Real Talk: My Vocal Injury

[@MadameCorgi]

I feel like there is a lot of stigma attached to vocal injury, since it is associated with having bad technique. However, athletes still get injured even if they have excellent technique.

[@shakiel6866]

so so so true

[@Jessica-bp6lc]

Especially hemorrhages do not seem to correlate to technique issues.

[@IsabelMeyer]

My singing teacher was having a conversation with us about this, whether or not we should normalize vocal injuries the same way we normalize injuries with athletes

[@aaronnewman7573]

+ bad technique or not, vocal injuries can be devastating. we just need to have more empathy

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Isabel Meyer We should. When a dancer gets injured they’ll get their rest time with almost no problem. Singers for too long have had to fight for ours. Our vocal folds ARE muscles, just like any other and as such, can also get injured. It’s the stigma of, because it’s not one of our five appendages or core, too many seems to think it’s not a real. A muscle is a muscle.

[@itsmalachimusic]

people really don’t understand that when we lose our voices our whole world is over, but thank you for showing that it’s not Natalie 💙

[@HannahBayles]

I felt like I was on the edge of my seat watch this video! As a singer and teacher myself, I couldn’t imagine the fear of not having access to my voice. I’m so glad you took care of yourself! No shame around vocal injuries! It can happen to anyone! 💗

[@rva]

You're wonderful. Vulnerability is strength 👍🌷 thank you for sharing

[@shahinessayah]

Yes singers support singers 😍

[@HonestVocalCoach]

I’m soo glad you got though this. Sending you my love. Stay stafe xxx

[@100ksubswithnovidsletsgeti4]

Honest Vocal Coach hello!!!! I love your channel

[@emilysiar3230]

THANK YOU, Natalie! Classical singer and voice teacher here and a big fan of yours. When successful singers like you "come out" about voice injuries, you change the culture of shame and silence for all of us. Brava!

[@kleversonfarias113]

As a future speech therapist/throat specialist and as a fan I say this: PLEASE continue to take of that voice so you can bring these AMAZING moments. I love you, and love your GIFT! It takes a lot of courage to tell everybody about vocal injuries, specially when you are a vocal coach. I'm glad it's all good and healthy!

[@MatSwim94]

between 2017 - 2018 i lost my voice for a WHOLE YEAR, from August 2017 to September 2018. Don't know why. I saw different doctors, i was so inflamed and swollen that my vocal chords couldn't properly stretch or vibrate past a certain point, but no doctor knew the cause of this inflammation.I tried everything but nothing worked. I've been singing since i was 3 i think, and from the age of 13 I sing everyday. Some days for hours if I'm recording something complex, and I've never lost my voice, never had nodules. I was devastated, I had more than 1 octave completely gone, above F4 it was just air, and singing easy notes like Cs or Ds would take extreme effort. Singing is my whole life and i had to learn how to live a life without singing. One day my voice simply came back, out of nowhere. In august 2017 my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, i think the stress caused this. Don't know why telling my story could mean something, but I wanted to share lol For singers singing is not just a hobby, is life.

[@yourmajesty7604]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I wouldn't know what to do if I were in your situation. I'm worried because I feel like my larynx is moving unnecessarily too much. Even when I'm talking normally. I'm scared that it might take a toll on my voice. 😥

[@lukeprimmer6780]

This happened to me! I had to quit singing professionally for almost 2 years. Then suddenly it came back, I was in tears PRAYING literally praying to God that my voice never leaves me again, I've been working hard and it's now stronger than ever!

[@shaghayegh5711]

Dude thank u for sharing, i honestly need to feel like its not only me and i'll get better and my life is not over by losing my ability to sing, wish u and ur mother health🙏

[@emilyroblyn9748]

I lost my voice (a whole octave from it!) last year and had to have 6 weeks of vocal rest. It was terrifying and shook my whole world and my whole identity. And it was, without doubt, an impact of grief. I lost my father shockingly and suddenly the year before and had to go back to work (singing), but I was forcing myself to sing through the shock and grief that was in my body which caused so much tension, which I again I forced myself to sing through. Unconsciously I wasn't using my diagram and I was not letting my larynx go into the "cry position" or tilt because I knew if I did I might not make it through the session... It took a lot of gentleness, softening and going back to basics (and if I'm honest, crying) to come back to my voice again.

