Criminal

On October 25, 2024, Josh Smith delivered a sultry and emotionally charged performance of Fiona Apple’s “Criminal”during the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s concert, “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay,” at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Margarete Heye Great Room in Clearwater, Florida. The evening, which explored the complex experiences of LGBTQ+ life through a diverse range of music, featured several powerful moments, but Smith’s performance of “Criminal” stood out as a particularly steamy and unforgettable highlight.

Known for its raw, intimate lyrics and dark, jazzy undertones, “Criminal” provided the perfect canvas for Smith to showcase his vocal depth and emotional intensity. With his smoky, expressive delivery, he captured the angst and vulnerability of the song, which deals with feelings of guilt, desire, and self-reflection. But what made this performance truly stand out was the unexpected twist: Smith pulled an audience member up on stage to join him, setting the stage for a provocative and engaging interaction.

The audience member, who was clearly in on the act, played along with the intense, flirtatious exchange, adding an element of surprise and excitement that elevated the performance to a whole new level. Their chemistry was palpable, creating an electric atmosphere in the room as Smith’s sultry vocals mixed with the playful tension between them. The result was a performance that was both steamy and captivating, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.

Set against the intimate backdrop of the Margarete Heye Great Room, which is known for its rich acoustics, Smith’s rendition of “Criminal” was a showstopper. The performance not only highlighted his vocal prowess but also demonstrated the chorus's ability to blend theatricality and emotion, making it one of the most memorable moments of “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay.” The performance left the audience buzzing with excitement, captivated by the unexpected turn of events and the intensity of the song’s emotional delivery.