Clark, a recent Humboldt High School graduate, was the winner of the Bill Riley Talent Search, claiming the grand prize of $10,000 for her vocal solo of Barbra Streisand’s classic “Don’t Rain on my Parade.”

Making her second appearance in the ultra-competitive event, Clark beat out 80 qualifying shows and 10 days of finalist performances to be honored during the 63rd annual event. She reached the semifinal round last year, which automatically qualified her for this year.

“It was so unreal,” said Clark, who also won the Humboldt County Fair this year. “I wasn’t expecting (to be the winner) at all. All I could think about was how thankful I was for everyone who had helped me get to where I am.

“It was just such an emotional moment for me and it really made me proud of my work.”

-Submitted photo
Elle Clark, a recent Humboldt High School graduate, was named the grand champion in the senior division at the Bill Riley Talent Search, which was held in Des Moines during the state fair. She performed Barbra Streisand’s classic “Don’t Rain on my Parade.”

She called getting the chance to compete a “forever core memory.”

“And I got the chance to be on it three times this year, which was just so amazing,” Clark said. “Looking out and seeing everyone with huge smiles on their faces made my day.”

Over a month of prep work went into putting the performance together, along with practicing with her parents to improve both choreography and vocals.

“On the three days that I performed,” Clark said, “I just prepared by telling myself to go out there and do what I love.”

Clark, who is just the third singer in the last 20 years to be named grand champion at the Riley talent search, will be attending Iowa Central Community College where she plans to study theater.

-Submitted photo
Elle Clark, a recent Humboldt High School graduate, was named the grand champion in the senior division at the Bill Riley Talent Search, which was held in Des Moines during the state fair. She performed Barbra Streisand’s classic “Don’t Rain on my Parade.”

“I’d love to do some future competitions, but I’m unsure of what I’d do,” she said. “Maybe one day I’ll get to come back and get to be a judge for Bill Riley.”

The Streisand song was first recorded in 1963 and released a year later. Written by Bob Merrill and Jule Stune, it was featured in the musical “Funny Girl.”

Vivian Speck, of Dayton, was named a sprout champion for her vocal solo.