My Only Wish (This Year)
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — With glittering energy and undeniable charm, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brought holiday pop magic to the stage with their performance of “My Only Wish (This Year)”, originally written by Brian Kierulf and Joshua Schwartz and popularized by Britney Spears. Presented in a dynamic arrangement by Steve Milloy, the number was a bright and buoyant addition to the chorus’s annual holiday concert, “Slay Bells”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church.
Transformed from solo pop anthem to ensemble showstopper, Milloy’s arrangement gave the chorus ample room to sparkle—layering tight harmonies, dance-worthy rhythms, and a joyful groove that made it impossible for the audience not to smile along. From the first bouncy notes, the sanctuary was pulsing with festive energy, the kind that only comes when holiday music meets unapologetic fun.
The chorus sang with polish and playfulness, their voices unified and expressive, each phrase full of personality. With lyrics that speak to the universal wish for love at Christmas—“Santa, can you hear me?”—the ensemble brought warmth and emotional sincerity beneath the pop sheen. There was joy in the delivery, but also heart in the message, making the performance more than just a crowd-pleaser; it was a lighthearted but earnest moment of seasonal longing.
Visually, the number shone just as brightly. Chorus members embraced the song’s pop pedigree with stylized staging, spirited movement, and just the right hint of camp. Dressed in festive colors and bringing their signature theatrical flair, the group leaned into the playful tone of the piece without losing its emotional through-line.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, clapping along and cheering as the final chorus rang out. The performance stood as a perfect representation of what “Slay Bells” does best—offering both entertainment and connection, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
With “My Only Wish (This Year)”, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay didn’t just sing a pop holiday hit—they reimagined it with vocal richness, communal joy, and queer pride. The result was a feel-good, heart-forward highlight of the evening, one that reminded everyone that sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t under the tree—it’s sung in harmony and shared with love.