D Andre DeShields danced to dubstep music for the $1,000 grand prize win during York s Got Talent, an event sponsored by the Children s Aid Society at Sovereign Bank Stadium on Sunday. (John A. Pavoncello photo)

D'Andre DeShields never stopped smiling as he described what it felt like to win first place.

Winning the grand prize Sunday afternoon at York's Got Talent in Sovereign Bank Stadium was extra special because he won in his hometown, he said.

"It feels very good," DeShields said.

The 20-year-old York native was among 13 finalists who performed in the event, which was hosted by the Children's Aid Society.

To win the $1,000 prize, DeShields danced to dubstep -- a category of electronic music.

The money will likely be invested into his dancing, he said. He's competed all over the East Coast and is preparing for a big show in New York, he said.

DeShields has been dancing since he was 3 years old, receiving

Kayla Marie Geyer of Red Lion performs during the show. Her singing earned her $250 for third-place finish. (John A. Pavoncello photo)
formal training in ballet, jazz, contemporary dance and more.

"Everything but hip hop," he said. "I taught myself how to do that."

Despite his training and competition experience, DeShields said he was surprised he won.

"I really thought (Kayla Geyer) was going to win first place. And that little kid who performed Michael Jackson? That was amazing. I want him to know I'm his number one fan," he said.

Geyer performed "A Song for You" by Leon Russell.

The 15-year-old Red Lion resident and PA Cyber School student said she has been taking piano lessons for five years and singing for two years.

She placed third in York's Got Talent and earned a $250 prize.

"It feels good. I worked hard for this, mostly to get the experience," she said.

Geyer said she'll likely use her winnings to buy music.

"But maybe some makeup and shoes, too," she said, adding a little laugh.

Eli Schroeder of Gettysburg took second place for his dance performance and received a $500 prize.

Schroeder, Geyer and DeShields had submitted their entries on YouTube, along with 11 other finalists. Those finalists included singers, dancers, a teenage band and a magician.

Contestants were evaluated by a panel of judges, including York City Mayor Kim Bracey, and Davy Crockett and Joanna Campbell from 98.5 The Peak.

-- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.