Famous Pop Singers Who Struggle with Their Voices

Have you ever heard a song and thought, 'Wow, that singer’s voice doesn’t sound like they believe in it'? While many celebrity vocalists are known for their impeccable voices, it turns out that even some of the most famous pop singers struggle with their own sound. Here are a few famous names who have admitted to hating their voice, or finding parts of their voice challenging.

John Lennon: The Echo of His Voice

Famously, John Lennon of The Beatles often fought with recordings of his singing. While he was considered The Beatles most dynamic and striking vocalist, Lennon himself resented the sound of his voice, leading to a constant use of echo in his recordings. His discomfort with his own voice is known to have influenced the production of their albums, adding a unique, yet sometimes questionable, sonic texture to the band's sound.

Lulu and Boom Bang A Bang

Another pop phenomenon who faced a similar challenge was Lulu, the winner of the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest. Despite her victory with "Boom Bang A Bang," Lulu actually hated the song. This is an interesting case where the public perception often diverges from an artist's personal feelings about their work. Lulu’s win was a contrast to her own feelings about "Boom Bang A Bang," highlighting the complex relationship between an artist and their creation.

Freddie Mercury and His Vocal Range

Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer of Queen, was also someone who struggled with certain aspects of his voice. Mercury was well-known for his powerful and unique voice, which spanned several octaves. However, Mercury admitted to having ‘parts of his voice not in the big league’[1]. To overcome these limitations, Mercury undertook opera training with the now deceased partner who was a part of the inspiration behind the ballad "Barcelona." This story underscores the dedication and determination required to excel in the music industry.

Is ‘Hating’ Your Voice Common Among Pop Singers?

Many people believe that top-level artists might ‘hate’ their voice. This belief stems from the notion that a singer might be overly critical or insecure about their performance. In reality, what tends to happen is that artists grow to understand and love the nuances of their voice with time and practice. Billy Corgan, the lead singer of The Smashing Pumpkins, is often cited as someone who cannot stand the sound of his own voice. His high-pitched, whiny tones are a well-known characteristic of his performances, but this does not indicate a hatred of his voice; rather, it shows a critical awareness that comes with experience and exposure.

It’s important to note that if a singer truly loved their voice, they would likely embrace their unique qualities, just as an artist loves their canvas or a musician their instrument. In the case of Corgan, his awareness of his voice's nuances reveals a sophisticated understanding of his sound, which can contribute to a deeper connection with his music.

Ultimately, the issue at hand is often a personal and professional journey. Over time, many artists learn to love and appreciate their voice, even if it has unique challenges. What matters is the passion and dedication behind the music, which often transcends personal insecurities.

[1] " target"_blank">Source: Misteresly Sliusaryev's Mentor Freed Mercury Worked With Opera Trainers