Wicked Vocals

I've gotten used to the Wicked CD and there are definitely songs that I am fond of, but there are two distinct vocal moments that drive me absolutely insane. And sorry to burst some mean-spirited bubbles, but no, one of them is not Kristin's voice for those who wish to use this as an anti-Kristin thread, which it isn't.

First is in No One Mourns the Wicked when one of the ensemble growls "No one CRIES they won't return." with that gutteral raspy phlegmy sound that is supposed to sound vicious. Every time I hear that, I have to clear my throat. It's just horrible.

Second is the end of Defying Gravity. I love the song and Idina controls her voice on the recording very well. I have not seen the show, but I have heard several different live recordings and she always sings that last bit "OOOHHH-WAAAAAHH-AAAAHHH-UUHHH" so out of control and off-pitch, it sounds like a petulant child being told they can't have Lucky Charms for breakfast (and I know how Jarico likes Lucky Charms). I've only heard it done well on the actual CD. Does she usually sing it so out-of-control?

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I'll add another- right after "Everyone deserves a chance to fly" Idina makes this loud gasp! noise like she's trying to get a breath between phrases. (I also sing, and I know sometimes you run out of air, but you're not supposed to hear that on the cast recording!) Every time I hear it I sort of wince...

I saw wicked and I couldn't figure out where this noise was coming from but then someone next to me said it was Idina gasping. It is very distracting, it's not just a breathing in sound but a loud almost throaty noise. She's wonderful though, I'd go see it again. Maybe she was sick when I went. I listened to the cd and you can't really hear it on that but they could have removed it.

I've heard several live versions where the breathing (Idina's breathing technique) is insane. Don't get me wrong, her voice is amazing- she could just find better places to breathe. And sometimes, it's pure screaming, not singing at all.

aww now you ruined the cd for me...j/k but I had never noticed this before untill I listened for it, and your right it is really obvious in alot of her songs. LOL

i think the gasp is effective, showing her enthusiasm for the triumphant moments, especially as elphaba the soon to e wicked witch of the west!

I agree robactorguy, I really like the breathing!!!!

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exactly, i love the gasp during, "The Wizard (gasp) and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" it's so dramatic and for a moment we are experiencing Elphaba's excitement and energy, I love it!

and no idina doesn't do it on any other cds, she REALLY does it on most all of the songs on wicked, i love it!!

i thought i was the only one who noticed that when i saw the show, she was gasping between verses, or lines of the song or whatever. i dont know if it was for dramatic effect or not, but im not sure i like it.
and i have to say that idina did not end defying gravity quite like she did on the cd, when i saw the show either, it was still fantastic, but there were very brief moments when i could hear the struggle. but she is so great, and i was still on my feet applauding after the song, so apparently it doesnt matter if her vocals arent perfect, considering how difficult they are, because in the long run, she always pulls it off.

I hate that!!! I hate the "kill the witch" and the "no one cries" in the begining soooo annoying. Like some version of Beauty and The Beast on crack.

The BL's I have of the show on cd and video are excellent performances and Idina is in top form. Its interesting to go back and listen to the BL from SanFran to hear the changes and subtle re-orchestrations.

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the "no one CRIES" annoys me too!!

ok about the Gasps .. lol

When i saw it in December she was gasping like crazy through all of The Wizard and I .. and i loved it!! it added so much to the song. Some people are picky about hearing people take breaths on CDs, I love it. Anthony Rapp does it in The Tango Maureen on the RENT CD and its one of my favorite parts .. but thats only IMO

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I especially LOVE the drums "bum bum bum bum" right before she wails on "So if you care to find me..."

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