Voice Teacher Analyzes Grammy Performances | Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato

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I hope this observation on how Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Demi Lovato sang at the 2020 Grammy Awards helps you figure out how the voice works better, so you can learn how to make smart choices in your own voice.
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[@biancabayer7237]

I love how you talk about being vulnerable while you where obviously crying yourself with Demi’s performance... and, for like, 600 thousand people watching. I’m sending you a big virtual hug right now Sam, thanks for being so human and honest 💕

[@xoejade]

Bianca Bayer THIS !! 🙌🏼

[@ashleymcdonough2892]

Came here to say this ❤

[@tarajh]

Demi absolutely slayed.

[@lizbethdiaz2137]

This x3.

[@Frasianfamily]

Yass!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Becca-jt5ec]

I love Demi’s stylistic choice of having a soft piano as her backing track, while literally BELTING her message out, I feel like she’s metaphorically screaming out for help. She can obviously sing softly because she does it at the end of the song, but just the juxtaposition of the quiet and simple piano with her loud voice is SO powerful and gets her message across perfectly

[@LisaF_]

“There is no shame in feeling. Let yourself love something” Well said, Sam. You made me tear up. ❤️

[@kathleenh3762]

L F !!!!

[@mylyb01]

i didnt even notice i was tearing up

[@brendalee557]

0:46 Lizzo 6:55 Ariana Grande 10:04 Billie Eilish 14:30 Demi Lovato

[@SweetTikTokLife]

THANK YOU

[@16princessdaisy]

and no Rosalía 😔

[@kiwimjm3881]

God bless u doing the lord's work

[@petipablo]

Thank you

[@josephsherby]

You forgot to time stamp Tay Zonday 2:59

[@aimeem.h5909]

Gosh please let this be Sam's year. He deserves more recognition. Its annoying a little when there is always the same "beauty" bloggers/tubers and makeup gurus etc that are at 3 million + Then theres Sam, who is a genuine lovely sweet guy, clever and has a really interesting channel. I bet the majority of us who watch his videos know nothing about singing! But we watch because hes so good! Come on Sam! 2020 needs to be your year!

[@natalieduarte3913]

Right? I don't even sing and I love watching his videos, it's therapeutic to see someone talk about a topic with this much passion and knowledge! This became one of my favorite YT channels!

[@brandogrl]

True that! I'm not a singer at all.. I just love watching his critiques. Sucked me right in!

[@its.albert.510]

I'm all for Sam getting the cred he obviously deserves but I don't think he's hurting for exposure at 648k followers...come on. I'd say that's pretty damn good

[@Zazzysylvester]

ushkaE Hardy he has 700,000 subscribers it’s not like he’s a nobody

[@MelissaTreglia]

Here's hoping he reaches 1 million subscribers this year! :)

[@netsirk8437]

About Billie: "Her focus is ENTIRELY communication, and she's DAMN good at it!" YES!!!!!!

[@danielabowes3465]

"Babies have some great seamless voices" I don't know why I thought this was so funny lol

[@exosproudmamabear558]

I think my brother's technic was wrong. He couldn't perform a seamless performance when he was little.

[@FA-dv5he]

@@exosproudmamabear558 😂

[@kellseya9490]

Ariana performed “Imagine” right before singing 7 rings and had a clothes change and ran to the next dance setting maybe that’s why she sounded out of breath. I love your videos!!

[@galihcrysnaafrizal3639]

And she cried when she sang imagine..

[@JeonJungkook-hl5oc]

she cried thats why

[@arianatorsheesh6998]

she was emotional and cried too

[@arianatortothecore3844]

And she sang my favourite things too

[@kyleeg3882]

And let’s not forget she was dancing her ass off

[@KEJarema]

"Holy crap she is freaking good"..... hahaha same Sam. Same.

[@tt-rw1kj]

and she keeps getting better wow

[@bushraabs8362]

When was that ?

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love Demi ❤️

[@Eddy6159]

bushraa bs 19:55

[@miccak8981]

Billie liked this on Instagram- someone tagged her in a post of it.

[@heartsofgoldenrod]

“There’s no shame in feeling. None...[Now] just go love something and let yourself be vulnerable.” ❤️

[@AnEmbarrassmentofBooks]

heartsofgoldenrod I need that t-shirt!

[@kathrynkilian]

YESSSSSSS!!! We need a t-shirt!!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Yesss makes this happen!

[@ambreenali.]

Can we all agree on the fact that Demi Lovato is freakin underrated. She deserves so much more recognition

[@ramen8760]

@eff em all, wdym behave better? Do you mean her drug overdose? An overdose doesn’t mean she behaves badly or is a bad person🙄

[@laurenvanacken]

eff em all cheezz she literally has struggled with a psychological disorder her whole life. She’s doing great with all the obsticals she needed to conquer.

