Girl Crazy is a 1930s musical that introduced us to the young and yet unbelievable talent of Ethel Merman who first performed “I’ve Got Rhythm” which became one of the most popular American standards of all time. Composed by George and Ira Gershwin, the catchy melody of “I’ve Got Rhythm” is a great peek into the playful, upbeat style of singing that Merman became so famous for.

If you’re a singer looking to learn how to sing like Ethel Merman, you should start with her signature song “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” This is a classic show tune that showcases her incredible range, powerful chest voice, and effortless vibrato. In many ways, Merman’s style harkens back to the days of vaudeville and the golden age of Broadway, where a singer’s ability to project and command their voice was just as important as staying in tune.

To sing like Merman, you need to have a big voice with lots of power, vibrato, and control. Warming up your voice before singing is a must, so check out Singing Carrots’ breathing exercise and vocal warm-up regimen. Proper breathing and posture are critical to developing a powerful voice that can project. Remember to breathe deeply into your diaphragm, and keep your chest, neck, and head aligned so air can move freely.

One of the keys to singing like Merman is to focus on your chest voice, which will lend itself well to the powerful belting style for which she was famous. Try using Singing Carrots’ vocal range test to determine what your natural range is and focus on developing your chest voice in that range. As you progress, try pushing your range a little higher and see if you can develop the same power and resonance in your upper register.

Don’t forget to work on your vibrato as well. Merman’s vibrato was a distinctive part of her voice. Practice exercises that help you develop control over your vibrato, such as Singing Carrots’ vocal pitch monitor. Finally, keep in mind that singing like Merman requires more than just vocal technique. You need to tap into your stage presence and charisma in order to command an audience’s attention. Learn how to perform like a pro with Singing Carrots’ tips for performing on stage.

With practice and patience, you can learn to sing like Ethel Merman, one of the most beloved musical stars of all time. So warm up your vocal cords and get ready to belt out those show tunes just like she did!