Bringing this touching solo to life was Cody Smith-Rollins, whose performance was at once gentle, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. With clear phrasing and emotional vulnerability, Smith-Rollings conveyed the conflicting emotions embedded in the piece—pride, confusion, sorrow, and a father’s unspoken love. His delivery gave the audience space to connect to the humanity behind the music, reflecting on the complicated, evolving nature of parental relationships and acceptance.

Cody Smith-Rollins stepped into the solo role with remarkable emotional clarity and sensitivity. His vocal performance captured the innocence and yearning embedded in Bucchino’s lyrics, painting a tender and tragic picture of a young man whose inner world was rich, hopeful, and vulnerable. Smith-Rollins’ interpretation resonated deeply with the audience, his voice both strong and fragile, creating a space of empathy and shared humanity.

That’s exactly what happened during this performance. The trio of Cummings, Irizarry, and Smith-Rollins approached the piece not merely as a nostalgic throwback, but as a reclamation. Together, they transformed the song into a deeply personal and spiritual affirmation of hope, healing, and possibility. Their voices—distinct in tone yet seamlessly blended—brought a new level of meaning to the familiar lyrics, offering an interpretation rooted in dignity, empowerment, and grace.