[@tink6225]

@@DuelaDoe stop whining nobody cares bout u

[@fjhsts]

@@DuelaDoe "nobody cares about demi" really?? Do you believe what you just said. She has millions of fans and a LOT of people support her and care about her

[@darkempress6378]

@@DuelaDoe lol..everyone knew that the comments were Photoshoped

[@zwizh]

I need a “hi awkward transition” button for my daily life.

[@hiitsamrit]

😂

[@tylerhackner9731]

😂😂😂

[@bradleylawrence658]

Just literally say out loud "Awkward Transition". I do things like that all the time.

[@mf.saguer8165]

You seems very touched by demi"s perform, like about to cry several times, your eyes and nose turn red and you look down to avoid the brake. That's what makes you such a wonderful teacher and person. You can relate and have empathy for others. Thank you for shearing this amazing video with us.

[@elysesegebart6979]

I noticed this too. I love Sam.

[@loulou2874]

Wowzers, Demi’s performance was chillingly emotional.

[@matt2matt21]

Indeed. She wrote it just a few days before she overdosed last year :(

[@nerocov]

I honestly believe that Demi Lovato's performance was the best one by far.

[@nerocov]

@Kelli L In her performance she didn't yell.

[@camdenepperson]

@Kelli L yelling? You mean belting?

[@jhassy415]

i can’t bring myself to watch her performance

[@anmc312]

Fahad Al Thaqeb No my ears hurted! I prefer Billie

[@nerocov]

@@anmc312 Listening to amazing vocals hurts? Ouch...

[@hitismeduh]

What you said at the end about liking artists for the emotion they convey is so true. Some of the most beloved singers of all time aren't "good" singers but their voices have this special quality to just speak directly to your heart.

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

love me some elliott smith

[@JuliaHope1]

Sam Johnson literally clicked on this comment to say the same thing

[@hitismeduh]

@@SamJohnsonVoice oh wow!!! that's so awesome to know that you're also a fan!

[@candelajordi7703]

Taylor Swift

[@TheSwauzz]

Selena Gomez comes to mind tbh. She's not an amazing singer, but she knows how to make you connect to a song and that's why she's so popular.

[@johnraymondbarker4]

I want to commend you for being able to discuss technique while also honoring the choices and vocal qualities that are what define and distinguish artists. And I love your emphasis on the emotion of the song. So spot on. Songs are easier to sing when we act them/connect the voice and body to the story. And the audience gets a better performance. And my goodness Demi is effing stunning on that song. Bravo, sir. I imagine you are a terrific teacher.

[@PSTroise]

Demi's song "Anyone" is overwhelming, heartbreaking, beautiful. Our stories are made up of the steps we climb, the falls we take, and how we get up and keep going. Technique, your instrument, are in service of your story. To me, this is a universal story. That white dress was purposefully unadorned. She's only just a human being. She wants to be heard for herself; she reminds us honesty is always hard and always simple. And scary. Demi's earned this song, I can't imagine how hard it's been. Or how brave she's had to be to take care of herself. But the lyrics, man. The lyrics. They speak for us all. No matter how we sing. "A hundred million stories and a hundred million songs. I feel stupid when I sing, Nobody's listening to me. Nobody's listening. I talk to shooting stars but they always get it wrong. I feel stupid when I pray. So, why am I praying anyway? If nobody's listening? "

[@tarajh]

Beautifully said. Thank you ♡

[@angeemima]

she apparently penned that song just 3-4 days before the overdose that nearly ended her. its an incredibly touching song.

[@TheSwauzz]

The fact that she believes no one is listening should be a huge red flag to her that she's surrounded by the wrong people.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Perfectly and beautifully said.❤️

[@tylerhackner9731]

So true. I think we’ve all felt a sense of isolation and that nobody’s listening to us.

[@hopee.wankenobi1085]

The single tear on demi's cheek when she re-started the song got me. I sobbed during her performance. I could feel her pain.

[@jessicas253]

Demi's performance hit me so much because I had to think of all the stuff she had to go through during the last months and you could feel her pain when she sang "A hundred million stories and a hundred million songs, I feel stupid when I sing, nobody's listening to me, nobody's listening". It's like what Sam said about singers being so vulnerable on stage. They in fact tell a hundred million stories but the question is: Are we REALLY listening? Listening to the pain and emotion the singer is going through? Are we appreciating what they're sharing with us? By focussing on pure technique we definitely don't. So I totally agree with him that we should let emotions happen and love singers for what they're making us feel.

[@tarajh]

I just want to wrap her up in a big ol' hug. As a singer, it blows me away that she was able to sing like *that* whilst in such an emotional state. When I cry, everything seizes up and I can barely squeak, let alone throw down the performance of a lifetime. So humbling.

