Life is What You Make It
Nowadays is the grand finale of Chicago, blending cynicism with a resilient, upbeat optimism. Performed by Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, the song is a masterclass in "acting while singing." Unlike powerhouse ballads that rely on sheer volume, this track demands nuance, impeccable timing, and a specific stylistic flair known as "vaudeville."
To sing this well, you must be comfortable with your chest voice and capable of delivering lyrics as if you are having a conversation with the audience. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Smile While Singing
Renée uses a very bright tone. Our analysis shows that physically lifting your cheeks (smiling) while singing helps achieve this "forward placement" and keeps the pitch sharp and engaging.
Phase 1: The Monologue Intro
The song starts with "It's good, isn't it? Grand, isn't it?" This section sits in a comfortable speaking range. The challenge here is to not make it sound too "sung."
The Trap: Many singers try to add too much vibrato too early. Keep the tone straight and speech-like (parlando) until you hit the melodic phrases. Think of it as telling a secret to a friend.
Phase 2: The Vaudeville Swing
As the band kicks in, the rhythm becomes paramount. You need to lock into the swing feel. The lyrics "In fifty years or so / It's gonna change, you know" require crisp diction.
- Consonants: Hit the 't's and 'k's hard at the ends of words to mimic the percussive style of the era.
- Placement: Keep the sound buzzing in the front of your face (the mask). If you sing this too far back in the throat, it loses its charm and sounds operatic, which is wrong for the genre.
- Breath: The phrases are deceptively long. Plan your breaths at punctuation marks to avoid running out of air mid-sentence.
Phase 3: The Finale
The song builds to a duet (in the movie version) and ends on sustained harmonies. The final belt is not about screaming; it's about a supported, resonant chest mix.
To hit the final notes comfortably, engage your core and resist the urge to lift your chin. Keep your neck relaxed and let the brightness of the vowel carry the sound over the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
This song is ideal for Mezzo-Sopranos and Altos. It sits comfortably in the G3-C5 range, making it accessible without requiring high belting.
Focus on a bright, nasal-friendly placement (twang) and very clear diction. Use the Singing Coach AI app to compare your spectral balance with the original track.
Vocally, it is moderate. The difficulty lies in the breath control required for the long phrases and maintaining the character's energy throughout the song.
