Seniors Got Talent Franklin
Sponsored By:
Now announcing
2025 Seniors Got Talent Franklin Winners!
1st Place
Janie Mason
Ventriloquist, Age 79
2nd Place
Sandy Elliott
Opera Singer, Age 63
3rd Place & People's Choice
Terry Coulter
Singer/Fitness Performer, Age 66
Resident Art Show Winner
Carolyn Carter
Age: 86
Medium: Oil Painting
Award: Overall Best Art
Community: Morning Pointe of Franklin
Jean Rosenbaum
Age: 96
Medium: Acrylic Painting
Award: People’s Choice
Community: Morning Pointe of Brentwood
See what Seniors Got Talent Franklin is all about
Host
Lisa Spencer
Chief meteorologist, WSMV4, Nashville
Lisa Spencer is chief meteorologist and a 22-year veteran of WSMV4 in Nashville. You can catch her weathercasts weekdays at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 10pm.
She has been honored nationally with the Award of Excellence for Broadcast Meteorology from the American Meteorological Society and Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association.
She has been recognized five times as the Best Weather Anchor in Tennessee by the Tennessee Associated Press. Lisa has won ten regional Emmys for her weathercasts.
She is a dog lover and features her furry friends on her daily Facebook Live called “Back Deck Weather.” She often features dogs that are available for adoption on her Dog Walking Forecast on News4.
Lisa is on the board of Directors for the Last Minute Toy Store and is a regular volunteer with the literacy organization, Book’em.
Judge
Rich Eckhardt
World performing and most well-known guitarist in Nashville
Rich Eckhardt best known as lead guitarist for Country Superstar Toby Keith and has performed with singers ranging from Steven Tyler of Aerosmith to Shania Twain. He has toured or recorded with artists including John Berry, Becky Hobbs, Rodney Atkins, Steve Azar, Mel McDaniel, and Blake Shelton. He has additionally performed with many of music’s top icons including Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Ted Nugent, Sammy Hagar, Merle Haggard, Steve Cropper, Glen Campbell, Joe Perry, Delbert McClinton and Jerry Lee Lewis.
His touring has taken him around the world, performing not only in the U.S. and Canada but also throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Rich has also appeared in over a dozen episodes of the ABC hit series Nashville playing the bandleader and guitarist for Will Chase’s popular character Luke Wheeler. Rich has also appeared in over a dozen music videos, television commercials and numerous guitar magazines. Rich Eckhardt has released 2 solo instrumental albums Soundcheck and Cottage City Firehouse. For 3 years Rich wrote a monthly column called Shifting Gear for Premier Guitar Magazine. He has performed in nearly every major concert venue in the world and played on multi-platinum and Grammy winning albums and is currently the Secretary Treasurer of The American Federation of Musicians Local 257 Nashville.
Judge
Alex Tinker IV
Artist, songwriter & podcast host
Alex Tinker IV is a proud Pittsburgh native who has planted deep roots right here in Middle Tennessee with his new wife, Jordin.
Alex is proudly the Open Mic Night Emcee at Leiper’s Fork’s on “Fox & Locke” every Thursday evening… and you just never know who will show up to Open Mic Night! He also has a hand in the Gibson Guitars philanthropic entity “Gibson Gives,” where his team helps support nonprofits with instruments to spread music to everyone.
With passions in art and philanthropy, Alex has found that it all comes back to encouraging your fellow friends & artists to grow into the best versions of themselves. Alex is dedicated to bringing kindness & hope by encouraging and engaging everyone he connects with.
Judge
Jim Hagaman
Mayor of Spring Hill
Originally from Minnesota, Jim has lived in Spring Hill for the last 23 years. As a matter of fact, he is the Mayor of Spring Hill. He also serves, as an appointee of Governor Lee, on the Homeland Security Council.
Jim has been involved in musical performance and live theater for decades. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Air Force Academy, and several senior Military Brass events to include making a guest appearance with the Air Force’s elite performing group. Jim has served as a worship leader for both traditional and contemporary church services. Jim currently plays keyboards and is lead singer in his classic rock cover band “Bad Dog Band”. Prior to gigging with bands, Jim was performing in musical theater starting at age 12, playing Winthrop in The Music Man. He has done live shows on and off for 40 years. Jim has a passion for writing lyrics and music.
Jim is a veteran and retiree from the United States Air Force. Some of his accolades include serving with Secret Service Details for both Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He is also vastly decorated including two medals for heroism.
Judge
Mackenzie Wasner Roberts
Up-and-coming country singer/songwriter
Mackenzie Wasner Roberts was born and raised right here in Franklin, TN. Having grown up listening to and writing country music, it’s something that’s just come naturally and always been in her blood. Mackenzie grew up singing with her dad who was in the industry and was always allowed to get to be around some of the best of the best musicians and learn and hone her craft by learning, listening, and watching them. She feels very blessed to have gotten to experience so many wonderful opportunities in the music industry. Mackenzie has sung on the Ryman stage, made her debut on American Idol back in 2017, and has opened for several artists including JoDee Messina, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Robben Ford, among others. After 10 years in the music industry, Mackenzie stepped back from doing it full-time in 2023 to pursue another dream. She now owns an event rental company by the name of Mack Hatcher Events and continues to practice, write songs, and play gigs in her free time. Her love for music plays on, as she’s happily pursuing all of her dreams.
Our Sponsors
What Happened at the 2025 Show
The 8th Annual Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent Franklin brought 13 talented senior performers to the historic Franklin Theatre for a sold-out evening celebrating senior talent.
With the support of sponsors, performers and the Middle Tennessee community, the event raised nearly $40,000 for the Morning Pointe Foundation, including more than $2,000 through People’s Choice voting. Funds support scholarships for students pursuing nursing, therapy, social work and culinary arts, as well as free caregiver education programs.
2026 Seniors Got Talent Franklin Winners
1st Place: Janie Mason, 79 – Ventriloquist
2nd Place: Sandy Elliott, 63 – Opera Singer
3rd Place & People’s Choice: Terry Coulter, 66 – Singer/Fitness Performer
The evening also featured the Resident Art Show, showcasing artwork by Morning Pointe residents from across the region.
Overall Winner: Carolyn Carter, 86 – Oil Painting, Morning Pointe of Franklin
People’s Choice: Jean Rosenbaum, 96 – Acrylic Painting, Morning Pointe of Brentwood
Thank you to our performers, resident artists, sponsors, judges, volunteers and everyone who helped make the eighth annual Seniors Got Talent Franklin a success.
All proceeds benefit the work of the Morning Pointe Foundation, providing nursing scholarships and caregiver support programs.
Location: Morning Pointe of Columbia
Time: 2-4 PM
Address:
2050 Union Place, Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (931) 388-2200
Final deadline for all auditions is August 21st.
Top contestants will be notified August 26th.
Locations: Morning Pointe of Spring Hill
Time: 6-7
Addresses:
1001 McCutcheon Creek Lane, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Phone: (931) 451-1899
Final deadline for all auditions is August 21st.
Top contestants will be notified August 26th.
Tryout Qualifications:
- Open to anyone over 60
- Acts may not exceed 3 minutes
- All equipment, music, etc. must be provided by the act
- For groups, there is a max of 6 people in each group
What are Judges Looking for?
- Stage Presence & Professionalism
- Technical Ability
- Appearance/Costume
- Difficulty of Act
- Originality, Creativity