An Arbitrary Collection of My Favorite Singers
As a singing teacher, music is always in the air around me, but when I’m not in teaching mode, the singers I turn to are all about personal connection. I’ve got a diverse playlist that reflects my many moods, and let’s just say I’m a bit "polyjamerous" in my musical tastes — always changing depending on how I feel. This isn’t a ranked list or a “best of” situation. These are the voices that have found a special place in my life, from those who keep me company during a lazy afternoon to the ones I blast when I need an energy boost. So, here’s a look at the singers I’m currently vibing with — grab your headphones and let’s dive in!
Image by @michaelrfenton
Jeff Buckley
Anyone who knows me knows that Jeff Buckley holds a permanent spot on my list of favorite singers. His voice doesn’t just capture attention — it pulls you in, drenched in raw emotion and passion that reaches the marrow of my bones. I discovered his music right before a trip to Rome, and his songs became the perfect soundtrack to the city’s ancient beauty. Now, every time I listen to him, I’m transported back to those sun-soaked streets, with his voice echoing through my memories of that unforgettable journey.
Jeff Buckley was a uniquely gifted artist whose life, though brief, left a lasting impact on music. Born in 1966, he was the son of folk musician Tim Buckley, but he quickly carved out his own path. Blending rock, folk, and soul with his extraordinary vocal range, Buckley released his only studio album, Grace, in 1994. Tracks like "Last Goodbye" and his breathtaking cover of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" showcased his ability to channel raw vulnerability and emotion into his music.
Though his career was tragically cut short when he drowned in 1997 at the age of 30, his influence endures. Grace is now considered a classic, and Buckley's music continues to inspire artists across genres. His voice had a way of expressing the inexpressible, making him unforgettable to anyone who discovers his work. For me, his music remains a deeply personal and emotional experience — timeless and irreplaceable.
Jeff Buckley - Mojo Pin (Live)
Kate Bush
In my opinion, Kate Bush is one of the most underrated artists of our time. She’s a true visionary — able to sing, dance, act, and write with equal mastery. Her songs and music videos often carry deeper meanings, sometimes with political undertones, reflecting the world around her. Born in 1958, she burst onto the scene in 1978 at just 19 years old with her debut single Wuthering Heights, which made her the first woman to reach number one on the UK charts with a self-written song. Talk about making an entrance!
Throughout history, art has served as a powerful critique of society, and I believe Kate Bush has always played a key role in that tradition. Her career has been defined by artistic independence and experimentation — she writes, produces, and directs most of her work, creating songs that explore complex themes like literature, mythology, and politics. Albums like Hounds of Love (1985) and The Sensual World (1989) showcase her incredible range as a songwriter and storyteller.
Yet, despite all this, I’ve always felt she didn’t quite receive the recognition she deserved — which is why I was thrilled when her music had a resurgence with Running Up That Hill becoming popular again thanks to Stranger Things. Kate’s influence has spanned generations, and her music continues to captivate new audiences. Her songwriting is brilliant, her music videos are utterly captivating, and I absolutely adore her.
Kate Bush - Cloudbursting
Kyo (Dir en Grey)
Kyo, the vocalist of Dir en Grey, has had a lasting impact on me ever since I was introduced to the band by friends when I was around 13. That moment not only sparked my love for Japanese music, but also ignited an interest in Japan itself. Dir en Grey first emerged in the late 90s, initially as part of the Visual Kei movement — a genre known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and androgynous aesthetics, which was huge in Japan at the time. However, Dir en Grey quickly evolved beyond those roots, embracing a darker, heavier sound that set them apart from their peers.
What makes Dir en Grey stand out is their genre-defying nature. Over the years, they’ve blended elements of metal, punk, alternative, and even experimental music. Kyo’s vocal versatility is a huge part of their appeal — he shifts effortlessly from bone-chilling screams to haunting, melodic passages, often in the same song. His ability to convey raw, intense emotion is what has kept me hooked on their music for years.
