U Got It Bad

On October 25, 2024, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brought a night of emotional depth and captivating performances to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Margarete Heye Great Room in Clearwater, Florida. One of the evening’s most memorable moments was Kevin Beckett’s powerful rendition of Usher’s R&B hit “You Got It Bad,” performed as part of the chorus’s concert *The Good, the Bad, and the Gay*.

“You Got It Bad,” originally released by Usher in 2001, is an iconic love ballad that expresses the longing, heartache, and passion of a relationship that’s hard to let go of. Beckett’s smooth, soulful voice brought an intensity to the song, capturing the vulnerability and yearning at its core. His vocal performance was a masterclass in emotional expression, with each note resonating with raw sincerity and heart.

Backed by the full chorus, Beckett’s performance was both intimate and expansive. His delivery was emotionally charged, connecting deeply with the audience, while the ensemble’s lush harmonies provided a rich, supportive backdrop that heightened the song's emotional intensity. The performance had the crowd entranced, with many audience members swaying along to the groove and feeling the palpable chemistry between Beckett and his fellow performers.

As part of *The Good, the Bad, and the Gay*, which explored the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals through music, Beckett’s rendition of “You Got It Bad” added a layer of vulnerability to the evening. The song’s themes of love, longing, and the complexities of relationships resonated strongly with the concert’s overarching themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.

The night at Ruth Eckerd Hall was a celebration of the power of music to convey deep emotions, and Kevin Beckett’s stunning performance of “You Got It Bad” will be remembered as one of the highlights of an unforgettable evening.