This year marks the 58th anniversary of the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest. This annual event is the largest amateur performing arts talent contest in the world. For over five decades young entertainers from an eight-state region have performed in the hopes of being recognized and catapulted to fame.

The discovery, development and encouragement of young amateur entertainers at the Mid-South Fair has been the purpose of the Youth Talent Contest since its inception in 1953. Each year, the Youth Talent Committee selects deserving acts from a field of thousands of contestants at more than 150 different preliminary contests. Talented individuals and groups compete in preliminaries sponsored by clubs, schools, county fairs and civic groups for the chance to perform in the contest.

All contestants in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest must be between the ages of 13 and 21 as of the opening day of the Fair (Sept. 24th, 2010). The Overall winners of each sanctioned contest and other select acts from preliminary contests are invited to compete. Categories for performance include dance solo, dance group, variety act, instrumental solo, instrumental group, vocal solo (male and female) and vocal group. The Youth Talent Contest also has a Junior Division, to showcase talented 9-12 year olds, that is held the opening weekend of the fair.

The Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest has served as a launching pad for the careers of many noteworthy performers. Elvis Presley is probably one of the most famous participants. Before achieving international stardom, young Elvis competed in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest. After his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, he made a surprise return to the Mid-South Fair in 1956 and played to an enthralled hometown audience.

Singing sensations Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass performed on the Youth Talent stage before achieving mega-stardom with the pop group `NSync. Gospel singer Clay Cross found his voice on the stage in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest, as did Pop and R&B singer Wendy Moten. Past Grand Award winners Marty Slayton and Lisa McNeal both of the vocal group “Crystal”, have sung backup for superstars Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. Songwriter and singer Jimmy Davis, who has written hits for Restless Heart and Martina McBride was a performer here…Patsy Cline was a sweepstakes winner at the Fair. 1999 Grand Award winner Daniel Spiotta performed with the national touring company of the Broadway musical Jeckyll and Hyde. Jessica Andrews also performed in our Jr. Grand Finals. Natalie Fotopoulos (So You Think You Can Dance) and Gideon McKinney (American Idol) competed on our stage before advancing to Finalists in these Reality Show Competitions.

Contact Debbie Branan, via email, for additional information.