[@adamG2001]

"you like them because they're emotional" "so admit it" -Sam Johnson 2020

[@Dharma9]

THIS!!!!!!!!

[@Dharma9]

@Estela Lopez Truth be told, we are the template for many. It's just more noticeable with k-pop because of how rigorously they follow the "classic 90s formula," of boy/girl groups.

[@alenanela1743]

@Estela Lopez It's more of a "dancing + singing at the same time" that makes them more talented in k-pop fan's eyes. I don't agree, because I think music should be about the music, but if it's live then sure I guess.

[@alenanela1743]

@Estela Lopez I actually used to be a huge KPOP fan. I don't know about acting but looks and aesthetic for sure, as well as lots of live performances and reality/game TV show segments.

[@_sintija.grasmane_]

No, Demi is still the best❤

[@rine9277]

With ariana, she just came off her 10 month world tour, and this performance was extremely emotional for her because she was closing the chapter of sweetener/thank you next. Which was about the loss of Mac, her engagement, her PTSD, her anxiety, etc. So I think that's why she sounds so tired.

[@samarthur96]

plus she had just gotten done singing imagine / my favorite things and doing a wardrobe change. she still sounded beautiful though

[@ivansentosa7699]

She looked and sounded terribly out of breath tbh... simply as that... arianators always look for excuses for their favs flaws

[@luisaquiroz7788]

Ivan Sentosa I mean, she did it good tho, but could u do it better than her?)💀

[@simaorodrigues600]

@@ivansentosa7699 u are so dumb omg

[@SharRawr]

@@simaorodrigues600 are you so brain washed that you cant admit she did sound out of breath? Get a life lol shes just a person who probably doesnt really care about you. Just your money.

[@galihcrysnaafrizal3639]

Ariana was crying during imagine, that's why she out of breath..

[@KayEeEss]

I don't know why but the way sam said "but you practiced" cracked me up. But real talk I hate the concept of "talent" and I think art would be so much more accessible to people if we referred to it as what it is: a learned skill.

[@xidarkneo5259]

Yeah but talent still exist and yeah its kinda unfair when someone is learning for years and someone with pure talent shows up and is like even better or on the same level. But I Think those with Talents still have to practice So. Yeah Its just easier for them to improove.

[@sasasasa6258]

U can call it how u want, someone is Ariana Grande(or however) and someone is so bad at singing people cant even listen her while she talking. And u could do it better, if u practice, but it would be nothing special.

[@KayEeEss]

To both replies: it's all about when you start though. While there are certainly personal preferences and trends in popular vocal tones, that is all subjective. Someone like ariana grande likely has foundation from years and years of singing and of being exposed to music (one of the most important things for musical development and aptitude in childhood). Some people may learn more sustainable ways of using their voice in speaking, but that's learned from the people around you. Just because something is a learned skill doesn't mean that everyone should be on the same level with the same amount of practice--there is so much that goes into music (singing especially) that is influenced by upbringing, for instance--but that doesn't also make it less of a skill.

[@xidarkneo5259]

@@sasasasa6258 wait maybe I just cant read but did you have set someone = Ariana Grande and then said someone = cant listen to her. Idk what you meant but Ariana Grande even has like from the little age of practice. She got like experience from really different places. And Yeah I'll say that Ariana Grande got alotta talent but she also practiced. And uff its too hard to become a great singer like her because I started really late and still just do it for myself you know. I am not an Ariana Grande who is up stage with like 4 years old (idk which age she was). And I'm a big Fan so apreciate pls

[@sasasasa6258]

​@@KayEeEss that's all kinda true and art(singing in this case) is subjective, and you need work on it, but someone will work hard and still be some unknown dude and someone is born to change the world. So many out there singers, who deserves some more and they good and all, but world not except them. Call that "luck", "talent" or whatever. It how it goes

[@andreaceline]

all the praise demi is getting after getting so much hate the last 2 years. love that for her. 🤍

[@poorvivijay]

@Estela Lopez The staff that literally never let her eat cake or fruit-

[@jessicabentley7404]

am i crying because of the performance or am I crying because of sam: a memoir

[@sarawells4990]

Did u also get to see how Demi even had to start over because she was crying at the beginning 😢? And she still killed it! Also, you should do some videos on Home Free..any song will do!!

[@sedaschexnayder4532]

Yes please! All about that bass, wake me up, try everything, ring of fire, or any of their Sing Off auditions would be a good place to start.

[@lukarunningwolf8135]

Sam, I feel the same way. If the art moves you, let it. Art in all its forms can speak to you and its okay if someone made a mistake. Mistakes are character. Blemishes can be features. It creates a new color, and a new texture. It all comes together in a way that allows our heart speak to eachother and you can feel love and empathy for a person you have never and most likely will never meet. Thank you so much for taking the time to articulate that. I appreciate all your videos, but this one is very special to me.

