Lloyd Knight won first place in the Senior Star competition
Ten entertainers who’d travelled to Toronto from as far away as Maple Ridge, B.C., waited offstage for their turn to step into the spotlight at the Royal York Hotel’s Imperial Room. Finalists in the second annual Senior Star competition last fall, the singers and musicians were there to give it their best before a packed house and three judges: entertainer Gordie Tapp, singer-songwriter Tim Louis and Dan Clancy, lead singer for Lighthouse.
Similar in concept to Canadian Idol, the Senior Star competition was developed by Chartwell Senior Housing REIT in 2007. Retirement residences have long embraced the importance of bringing entertainment into their homes and encouraging talented residents to share their gifts. Chartwell expanded that belief to show appreciation for seniors through the competition.
Local contests are first held in Chartwell homes, seniors’ centres and theatres. This year’s finalists came from some 800 competitors who performed in 72 regional venues in front of 10,000 fans across Canada. The final musical evening in Toronto, hosted by singer Dinah Christie, was later shown on a one-hour CTV special.
Lloyd Knight of Stouffville, Ont., who sings for pleasure in choirs and churches, took first place singing You Raise Me Up. His prize was a $5,000 travel voucher. First runner-up, John Storms of Kingston, Ont., won a $4,000 voucher, while second runner–up was Phyllis Styles of Etobicoke, Ont., with $3,000.
Contestants do not have to live in a Chartwell residence but must be Canadians aged 65 years or older. Forms for 2009 contestants are available at any Chartwell home.
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