LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 18, 2025) – Eleven unforgettable senior acts took the stage on September 10 at the historic Lexington Opera House for the 6th Annual Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent Lexington showcase. From banjo and magic to opera and original songwriting, the event celebrated the creativity and spirit of seniors across the Bluegrass.
The judges had a tough decision, but in the end, three performers rose to the top with show-stopping moments that brought the audience to its feet:
- 1st Place – Dave Cottrell, 66, Shelbyville, KY: A magician, musician, and entertainer, Cottrell wowed the crowd with a comedic magic show that included a live chicken and ended with a surprise banjo performance. His act earned him the $1,000 grand prize, presented by Morning Pointe Senior Living. “I just I just can’t believe that I won. I mean, there were so many good acts and everybody was really good. I can’t believe I won. I’m just really excited about it,” said Cottrell.
- 2nd Place – Mary Joan Penner, 72, Louisville, KY: Penner delivered a powerful operatic performance of Mozart’s “Bester Jüngling” from The Impressario—sung in German—that brought the audience to their feet. Her talent earned her second place and a $500 cash prize, also presented by Morning Pointe Senior Living. “This is the biggest stage I’ve ever been on, and the fact that I was singing opera in an Opera House—my God, this is something I’m never going to forget. Oh my gosh, I got so emotional right after I sang. I was about ready to cry, and then when you all told me I’d got 2nd place I was like, whoa, are you kidding? Just so happy. I couldn’t be any happier. This is going to be something for the record books for me,” said Penner.
- 3rd Place & People’s Choice – Robin Gassett, 77, Cynthiana, KY: A Vietnam-era Army veteran, lifelong musician, farmer, and founder of the veterans nonprofit Licking River Outfitters, Gassett uses his platform to raise awareness about veteran suicide. He moved the audience with his original song “Folded in Her Arms,” written in memory of his late friend and fellow veteran, Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Conley. His performance earned him third place, a $250 cash prize, and the coveted People’s Choice Award, determined by community votes. With every $1 equaling one vote, the People’s Choice competition raised vital funds to support the Morning Pointe Foundation. “We have more veterans commit suicide every day than are killed in combat, and a lot of people don’t realize that, but it’s true. It seems like they’re getting overlooked. Somebody needs to be paying attention to this and drawing attention to it. Let’s give these guys some help, and girls some help, so they don’t fall into this situation where they feel like they have no hope,” said Gassett.
In addition to celebrating talent, the showcase raised nearly $30,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and People’s Choice voting. These funds directly support scholarships for students pursuing careers in nursing, therapy, social work, and culinary arts across Kentucky and the Southeast.
“Each year this showcase highlights the joy and meaning seniors bring when they take the stage,” said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation.
“It’s remarkable to see how Seniors Got Talent has grown into a tradition that celebrates both entertainment and purpose,” said Greg A. Vital, co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “We’re proud that the Foundation is not only showcasing senior talent but also supporting students who will help shape the future of healthcare.”
Judge Jack Wollman reflected on how challenging the competition was this year, noting that the abundance of talent made judging especially difficult. “I thought everybody was amazing this year, and because everybody was so amazing it made the show really hard to judge,” he said. “We actually had a tie for first place and a tie for second place. Last year we didn’t have any ties, so it was very clear on who won and who didn’t. But this year we had to make extra decisions, which made it more interesting for us. Yeah, it’s a lot of originality.”
For more information about the Morning Pointe Foundation, visit morningpointefoundation.com. Contestants are available for media interviews upon request, and performance links can be provided for original content. To schedule, please contact calberto@ihpllc.com.