[@kiid2228]

Wow we have very similar stories. I started about the same time as you but had vocal issues from 16-19 Sounds like you may have had severe acid reflux. I had that and could barely talk for about 1-3 years. I feel ya bro it sucks.

[@cho7879]

when you said "i need to pull you out for two shows" my first reaction was "yes girl, like a football player you are injured lose two shows of the season get better" very happy you mentioned it later, performers are athletes

[@livrsha]

when she started “act” crying, I really thought she was really crying. Unless she was really crying, that acting is amazing

[@spyrootur2013]

she’s an actress

[@brihannonstrathern8801]

This story is heart breaking, I don't know how I'd have got through this

[@chloebreez]

I'm so glad that you've recovered! You have an incredible voice and I've learned SO much from your videos. Vocal injuries are super scary and I hope you never have to go through anything like that again!

[@rangerange6108]

5:22 both those riffs still sounded great though lol.

[@JuanDiegoOficial]

I'm really glad you decided to share this Nat. It exposes you, yes, but in a good and human way, but it is also a service you're doing to not only singers but people who work in any way with their voices! I'm sorry you went through all of that, and THANK YOU for sharing your story. I knew vocal rest was good, but didn't know HOW good. Those folds deserve so much pampering!!! 😂❤️🌟

[@mallorymcgrath]

Thank you for sharing this story Natalie. I had a vocal haemorrhage and felt under-supported. I appreciate hearing other singers' stories and started a community of support for other singers to talk about their vocal cord injuries and singing fears. Your story exhibits the strength needed for any singer to accept an injury and recover physically and mentally afterwards. I appreciate you sharing so much!

[@KiwiBabeee]

thank you SO much for being this transparent about this!! vocal injuries are way more common than people think & the more people are knowledgeable & accepting - the less careers can be ended!!

[@carleenmusicstudios]

this story gave me chills!

[@BarbaraWilsonArboleda]

So important to share this story. It saddens me how many people are still ashamed when they get injured. I use the football player analogy all the time. Glad you're better!

[@junlucas69]

Ma'am you're so well-spoken, I don't really watch talking videos but this one is really interesting and eye opening, thank you for talking about this. Much love ❤

[@Figaro987654321]

I had a big vocal injury 20 years ago as an actor. I got a surgery on my vocal cords. The doctor said to me: you must find a very good voice teacher if you want to keep working as an actor. Luckily, life puts Lucette Tremblay in my life, a very great teacher in Montreal. We worked together 2 to 3 times a week at the beginning. I literally had to relearned how to speak, because my “technique” was really wrong… Not only was I able to play again as an actor, but I also became an opera and musicals singers! So yes, injury’s happened, and sometimes, if you take time to see why it happened, it can be for the best! Love your work Natalie, thanks for sharing that! :)

[@gwennie520]

thank you!!!!! shedding light on mariah's situation too 🥺🥺

[@chrisc8562]

Natalie, as a teacher this is some of the BEST experience you can pass along to your students. I actually binged some of your coaching video compilations yesterday and started to wonder if you’d ever hurt your voice or anything of the like. It’s hard to realize that the voice of a goddess belongs to a human who can hurt themselves but kids nowadays think there isn’t much to worry about besides nodes

[@TheFabLadySings]

I agree 100 %! After my vocal condition I can help so many more people. I don’t wish it on anyone and the depression is real but I know so much more about phonation than I ever did. Bravo for both of you

[@AidenDawn]

Thank you for this! It's so scary to get vocal injuries. I just finished my final year in a music theatre performance program and right before our auditions for our final shows AND our showcase for agents I got bronchitis and could barely speak. I even sprained a rib coughing! Recovery time sucks so much, but if you give it your full attention and take it seriously, you can get back to normal, and it felt so good when I did ❤️ I'm so glad you caught it and recovered so quickly too. Love listening to you sing! 😊

[@Sim0sama]

I’m crying. I can relate to this so much. I literally die inside when I have the flu and cough and I just can’t sing. Like sing literally hurts my throat. But when I finally heal, And I hear my voice is back to normal ... I can’t explain that feeling ... The first song i sing just bring me back to life. ☺️

[@takespacetati]

Thank you for sharing. This is so important! I'll never forget ""We are athletes as singers." Truth!

