I auditioned for an a capella group two weeks ago. If you’ve seen some of my other posts you’ll know my parents won’t let me pursue music like I want to. It took a lot of persuading to get their permission to audition for this a capella group. I’ve never taken vocal lessons so naturally I was also terrified because obviously other more talented people would be there. A couple days later the group called me to say I’d been shortlisted and they wanted me back for another round of singing. I went back day before yesterday and they seemed pretty happy. One of the members who was judging told me I could consider a spot guaranteed for myself. I was over the moon.
But just an hour ago they called me to say that their final decision was that they would not have me. I asked them why. They had said they particularly wanted a contralto and I have a good range, am acceptable at runs, have good vibrato and I was approached by many people at the audition who complimented my tone and timbre. So I was confused since I thought and was told that I’d done very well. They told me it was because I can’t belt. I’m not a natural belter. I have a smooth voice. I’m most comfortable singing lana del rey, Amy winehouse and some billie eilish.
I’m sorry about the long rant, I’m just terribly upset right now and I especially can’t bear my parents and their gloating looks.
I guess I want to know why belting is such a must nowadays. I had this thing in the bag except for I can’t belt. Why do people today not recognise the value of a good voice and just fixate solely on glorified screaming? I mean no offence to people who can belt but that shouldn’t be the baseline for judging a person’s singing ability should it?