OT: How they really sound...

[lazypadawan]

Just for laughs and giggles, here's how Britney Spears sounded over the microphone during a live performance in Las Vegas from a couple of years ago. Ah, the magic of a sound board and a backing tape! Because otherwise, she'd never make it out of an American Idol audition:

And here's Enrique Iglesias, who sounds indistinguishable from a cat dying in agony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flvC3Uokdtw

Comments

[reality-hammer.livejournal.com]

She's always been eye candy. When her looks go she'll be done for good.

[(Anonymous)]

Lots and lots and lots of people do this - not just teeny bop artists like Britney.
Big rock bands too.
More than most music fans realize or would want to acknowledge or admit.

Face it, when running around and dancing and putting on a show, you're going to be out of breath and therefore sound bad, no matter how good shape you're in.

The people in the audience are there for a SHOW, and that's what they get: singing, lights dancers, music, lights, video, a fancy set... and if the vocals have to be cheated to make it all work, then so be it.

Not that I am defending Brit, just pointing out that she's far from the only one.

-James
(who works professionally in the concert industry)

[lazypadawan.livejournal.com]

Hi James! I figured you would chime in at some point.

I know Britney's not the only person who does this, but in her case you almost expect it. It would probably shock fans more if it was a rock band or some other type of performer who gets by more on his/her "authenticity." But almost everybody short of someone strumming on a guitar in a small bar uses backing tapes to some degree.