Galaxy of Stars Talent Search Returns to Nebraska State Fair
GRAND ISLAND — The Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search, Nebraska’s premier stage for rising performers, is returning to the Nebraska State Fair — with a statewide video contest open to aspiring vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists, and variety performers of all ages.
Held in partnership with Vision Productions, Inc., the 2025 Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search Finals will take place on Saturday, August 30 at 4 p.m. on the ACP Park stage during the Nebraska State Fair. This celebrated showcase invites Nebraska’s brightest talents to compete for prizes including $1500 cash, custom trophies and a $4500 Nashville Recording Package for the Overall Vocalist.
“This event is such a joyful reflection of the creativity and talent found across our state,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “The Galaxy of Stars® captures the spirit of what we aim to do every year: give Nebraskans a stage to showcase their Fair Face and celebrate who they are.”
Performers interested in competing at the fair must first qualify through the Preliminary Virtual Video Contest or at a Local Preliminary Competition.
Virtual Video Contest Open May 15-June 15
Contestants submit a video of their performance to be evaluated by Nashville entertainment industry professionals. This free entry contest is open to Nebraska residents and accepts solo and group entries across three age divisions:
Comets (12 & Under)
Shooting Stars (13–18)
Novas (19 & Over)
The Online Semi-Finals will feature a minimum of five top scorers from each age division and additional high-scoring performers. All semi-final videos will be posted to the Nebraska State Fair website July 1-24, where the public is encouraged to vote for their favorites. Finalists will be chosen based on combined public votes and judges’ scores.
Finalists may also qualify through local partner talent searches across the state, including events in McCook, Crete, and North Platte. Winners from each of these local contests automatically advance to the finals.
“The Galaxy of Stars® Talent Search is a powerful tradition that reflects the State Fair’s commitment to supporting local talent,” said Karli Schulz, “It’s more than a competition — it’s a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate their rising stars.”
At the finals, each finalist will receive a medal and cash and trophies will be awarded to the top three contestants in each age division. Special honors include the People’s Choice Award, Superstar Award, Shining Star Award, and the coveted Mega Star Award for the highest scoring performance overall.
Enter beginning May 15
Submit video entries at statefair.org/galaxyofstars
Nebraska residents can learn more at www.galaxyofstarstalentsearch.com