[@anbar]

this is so sweet

[@heartsofgoldenrod]

Wabi sabi

[@laksmi]

Perfect in their imperfection.

[@lukarunningwolf8135]

@@heartsofgoldenrod I learned something new today thank you.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Imperfections make us human ❤️

[@AmandaaRose]

When Sam was getting emotional during Demi’s performance I wanted to hug him 🥺💓

[@gabbyc9565]

When i saw Demi’s performance, I legit thought “oh, Sam is definitely going to comment on the shape of her mouth”😂 love your reactions, Sam! 😊

[@Y2019-l1d]

Demi made the Best performance of the night 😭🤧😍❤️

[@MaryFace09]

This performance in general made mostly everyone emotional . The performance I think we needed due to the terrible tragedy that transpired just hours before the Grammys. I definitely think Demi performed so well and moved the audience , could it be because we were all sad from earlier events or her emotion behind ? Idk but it struck so many emotions .

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

You're 100% right

[@leocookie9908]

i do think the events that occurred have amplified the emotions of the Audience but the way i reacted to demi's performance was purely by demi's emoting and the ache in her voice and the lyrics and the way she fell alart at the start but restarted and kept herself together and seeing her smile when eveyone applauded im just so happy she got to share this with all of us

[@leocookie9908]

@Alexis Burgess ive watched it well over 40 times (im a die hard lovatic) and i still cry every time i can relate to the lyrics on another level and seeing demi like that is so "painful" for me ..

[@tylerhackner9731]

Demi’s struggle with addiction and telling her most personal stories through song, Ariana processing through Mac Miller’s death, Kobe Bryant, his daughter and 7 other passengers’ deaths on a helicopter. It was an emotional Grammys.

[@idk-pm4hn]

Really appreciate hearing you talk about Billie like that, I’ve seen quite a few comments on other people’s videos saying she didn’t deserve all that she won. I knew she clearly deserved it because I have never been able to listen to any artist everyday for the last year and a half, no joke.

[@TitsMcGee1976]

Word. I’m totally a metal grunge guy and generally don’t listen to pop, especially devas. Went down a billie rabbithole couple months ago and can’t stop! I stan hard!

[@grainsdesesames2458]

@Estela Lopez yeah she said the nominations were enough

[@Jack2729o]

Im a music teacher, people like that often listen garbage .. and they don’t have artistic sensitivity .. if you have noticed and observed talent especially in her voice, you are a rarity in this superficial world that follows products .. She is art, she is what art and music exist for. You understood it, promise me NEVER give up your sensitivity bc it’s a gift in this superficial marketing for everything world… trust me. She is AMAZING.

[@sahib5]

Sam when watching Demi Lovato “Holy CRAP she is good!” Me: omsqueeeiknowright? Why is it SO satisfying when he’s genuinely impressed with someone? Also his speech at the end “You like them because they are emotional so just admit it.” Also Sam crying -= the most pure and genuine thing imaginable. You are just a love and a joy and I’m so grateful to have found your lovely channel.

[@franciscocortes-inchauspe3400]

Demi Lovato is sooooo talented i cannot believe we almost lost her

[@jennyskaggs6736]

I sat in awe watching Billie Eilish's performance, it was just perfect. And Demi...I have such a soft spot for her for a lot of reasons and I bawled during her song. So courageous to just put it all out there like that. She is such a strong woman.

[@henmaydostuff8338]

finally, I can prove that Billie Eilish is actually good bc she's actually talented, thank you

[@TheMissCorky]

You got so emotional talking about this, I hope you’re okay. Totally agree that it’s the emotional tones which draw audiences. Every singer at a talent show can “technically” have star quality, but unless they can tell a story they will never be able to grow an audience.

[@melaniedey20127]

“It’s making you feel so let that happen.” I’m gonna use that for the next time someone in my life questions me and judges me for listening to music that they think is “bad”. For example, ever since 2012 when I first started listening to Kpop, I was 13y.o and nobody around me understood why I was so in love with this genre because I couldn’t understand the words. Who cares?!! It’s music, it’s emotional, it’s evoking a sense of joy and happiness deep within me and that’s why I like it. What’s so hard to understand about that?

[@sedaschexnayder4532]

I get that. I listen to kpop occasionally myself, and the stylistic differences in how they choose to move in their music just feels different. It helps me move out of my normal head space. The voice is just another instrument giving the whole arrangement a fuller sound, and I don't necessarily have to be boxed in by lyrics. Though I also enjoy instrumental and classical music, so maybe that's just me and not what you were trying to say at all, in which case I apologize.

