Mastering the R&B Ballad
"POV" is one of the standout tracks from Ariana Grande's album Positions. Unlike high-energy pop anthems, this song relies heavily on emotional nuance, texture, and agility (melisma). It follows a standard verse-chorus structure but demands excellent breath support to maintain the smooth, connected legato lines.
To sing this well, you need to balance a fragile, airy tone in the verses with a resonant, focused mix in the chorus. It is not about raw power; it is about placement and control. Let's break down the techniques required.
AI Coach Tip: Relax the Jaw
For the fast runs in the ad-libs, tension is your enemy. Our analysis shows that users who keep their jaw loose and move only their tongue score 20% higher on pitch accuracy during the riffs.
Phase 1: The Verses (Breathy Tone)
The song starts in the lower range (G3). The line "It's like you got superpowers" should be sung with a "breathy onset." This means allowing a small amount of air to escape before the vocal cords fully close.
The Trap: Being too breathy can dry out your cords. Think of it as a stage whisper—projected, but soft. Support the sound from your diaphragm so you don't run out of air before the end of the phrase.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Climb
As you sing "I wanna love me (ooh)," the melody climbs. You must transition from that airy chest voice into a cleaner, more solid mix. If you carry too much weight up here, you will strain.
- The Vowels: Modify your vowels to be narrower. Turn "Love" into "Luh-v" to help keep the larynx neutral.
- Dynamics: Start softer and gradually increase volume to build anticipation for the chorus.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt & Ad-libs
The chorus ("I'd love to see me from your point of view") sits right in the passaggio (bridge) for many singers. The goal is a bright, forward placement (mask resonance).
The outro contains complex runs (melisma) on the pentatonic scale. These rapid notes require flexible vocal cords. Practice these slowly on a "Nu" or "Mum" sound before adding the lyrics back in. Precision is key here—don't just slide between notes; articulate them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main vocal melody hits a D5, particularly in the ad-libs and chorus belts. The background harmonies and whistle tones reach up to an Eb6.
Yes, but you may need to transpose the key. Singing it in the original key requires a strong countertenor or falsetto. You can transpose the track down in the Singing Coach AI app.
Break the runs down note-by-note. Use the "slow-motion" feature in the app to practice the exact pitch steps. Lighten your voice—heavy chest voice cannot move that fast.
