By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo by Larry Marano
In a dazzling return to South Florida, pop icon Debbie Gibson transformed The Parker into a winter wonderland on Dec. 13, proving that some stars shine even brighter with time. Her "Winterlicious" holiday spectacular wasn't just a concert. It was a heartfelt celebration that seamlessly bridged the gap between '80s nostalgia and seasonal cheer.
Gibson, whose classical training at the Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus laid the groundwork for her enduring vocal career, delivered a performance that was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The setlist masterfully wove together holiday classics with her chart-topping hits, creating an evening that felt both fresh and comfortingly familiar.
With festive, sparkling costumes and a cozy backdrop complete with a Christmas tree and a menorah atop her piano, there is something so comforting and special about her "Winterlicious" tour. You can feel the genuine love Gibson has for her family and friends, her band, and her backup dancers on stage. She released her Winterlicious holiday album in 2022 and performed many tunes off of that for this show.
A highlight of the night was undoubtedly her "White Christmas" duet with her beloved Daddy Joe. A screen featured Gibson's father singing while the two seamlessly sang the beloved Christmas classic Bing Crosby, and over 500 artists have performed over the years, from Ella Fitzgerald to Michael Buble.
Her playful stage presence, complete with costume changes featuring everything from elegant gowns to whimsical onesies, reminded us why she's maintained such staying power in an often-fickle industry. She also shared a moving Hanukkah song titled "Illuminate," which captured the crowd's hearts.
What truly set this show apart was Gibson's ability to infuse traditional holiday fare with her signature pop sensibility. She cleverly sprinkled in her top hits such as "Foolish Beat," "Lost In Your Eyes," "Electric Youth," "Only In My Dreams," and "Shake Your Love" while staying true to the holiday flavor of the show. While she delivered holiday favorites such as "Blue Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride," there were some surprises too, with a cute cover of "The Candy Man" and an entire ode to disco where Gibson donned a kicky red dress and took the audience on a thrilling journey through Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," "Espresso," by Sabrina Carpenter, and Donna Summer's "Last Dance."
I really can't express enough how much fun it was actually to witness this show. Gibson had longtime friends in the audience, along with family. Her sister and nephews were in the crowd, and she brought them on stage for a sing-along while she and her band sported Christmas onesies and enacted a slumber party on stage. Her longtime backup dancer, Buddy Casimano, was at Gibson's side along with Eddie Bennett. They kick things up with their effervescent stage presence and massive talents.
Gibson's holiday show manages to be both nostalgic and completely of the moment. It's clear that this former teen idol has matured into an artist who knows exactly who she is and what her audience needs: a warm musical hug during the coldest season of the year. I had posters of Debbie Gibson all over my childhood bedroom walls. I got to see her perform with the New Kids On The Block in 2019 and loved every minute of it, but seeing her Winterlicious show really hit my heart in the best way possible.
Gibson offered a meet and greet after her show and I was really impressed with how much time she took with her fans. She is so beautiful inside and out and Gibson is not only spreading joy with this holiday tour—she is pure joy. If you are lucky enough to catch Gibson on tour, don't miss the chance!
All images by Larry Marano
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