[@littlelou050]

@Estela Lopez Emotions come in more than just sadness, Kpop is an industry full of many different artists and many different genres and sounds and meanings. Some songs are happy and give you a lifted feel and some are more deeply emotional in a connecting sought of way, whether they're sad or not

[@littlelou050]

@Estela Lopez I was talking about the emotions in the music not whether the Korean public enjoys kpop lmao what has that got to do with whether the music is beautiful and connecting or not? There was a stigma around specifically idols in the industry for not being real artists etc but that's slowly going away as more artists showcase their talent and skill, especially with BTS becoming extremely respected and popular everywhere in the world, as we all know they make their own music. Obviously not every Korean citizen is going to enjoy the same music, this is why it's an industry not a genre, the dislike was for idols not the entire industry in Korea

[@cliff1745]

Being a Sohyang/Morissette fan, after watching Demi's Anyone performance, I believe it has stolen the number one spot for the best performance I've ever heard. Technique wise it's mindblowing especially that well connected, well placed and controlled F#5, but comparing it to what Sohyang and Morissette are used to singing, it's something normal. But the emotions, oh my lord. The story telling, the perfect pronunciation, my first time listening to the song and I could understand every single word she said, not just understand it but also feel it. I had goosebumps all throughout. I used to be a Demi fan back in the 2010s but lost the love towards her singinv. I'm glad to say I'm starting to love her singing back. Here's to more hits from Demi!!!

[@ChristianJaramillo10]

I love Demi, but SoHyang is still my #1

[@mikeguzzetta]

Ohh... I do love me some Alanis.

[@jamesquinn1220]

Yeah same tbh it’s the best performance I’ve ever heard and also the first one since her overdose so it was really hard for her and you could see it but I think her restarting the dog helped her and it was the best thing she could’ve done but she really is just amazing and has such talent I love her so much

[@its.albert.510]

The 2010s ended one month ago.

[@graysang5386]

morissette is good but her technique is not as polished as sohyang’s lol so idk why you spoke as if she’s way too superior than demi.

[@deborahgodley6980]

Wow, Sam you are fired up in this video! I love Billie Eilish and she deserves all those Grammys.She is quite unique and we need that! Demi was very emotional, in control of her instrument, and really touched me.Lizzo has a big voice but she needs to harness it and refine it some more,in my opinion. Too raw.Did you watch Alicia Keys? She is just amazing- glowing with life and love radiating from her voice and her whole presence.Thanks, Sam.I really like your videos.

[@ashtontaylor5658]

Hi Sam, Could you talk about majoring in music (voice) sometime? Would love to hear about your experience and what advice you have for people who are exploring pursuing that sort of degree. Love your channel! It’s been awesome to watch it grow.

[@ViltrumiteIsRite99]

Ashton Morren This is actually what I need. I want to go to college for performance in voice and guitar.

[@3Katapa]

This is a great idea.

[@crosita1]

I can tell you from my unsuccessful experience that it's difficult to do well in music as an academic career if you put a reasonable amount of effort into a safety net or backup plan. Science paid my tuition and I did get some good music education out of it (especially theory, sightsinging, and ear training), but I just wasn't able to do music successfully as my second priority at the same time as my science degree. What I am saying is that you need to be more committed and confident that music is what you want your life to be about than I was able to in order to make it happen. It's also really important that your education aligns with what you want to end up doing. I think a big part of why I didn't ultimately get my music degree was that classical was what was offered, and it really wasn't my thing. If I had been able to work on a style I better connected to on an emotional level, that might have been enough to pull me through all the work it takes to get a performance degree.

[@cesargarcia5624]

Demi had us all crying I love the way you explain, it is obvious you mean what you say and you feel it, AWESOME 💚💚💚

[@elscheib]

Sam getting super emo over Demi's performance......same. Because you know what it means to her. Aaaand here we go again with the waterworks.

[@deborahgodley6980]

Her voice, her emotions, her dress, the lighting,her presence just magical!

[@deborahgodley6980]

Demi I am commenting about

[@KayKingss]

YES!!! so happy you reacted to these performances ESPECIALLY Demi's because this has been my favorite of all her performances. LOVE that you give us your opinions on their voice and techniques but that you also talk about how beautiful it is to hear them open their hearts to us through their performances. I think sometimes we forget they are human just because this is their life. As a struggling singer, you really made me think and give myself a little more credit. so THANK YOU!

[@thebetterversionofme2959]

Personally, I enjoy the softness of Billie.

[@anmc312]

TheBetterVersionOfMe !! Same

[@annahill99]

I had such a good time at this thoughtful new lesson from the Sam Johnson School of Singing With Your Eyes Open

[@somethingxblue]

You're one of my favourite creators in KZbin, and I love hearing you talk about singing, and expressing emotion through music. I watch your videos to relax after work, and I learn so much, and feel so much. Thank you.

