So last night I got sucked down this rabbit hole comparing Celine Dion and Mariah Carey after watching some random clips back-to-back. Figured I’d actually try singing bits of their songs myself to really feel the difference. Here’s how that disaster went down.
Getting Started with the Setup
First, I dragged my sorry self over to the computer around 8 PM, craving some potato chips but forcing discipline. Fired up YouTube and queued up Mariah’s “Emotions” live version from the 90s. My cheap USB mic stared back at me judgingly. Hit record in Audacity anyway – no turning back now.
Took a deep breath, shoulders all tense like always. Tried hitting those whistle notes Mariah makes look easy. What came out? Sounded like a tea kettle getting murdered. Voice cracked so hard I nearly coughed up a lung. Played back my recording and physically cringed – my cat even ran out of the room. Five attempts later, throat already felt scraped raw.
Switching Over to Celine
Okay, new plan. Switched to Celine’s “All By Myself” thinking those long, powerful belts might be less impossible. Wrong again. My first take sounded weedy and thin, like air leaking from a balloon. Leaned into it harder, belly pushing like she does in videos. Made it through the chorus once, but by the last “when I wake up…” my voice gave out into a pathetic croak.
Paused the recording. Gulped water like I’d crossed a desert. Noticed two things hurting: my throat from straining, and my pride listening back. Pulled up fan analyses of their techniques – Mariah’s insane agility versus Celine’s cannon-like support. Tried copying Celine’s posture: planted feet, open rib cage. Still sounded like a drowning raccoon.
The Lightbulb Moment (Sort Of)
Kept flipping between their live performances. Played Mariah riffing on “Vision of Love” – how does her voice dance like that? Tried mimicking a run, tripping over notes like clumsy stairs. Watched Celine hold a note for ages in “The Power of Love.” Held my breath trying to match it; almost passed out.
Slapped my desk. Realized my big mistake: I’d spent years singing along wrong – all throat, no support. These women aren’t just yelling; it’s controlled thunder. Tried supporting from my gut again on “Hero.” Less crackly, but weak sauce. Recorded one decent take at 11:30 PM, raspy but hitting most notes. My victory lasted until I compared it to the originals. Absolute garbage.
Wrapping Up the Mess
Saved my files with embarrassing names like “Celine FAIL take 7.” Throat felt sandpapered, ego bruised. But honestly? Humbling as hell. Made me appreciate their insane skill. Celine’s power vibrates your bones; Mariah’s runs feel liquid. You can’t half-ass either style – it’s years of training showing.
Shut everything down at midnight, throat sore but weirdly satisfied. Key takeaways? Drink more water. Never attempt whistle tones past 9 PM. And maybe stick to shower singing for now. Those divas built different.
