The Bill Riley Talent Search is one of the most anticipated events at the Iowa State Fair, when Iowans showcase their abilities to a full crowd at one of the biggest state fairs in the country.

The eight judges huddled in an air conditioned space and determined a winner: 17-year-old singer Aleesha Smith from Waterloo.

Since she was a two-year-old, Smith sung for everyone around her, from karaoke to car rides. What started out as a hobby turned into signing at church and, eventually, her first Bill Riley Talent Search appearance when she was 8.

"I've always been singing my whole life," she said. "It's just me."

She's performed at the talent search for years, consistently making it past the semifinal rounds in the sprouts competition. In the seniors competition, she made it to the champi

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