Who Would Imagine a King

St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In one of the most poignant and soul-stirring highlights of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s holiday concert “Slay Bells”, Jay Martello stepped into the spotlight for a solo performance of “Who Would Imagine a King”—a heartfelt ballad penned by Hallerin Hilton Hill and Mervyn Warren, originally recorded by Whitney Houston for The Preacher’s Wife. Presented at Allendale United Methodist Church, Martello’s performance was a luminous moment of reflection, reverence, and vocal beauty.

With the sanctuary lights softened and the chorus quietly behind him, Martello delivered the song with emotional depth and understated elegance. His voice, rich and expressive, carried the tender lyrics with a sense of awe befitting the song’s central question—how could anyone imagine that a newborn child in such humble circumstances would one day be called a king?

Martello’s phrasing was graceful and sincere, allowing each word to land with clarity and intention. He avoided imitation of Houston’s iconic rendition, instead bringing his own heartfelt interpretation to the piece—honoring the original while making it uniquely his own. His vocal warmth, gentle vibrato, and dynamic control created a deeply moving experience, drawing listeners into the wonder and humility of the Christmas story.

The performance was a standout in “Slay Bells”, a concert that joyfully weaves together the sacred, the spirited, and the fabulously camp. In contrast to the evening’s more flamboyant numbers, “Who Would Imagine a King” served as a spiritual and emotional anchor—reminding the audience that the holidays are as much about reverence as they are about revelry.

As the final notes faded, the audience responded not with boisterous cheers but with a moment of reflective stillness, followed by heartfelt applause. Many were visibly moved, some wiping away tears—testament to the quiet power of Martello’s performance.

In delivering “Who Would Imagine a King”, Jay Martello didn’t just sing a song—he told a story, offered a blessing, and created a memory. It was a gift of grace in a glittering evening, and a reminder that true majesty often arrives in the most unexpected ways.