Mull(et) These Over: Wisconsinites compete for national mullet title

Emmitt Bailey and Cayden Kershaw, two Wisconsin winners of previous national mullet titles. Credit: USA Mullet Championships

By Christina Lorey

August 14, 2024

Move over, Billy Ray: These Wisconsinites have already brought their mullets back!

Every summer, the US Mullet Championship brings out the biggest and best ‘do’s from across the country, with kid, teen, and adult contestants vying for the coveted title of Mullet Champ.

Why? Didn’t we learn anything from the ‘90s?

It’s all for charity! Each competitor raises as much money for growing out their locks as they can, and that money is donated to a different nonprofit every year.

And Wisconsin usually holds its own in the competition. In 2022, both the winner of the kid’s and the teen’s division were from the Badger State. Eight-year-old Emmitt Bailey of Menomonie and 18-year-old Cayden Kershaw of Wausau each placed first in the competition.

So what makes a mullet a “winner”? According to the judges, four things: length, style, uniqueness, and showmanship.

This year’s Wisconsin finalists are:

🧀 Hayes Pesch, a 4-year-old from New Glarus

🧀 Tyler Mortier, a mail carrier from Fond du Lac

After two rounds of public voting, Hayes and Tyler have made it to the third and final round of the 2024 USA Mullet Championships.

Click here to check out ALL of this year’s finalists, and vote for your favorites by Wednesday, Aug. 21! The winner of each category will be announced Tuesday, Aug. 27.

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Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL CULTURE

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