[@LeighCara]

Thanks for being so open with your experience. I've dealt with nodules a few times throughout my career (in fact, we first connected on Facebook about 13 years ago when I was dealing with my first vocal injury) and you're so right, there's so much misplaced shame around it. So much fear. It's nice to be reminded that we're athletes who deal with occasional injuries and that when we take care of ourselves and get the rest we need, we're gonna be just fine on the other side. So glad to hear you are "back". Love you. Love what you do for our community.

[@sopaesapos]

Natalie that's so emotional u literally made me cry, I'm so happy ure good now! oh Gosh this seems like a tough time to go through and also made me think that I should sing more carefully and take care of my voice. hope you're staying safe too ✨✨

[@wtgreeriii]

Thank you for being so transparent. EVERYONE who sings full-time will know the truth of what you say. The best singers, no matter how many lessons, how much knowledge, will all deal with these types of injuries, because free singing takes us to the highest reaches of how our emotions can and will harshly PUSH our vocal prowess beyond safe limits! In those moments, either by crowd interaction, or by the intense energy of those we are sharing the stage with, we will sing from such an adrenaline-charged place that we end up going beyond the safe singing zone required to truly protect the vocal apparatus. When we are on that mighty stage, it’s almost impossible to keep ourselves from letting go and working our voices to the point of vocal damage. So, I guess in order for our voices to accomplish the rigorous, demanding, but altogether show stopping moments we've trained and prayed so hard to experience, we must be ready for every damaging possibility and have our team ready to help us heal and recover! I’m a teacher who has multiple teachers and several doctors I choose from. No one knows everything, but the vocal community as a whole is a tremendous resource. I consider you a huge Pillar of this vibrant working community!! Thank you for your amazing voice, transparency, and knowledge!!

[@nathaliemirandamusic]

Thankyou for sharing this Natalie. There’s such a stigma with singers needing rest. I’ve had to pull out of shows before and the promoter has been so angry with me. But I always stand my ground cos I know my voice is more important than someone’s ridiculous opinion. It’s my life. Thankyou for your support of your fellow artists and for your wonderful talent xxx

[@brauhala]

Thank you for sharing your storie, Natalie, and helping to end the stigma around vocal injuries! You are a champion.

[@ElizabethLawlin]

Thank you for posting this. Your story is really inspiring. I'm a pianist and I injured my hand and it still isn't better. I'm really worried about my career. But hearing others go through similar things gives me hope.

[@debrogers79]

Omg. You have me in tears. I had a great range and dynamics. Got a full ride to a music school at 16. Got into the gig circuit and started to lose my voice. I never had the right people guiding me. I've now had nodules for at least 16 years. I couldn't take care of them because I was uninsured and couldn't afford to not gig for work. I sang through hoarseness and pain for a decade. I finally had to quit singing in 2012 and find a whole other career. I'm happy with my path now, but just talking about singing makes me lose it. If people pressure me to sing with a band, I just start bawling. I seriously think i need therapy to deal with the pain of not being able to sing anymore. I'm so glad you have people who push you to take care of yourself. Your voice is like a car. You only have a certain amount of milage before you wear it out.

[@MaleaEmma]

thank you for sharing! very useful information.

[@j.allenlewis7359]

I’m recovering from Covid and have completely lost my breath control and support. I’m worried it won’t come back so it’s nice to hear a positive story right now! Also, I’ve never heard anyone else say they have vasovagal syncope. It’s scary and i have fainted more times than i can count! Thank you so much for sharing! Glad you’re back. Love your voice

[@marggriffith6112]

Thank you for sharing. Vocal teachers talk about being careful and taking care of the voice but no one ever explains what actually happens if you don't. Thank you for the description. I've heard singers being called vocal athletes but now have an appreciation for what that means from your description and how to better rest the voice. So glad you got through that ok.