Even now, Kyo remains my favorite metal screamer, largely because of the way he commands the stage with pure intensity. I had the chance to see Dir en Grey live in Paris recently, and his performance gave me goosebumps. Whether it’s his brutal, growling screams or his softer, eerie tones, Kyo’s presence is completely magnetic.
DIR EN GREY - Ranunculus
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston is an obvious choice for this list — after all, she’s called "The Voice" for a reason. My first introduction to her was when my mom handed me a CD of The Bodyguard soundtrack to listen to while I was supposed to be cleaning my room. Let’s just say, not much cleaning happened that day. I was completely mesmerized by her voice, every note so effortlessly powerful, that I couldn’t help but stop and listen. I was so captivated that I started practicing her vocals on repeat — much to my parents' dismay.
Whitney Houston’s voice is iconic, known for its incredible range, emotional depth, and unmatched clarity. She wasn’t just a singer; she was a vocal powerhouse who could transform any song into a transcendent experience. Songs like “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All” have left an undeniable mark on music history. Houston’s career was filled with groundbreaking achievements, from her record-breaking chart hits to her unforgettable performances, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. For me, trying to emulate her voice growing up was a rite of passage — one that left me in awe of her talent.
Whitney Houston - All The Man That I Need (Live)
Simone Simons (Epica)
I’ve been hooked on Simone Simons’ voice for a while now. As someone who mostly stays in my chest voice and loves belting, mastering a head-dominant mix, like Simone does so effortlessly, has felt like an impossible task for me. I’ve spent a lot of time practicing her style, but I still have a long way to go — her voice has such a unique balance of power and delicacy. Simone’s ability to transition between operatic vocals and rock is mesmerizing.
Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal band she fronts, combines soaring melodies with heavy, intricate instrumentation, creating a dynamic soundscape. I love that I get to include a singer from a neighboring country to the north, since I’m Belgian. Epica’s blend of classical influences with metal is something truly special, and Simone’s voice is a big part of what makes their music stand out. From ethereal high notes to grounded, emotional depth, she brings a stunning vocal range to the band’s already epic sound, and I’m constantly in awe of her talent.
Simone’s voice often gets compared to her fellow Dutch singer, Floor Jansen from Nightwish, whom I also adore. Both have incredible vocal ranges and an impressive ability to blend operatic technique with the raw energy of metal. However, I chose to go with Epica because I tend to connect more with their music on a personal level. The lyrics speak to me in a way that feels more relatable, making their songs hit a little closer to home. While Floor is undeniably amazing, it’s the combination of Simone’s vocals and Epica’s message that resonates most with me.
Apocalyptica & Epica - Rise Again
Shakira
Shakira is one of the artists who has held a permanent spot in my heart for the longest time. Even during my teenage years, when I was almost exclusively listening to Japanese artists, Shakira always stood out to me. Laundry Service was the first album I bought from her, and it’s still my favorite to this day.
What makes Shakira so captivating is her ability to blend Latin pop, rock, and world music into something uniquely her own. With hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” Laundry Service really marked her global breakthrough, showcasing her distinctive voice and rhythmic sensibility. I’ve always admired her versatility — not just as a singer, but as a dancer, especially with those iconic hip movements rooted in her Lebanese heritage. And then there’s her charisma — she just exudes confidence and energy every time she performs. There’s something about the way she commands a stage that makes her irresistible.
On top of all that, she’s one of the few pop artists who’s included a kind of fry screams in her music, especially around the time of Laundry Service. It’s rare to find that kind of raw edge in mainstream pop, and it added another layer of uniqueness to her sound. Her lyrics are often so creative, filled with clever metaphors and imagery, which only deepens her artistry for me.
Shakira - Poem to a Horse
Prince
Prince is undeniably one of the most legendary singers and musicians to ever grace the stage. Is there anything the man couldn't do? He could play guitar like a rock god, sing with incredible range, and dance with energy and style — all at the same time. On top of that, he experimented with countless vocal techniques, including different types of distortions, adding a raw edge to his already incredible vocal range. His ability to seamlessly blend smooth melodies with vocal fry or falsetto screams always amazes me. The way he used his voice as an instrument of pure emotion was truly remarkable.
