Seniors Got Talent Knoxville
Sponsored By:
Now announcing
2025 Seniors Got Talent Knoxville Winners!
1st Place
Beverly Kerr
Pianist, Age 77
2nd Place
The Sapphires
Acapella Quartet, Ages 70+
3rd Place
Joel Dupré
Singer, Age 64
People's Choice Award
Better with Every Breath
Musical Group, Ages 72+
See what Seniors Got Talent Knoxville is all about
Host
Kim Hansard
Host of Marc & Kim Show on Star 102.1, WWST
Kim Hansard, a 36-year Knoxville media veteran, is best known as the longtime co-host of the Marc & Kim Show on STAR 102.1. Over her career, she’s worn many hats—from marketing and radio management to television hosting and creative services.
A lifelong Halls resident, Kim lives with her husband, Ralph, and their son, Eli. This October marks her 12th year as a breast cancer survivor. Deeply involved in her community, she serves on the boards of Harmony Family Center and the Knox County Schools Teacher Supply Depot and is active at Christ United Methodist Church.
Known for her bold spirit, love of purple, and signature humor, Kim uses her voice to make people smile and raise awareness for meaningful causes. She’s especially honored to be part of this event—her mother is a proud resident of Morning Pointe of Powell, where she receives wonderful care and gives her family peace of mind.
Judge
W. James Taylor
2021 Knoxville Seniors Got Talent Winner
Taylor, born and raised in Knoxville’s Lonsdale Homes neighborhood, is an award-winning pastel artist. He is an instructor at the Knoxville Museum of Art, a mayor-appointed member of the Knoxville Arts Committee (2016-2023), and a former board member of the Fountain City Art Center. His gallery — Geneva Galleries Inc. (named for his mother Geneva) — is located in The Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville. Taylor is also an award-winning singer/songwriter. The winner of the 2021 Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent Knoxville (Knoxville’s first Morning Point-sponsored Seniors Got Talent), he has served a judge for the 2022 competition, and, based on his first-place Seniors Got Talent performance, will be among performers in NBC’s America’s Got Talent 2023 competition.
Judge
Nathan McGhee
General Manager for the Bijou Theatre
Nathan McGhee, an East Tennessee native, is General Manager of the historic Bijou Theatre, overseeing 180+ shows, educational programs, and community events each year with artists from David Sedaris to Jason Isbell. With 15+ years in nonprofit arts and education, he previously directed youth and community programs at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley and the Rose Center Council for the Arts. An advocate for the arts, Nathan has also served on boards including the Tennessee Stage Company, Encore Theatrical Company, and Flying Anvil Theatre.
Judge
Drey Herron
Performer, Choreographer and Director
Drey Herron is a veteran performer, choreographer, and director in Knoxville. Favorite credits include choreography for Hairspray, Annie, and Hello Dolly, and roles such as Vera Charles in Mame and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. She teaches ballet and musical theatre at local studios, drawing on her training with Memphis Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance. A graduate of UTK with a degree in Dance and Musical Theatre, Drey continues to share her passion for the stage with the community.
Judge
Rachel Schlafer – Parton
Multi-instrumentalist and a multi-faceted performer
A certified music practitioner with the Music for Healing and Transition Program, Rachel provides therapeutic bedside music and is also a certified sign language interpreter. She has even worked as a mime and magician’s assistant—but is perhaps best known as the syringe player on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion.
Judge
Erin Donovan
Actor/Voice-Over Artist
Erin Donovan is an Emmy and AP award-winning journalist and social media consultant, specializing in video, photography, and digital storytelling. An avid mountain biker and fourth-year Specialized Ambassador, she serves on the board of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and supports its Joy Ride and Trail Building committees. Erin also mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Federal Re-Entry Program, and is a frequent emcee and performer at local events.
Our Sponsors
What Happened at the 2024 Show
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE 2025 SHOW:
On November 4, 2025, 12 acts performed in the Big Show “Seniors Got Talent” at the Bijou Theatre
Congratulations to all contestants for a superb performance!
All proceeds benefit the work of the Morning Pointe Foundation, providing nursing scholarships and caregiver support programs.
Audition Info
Location: Morning Pointe of Clinton
Time: 1-3 PM
Address: 960 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton, TN 37716
Phone: (865) 457-4005
Final deadline for all auditions is September 30th.
Top contestants will be notified October 3rd.
Locations: Morning Pointe of Powell
Times: 1-3 PM
Addresses: 7700 Dannaher Drive, Powell, TN 37849
Phone: (865) 686-5771
Final deadline for all auditions is September 30th.
Top contestants will be notified October 3rd.
Locations: Morning Pointe of Lenoir City
Times: 1-3 PM
Addresses: 198 Morning Pointe Drive, Lenoir City, TN 37772
Phone: (865) 988-7373
Final deadline for all auditions is September 30th.
Top contestants will be notified October 3rd.
Locations: Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley
Time: 1-3 PM
Addresses: 2449 Reagan Road, Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: (865) 343-0081
Final deadline for all auditions is September 30th.
Top contestants will be notified October 3rd.
Locations: Morning Pointe of Knoxville
Time: 5-7 PM (During Family Night)
Addresses: 9649 Westland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: (865) 223-6422
Final deadline for all auditions is September 30th.
Top contestants will be notified October 3rd.
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