-We analyzed five singers: Diana Ross (1982), Whitney Houston (1991), Mariah Carey (2002), Lady Gaga (2015), and Demi Lovato (2020).
-We compared their renditions from a whole song perspective using four main criteria:
noticeable instances of vibrato clusters,
pitch range (using average, minimum, and maximum),
whether they use autotune,
and the presence/absence of belting.
-We also did a more technical analysis of “and the rockets’ red glare,” a phrase in the song that is known for its challenging vocal dynamics and sustained notes. We examined how each singer approached this phrase using four main criteria:
pitch interruption (and whether it is smooth/non-interrupted),
presence of vibrato (especially in the red and glare where vowels are present),
singers’ formant,
and consonant intelligibility.
We use each of these criteria for designating two preferred renditions, one for its whole song perspective and another for "rockets' red glare." The data compiled for each singer is on their respective pages, while the comparison and cross-rendition analysis is on the "Song Comparison" page.
How we consider each factor:
Whole Song Comparison
-Use of vibrato: preference will be given to singers who utilize more noticeable instances of vibrato. As Furman University professor Bruce Schoonmaker describes it, vibrato "has been classified not only as necessary for beauty of tone but also for physiological reasons" (Schoonmaker). Increased vibrato use also points to greater singing skill and vocal control.
A study published in the The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America by researchers Ciara Leydon, Jay Bauer, and Charles Larson titled "The role of auditory feedback in sustaining vocal vibrato" also presents added benefits of using the technique, describing how vibrato "gives richness to a tone, helps to separate a singer's voice from the orchestra, and makes vowels more prominent, allowing them to be more easily separated from background sounds" (Leydon).
-Vocal range: preference will be given to singers who utilize a greater pitch range throughout their rendition. Karen Miyamoto, a vocal expert who studied pitch accuracy among elementary singers and educator at the University of Hawaii, elaborates in her study "The Effects of a Remedial Singing Method on the Vocal Pitch Accuracy of Inaccurate Elementary Singers," how "singers trained in both the high and low range gained significantly more accuracy than those trained in only the high range" (Miyamoto). A greater pitch range can also add depth and power to a singer's voice.
-Belting: preference will be given to singers who utilize belting throughout their rendition. When done properly, its use "can produce a “high-intensity, ‘big’, ‘powerful’ (e.g. loud) vocal sound, often done with non-continuous vibrato" (O'Connor). It can also indicate strong vocal control, similar to vibrato and a large vocal range.
-Autotune: its use will be considered a negative in our analysis. Nowadays, many singers rely on it to compensate for vocal deficiencies or to achieve a particular aesthetic. However, oftentimes it can lead to a potential loss of authenticity and lack of originality.
"And the rockets' red glare" Comparison
-Pitch interruption, specifically abrupt changes, vocal cracks, and inconsistencies in pitch: can lead to as disruptions in the continuity of vocal performance, detractions in its emotional impact, and lack of vocal control. Will be considered a negative when we are comparing.
-Use of vibrato: specifically whether it is present, and if so, whether it is weak, moderate, or strong. We will favor singers who employ vibrato with a strong presence in their performances of this phrase.
-Consonant intelligibility: as we analyzed in Assignment 4, clear consonant intelligibility can help to enhance the clarity and comprehension of lyrics in a vocal performance. The phrase "and the Rockets' Red Glare" contains several consonants that can be used for analysis, specifically "red" and "glare." We regard this aspect positively.
-Singers' formant: as Sundberg states, the use of singers' formant can allow a solo voice to stand out against an orchestra or background music (in this case, the background music of the National Anthem). In this aspect, we will prefer singers who exhibit a stronger use of formant.