion of the 63rd Annual Bill Riley Talent Search.
It was her finals performance of Barbara Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade” that solidified her win. Host Bill Riley Jr. said that in just her second year competing in the Talent Search, Clark’s combination of humility and confidence put her above the other “very intense” talent on the stage.
Clark took home the top prize of $10,000 and is set to attend Iowa Central Community College this fall to study theater. Four other acts were also honored with ribbons, and seven “sprouts,” performers 12 and under, were named as champions.