The Queen of Nu-Disco Vocals
Released on her critically acclaimed album Future Nostalgia, "Levitating" brought disco back to the mainstream. While it doesn't feature the operatic acrobatics of Queen, it presents a different challenge: unwavering rhythm and attitude. Dua Lipa's vocal performance is cool, collected, and sits comfortably in the lower register of a Mezzo-Soprano.
To sing this well, you need to abandon the idea of "singing pretty" and focus on "singing rhythmically." You are essentially a percussion instrument in this track. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Stay in the Pocket
Analysis shows users often rush the verses. The tempo is 103 BPM. Try to sing slightly "behind the beat" rather than ahead of it to capture that laid-back disco feel.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Rhythmic)
The song starts in B Minor. The opening lines ("If you wanna run away with me...") sit around F#3. This is quite low for many sopranos.
The Technique: Don't try to make this sound breathy. You need a solid chest voice connection. Treat the lyrics almost like a rap; enunciate the consonants clearly ("Glitter in the sky, glitter in my eyes") to keep the energy moving forward.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (The Climb)
The energy builds on "I got you, moonlight, you're my starlight." The melody ascends, lifting the song out of the heavy low end.
- Breath Control: The phrases are long and fast. Take a quick "snatch breath" before "I need you all night."
- Placement: Shift your resonance from your chest up to your "mask" (the front of your face) as you go higher. This naturally brightens the tone for the disco vibe.
Phase 3: The Chorus (The Hook)
The chorus is repetitive and catchy. "I want you baby, my sugarboo, I'm levitating." The highest chest note here hits around B4.
To nail this without shouting, use "twang." This isn't a nasal sound, but a narrowing of the vocal tract that gives your voice a piercing, laser-like quality that cuts through the synthesizer bass. Keep it playful and light rather than heavy and dramatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody hits a belted B4. However, in the ad-libs and harmonies towards the end, Dua reaches up to E5 in head voice.
It's a great song for beginners because the range is manageable. The main challenge is the speed of the lyrics and keeping your breath steady while dancing or moving.
Relax your jaw and don't push your chin down. Think of the sound vibrating in your chest. If F#3 is too low, you can transpose the song up +2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
