St. Charles group The Harlose named 2019 Geneva's Got Talent winner

GENEVA – Amelia Schultz, 14, Layla Schultz, 8, and Lilija Banks, 8, known together as The Harlose, are the winners of the 2019 Geneva's Got Talent competition, held annually during Swedish Days. The performers from St. Charles sing and play the ukulele, and their talents won them the $1,000 grand prize on June 20.

Forty acts auditioned for the competition this year, and 16 moved on to compete in the semi-finals on June 19. As has frequently been the case this spring, bad weather forced the competition from the outdoor Swedish Days Central Stage to the indoor stage at Playhouse 38. From the 16 that performed in the semi-finals, five performed in the finals on June 20.

The five finalists included Mary Beall, Ryan Hajek, The Harlose, Grace Lenaghan and Rocco Loffredi.

This year's judges included Terry Skreens (Sounds Like Music), Haley Skreens (Sounds Like Music), Dan Yotz, (Sound Sculptor), Steve Marten (WBIG Radio), Roy Thatcher (Sounds Like Music), Leah Leman, Heather Klaus (SoleUnique Dance Complex) and Matt Benner (Sounds Like Music). Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns served as the emcee for the competition.

“This is a great event that brings the community and people of all ages together for free summer fun. The array of talent each year is just phenomenal,” said Traci Wicks, director of marketing & public relations for the Geneva Park District, which co-sponsored Geneva's Got Talent.