[@crosita1]

Also...that singing in your bedroom for your entire childhood thing made me teary. All my unguided individual work was so dismissed by my classical teachers. And I did develop some counterproductive technique, but I also was able to sing for longer and more frequently than after I started getting training. The more official instruction I had, the more confused I got until I developed nodes and had to go on rest for a year. I have no stamina and I almost never sing these days, but I am going to get back into it and try to sort things out. I wish I had had a better teacher when I was trying to become a voice major.

[@montse9941]

Yeah. Demi's voice is amazing powerful, clear, unique and emotional. I love how you talked about these performances. Thank you

[@susyhicks3165]

You are probably the first voice teacher on KZbin that doesn't overly glorifies technique over emotion. ♥️

[@charlenenussey8935]

This performance of demi's is what made me truly like and appreciate her, and it's because of exactly what you said at the end, it's the emotion. It's the same reason i enjoy Billie. The emotion.

[@Cream147player]

I’ve been preaching the idea of emotional connection over pure technical ability in singing for years. Take Adele, who I think is great technically but there are a number better, but her voice resonates so well because of how she connects with what she is singing. Meanwhile, one of the singers in this video has superb technical ability but I personally believe has issues connecting emotionally - they can sound detached from what they’re singing. I’ll not say who it is to avoid offending - and if you think you know to whom I’m referring and are offended, then the fact you know who shows you somewhat agree! Not Demi though, Demi is top-tier in both categories. It showed.

[@AnaGfit23]

Ariana Grande? Jw

[@Tazzie1312]

Billie's doing so good with the emotion Sam doesn't even say anything about her eyes being closed. THAT'S impressive.

[@WYIN98]

You are amazing Sam, when I was younger people made fun of me for liking one direction or Lady Gaga or things like that but I never cared because their lyrics or voices made me feel something which is amazing. Hope you are doing great Sam, sending you a thousand hugs 💛✨

[@jordant889]

Sam...you rock dude. You seriously rock. The way you break down performances, not just in a strictly informational way but also emphatically and emotionally is AMAZING. Keep at it man!

[@pandaperson8430]

This was the first time Demi performed live since her overdose in 2018

[@Tayluhhh2010]

This spoke so much to my heart. I studied voice in college, but my life was such a mess, I couldn’t get my head in the game. There were amazing voices around me, but the ones who I felt their emotions were my favorites. Demi’s performance almost broke me. Love watching you. You’ve gotten me back into my passion.

[@JulieAcePe]

You would love Mitski’s live performance of “Nobody” on SiriusXM! She is a great example of communicating emotion without having to close her eyes while singing, which is great because the song itself is pretty soul-baring.

[@Shaowraven2266]

Mitski is amazing! I love her it's sad that not a lot of people know about her

[@tiger__flow]

Yes!

[@16princessdaisy]

I love her :(

[@gvnad]

yes!!!!

[@premiumrat]

My god Sam. I love you so much. You are such a light. You manage to combine the main reason I watch vocal coach videos, which is because I love singing and I love hearing people talk about the technical aspects of singing, with real, lovely, emotional humanity. It is truly so beautiful, so thank you for being you and spreading positivity and love ❤️

[@kirinchimera4707]

I was really hoping we’d get to see your reaction to Demi! I can’t put into words just how important her story is. I can’t watch that performance without getting emotional

[@MS-df2fk]

As a voice teacher how do you feel about Ariana's diction? She's got a great voice but I have trouble understanding the lyrics when she's singing.

[@megansworld2130]

Me too

[@Josie-6]

IT DRIVES ME NUTS!!!

[@gymnasticzlife]

Dude if you don’t know what she’s saying by now you should probably take an English course.

[@mimmiengstrand]

Have you listened to her version of the wisard and I? It's semi-recent and she has much clearer pronunciation than in most of her own songs. That makes me think it's a stylistic choice.

[@alitadelimon]

that's why i hate her. She doesn't know to talk

[@robinlovestosing]

Did you edit out the part where you cried when Demi Lovato started singing and had to stop for her tears?

[@justineglickman]

First I saw that the beginning was missing, then I read the comments and felt like something had obviously been cut... That's a shame.

[@robinlovestosing]

@@justineglickman Yeah not sure why he felt the need to hide it. I have no shame in admitting I cried at that part

[@justineglickman]

@@robinlovestosing I was actually looking forward to his reaction, and was disappointed he chose to start partway in. I was bawling, I had goosebumps, it was such an emotional moment and made her performance that much more powerful, seeing her restart and keep going.

