[Review] RIP Mariah Carey's Voice: "Triumphant (Get Em)" Live at NFL KICKOFF

Mariah Carey gave her first EVER live performance of new single Triumphant (Get Em) at the opening of the NFL Kickoff and delivered anything BUT the performance that was needed to revive the song's efforts on the charts.

Anyone who likes Mariah Carey for her whistle register will love this, and consider this performance a success; but anyone who loves Mariah for her strong belting, her (usually) uncanny pitch control, her gorgeous tone, and her overall Godliness when it comes to "the voice" will be EXTREMELY disappointed.

[watch] Leona Lewis Performs Accoustic Version Of "Trouble"

With the release of new album Glassheart fast approaching, it looks like Leona Lewis is stepping up the promotional trail of its second single, Trouble [Review].

Just released is this beautiful and acoustic rendition of the song, and it has to be said, it packs quite a mightier punch than the "edgier" version that's been shipped to radio.

Leona Lewis gives a stunning vocal that shows a voice that is restrained but powerful, multifaceted in tone and timbre, but ultimately brilliantly controlled. It's clear to hear that all those years of vocal training have paid off, making her one of the most technical singers of the next generation of Divas.

Still not a fan of her vibrato, though...

Rest In Peace, Hal David

A death that passed many of us by on the first of the month (September, 2012) was that of Hal David. A genius of  a lyricist, he wrote many a great song over the decades- even though you probably weren't aware of him or his contribution to music. Well, regular commenter (and also, post writer) Opie wrote a few words regarding his passing in an email, and I thought I'd share them:

Songwriters, where would our Divas be without them? Would we remember the great Divas if their wonderful voices weren't singing words and music which touch our hearts across time?

This week saw the passing away, at the ripe old age of 91, of one of the great lyricists of popular music, Hal David.

His words to the enduring tunes by Burt Bacharach surely served the following Divas well?

In celebration...

[Watch] Alanis Morissette, Brandy, Carol King and Carrie Underwood Perform at The 2012 MDA Show of StrengthTelethon

The annual MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Show of Strength Telethon aired Sunday, September 2nd, 2012, and it was a good cause some of our favourite Divas- Brandy, Carol King, Carrie Underwood and Alanis Morissette- lent their support to by performing at the event!

Check out said performances, and my thoughts on them, below!

Vocal Profile: Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande

Vocal Type: Soprano
Vocal Range:4 Octaves and a semitone Eb3-E7
Whistle Register:Yes
Vocal Pluses: Agile voice that carries very little weight with it and is resonant and well supported all throughout the vocal registers. With great technique Ariana Grande is capable of singing all the way down to a Eb3 with ease, exhibiting a smoky vocal texture.

The voice begins to showcase more power and character however in the upper belting and head voice registers where it finds its "ring". Ariana Grande’s chest voice is elastic and mixes well almost never exhibiting strain or fatigue.

The head voice is connected, light, resonant, and easily accessed- being able to seamlessly blend into a head note from chest voice.

Vocal Negatives: Chest notes, although executed with great technique, lack the resonance that the rest of the voice shines with. The whistle register has not been used live- which may indicate a lack of control with the register.

Vocal Profile: Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani

Vocal Type: Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range:3 Octaves D3-D6
Whistle Register:No
Vocal Pluses: Instantly recognizable voice with a poppy and colourful tone that is well supported from the bottom to Middle of the voice and this is where it finds its most comfort. Gwen’s voice has managed to stay , relatively, in the same condition throughout her career (an aspect which is rare among most of todays singers).

The lower register, albeit lacking resonance, is very rounded, showing much control. The voice can easily mix into the upper belting register but Gwen stylistically often sings with a punky- throatier edge. The voice finds its ring within the middle of the belting register. The head register is light and agile, being able to instantly and seamlessly transition into it after a belted note.

Known for her unique trademark vibrato, Gwen’s voice is easily capable of transitioning from a solid belt to a Yodeling vocal wobble.

Vocal Negatives:Technique can be questionable at times. Her chest dominant belts can often sound heavy and strained due to the edgier sound she chooses. When performing live the key of her songs are often lowered so she can keep up with the band. Also, her head register is weak as it is often used merely for expression or exclamations; yet, can become much more resonant if properly executed. Also her Vibrato may not be to everyone's taste.

Thanks to Brian for creating the profile, and Serendipity for directing me to the video!

[Review] Dawn Richard: "Wild n Faith"

Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard keeps delivering during her stint as an independent artist, and  new song Wild N Faith- which is actually a combination of tracks Faith and Wild N' Young- is no exception.