Overcoming Emotion in Emotional Performances: Strategies for Managing Tears While Singing

Performing an emotional song can be a deeply rewarding experience both for the performer and the audience. However, connecting emotionally with a piece of music can sometimes lead to unexpected tears, particularly when the lyrics resonate with personal experiences or the performer is in a vulnerable state of mind.

Personal Reflection: The Experience of Patti LaBelle

In 1989, American singer Patti LaBelle faced a profound personal loss when her last surviving sister passed away. The entirety of LaBelle's immediate family, including her parents and siblings, had died before she turned 45. This tragic chain of events hit her hardest when she realized she had neglected a small request from her terminally ill sister—making her an egg sandwich.

Despite her exhaustion from working and rushing to the hospital, LaBelle found herself thinking about this simple gesture as she stood alone in a large empty church, filming the music video for If You Asked Me To. This event was the endpoint of a broken chain of family members, amplifying her sense of grief and guilt. The pain of reliving this moment was so intense that it brought tears, serving as a clear example of how deeply we can be moved during emotional performances.

Strategies for Managing Emotions

Focusing on the Performance Rather Than the Emotion

Avoid Adding Extra Emotional Load: When you’re singing an emotional song, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of your performance. The emotional impact of the lyrics should not detract from the delivery or the technical execution. By concentrating on the quality of your performance, you can ensure that the song resonates with the audience without succumbing to overwhelming emotion.

Thinking Beyond the Lyrics

Perform the Song for Your Audience: Instead of dwelling on the pain or sadness of the lyrics, try to channel those emotions into a meaningful performance for your audience. When singing for someone who has passed, you can focus on the positive memories and the impact they had on your life. Alternatively, you can dedicate the performance to those in the audience who may have experienced similar loss or pain, creating a shared emotional journey.

Using Personal Examples: The Case of Eddie Vedder

It's Okay to Cry: Even experienced artists like Eddie Vedder, who once performed Rank and File in memory of Chris Cornell, can’t always avoid getting emotional. This is a natural response to deeply emotional material, and the audience understands and appreciates your honesty. However, it’s important to regain composure quickly to maintain the quality of the performance and not detract from the intended message of the song.

Conclusion

Managing emotions during an emotional performance is not only about suppressing tears but also about channeling them into a powerful and meaningful performance. By focusing on the quality of your performance and the positive aspects of the song, you can create a memorable and impactful experience for both you and your audience. Whether you're singing a tribute to a loved one or simply connecting with the audience, staying in control of your emotions can help you deliver a performance that resonates deeply and meaningfully.