THIS is why you'll NEVER hear a voice like Judy's again.

Summary

In this insightful video, Phil from Wings of Pegasus analyzes Kelly Clarkson's performance of 'Over the Rainbow' in comparison to Judy Garland's classic rendition. He discusses the prevalence of pitch correction in modern singing, suggesting that while Clarkson's voice is impressive, her performance is overly edited, leading to a mechanical quality. In contrast, Garland's natural vocal technique showcases expressive pitch variations that enhance emotional depth. Phil argues that contemporary artists often sacrifice authenticity for technical perfection, highlighting the unique artistry found in Garland's unaltered performance. This comparison emphasizes the evolving standards of vocal performance in the music industry.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Kelly Clarkson's performance of 'Over the Rainbow' is heavily edited for pitch correction, leading to a mechanical quality in her vocals.
• 📊 Pitch monitoring software reveals that Clarkson's notes often hit exact pitch lines, indicating digital manipulation.
• 🎸 In contrast, live instruments like guitars cannot be pitch-corrected, showcasing the natural variations in human vocal production.
• 🎶 Clarkson's artistic choice to alter the melody in her final note deviates from traditional expectations, demonstrating her creativity.
• ⚖️ The use of pitch correction creates a conflict between artistic expression and the authenticity of live singing performances.
• 🌟 Judy Garland's performance exemplifies the raw authenticity of voices from the late 1930s, free from digital manipulation.
• 🔄 Garland's ability to slide between pitches and use vibrato highlights the emotional connection that modern singers often lack.
• 📉 Modern production practices prioritize perfect pitch, which can detract from the natural essence of a vocal performance.
• 🤔 Phil emphasizes that current vocal performances may never replicate the unique qualities of past legends like Judy Garland.
• 🔍 The analysis suggests a need for balance between polished performances and the freedom to express natural vocal fluctuations.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the analysis video?

The video focuses on comparing Judy Garland's performance of 'Over the Rainbow' with a recent rendition by Kelly Clarkson, specifically examining pitch accuracy and any potential editing in the vocal performance.

Why did the presenter initially believe that Kelly Clarkson's performance might not be pitch corrected?

The presenter believed that Kelly Clarkson, being a great singer with a strong vocal accuracy, was unlikely to require pitch correction, which is commonly used in the industry.

What evidence does the presenter provide to support the claim that Kelly Clarkson's performance was pitch corrected?

The presenter uses pitch monitoring software to show that Clarkson's notes are perfectly aligned with the pitch lines, indicating heavy editing and pitch correction, which is unusual for natural vocal performance.

How does the presenter compare the tuning of vocal cords to that of musical instruments like guitars?

The presenter explains that while musical instruments can be tuned, vocal cords cannot, leading to a disconnect when vocals are edited to match the precise pitch of instruments, resulting in a mechanical sound.

What artistic choice does Kelly Clarkson make at the end of her performance, and why is it significant?

Kelly Clarkson chooses to resolve to a different note, C#5, instead of the expected A4, which can be artistically interesting but raises questions about pitch correction as it allows for easier adjustment in post-production.

What does the presenter suggest about the quality of Judy Garland's voice compared to contemporary singers?

The presenter argues that Judy Garland's voice, being unedited and naturally varied in pitch, showcases an authenticity that is rarely found in modern performances, which often rely on pitch correction.

What limitations does the presenter identify in the current music industry regarding vocal performance?

The presenter points out that the modern music industry prioritizes pitch accuracy through editing, often sacrificing the natural variations and emotional nuances of vocal performances that define a great singer.

How does the presenter demonstrate the difference between Judy Garland's and Kelly Clarkson's vocal performances using pitch monitoring?

The presenter analyzes both performances using pitch monitoring software, showing that Garland's notes frequently fluctuate and fall slightly out of tune, while Clarkson's notes are consistently aligned with the pitch lines, indicating correction.

What is the presenter's stance on pitch correction in modern performances?

The presenter critiques the extensive use of pitch correction in modern performances, suggesting it undermines the artistry of singing and prevents the authentic expression that characterized performances from previous generations.

What conclusion does the presenter reach regarding the future of vocal performances?

The presenter concludes that due to the reliance on pitch correction, audiences may never again experience the same kind of vocal artistry and natural talent displayed by singers like Judy Garland.