Baby One More Time
On May 16, 2025, Kevin Beckett of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay ignited the stage with a spirited and cheeky solo performance of “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, as part of the chorus’s high-energy concert “Tyler’s Suite / I Love the 90s”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. In a show that skillfully balanced profound emotional storytelling with joyful 1990s pop nostalgia, this number stood out as a jubilant tribute to one of the decade’s most iconic cultural moments.
Released in 1998, “…Baby One More Time” launched Britney Spears into superstardom and became a defining hit of the late ’90s—instantly recognizable for its infectious hook, schoolgirl-themed music video, and mix of innocence and attitude. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the song—and Spears herself—became symbols of self-expression, rebellion, and campy perfection, making it a favorite in queer performance spaces worldwide.
Taking center stage, Kevin Beckett brought his own twist to the pop classic with a performance that was equal parts throwback and theatrical reinvention. Whether clad in a nod to the song’s original music video look or channeling the energy of a pop idol with confident flair, Beckett fully embodied the playful, lovesick drama of the song with tongue-in-cheek charm and vocal command. His performance radiated both homage and humor, inviting the audience into a shared moment of glittery nostalgia.
With bold stage presence and strong vocals, Beckett turned the sanctuary into a mini concert arena, backed by cheers, laughter, and rhythmic clapping from a delighted audience. Every flip of the lyric—“My loneliness is killing me…”—was delivered with just the right blend of faux-melancholy and campy pop conviction. It was a moment of pure fun, but also a celebration of how music and memory can unite generations and identities through shared joy.
In the wider context of the concert, which began with the poignant and powerful Tyler’s Suite—a moving choral reflection on the life of Tyler Clementi—this number marked a joyful turn toward celebration. Beckett’s performance stood as a testament to the resilience of the queer spirit: the power to move from grief to joy, from solemn reflection to shameless sparkle.
Performed in the affirming space of Allendale United Methodist Church, known for its outspoken LGBTQ+ advocacy and community inclusivity, this rendition of “…Baby One More Time” was not just a crowd-pleasing throwback—it was an anthem of queer joy, unapologetic performance, and living life out loud.