Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In a moment that blended contemporary pop vulnerability with classic holiday longing, Christian Hewett of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay captivated the audience with a soulful performance of “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do”, originally recorded by Sabrina Carpenter. Featured in the chorus’s holiday concert “Slay Bells” at Allendale United Methodist Church, the number was a standout for its emotional honesty, youthful charm, and pop sensibility.
Hewett took the stage alone, the lights soft and the atmosphere intimate, offering a quieter, more introspective contrast to the evening’s campy showstoppers and festive choral anthems. With a smooth, expressive voice and effortless charisma, he delivered the modern Christmas ballad with aching sincerity. The lyrics—playful yet emotionally charged—tell the story of someone watching a loved one fall for all the traditional holiday magic, while quietly believing they could offer something more real, more lasting.
His interpretation was nuanced and heartfelt, walking the fine line between sweet and bittersweet. Hewett’s vocal control shone through as he navigated the song’s emotional arc—from soft, confessional verses to a more impassioned chorus, all while maintaining a warm and clear tone. He brought a pop artist’s phrasing to the performance while grounding it in the sincerity that has become a hallmark of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s soloists.
The audience, clearly engaged, responded with warm applause and knowing smiles. The song resonated not only as a clever contemporary addition to the holiday repertoire but also as a personal statement of queer longing—an anthem for those who see love through a different lens and hope to be recognized not just during the holidays, but always.
In a concert designed to sparkle, laugh, and reflect in equal measure, Christian Hewett’s “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do” offered a fresh, relatable take on holiday romance. With heartfelt delivery and quiet confidence, Hewett reminded everyone that sometimes, the most powerful gift of the season isn’t wrapped under a tree—it’s being truly seen and loved for who you are.