Revealing Male Singers Who Initially Seemed Female

Have you ever heard a male singer and immediately assumed they were female? This phenomenon is not uncommon and can happen even to the most discerning listeners. Below are some notable instances where individuals initially mistook a male singer for a female, and how their perceptions evolved over time.

1. Justin Bieber: Dropping the Act

Justin Bieber, with his undeniable talent, was initially perceived as female in his early hits like “Baby.” The high-pitched voice and distinct tone can be easy to mistake for a soprano singer. However, as puberty hit him, he underwent significant vocal changes. Over the years, he has managed to control his voice better, retaining the high notes while sacrificing the youthful treble that once made him sound more like a young girl. Still, his transition is a prime example of how the human voice can evolve over time.

KitKat "Baby (Cover)"

2. Alec Benjamin: A Boy's Song

My dad once heard Alec Benjamin's “Let Me Down Slowly” and immediately called it a female singer. This was a surprising moment in my household, as I had to correct him, explaining that it was actually a boy singing. Alec Benjamin's voice, while angelic, can easily be mistaken for a woman, which highlights the importance of vocal identification in music.

Alec Benjamin "Let Me Down Slowly"

3. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin

Black Dog, the iconic song by Led Zeppelin, has a prominent vocal part that can indeed sound feminine. Many young listeners, including myself, initially thought the singer was named Roberta Plant. It wasn't until later that I learned the correct name and understood the powerful masculinity behind the voice.

Led Zeppelin "Black Dog"

4. David Daniels: Countertenor in Disguise

David Daniels is a countertenor, a male singer known for his high voice. His ability to mimic the female range convincingly is remarkable. Many listeners, including myself, have initially mistook his voice for that of a female singer due to the commanding and high-pitched qualities of his voice. This is a testament to the versatility and skill of non-traditional male vocalists.

David Daniels "The Little Prince"

5. Michael Jackson: Beyond the Surgery

Before learning about Michael Jackson's life and music, I used to believe he was a woman. This was because of the plastic surgery he underwent in 1986 and the smooth, high-pitched voice that appeared in the videos. To a young listener, it seemed impossible that a person in such videos could be a man. As I grew older and learned more about his career, I realized the incredible male talent behind the iconic smooth voice.

Michael Jackson "Bad" (Music Video)

6. Portraits of the Man: Hands to Myself

The song "Hands to Myself" by Portraits of the Man features a different interpretation. Despite the male perspective and the dreamy, almost ethereal lyrics, it can still be mistaken for a female singer due to the soft and emotive delivery. This song exemplifies the versatility of male vocalists in contemporary music.

Portraits of the Man "Hands to Myself"

7. Donny Osmond: The Voice of 'Puppy Love'

Donny Osmond's hit "Puppy Love" from 1963 had a melody that, to many, sounded like it could be performed by a girl. While his voice has since been recognized for its distinctive sound, it was a common mistake for listeners to think he was a female singer during his early rise to fame.

Donny Osmond "Puppy Love"

8. Tauren Wells: A New Mistake

In a recent experience, an artist named Tauren Wells received airplay on a contemporary Christian music station. Despite the distinct surname and the first name “Tauren,” which could fit a female name, I mistakenly thought the female singer was a man at first. Upon researching further, I learned that Tauren became the lead singer of a group called Royal Tailor, and had performed at our church. This instance demonstrates how vocal identification can be subjective, especially with contemporary artists.

Tauren Wells "Hills and Valleys"

These instances highlight the complexity of vocal perception and the potential for initial mistakes in identifying male vocalists. As we continue to explore and enjoy music, it's essential to recognize the myriad voices that contribute to the rich tapestry of music genres.