The Secret Health Risks Affecting Singers
As far as hobbies and passions go, singing is certainly considered one of the safest. It doesn’t involve direct contact, you can do it in the comfort of your home, and no strenuous activity is involved. But then why are so many iconic pop stars having to cancel tours and albums due to injury? According to Vocal Coach and Co-Founder of HVS Conservatory, Adreana Gonzalez, it’s due to unknowing stress placed on the vocal cords.
Stars like Adele, Sam Smith, Julie Andrews, and countless other non-famous singers have relied solely on their talent with little to no vocal training. While audiences can enjoy their powerful voices, Gonzalez revealed the most popular way to sing is incorrect, causing serious damage.
“Belting is all too common and leads to inflammation, nodules, and the worst of them all is hemorrhaging,” said Gonzalez, who runs the new two-year, post-secondary vocal institution. “Trained singers like Pat Benatar, Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, and the most recent sensation Olivia Rodrigo are few and very far between these days. Instead, the hoarse and screaming sounds are what most producers seem to look for, not realizing the indelible damage this will have on the vocalist’s career.”
The unforeseen health risks for singers can be hemorrhaging of the vocal cords, which can cause permanent and irreversible damage. “Vocal nodes or scarring of the tissue can result in losing your ability to sing past the first bridge or not at all if left untreated,” said Gonzales. “Or, constant vocal fatigue makes it impossible to sing even as a hobby.”