PALM COAST, Fla. (January 21, 2024) – K’imani Gervin-McCoy was overwhelmed with emotion as she waited excitedly in the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s Black Box to meet the evening’s superstar. Heading into the room, still in her shimmering final costume of the performance, singer Belinda Davids embraced the ninth-grade student, who burst into tears.
As a winner in the Flagler Youth Talent Show in May 2023 performing Whitney Houston’s rendition of ‘Greatest Love of All’, K’imani has enjoyed greater visibility for her vocal talents, including an invitation to sing the National Anthem, opening the 2024 Florida Legislative Session this month.
Saturday evening, the starstruck teen and Belinda Davids, star of ‘The Greatest Love of All’, A Tribute to Whitney Houston, bonded over their shared love of Whitney Houston and performing.
“It was, I literally have no words. It was amazing. I thought concerts would be good, and this tops it. This is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. The production was amazing, she was amazing, literally had me crying in my seat, jumping in my seat, dancing, singing, screaming. That literally makes me want to go anywhere and everywhere. She is so amazing, and has such amazing stage presence, I want that,” said K’imani.
“I would love to be able to have that energy and that voice, oh my gosh, don’t get me started on her voice.”
“The (Flagler Auditorium) gave me such an amazing opportunity and now I can expand what I’m doing and honestly just get more into it, and hopefully get to her level because it was amazing.”
Davids was generous with her time, talking with the teen and her best friend, taking photos and accepting a flower, which she put in her hair.
She is pleased by the next generation’s interest in Whitney Houston’s music.
“This is the next generation. The best thing that could have happened for me, just this minute, is to meet these two beautiful young ladies, who are the next generation,” Davids said. “Introducing them to Whitney Houston’s music, are you kidding me? Day, year, life made, every time.”
A Full Production
Among the audience comments after the show were accolades for not only Davids’ stunning vocal ability but the production of the show, complete with full band and back-up singers.
“I just thought this was fabulous. She sounded, she acted, she just studied her so beautifully,” said Nadine King.
Fellow patron Deanna McDonald agreed.
“I was just enraptured. It was such a throwback. It was awesome and the last song was my favorite. Don’t leave early,” she advised.
Tenth grade student Hailee Bedard worked the spotlight during the show. Helping load in the show’s equipment alongside other theater tech students on Saturday, it was an opportunity to learn from the professionals.
“I was really excited. We actually helped bring all their stuff in. We got here at 2 and helped load it and we’re going to be here until about 10:15 loading everything out,” she said.
Being a Whitney Houston fan made the experience even more memorable.
“I was really excited personally because I’m a big fan of Whitney Houston. All the people were really welcoming and helpful and understanding that we’re kind of new but we also have some experience. It’s really important for me (to work with the professionals). I’m really grateful to have the position that I have and all of the resources at the Flagler Auditorium.”
Spanning the Ages
A testament to the timeless appreciation of Whitney Houston’s music, fans of all ages attended the show.
Some dressed in 80s attire, while others were mothers of young teens, both dancing, singing and videoing the show.
Tara Owen and her friends came from St. Augustine for the show. Their first time at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Owens was impressed by the show.
“I’ve always been a huge Whitney Houston fan, so I collected some friends, and we came,” she said. “She’s amazing. If you close your eyes, you wouldn’t know it’s not Whitney Houston.”
The inspiring draw of Houston’s music offers a nostalgic look back on pivotal moments not just for the audience but for singer Belinda Davids.
“The purity, her strength and all songs that she did in her life, is the (sound)track of our lives,” shared Davids. “If I think of a song, it’s a memory of something that I went through in my life, and it’s connected to Whitney Houston.”