[@brendanmcmullin9955]

This is the MOST HELPFUL VIDEO EVER. Thank you so much for sharing. Being that you are a voice teacher, it’s so so important that you tell us these things and expose us to this kind of information about all vocal possibilities, and it was very brave of you to do so. Thank you, I’m glad you’re doing well now :)

[@MadisonHalla]

Yes! Congratulations on getting through that! Thank you for sharing your story

[@michaelsreality]

You are literally such an inspiration! Been a fan for a really long time! Glad you’re better! Rock on.

[@JulienSimoni]

Thank you for your honesty, you're awesome!!!

[@matthewsheehan5950]

Thanks for sharing. The anxiety associated with vocal health is intense and sometime debilitating. But this also demonstrates the resilience of the instrument. And your instrument is truly remarkable.

[@leezaloo]

Your voice is my medicine! So glad you're fine now! Btw the makeup looks really nice on you :)

[@valeriacamici5031]

Thank you for sharing your story! As singers or musical performers we have to accept that injuries can happen. You ‘re great Natalie! Love from Italy ❤️🇮🇹

[@scottc4199]

Thank you for sharing your story it's such a horrible thing to be injured because you feel guilt and fear and also anxiety about being injured again.

[@trapofmirrors.]

thank you for being so honest with us, Natalie! don't forget to take care of yourself. the world needs your voice and so do we.

[@joshmhire]

You’re too awesome 🖤 thank you for sharing with us, Natalie!!

[@KainoaMiller]

I've honestly been too scared to go in and get my voice checked out, and I've been doing the exact same things you did. Coming up with SO MANY bizarre excuses especially during rehearsals of my show in February- the weather, the room, my diet. This is a wake up call 😂. I'll schedule an appointment as soon as quarantine is over.

[@LaurenOsborn]

But use lockdown as an excuse to go on vocal rest for a week. I will be amazed if you don't see any changes. Honestly its amazing. Do not speak, or make any sound at all from your voice, or drink caffeine or alcohol or smoke for 4 days and see how u feel after (go slowly the first day back speaking!) X

[@profxavier5835]

Amazingly i stayed and finished your video. Such a great talker.

[@heidiskokcontralto8633]

thank you so much for sharing! I can relate. By sharing your story, you help others and that is why we are here. You are just fabulous.

[@LaurenOsborn]

Thank you for this. I had THE EXACT thing happen to me in 2012. I was in my 3rd year at drama school and I thought my life was over. Unfortunately I discovered my hemmorage too late and the tissue had already healed itself with a big lumpy scar so I had to have surgery to remove the scar tissue and a weeks voice rest. I too siren every day my old non performer housemate used to wake up, hear me siren and then siren in her room too as a joke. Now, if ever i'm feeling not vocally great I voice rest for a few days. It is AMAZING! I also dont EVER go to loud parties. Ill go to gigs and concerts but i'm supee aware of not singing loud over the music/talking over the noise. PLUS i don't drink alcohol ever as it completely dries out my voice and makes me speak loud when i get drunk ha. Ive changed so much of my life to accomodate my voice. I don't have anywhere NEAR your vocal talents or awareness but i care so much about my voice its such a trigger of happiness for me that if i couldnt sing i would be devastated!!! Thank you for this video, it can be really hard talking about it cause there seems to be some stigma attached. But like you said, its no diffferent to an athlete getting tendonitis or spraining an ankle. We are vocal athletes and have to look after our instrument and admit defeat or risk it getting worse! Also, hello Julie Andrews people, the purest most beautiful voice ever had issues. Be kinder to yourself, you're not a machine! Cant wait for you to come to the UK again i have put in a request to have a lesson with you. #CannotRiffToSaveMyLife.