[@noahbyrd6080]

Justine Glickman Sam has cried in other videos, so I don’t think that was why. But I’m also wondering, too, about that first section?

[@claudemadelienemarie]

It was cut alongside with other video due to copyright/licensing reasons. It’s hard to play within YT’s fair use regulations and make sure the content doesn’t end up being taken down.

[@jasmineguerrero9046]

The chocolate rain insert had me dead it was so sudden lol

[@Rosannasfriend]

Demi Lovato has really shown she has improved during the time she was gone. It's not that long ago she would try to pull up a bit too much chest singing that high. Be a little too compressed up there. Now, she was thinning out at the right moments and it was just glorious. And of course her emotion, the most important thing, just crushed me .

[@nicholasrichardkraeuter]

get it. so good man. your perspective is elite. your balance of technique and emotional availability is just so spot on. in every area of music (art) this needs to be taught.

[@lyddlelove]

How you reacted to Billie and Demi made me so happy. Esp Billie, to hear you reassure and praise how she sounds and performs makes me feel like YES someone else understands how fucking incredible she is. Her voice is pure emotion.

[@Jack2729o]

exactly, as a music teacher I tell you that only a few people can understand her vocal talent… she is what music exists for like poets in the past… to transport the listener into your artistic emotional world. THIS is art. Unfortunately over the years we have lost the true deep meaning of art and music and they are all marketing products in recent years, but she has brought me back to rediscover what I had lost in recent years.. and I had also lost hope of ever seeing her again she is a true diamond in that industry. only those who have an artistic sensibility can understand this. She is on another level… I don't care if an artist competes with another to have the greatest vocal range, this is NOT important… but what can you do in that range you have, how do you make it YOURS. Whitney Houston is "the voice" not because she was the first singer with the biggest vocal range, no, absolutely not, because she didn't have the widest… but because of her tonality and tonality she is the SOUL, the heart button of a singer that makes him or her UNIQUE in the history of music and Billie has that, this talent is rare and I started hearing it develop at 15 on her EP, I waited because I invested in her… I perceived she was different from everyone else … and in her debut album I had the confirmation .. and now that she is evolving her sound even more .. for me it was incredible to witness this because these are authentic and rare vocal performers that you don't see often…. they are artists who study music and then voluntarily or not, they find their different sound. If you hear the pop singers of the last 2 decades you will often find it hard to understand who is singing, but when you hear Billie it’s her .. there is no doubt. Even in the past she was like this… she has a vocality that comes from the 20-60s of jazz .. I don't know how she managed it but from her EP there was jazz influence and from that she was able to build a vocal signature in her voice. Amazing.

[@nelliepasternak6842]

I was hoping you'd do this reaction video the whole time I was watching the Grammys! And I'm so touched by your emotion throughout this video. It's nice to see your vulnerability.

[@addictedtoJB]

I did the same thing when I first heard her sing the song - cry. I've been her fan for a long time now & when I heard the lyrics I was reminded why. People think it's easy being famous (I wouldn't know) but all Demi wants, I presume, is a normal life. 1 were she can do whatever she wants and not be criticized for it.

[@emotionallyexhausted1410]

WOW! 15:26, you can catch that little edit, (whatever happened right b4 that edit really had you all in your feels) & suddenly you're nearly overcome with emotion. That was raw, honest & beautiful. Your own obvious emotion and the vulnerability to show it perfectly encapsulated what you were trying to say. YESSS! 🙌🏼 💯 ❤'d it!

[@carag2567]

"There's no shame in feeling. None. Now go love something and let yourself be vulnerable", says the man who has been tearing up throughout his entire analysis of these singers and their emotional performances. Sam, you are a giant among men. And I adore that you teach by example in EVERYTHING you do ❤

[@GrubbyJim]

"Just go love something and let yourself be vulnerable" - never a truer word spoken. You're amazing Sam, thank you so much for this video, it's perfect.

[@tinahuffman2788]

I love it when you're passionate and emotional! It's a thrill to watch you when your really excited about a singer. I might have said this before. Ringing deja vu in my head. Anyway great job!

[@TheIregan]

Really great analysis, and thank you for reminding us that while analyzing someone's singing, to also think of their end goal with the performance. It's so important, and lost on many. You're a good dude, Sam!

[@StevenArguedas]

"Im not talking about her weight" I died.

[@projet2907]

🥳🤣

[@marcdeacon3021]

Shaaaaaaade!

[@blacklez]

Marc Deacon no it wasn’t

[@schasse2011]

It is a sad fact that he had to confirm that bc some people suck and would think he was making fun of her. Kind of glad he stifled the hate before it happened.

[@melissasanders5303]

I sooo enjoy your videos! I love how passionate you are in supporting singers who give their all in their performances. Thank you!!

