Believe

On May 16, 2025, Stephen Jennings of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brought the house to its feet with a dazzling solo performance of “Believe” by Cher, as part of the chorus’s celebratory spring concert, “Tyler’s Suite / I Love the 90s”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. The performance was a joyful, high-energy tribute to one of the most iconic anthems of queer resilience, transformation, and self-empowerment.

Originally released in 1998, “Believe” became a global phenomenon and a cultural touchstone, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Its groundbreaking use of Auto-Tune, pulsing dance beat, and unapologetically bold message of self-worth and recovery after heartbreak elevated it beyond the realm of pop music—it became an anthem of survival, sass, and spiritual revival. For many, Cher’s defiant question—“Do you believe in life after love?”—has become a mantra for moving forward in the face of adversity.

In this performance, Stephen Jennings fully embraced the song’s legacy with a dynamic and electrifying interpretation. With charisma, precision, and vocal flair, Jennings brought both vocal strength and theatrical confidence to the stage. His performance was not only vocally impressive—it was emotionally charged, embodying the triumphant spirit of the song while inviting the audience to revel in its infectious joy.

Dressed with flair and owning the spotlight, Jennings transformed the sanctuary into a dance floor, a drag runway, and a revival tent—all at once. The audience clapped, cheered, and many even danced in their seats, swept up in the energy of the moment. It was a true crowd-pleaser and a standout moment of the evening.

This performance came in the second half of the concert, which transitioned from the emotional depth of Tyler’s Suite—a moving tribute to Tyler Clementi—into a vibrant celebration of queer life and culture in the 1990s. In this context, “Believe” became more than a nostalgic bop. It was a declaration of endurance and joy in the face of loss—a reminder that healing and happiness can co-exist, and that queer expression, in all its glitter and glory, is something sacred.

Held in the affirming and progressive space of Allendale United Methodist Church, known for its commitment to inclusion and social justice, the performance was not only welcomed—it was uplifted. In that moment, “Believe” was gospel, and Stephen Jennings its fearless preacher.