[@rileytaylor6602]

I’m honestly really proud of you and how you stayed strong during such a hard time ❤️

[@e0n555]

WOW... absolutely fascinating and riveting. What can I say, I'm a new fan and wish you all the best. You are amazing.

[@kingofmeereen]

Omg thank you for speaking up. Imagine how Mariah feels. 😭😭😭

[@JordanJSparks]

This is the most relateable video I've ever watched on KZbin. Nobody really truly understands the emotional attachment us Singers have to our voices and how scary it is to experience something like this!

[@NiGHTSaturn]

Thanks for your story Natalie. I once had to stay completely silent for 2 weeks and it still didn’t heal properly. And I was in Studio Mode. It just makes you feel so depressed when you feel you cannot control this better. Silence is great! And NO AIR it makes it worse!! 😊😉

[@tyroneperez-palmacavero9098]

I discovered your channel recently and among many videos I saw one where you sing "With you", I am in love with that song, what a beautiful lyrics and beautiful interpretation. I don't know if you read this Natalie, but thanks, thanks a lot.

[@ciaramashea2722]

OMG this is so helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this & happy you're back in action!

[@alainam5540]

You are so strong! Thank you for sharing this with your fellow singers Natalie!!

[@chimzywali]

This has happened to me before. Thanks for sharing this video with us 😭😭 I lost my voice when i had to sing on stage. Stay safe.

[@krystalrose4186]

God bless you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story. I can relate to all of the stress, anxiety, and self doubt as a result of vocal injury. I've had vocal training, performed my whole life, been a worship leader at church for over several years, and been working as a vocal coach for the last 5 years. Then, last year, I started experiencing the same vocal issues that you mentioned. My diagnoses?....POLYPS! 😢 The journey has been crazy ever since. I can still do what I do but some weeks are harder than others. But hearing your story gives me hope. Continue to take care of yourself. You're an inspiration!

[@ecumt16]

Not enough vocalists talk about this. The resources available are lacking, but I've found sharing stories gets the word out and demystifies what should be attainable knowledge. Went through laryngitis on a ship contract, no laryngologist in sight to defer to for opinion so I had to allow myself to be out for five days. Thank you for sharing, it means so much to those who look up to you as a vocalist.

[@daltonshaneburton]

Thank you for sharing! We all completely understand your freak out and near melt down. I panic sometimes when my allergies are flaring that I'll never sing again and I'm not even a pro.

[@jonasw533]

thank you for sharing this, you can't believe how uplifting this was

[@BethanyLowe8773]

Gripping and relatable. Thanks for sharing it. You've encouraged me to get checked out. I've had bad whooping cough and then corona and my voice just isn't getting better.

[@LisaMcClowry1]

So happy you are okay. Thank you for sharing your story. You are such an inspiration! ❤️💜

[@theoperatripleaxel5417]

That was so sensitive and humble... Is really brave to talk about this topic as a singer.

[@blackman4121]

Thank you for sharing this. Very insightful. Much love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@angiearsenault]

Natalie, you are amazing in every way. Thank you for sharing and I am so happy you got through the challenges.

[@KHSMB11]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Natalie! I felt so much relief watching this because I felt like your experience helped me feel like I wasn’t alone. I would try to explain myself to friends and family, but they wouldn’t understand because they don’t use their voice, like I do. I noticed songs I would normally sing, I could barely get through, and all that came out would be air (even when I tried to switch to my head voice, I felt like I couldn’t get enough air in my lungs to support it). Singing became so uncomfortable and I would get upset because I felt like I finally found my voice and it was being taken away before I could do anything with it. Currently, I’m learning how to vocal rest and use correct technique to sustain and preserve my voice. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and your wisdom. It makes me feel less ashamed and more hopeful. Your story inspires me and gives me hope that there is another side to this struggle, even though I can’t see it, it’s there. ❤️❤️❤️

[@michellehopewelltbc]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm so glad I saw this video. I knew something wasnt right a few months ago and went to my doctor to be on the waiting list to see a specialist ENT. I'm still waiting but I definitely carry a lot of shame around my voice, around singing and just constantly feel inadequate or like I've peaked. So thank you for affirming the light at the end of it all💖

[@alesamaa]

Thank you for sharing your experience with vocal injuries. It is true that shame seems to play a big part when we get sick or injured. There's a lot of anxiety involved so it's good that people like you share their stories to show that it's normal to feel all those feelings but at the end of the day what is most important is to take care, take a moment, regroup, heal before coming back. And having a support system is everything. I'm glad that you're better now. Stay safe, we love you!!

