The Bill Riley Talent Search has put Iowa’s young talent on stages across the state each summer since 1959. Nearly 100 local qualifying shows are held across the state and winners advance to the State Fair competition where there are seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts (ages 2-12) and Seniors (ages 13-21), followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior champion. The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals, but are chosen as Stars of Tomorrow to perform in the Champion Show.