How to Learn Singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Jennifer Hudson

How to Learn “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson

Learning to sing a powerful and emotionally charged song like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson requires a combination of vocal technique, artistic expression, and a deep understanding of the lyrics and emotions behind the song. In this article, we will explore some practical tips and resources to help you master this iconic song.

Understanding the Song

“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is a showstopping ballad from the musical “Dreamgirls.” This song showcases Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse vocals and her ability to convey raw emotion. It is a song of defiance, determination, and heartbreak.

Unique Vocal Technique: Belting

One of the unique aspects of this song is the vocal technique known as belting. Belting is a powerful and resonant singing technique commonly used in musical theater and pop music. It allows singers to project their voice with intensity and emotion, creating a powerful and dramatic effect.

If you’re not familiar with belting, Singing Carrots has a great article on contemporary vocal techniques that covers belting in more detail. Understanding this technique will help you approach “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” with the right vocal approach.

Practical Advice for Learning the Song

Here are some practical tips to help you effectively learn and perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going:”

  1. Analyze Your Voice: Before diving into the song, it’s important to understand your voice type and vocal range. Take the vocal range test on Singing Carrots to assess your vocal capabilities and compare them to famous singers.
  2. Warm Up and Practice: Warm up your voice before attempting to sing this demanding song. Singing Carrots offers a pitch training tool that includes warm-up exercises and vocal exercises to improve your range and agility.
  3. Study the Lyrics: Dive deep into the lyrics of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” to understand the emotions and story behind the song. Singing Carrots has an article on how to analyze your voice that can help you connect emotionally with the lyrics.
  4. Work on Breath Support: Building strong breath support is crucial for singing this song with power and control. Singing Carrots offers a comprehensive article on breath support that will guide you in developing proper breathing techniques.
  5. Focus on Artistic Expression: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is not just about hitting the right notes but also about conveying the intense emotions of the song. Singing Carrots’ article on singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking can help you understand the importance of artistic expression in your performance.

Other Songs Utilizing Belting Technique

The belting technique used in “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is also found in many other popular songs. Here are some examples:

  • “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked”
  • “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
  • “Listen” by Beyoncé
  • “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

By studying and practicing these songs, you can develop a better understanding of the belting technique and apply it to your performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Conclusion

Learning to sing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson requires dedication, vocal technique, and emotional storytelling. By following the practical tips mentioned in this article and utilizing the resources provided by Singing Carrots, you can confidently master this powerful song and deliver a breathtaking performance.