[@dymas7650]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with vocal injury. There's a lot of people who hurt his vocal chords even loving his instrument, because they no have vocal consciousness. And it's hard to have it because no one has taught us. THANK YOU.

[@erikacobb4268]

OMG: I hemorrhaged my right vocal cord when I was going thru my divorce. I totally relate to this. Mine was from crying! Singing was my only source of income at the time & I had 2 little kids. It was the scariest thing. So glad you are ok.

[@jackphanter7428]

Oh my, is there anything you did that helped with your voice?

[@misscharlierobinson3]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Natalie. I had nodules 6 years ago and as a singer and voice it affected my mental health really badly. It's taken a really long time to get back to a normal vocal standard. Watching this video made me feel really emotional and you're inspiring. I had lots of friends who had had nodules who told me that my voice may never be quite the same again. I had a year of speech therapy and I've spent 6 years training to undo the damage, Some days its still really hard, some days I feel 100% back and like I could sing anything! Singing with freedom is one of the most precious things, it makes you feel like nothing on earth. Thank you again for sharing. xxx

[@LisaMakovski]

You are so brave 👏 thank you

[@chadguindon6909]

I remember having no voice for weeks less than a year ago at this point. I was supposed to sing for a local hospice benefit but it was personally heartbreaking that I had to withdraw from doing it. For me, I have no life without my singing voice. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an amazing singer and strong woman. God bless

[@jackphanter7428]

Is there anything you did that helped your voice?

[@lukesky30]

Thank you for sharing that with us. It's very important to take care of our instrument. And I am soooo happy that you're better!

[@lmullens75]

Found you through the kat pak lesson video that was suggested. I was a choir & band director in 2001-4 and was also working 4 other side jobs. Also a perpetual talker. . . but I had worked myself into a nodule & had to continue teaching, but not allowed to sing or shout for 3 months. In addition to realizing that allergy medicine was drying out my folds too much, I had terrible acid reflux. To this day, I am cognizant of those things and have changed jobs, but still sing at church. People don't realize how important vocalists' voices are to us. . . As a singer without great teachers behind me, I had no idea how those medicines/issues were hurting my voice. You are amazing to share this & help us connect with eachother about this common issue.

[@Zlinky111]

What an Amazing Strong woman you are!!! Truly inspirational. ❤ 😁

[@j.markeltoler442]

You are an incredible human. Thank you on behalf of the entire singing community and teaching community for sharing this. We need to hear these stories, and see the light at the other end. I lost my voice due to exposure to a horrible mold allergy right after college. My entire sinus cavity/throat was swollen and red as a firetruck. I could barely speak let alone speak. I was a performance major, a teacher and i thought my life was over. After a year of these conditions and continuing to get worse I moved states. It took almost two years for my voice to recover. The first time I actually sang like I did in college I cried. You are inspiring. THANK YOU

[@NB-ki5gw]

Thank you for sharing! I'm someone who has always tried to push through. I sang my senior recital with larangitis and it's been a pattern that I push myself too hard. I got bronchitis 2 years ago I think while I was teaching and trying to record an album. Things started going downhill from there but eventually got checked out and was told I had a burst blood vessel not on but close to the chords and then I had to do vocal rest etc. and lost my confidence all together. Not being able to sing is the worst thing but then the mental on top of it... I almost gave up on music because of everything. Getting my confidence back now and I so appreciate people speaking up and admitting that we are human and these things happen. We must lift the stigma on vocal injuries. Bless you for sharing your story!

