How Will I Know?
Chris Marichal stepped into the spotlight for a vibrant, joyful performance of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" at the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay's concert, "Songs of a Man's Heart / I Love the '80s", held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 17, 2024. Performed outside the full chorus's involvement, the spotlight gave Marichal a chance to shine on one of the decade's most beloved pop classics.
Originally written by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam, and Narada Michael Walden, "How Will I Know" became one of the defining moments of Houston's early career — a perfect blend of bubbly pop optimism and heartfelt vulnerability. Marichal's interpretation honored the song's signature charm while bringing a fresh personal touch. His voice carried the playful energy the lyrics demand, with confident phrasing and clear articulation that allowed every line of the song's youthful uncertainty to come through.
Marichal navigated the song's vocal demands with skill. The familiar melody, with its agile leaps and effervescent hooks, was delivered with crisp, expressive control. He leaned into the song's hook-driven structure without overplaying it, letting the catchy chorus do its joyful work while infusing the verses with subtle storytelling nuance. The result felt both polished and spontaneous — a sign of a performer comfortable in the spotlight.
Beyond vocal technique, Marichal brought genuine charisma to the moment. His engaging stage presence and obvious enjoyment of the material drew the audience in, creating a warm, interactive atmosphere. Smiles spread visibly through the sanctuary as he moved through the song's iconic refrains, with audience members responding to the familiar tune with palpable enthusiasm.
Allendale United Methodist Church's acoustics offered a welcoming setting for the performance, allowing Marichal's voice to project clearly while maintaining the song's pop sparkle. Within the broader program of "I Love the '80s", the spotlight served as a delightful highlight — a celebration of one of the era's most enduring artists, refracted through Marichal's personal voice. By the final chorus, the audience had been transported back to the bright, hopeful pop of the mid-'80s, with Chris Marichal proving once again that great songs only grow more vibrant in the hands of singers who clearly love them.