Talent shines at Morning Pointe show

The spotlight was shining bright at the historic Bijou Theatre as the 5th Annual Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent – Knoxville lit up the stage with laughter, music and moments that moved the audience to their feet.

The show celebrated the creativity of East Tennessee’s senior performers while raising nearly $43,000 for the Morning Pointe Foundation’s caregiver scholarship fund. From soulful singers and lively a cappella harmonies to uplifting piano performances, the evening proved that talent and joy know no age limit.

This year’s winners included:

• First Place – Pianist Beverly Kerr performing “Ode to Joy (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee);”

• Second Place – The Sapphires, a cappella quartet performing “Sweet Dreams” and “Heatwave;”

• Third Place – Singer Joel Dupré performing “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra; and

• People’s Choice – Musical Group Better with Every Breath performing “This Train is Bound for Glory” by Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Beverly Kerr, who took home first place, said the experience left her both humbled and grateful. “I’m amazed and I just cannot believe this. I felt very honored in front of so many talented senior people and just felt so lucky that I was one of the contestants. I was very nervous, but everybody from Morning Pointe was so nice and helpful — you can just feel the spirit of the Lord here in this event tonight. Thank you, Morning Pointe Foundation, thank you for all that you do. God bless you all.”

Throughout the evening, the variety of performances brought the audience through an incredible journey of artistic appreciation — from laughter to tears to standing ovations. Every act carried its own story, style and heart, showcasing not just talent but a lifetime of experience and passion.

Morning Pointe Foundation executive director Miranda Perez said the evening perfectly captured the Foundation’s purpose. “Knoxville’s show continues to amaze us every year. The performers pour their hearts into every note, and the community shows up in full force to support them. Every dollar raised tonight helps us invest in the next generation of caregivers right here in East Tennessee.”

Proceeds from Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent directly support scholarships for East Tennessee students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields at local partner schools.

Since its founding in 2014, the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has awarded more than 170 scholarships to students across the Southeast, helping prepare the next generation of caregivers who will make a difference in the lives of seniors.

The Foundation hosts four Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent showcases each year to support this mission. In addition to the Knoxville show, events are held in Franklin, Chattanooga and Lexington, Kentucky.

For more information about the Morning Pointe Foundation or to support its mission, visit morningpointefoundation.com.