[@memusica118]

Thank you for sharing your story so grateful you're better and please believe me YOURE A BADASS SUPERWOMAN the bravery to not only share with us but to have gone through that and come out the other side with a new outlook so proud to be following such an example of a human thank you Natalie hope you stay safe and healthy too cant wait to see you perform anywhere live again ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Nick83115]

Thank you so much for sharing, Natalie. Your vulnerability and advice are appreciated

[@frayahhh]

Natalie, I saw the second preview for Emojiland and there was absolutely no indication that there was anything wrong or that you had received literally devastating news the day before. You are a true professional and inspiration. So amazing to hear that you got through it. You are a legend!

[@jenniferfijal2496]

Thanks so much for sharing! You are such a wonderful example of vocal health and knowledge to me and my voice students; your belt is absolutely amazing and effortless!! My school was working on sending teachers to you for a session before covid, so I hope we can sing for you some day soon!

[@coledentoncountertenor7]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It helps me learn a lot as a singer and rare countertenor.

[@harmoniedanieln-h]

Thank you for sharing your story! Very impactful and really relatable when it comes to the feeling of not being able to sing at your best. I have vasovagal too and I feel a lot better knowing I have this in common with one of the best singers out there!

[@sunflowerkidworld]

Thanks for sharing this Natalie!! So brave of you!

[@AmritaGopal]

Thank you for being so vulnerable with us. I’m sure that this was a difficult experience for you, I can’t even imagine. I am so happy that you made a full recovery. You’re incredible, Natalie. We love you ♥️♥️

[@LynnMendozaKhan]

Wow, I really applaud your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your experience. Having a strong support system can make such a difference in how one processes something like this. As a professional singer, I completely empathize with all the rollercoaster feelings that came up. Hearing your story is inspiring for me as I always think that I've "lost it" when anything goes wrong vocally. I think you are going to help a lot of other singers who have experienced anything like this. Thank you for sharing your story. I think you are a great singer and teacher and incredibly brave.

[@heatheralfano1871]

I can tell this wasn’t easy to talk about. I commend your vulnerability with us. Thank you for making this video, Natalie 💗

[@dionmichelle]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have had the same thing for years now. Comes and goes, but haven't felt 100% for a while. I blame it on allergies all the time. I will schedule an appointment to make sure its nothing that might need surgery. You are the best.

[@ioniemusic]

thank you thank you for sharing!!!

[@mikemath08]

Thank You sooooo much for sharing this. I wish more singers shared stories like this. I also had some similar vocal issues and it all came to a head 2 years ago when i found out i had to have surgery and was scared that i would never sing again or that my voice would be completely different. I had the surgery Jan 2019 and even though everything went great I completely lost my confidence with my voice and I didn't sing again until March of this year. Hearing you talk about how your voice is literally everything is how a lot of us singers feel, i unfortunately couldn't get over my fears quick enough but I tell all my friends that sing to take care of their instruments and to always trust their body, if something feels off get checked. Thank You again!! ❤️

[@jamesreves2099]

I think you are amazing. I am so happy you shared. We all need to remember we are athletes and to treat ourselves as such. By the way, you singing, Spark of Creation, is my absolute favorite. ♥️

[@noellehannibal]

Thank you for sharing this with us, Nat.

[@macidismuke4326]

It’s so important to hear messages like this. Thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for posting.

[@jungapurple]

Thank you for sharing all these processes! I am really impressed 🙏🏻♥️♥️

[@yourweirdbanana]

I wish you well Natalie. I am a fan from the Philippines. And I hope some of your videos are available for viewing here in our country as well. Sending big hugs!!! 😘😘😘

[@DenaBro]

You are my role-model and hero and to know that you have a similar vocal history to me (I also never stopped talking as a kid and had nodules at 13 due to bad training), is so reassuring for me as an artist and aspiring vocalist. Thank you so much for all that you do and for who you are ❤️

[@mitchelljacka3436]

Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been finding it difficult to sing, especially the higher notes, and thinking “wow… this is soooo hard.” Whilst I don’t think I need an ENT just yet, I completely forgot what silence can do for a voice. I haven’t actually had to be silent for any length of time so I never experienced it. Experience is what helps me learn things without forgetting.