CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 23, 2026) — After performing for 25 seasons with New York’s Metropolitan Opera and sharing the stage with legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, Jeffrey Wells never imagined that one of the most meaningful performances of his life would happen in Chattanooga.
Today, the 72-year-old is encouraging other older adults to discover that same joy by auditioning for Morning Pointe Foundation’s Seniors Got Talent, a competition celebrating the talents, creativity and life experiences of adults age 60 and older.
Wells knows firsthand how life can change unexpectedly. After a 37-year career as a professional opera singer, Parkinson’s disease began affecting his voice, forcing him to redefine what performing looked like. Rather than stepping away from music, he joined the Trembling Troubadours, a therapeutic choir for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. The group uses music to strengthen vocal ability while providing encouragement, fellowship and hope.
His journey eventually led him to Seniors Got Talent.
In 2023, Wells performed with the Trembling Troubadours and earned the competition’s People’s Choice Award. Last year, he returned as a solo performer and was named Chattanooga’s Seniors Got Talent champion.
“Seniors Got Talent has changed my life in many ways,” Wells said. “It has brought me encouragement and hope.”
For Wells, the competition was about much more than winning. It was a reminder that the passion for performing—and the confidence that comes with sharing it—doesn’t disappear with age or life’s challenges.
“I would tell anyone thinking about auditioning that it is beyond worth it,” Wells said. “It gives you a huge boost of confidence.”
His community embraced that journey as well. Nearly 90 members of Ridgedale Baptist Church came to support Wells during last year’s competition, and earlier this month, the church welcomed a new generation of contestants by serving as an official audition site. Wells said church members, pastors and volunteers were delighted to help encourage other seniors to step onto the stage.
Morning Pointe Foundation created Seniors Got Talent to celebrate older adults while promoting active aging, confidence and meaningful community connections. The competition welcomes singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, spoken word artists and performers of all kinds.
“Jeffrey’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to rediscover a passion, try something new or inspire others,” said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “Whether someone spent a lifetime performing or simply enjoys singing around the house, Seniors Got Talent is about celebrating the unique gifts every older adult has to share.”
Morning Pointe Foundation is now inviting adults age 60 and older to audition for this year’s Seniors Got Talent competition. Auditions are free, and no professional experience is required.
For many contestants, the experience is about far more than taking the stage. It’s about finding confidence, building friendships and proving that life’s next chapter can be just as meaningful as the last.
Participants will compete for cash prizes:
• First Place – $1,000
• Second Place – $500
• Third Place – $250
The competition is open to anyone age 60 and older, regardless of previous performance experience.
Remaining audition opportunities include:
Monday, June 22
Location: Morning Pointe of Chattanooga
Time: 2-4 PM
Address: 7719 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 296-0097
Tuesday, June 23
Location: Morning Pointe at Happy Valley
Time: 6-7 PM
Address: 2989 Happy Valley Road, Rossville, GA 30741
Phone: (706) 916-2777
Tuesday, June 23
Location: Morning Pointe of Hixson
Time: 6-7 PM
Address: 5501 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343
Phone:
(423) 847-1370
Wednesday, June 24
Location: Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove
Time: 6-7 PM
Address: 9650 Leyland Drive, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Phone: (423) 396-6999
Thursday, June 25
Location: Morning Pointe of East Hamilton
Time: 6-7 PM
Address: 1776 Generations Way (9700 Block E. Brainerd Road), Ooltewah, TN 37363
Phone: (423) 212-1208
Seniors who are unable to attend an in-person audition may also submit a video audition online through June 26.
Contestants selected to advance in the competition will be notified July 1.
In addition to celebrating local talent, Seniors Got Talent serves as a fundraiser for the Morning Pointe Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing senior care through scholarships, caregiver support programs, and educational partnerships. Funds raised help support students pursuing careers in nursing and other healthcare professions while strengthening resources available to seniors and their families.
For audition information or to submit a video audition, visit:
https://morningpointefoundation.com/events/seniors-got-talent/chattanooga/#Chattanooga-Auditions
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in four southeastern states, including GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
