I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, after years of listening to many people singing. I know preferences for certain voices are all a matter of taste, but I would like to share what I think are the best singing voices I have ever heard. I tend to like voices that are crystal clear, silky, soft and powerful at the same time and are able to convey emotion through various factors like intonations, placements and rising and coloring of every note and syllable. I love it when it is almost as if every little detail and nuance is so perfect in conveying the message/emotion, that a song feels like pure art, I don't know how else to put it. I found that only very few singers posess this fine quality. Also, I think it is important that the singer keeps a certain kind of “reality” to their singing which makes it sound like a direct extension of speech, in combination with mastering the craft extremely well. Only then I am moved by acting through song. On the radio, as well as in theatre or musical films. For example, no doubt that Rebecca Caine can sing, but she forms her voice into a sort of “hollow” sound that is a little too deep for her natural voice, like a trick, a technique, not real enough for my taste. With Sarah Brightman the same thing, good voice but too nasal/distorted, doesn’t feel like an extension of speech, bad pronunciation to me. Basically too many singers either do things that distract from the real voice or don't master the craft of singing well enough. So here are my picks and I would love to hear yours.
Jay, now I see where the Nicki Minaj' of these days have been listening to in their youth If only they were exposed to a little more beauty while growing up.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
"Who else was seriously taken aback the first time they heard Eden Espinosa sing? I tried to get used to it but still am not a huge fan to this day..." "Seahag2 Yeah, I'm with you. Not my favorite. I don't think I've seen her perform since Wicked in 2006..."
Kelli O'Hara James Snyder Steven Pasquale Brian Stokes Mitchell Liz Callaway Marin Mazzie Norm Lewis Aaron Tveit Jerry Dixon Jason Tam Tam Mutu Megan Hilty Jeremy Jordan LaChanze
Based on that "Meadowlark", it's a good thing Calloway has a beautiful tone (and excellent enunciation, while we're at it) because she can't find a downbeat to save her soul. (Yes, I know it's intentional, but damn!)
Terrence Mann Cheyenne Jackson Brian Stokes Mitchell Lea Salonga James Snyder Adam Pascal Mary Martin Julie Andrews Idina Menzel Ramin Karimloo John Cameron Mitchell Stark Sands Victoria Clark Matt Doyle Kristin Chenoweth Lea Michele Sierra Boggess Angela Lansbury Sutton Foster Glenn Close Nathan Lane Kelli O'Hara Kerry Butler Ethel Merman Matthew James Thomas Barbra Streisand Heather Headley Caissie Levy Laura Osnes Constantine Maroulis Jeremy Jordan Billy Porter Krysta Rodriguez Reeve Carney Steven Pasquale Hugh Jackman Megan Hilty Laura Bell Bundy Jonathan Groff Patina Miller Stephanie Mills Jennifer Holliday Sherie Rene Scott Jessie Mueller Bebe Neuwirth John Tartaglia Gavin Creel Chita Rivera Charlotte d'Amboise Laura Benanti Brent Carver Donna Murphy LaChanze Aaron Tveit John Gallagher Jr.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
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A few years ago I would have said Ariana Grande (her range at 13 years old was amazing) but now I find her pop star stuff so laboring. It just sounds very nasal and mushy. Still amazing, but not the technique/style I like as much.
Lea Salonga, Laura Osnes, Bernadette Peters, and Daisy Eagan for sure though