[@tendermiri]

The emotion behind a voice is 100% why I've loved Amanda Palmer for forever. She's not hugely technical and has no qualms with messing up in live performances. Sometimes you just want that raw emotion baybeeeeee

[@YgorCortes]

Omg you're freaking perfect! Seriously, I can't with how awesome you are! Thank you so much for being so open, honest, sincere and truthful about EVERYTHING! This video was sooooo amazing! Thanks a lot for this! 💜

[@kpoplover142]

ariana sang two other songs before 7 rings 🥺 imagine and my favorite things

[@anbar]

before anyone comes for Sam for not including those, the other songs she sang are not on KZbin (or at least they weren’t when this video was made) and we don’t want a copyright strike :)

[@heartsofgoldenrod]

u bui thanks. Was also hearing the “out of breath” sound and wondering what happened.

[@geturhandsoffmygirl]

The whole performance is on youtube :) but yeah she also had a full dance choreo right befote this. I do think she was out of breath anyway.

[@drewm.2790]

@@heartsofgoldenrod she sang her ballad "imagine" and a short cover of My favorite things and she wasn't out of breath. When she sang 7 rings she had choreo

[@jennatucci2764]

@@heartsofgoldenrod it is??

[@monikapiotrowska8779]

"I liked it like that *badum tss*" "She's so good, soooo goooood!" "Yes, she's amazing, told you" Love your reactions!

[@kaiaiaiaiaiaiai9992]

I love that even though you were obviously so into the emotions of Demi’s performance you still kept analysing and showing us all the difference points about her voice and technique! You’re the best Sam

[@kirstyferguson6645]

The feels are so real in this video. Got me crying over here.

[@heartsofgoldenrod]

“I like it like that.”

[@garliccgoblinn2572]

Love the honesty and how in depth you go in all your videos ❤️

[@summercrook7521]

I absolutely love how you love music. Mainly I love how you have such an appreciation for the technique of it all but equally have the appreciation for the art and emotion of it. I have ZERO training in music, and pretty much don't know about anything you talk about technically, but because you have such an authentic and beautiful way of expressing your thoughts on what you clearly love, I literally sit and watch your videos for hours!!

[@Chloverr]

Man, I really do love that you were emotionally connecting to the singers. You were clearly getting teary eyed, which I love. I loved your message in this video about not being shameful to love someone’s singing based off of their emotion, thank you for showing some vulnerability in this video :)

[@Sianpb97]

I agree with you on billie her quieter singing is beautiful but when she does sing louder it sounds awesome too and id love to hear more of that with her. I also don’t know if it’s just me as I haven’t seen her live in person but when I watch her live at festivals like big weekend her mic sounds too quiet? Unless it’s just her but it doesn’t carry/or come across well through a tv but maybe that’s just poor recording Edit: also you getting increasingly more emotional whilst watching Demi got me 😭💕

[@charlenegallagher831]

I know this is super late but if you haven't watched no time to die(live) then you should!! She BELTS!!! It's amazing!

[@rtw8609]

"It's not shameful to like something." Sam getting fired up about honestly loving and connecting with others through music and emotion is 100% the kind of pure and true content we need in thisworld. Thanks as always for the A+ video--I was really hoping you'd do a reaction video when I saw Lizzo, Billie, and Demi, and this video was awesome.

[@vp4744]

I'm glad you're finally addressing that emotion is the driving force. Techniques and other external faculties are just supporting structures for the delivery of emotions.

[@ajunabraunschweiger4248]

I have often been tearing up when watching your video’s, talking about emotions and storytelling and seeing how enthusiastic you are about what you say. It translates

[@hayliestopher]

I had tears ready to stream down my face and then you said “all of the youtubie things” and I busted out laughing 😂😂😂❤️❤️

[@humblemusiq]

I love how you're so genuine and descriptive. You have such a lovely way of offering up your suggestions. You are not offensive but understanding and informative. I am able to comprehend more about the science and complexities of singing. Thank you so much!!

[@carogardelliano8329]

I have been waiting for you to react to these performances

[@MJvdeos13]

“Just go love something” well Sam.. I love you 😩❤️ thanks for being so awesome

[@DD-qz8jq]

Best one so far man...I was feeling it too. The way that Demi lavoto song made me feel is why I love music...

[@vallsc586]

So happy I found this channel and you, Sam! You really seems like a precious person... And now Thanks to you I pay waaaay too much attention to people's vowels haha 💕

[@YakieOo]

I was waiting this video!!!!! I saw other vocal couches analyze grammys' perfomances but I was like "if it isn't from Sam Johnson I won't watch it". Love your videos!!!!!

[@AnnaH-qt9nl]

Love you Sam ♥️your vulnerability is beautiful and candid and refreshing. Thank you