Emotional Moments Highlight Owensboro’s We’ve Got Talent, Too! Showcase

Wednesday was magical at The Opportunity Center of Owensboro. The center hosted the 2nd Annual We've Got Talent, Too! contest, which featured 27 contestants representing nine different community agencies that serve clients with disabilities. But what I love most about this event is that it removes the prefix "dis." We've Got Talent, Too! is a showcase of ability.

I have been given the privilege of emceeing this event the last two years and I am quick to tell you that it's one of my favorites events of the year. Over the course of the morning and afternoon, I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, and celebrating these magnificent human beings and their moments of glory they felt on stage.

There were so many highlights this year, but there are a few I must specifically mention.

First, I have to shout out my longtime friend Steven Shively of The Opportunity Center. Last year, Steven worked behind the scenes and helped run sound for the contestants. This year, he competed. He walked to the mic and prepared to sing "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. But, before the song started, he dedicated his performance to Gerry Hall, who passed away earlier this month. Gerry was one of the very first employees at Pinocchio's, a restaurant whose legacy is carried on today by The Opportunity Center. It's clear from Steven's shout out, that Gerry's legacy will 'go on' as well.

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Then, there was Matthew Bittel. Matthew gave a shout out to his best friend Heather and credited her for picking out his song- "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. He then gave a shout out to his cousin Michael and thanked him for always supporting him. I appreciate any performer who remembers where they come from. Matthew gave credit where the credit was due and it was undeniably charming.

There was an unexpectedly triumphant performance by Tierney Wahler. See, Tierney was supposed dance backup with her friends Kathy Renfrow and Matthew Runyon while their Commonwealth Connections teammate Karen sang "Angels Among Us" by Alabama. Only, Karen couldn't make it to the show. So, Tierney walked to the mic, purse draped over her shoulder, and belted out the song like it was hers. That's what you call pinch hitting and Tierney knocked it out of the park.

Then there was April Cottrell, who wore a Jelly Roll shirt as she performed "Carrying Your Love With Me" by George Strait. Before she took the stage, April and I were having a conversation just down the ramp. Already making plans for 2026, April emphatically said, "I'm singing Jelly Roll next year." I have no doubts that she will.

And what about Elliott Williams from The Opportunity Center? Elliott was so excited about taking the stage that he kept running up on it every time I introduced a new act. When we realized he couldn't contain his excitement any longer, we just adjusted the order so he could go ahead and perform. And perform he did! Elliott danced his way (whipped and nae nae'd) to the 3rd Place trophy.

But my absolute favorite moment came from our champion. When Hunter Ross joined me on stage I gave him a hug and whispered in his ear. See, I knew he had been practicing . . . a lot. I asked, "You're going to kill this, aren't you?" Without missing a beat, Hunter answered, "Yep." And that's exactly what he did. Hunter gave a performance that brought the audience and judges to their feet and left me in tears. I have emceed and judged a lot of talent shows in my career and that moment is one my all-time favorites. Hunter did exactly what he promised to do. He killed it.

If you were there, you know how electric the day was. If you weren't, check out these photos. They represent music and dance and acceptance and love and joy and inclusion.

When it was all said and done, these were your Top 5 contestants:

5th Place- Shay Tunstall

4th Place- Merek Justice

3rd Place- Elliott Williams

2nd Place- Kayla Burgess

WINNER- Hunter Ross

Our world finds itself in desperate need of magic these days. This event, for the second year in a row, was nothing short of magic. I know it's a year away, but I (and my heart) can't wait for the 3rd Annual We've Got Talent, Too!