Across the Midwest, from Ohio to Nebraska, established regional powers showed why they are exactly that, but in South Dakota, an outsider came in and took all the glory.

A consistently deep field gathers in the Cornhusker capitol, two national powers reprise last year’s meeting a bit earlier in the season, several quality choirs make their way to Sioux Falls, the Minnesota season starts at Bloomington Kennedy, and a late addition makes Ankeny Centennial a sleeper field to watch.

PHOTO: @shotbytalon | An intense match up between Waukee and Urbandale was interrupted by a third player, Prairie.

Linn-Mar starts their competition slate off with a sweep, Urbandale shows that they haven’t missed a beat, De Pere goes back-to-back to start 2026 and ATSC shows vintage form at Millard West.

Des Moines heavyweights face off at Johnston, a Midwest mix of choirs collides at Milton, and Nebraska fields two good lineups at Gretna East and Millard West.

PHOTO: @shotbytalon | Two local Des Moines-area groups will take their fight to be the best to Johnston this weekend.

Ankeny Centennial, Aberdeen Central, Sioux Falls Washington and Sioux Falls Roosevelt all took steps forward at Cavalier Classic.

Choirs dominated their events to start the season, with all four Comps of the Week winners taking captions for both vocals and choreography over their competitors.

Des Moines Christian, Holmen, Sioux Falls Jefferson and Maryville bring the heat to start the 2026 show choir season.

Summer blues got you bored? Learn a thing or two about familiar (or unfamiliar) groups in South Dakota.

PHOTO: Nathan Ensley | Across the country, several single-gender groups stood out above the rest of their competition.

A womens group takes an overall win, plus repeat wins in a season for programs that have not seen that in a long while.

A few choirs from Minnesota and Iowa also took their moments in the limelight as well.

O'Gorman and Vermillion are both set to host competitions this weekend, with most of the rest of the state's groups competing somewhere.

Center Grove, Solon, Johnston, and Millard West claimed some of the biggest wins of the weekend.

When weather forced The Headliners to a last-minute scramble, they capitalized on the opportunity to win a fourth Best of Show title.

Washington's comp is one of the longest-running in South Dakota. True to form, the contest will feature most of the other local powers.

Sioux Falls Jefferson promised a phenomenal competition with groups from surrounding states, and the event 100% delivered.