Born in 1958 in Minneapolis, Prince Rogers Nelson was a musical prodigy from an early age. He mastered multiple instruments and broke onto the scene in the late '70s with his self-titled album Prince, showing off his unique blend of rock, R&B, funk, and pop. He’s best known for his groundbreaking albums Purple Rain (1984) and 1999 (1982), which solidified him as a global superstar. Prince was not only a phenomenal singer but also a genius songwriter and producer, often playing every instrument on his tracks.
Throughout his career, Prince was known for his flamboyant style, boundary-pushing creativity, and electric stage presence. His ability to transcend genres and create music that felt timeless kept him at the forefront of the industry for decades. Tracks like “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain,” and “Kiss” are just a few of his many iconic songs that have left a lasting impact on music and pop culture. Prince was a force of nature, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.
Prince & The Revolution - Mountains
Ann Wilson (Heart)
Ann Wilson is one of the vocalists I absolutely adore — no surprise, since she’s on this list. Her ability to mix her voice with such skill and belt out those high notes is just incredible. As the lead singer of Heart, she’s delivered some of the most powerful rock vocals in history, effortlessly shifting from soft, emotional tones to full-on, powerhouse belts that give you goosebumps.
What sets Ann apart for me is not just her incredible range but the emotion she packs into every note. Whether she’s singing a tender ballad like "Alone" or rocking out with "Barracuda," her voice conveys such raw intensity that you feel every word. Her control, range, and ability to make high notes sound both effortless and powerful have always made her one of my favorite vocalists to listen to and be inspired by.
Heart - Barracuda
Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast in Black)
I first discovered Yannis Papadopoulos when he was performing with his band, Beast in Black, as the opening act for Nightwish on their tour. I had never heard of him before, but from the moment he started singing, I was absolutely amazed. His vocal range and power were immediately captivating, and what really stood out was his ability to maintain such high energy while delivering flawless vocal performances.
Yannis has this rare combination of charisma and vocal control that makes him mesmerizing to watch. He effortlessly switches between soaring, high-pitched notes and strong, gritty tones, all while engaging the crowd with dynamic stage presence. After the performance, my friend and I were absolutely fawning over his voice. We couldn’t stop talking about how incredible his vocals were, and we were both so excited. We left the venue completely energized, knowing we had just witnessed something special. It was clear that we were instant fans from that moment on.
Nightwish - Sahara (Cover By Yannis Papadopoulos)
Britney Spears
Without Britney Spears, I might never have become a singer. When I was six years old, I was completely inspired by her — she was the reason I wanted to pursue singing, and I never looked back. Her music had such a huge impact on me at a young age, and “You Drive Me Crazy” was the song that first got me hooked. I remember being obsessed with her energy, her voice, and her iconic performances.
The first album I ever bought was Oops!... I Did It Again, and I played it nonstop. Britney Spears became a global sensation in the late '90s, starting with her debut album ...Baby One More Time in 1999. The combination of her catchy pop melodies, strong vocals, and dance-driven performances made her an unstoppable force in the music industry.
Britney’s success helped redefine pop music during that era, and she became a symbol of the late ’90s and early 2000s pop culture. Even as a young girl, I was mesmerized by her ability to command attention through her music, and she was a huge reason why I wanted to follow in her footsteps as a singer.
Britney Spears - (You Drive Me) Crazy
Singers That Didn’t Make the List (but are actually now on some kind of list)
Floor Jansen (Nightwish)
Corey Taylor (Slipknot)
Ryuichi Kawamura (Luna Sea)
Dimash Qudaibergen
Kylie Minogue
Mariah Carey
Atsushi Sakurai (Buck-Tick)
Lana Del Rey
Greg Gonzalez (Cigarettes After Sex)
Nina Standaert
Voice Teacher Nina
