Jennifer Hudson's Debut Video 'Spotlight'

[matt1980111]

I love this song and video! It has a retro soul vibe. The vocals are a lot more reserved compared to what she usually belts out but I really like this song! What are you thoughts?

 

[matt1980111]

What is up with you and sopranos?

I don't mind her singing in that range..hell I don't mind if anyone sings in the soprano range (I love me some whistle notes) as long as it fits their natural range....J-Hud has a 3 1/2 octave range so she can...

 

[matt1980111]

I think she does have a 3 1/2 octave range.



Listen to that and tell me she doesn't have a 3 1/2 octave range.

 

[matt1980111]

I understand what you are saying. Especially in the cases of Whitney and Tasia.

I guess that's why Christina stopped doing those whistle notes.

 

[AngelFromAbove]

It's damaging her voice because she's not a natural soprano. I'm a baritone. I could sing tenor but it'd be a strain. She has an amazing interprative voice, and if she weren't doing pop she could be an opera diva to be reckoned with, but she's straining herself constantly with all that shouting AKA singing.

Jennifer doesn't really have a 31/2 octave range, she runs outta steam around F6 and the rest is just shouting in tune.

That's actually not true. Many songs, for anyone outside of the opera world, are written an octave above the person's natural speaking voice. In addition, if her technique and conditioning are fine, her voice will be fine. I'm not sure about her range, but from what I've heard, she has a solid three octaves.

I think she does have a 3 1/2 octave range.



Listen to that and tell me she doesn't have a 3 1/2 octave range.

That's a B6 in the American Idol video. I have yet to hear her hit any whistle notes, but she's still great though.

I've remember that and it impressed me as a soul fan, but from the technical side it was a mess. There was NO air support and the damage "notes" like that do is irreversible if it goes on too long.

She did support the note; however, there was a little too much jaw action going on which is why her voice is in danger of being damaged. Her technique is off, but it's not her support that is incorrect.

Did she hit the note? Hell yes. Was it properly supported? No way. In vocalizing, there are lots of things you can do that aren't necessarily good to do, that's why whitney houston's voice is the mess that it is. She's been screaming for years and the toll it's taken on her voice is clear.

Again, not true. The ACT of singing is quite simple. The human voice, as is the rest of the body, is complex; however, singing is not very difficult. There are a lot of misconception about singing, and how the voice works.

I am not sure about Fantasia as I do not pay much attention to her overall; however, Whitney was a trained singer after she was firmly established. Whitney's problems arose from extensive drug use and being a showoff; Whitney was fine until she strayed from her technique and began the jaw action as a means of showing emotions. However, it was not maximizing on high notes outside of her normal range that damaged her voice.

 

[AngelFromAbove]

^with whitney I was referring to the way drugs (and bobby brown) have damaged her as a whole, her voice included.

Oh, okay. I also must include, and this is not directed specifically at you MIL, that these singers are on hectic schedules, especially when they are in the prime of their careers. Singing day after day, back to back with especially with the lack of proper rest will help to deteriorate the voice.

The reason it becomes obvious that someone like a Christina Aguilera has damaged voice is the intense amount of singing the girl has been doing. She is known for her voice and while she can dance, she does not rely on it. On the other hand, Usher is performer who does not have an unique voice on which he can rely, so he has utilized dancing and lip-synched more. Therefore, when the public hears about vocal issues, guess what?

Of course, Whitney Houston's voice was strong and it took years before it finally gave in to the pressure she placed on it. So, that is the advantage that someone like her would have over a Britney Spears. Again, this was not directed at anyone specifically, I just forgot to mention that last night in my rant.

 

[954dude]

I loved Jennifer since 2004. The Spotlight song and video are simply well done. So proud of her.

 

[Danugh]

Its a nice song but definitely not a song to be used to promote an album.


So its a cool album track but not first single material IMO.

 

[matt1980111]

The song has been getting good reviews! I'm excited!

And I agree with you MIL. These record labels are only after a quick buck and they don't really care for long-term careers. It's like that everywhere with the Idols....Australia, Canada (especially Cananda), Norway, England, India etc.

But I really loved Tasia's first cd....and her second cd was great too.

 

[matt1980111]

I heard she's also working with the guys who wrote and produced 'When I See U'! That has me excited cause that is one of my favorite songs!

 

[Danugh]

Leona Lewis is still gonna get Best New Artist

 

[matt1980111]

^Oh, there's no doubt about that!

 

[matt1980111]

She's really funny but super shy. She's coming out of her shell though.

Plus, I don't think there's anyone that can touch her this year! J-Hud is great but 'Spotlight' is no 'Bleeding Love' and I prefer Leona more....although I love love love Jennifer!

 

[matt1980111]

You see, I don't get that. I love it when she's on stage. I think her voice says it all. I love the way she performs. She seems really sincere onstage to me.

 

[AngelFromAbove]

I agreed with the first paragraph, but we separate here. There are many CAREER opera singers that perform for years with minimal damage to the voice. Poor practices deteriorate the voice at the same rate that drinking alcohol inhibits driving. Don't drive before you're gonna drive. Don't sing improperly and you can perform very frequently to minimal damage. Because of the mechanics of singing it's impossible to do it as a career and not destroy your voice, but the more you adhere to good practices, the less the damage will be.

I agree with you as I stated that above. However, their schedules also play a role in it as well. The muscles can be overworked; they need a break a couple of days to a few days a week. That is what I am saying about these singers.

I never once said that choosing a career as singer is what deteriorates the voice. I said the hectic schedule is what assists in the decline of the vocals. Singing four, five, six days or more in succession is not healthy for anyone; it does not matter how strong a voice a person has.

 

[matt1980111]

Now, I agree with that. Leona was just going through the same thing. They finally had to work her schedule to where she had a couple days of vocal rest a week.

And Mariah Carey usually schedules a full day of vocal rest in between each tour date.

 

[matt1980111]

Billboard reviewed 'Spotlight':

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_dis...b02a5e8153fb4bf

While Jennifer Hudson gained notoriety as a finalist on "American Idol," it was her Academy Award-winning turn in last year's "Dreamgirls" that catapulted her to stardom. She previews upcoming anticipated debut CD with "Spotlight," written and produced by hitmeisters Ne-Yo and Stargate. Instead of handing over their signature ballad stamp, they opt here for a laid-back groove with just enough beats per minute to keep grown-ups and their kids toe-tapping. Hudson's restrained vocal is a contrast to what we've heard to date (think "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"), focusing instead on the lovely melody. Hardcore fans may be disappointed with such understated introduction but rest assured, there's room on her debut to show off those powerful pipes. For now, the spotlight is on establishing a new pop star—and it's on the mark.—Chris Williams

 

[Orangeade]

Cate's performance was not Oscar worthy. Now Judi Dench on the other hand...