The Ultimate Pop Ballad Challenge
"Bleeding Love" is the song that defined 2007. Produced by Ryan Tedder, it showcases Leona Lewis's incredible agility and power. The song is driven by a distinct organ melody and percussive heavy drums, providing a rhythmic backdrop that demands precise vocal timing.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "slow build." The song starts intimately low and explodes into one of the most famous choruses in pop history. Let's break down exactly how to handle the dynamics without straining your vocal cords.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Glottals
Leona uses a specific technique called "glottal stops" to initiate words like "cut" and "open." Our analysis shows that mimicking this percussive attack helps keep you in sync with the beat and improves your rhythmic score.
Phase 1: The Low Verses (0:00 - 0:58)
The song begins in F Major with the verse melody sitting quite low, touching down to F3. For many sopranos, this is the bottom of their range. The secret here is to keep the sound breathy but supported.
The Trap: Don't push your chest voice too hard in the verses ("Closed off from love..."). If you push here, you will be exhausted by the time the first chorus hits. Keep it conversational.
Phase 2: The Chorus Belt (0:59 - 1:38)
This is the moment of truth. The line "Keep bleeding, keep, keep bleeding love" requires a sustained belt around C5 and D5. You need strong diaphragm support.
- Vowel Modification: On the word "Love," don't sing a wide "Ah." Modify it slightly towards "Uh" or "Oh" to keep the larynx stable.
- Sustain: The notes are held longer than you expect. Ensure you take a full breath before the phrase begins.
- Vibrato: Leona adds a fast vibrato at the very end of the sustained notes.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Climax (3:05 - End)
The bridge builds tension leading to the final chorus. The ad-libs here are legendary. Leona belts a powerful F5 on "You cut me open!" before cascading down a complex run.
To hit the F5 safely, utilize "forward placement." Imagine the sound coming out of your nose and forehead mask area. This brightness cuts through the heavy production without requiring you to scream.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main belted note in the climax is an F5. However, there are background harmonies and ad-libs that reach up to B♭5 in head voice.
It is an advanced song due to the stamina required. Beginners can transpose the track down -2 or -3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to practice the melody comfortably.
The phrases are long and repetitive. Practice "snatch breaths"—taking quick, deep inhales through your mouth between the lines "I don't care what they say" and "I'm in love with you."
