Vocal Type: Mezzo- Soprano
Vocal Range: 4 octaves. C3- C7
Whistle Register:Yes
Longest Note: 20 seconds - 'At last' (live)
Vocal Pluses: Christina Aguilera is in possession of a nimble and dexterous voice that is most known for its intricate melisma, slides and edgy belts. The Diva is able to jump between the different parts of her range with ease and swiftness, while possessing the stamina and breath control to sustain notes for extended periods of time [At Last (live)]. Holding these notes, she often forgoes any vibrato [Ain't No Other Man / Let There Be Love]. But when she does choose to add it, she favours a non-traditional, stop/start technique and a seesawing jaw to create the effect. It's a choice that results in a wider vibrato than some of her contemporaries.
The midrange is where the Diva’s singing most mirrors her actual speaking voice, with little to no affectations added. It Leads up from the breathy low register with an easy, light, feminine sound, and a sweet lyrical quality [Birds of Prey]. However, it is entirely possible for it to take on the thick and weighty tone associated with the Diva’s lower belting range by moving the larynx out of the neutral position [Prima Donna].
The texture of the belted notes is variable. The Midrange belts are often full and heavy, with a nasal placement and an almost congested sound [Blank Page]. As the voice climbs, a coarse, throaty edge is more than often heard, as the larynx is pulled up to create the desired sound [Sing For Me]. This roughness can be eliminated, and a more stable and cleaner tone produced, by managing the balance of the chest and head voice [Nobody Wants To Be Lonely]. Whichever way the Diva belts in the upper fifth octave the sound produced is lighter and sheds resonance the higher she goes (though more so with the "mixed" style).
Aguilera is in possession of an extensive head voice that stretches up into what is conventionally considered whistle register territory [The Voice]. These notes are usually breathy, sweet and light, with an airy, falsetto-like quality [Hurt]. This timbre doesn’t lend itself to crescendos- since the volume remains moderately soft- but she is able to solidify the tone to create a sharper, more incisive one [contrast: airy tone / incisive ]. Whatever style she uses, she is able to conduct intricate, fast melisma [Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ] here and jump into it easily from other parts of the range
Vocal Negatives: The higher, coarser chest notes- above a C5- tends to be forced, pulled and unhealthy. They also lack stability because of this technique, potentially leading to the voice "cracking".
Other CHRISTINA AGUILERA Posts You May Enjoy Here On DivaDevotee
- What to watch some of Christina Aguilera's best live performances, or to let us know which is your favourite? Well Check out this post.
- Christina Aguilera Vs Beyonce: Who sung the Etta James' classic "At Last" better?
- Christina Aguilera sings "Ain't no way" at 2011 Grammy Award ceremony in tribute to Aretha Franklin.
- Reader Question: Who is the better singer, Beyonce Or Christina Aguilera? Have your say!
