The Ultimate Vaudeville Finale
This track is the triumphant conclusion to Chicago, bringing together the two rival murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. It starts with the song "Nowadays" and transitions into the high-energy instrumental dance number "Hot Honey Rag," before culminating in a vocal reprise. To sing this like Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, you need attitude, precise diction, and excellent breath control.
Unlike power ballads, this song relies on charm and "selling it." The vocal style is conversational but melodic, typical of the Kander & Ebb songwriting style.
AI Coach Tip: Smile While Singing
To achieve that bright, cynical vaudeville tone, lift your soft palate and smile while you sing. This brightens the resonance and helps with the articulation required for the rapid-fire lyrics later in the song.
Phase 1: The Spoken Intro & Melody
The song begins with Roxie's monologue ("You know, you're really the first person..."). When singing the first verse ("It's good, isn't it? Grand, isn't it?"), keep the volume mezzo-piano. The delivery should be smooth and legato, contrasting with the staccato nature of the dance that follows.
The Trap: Many singers drop the energy at the ends of phrases. Ensure you sustain the breath support through "But in 50 years or so..." to keep the pitch from going flat.
Phase 2: The Duet Harmony
When Velma joins in, the song splits into harmony. The lower harmony (Velma's line) often sits in a tricky "break" area for Altos. Focus on chest resonance here. The blend is crucial—neither voice should overpower the other. The lyrics "You can like the life you're living" should be punchy and rhythmic.
Phase 3: The Big Finish
After the "Hot Honey Rag" dance break, the vocals return for a final, high-energy belt. The final sustained notes on "And that's... good... isn't... it?" require a controlled vibrato. Don't push too hard; keep the sound forward in the mask (face) rather than the throat.
The key to this song is stamina. In a theatrical context, you would be breathless from dancing, so practicing breath management is vital for a high score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vocal melody reaches a C5 (High C) in a strong mix/belt during the climax. It is very accessible for most female voice types.
No! In the Singing Coach AI app, you can select either Roxie's part (Melody/Higher Harmony) or Velma's part (Lower Harmony) to practice individually.
The "Hot Honey Rag" section is primarily an instrumental dance break, but the track includes the vocal ad-libs and the reprise of "Nowadays" at the very end.
