Top 10 Female Artists with the Lowest Singing Voices

Welcome to MsMojo, where we’ll be ranking the greatest contraltos and low-singing women in music.

#10: Lorde

In 2013, New Zealand singer Lorde achieved global fame after releasing her hit single “Royals.” She has an instantly recognizable voice and a talent for singing impressively low. For example, in her hit track “Perfect Places” from the album “Melodrama,” her background vocals and harmonies reach as low as G2. She has remarkable control over her lower range, often staying in registers most female pop stars shy away from. This gives her a dramatic and distinct vocal style few can match. She may not be as skilled as a classically trained contralto, but compared to the average pop star, her lower vocal range is highly impressive.

#9: Fiona Apple

Since her debut album in 1996, Fiona Apple has become known as one of the most unique pop stars of her generation. She frequently sings in the lower registers, often with remarkable power and emotional intensity. Her voice has matured over the years, becoming a deep and raw instrument. No song of hers showcases her vocal talents as well as “Hot Knife,” sung by her and her sister. It’s not just her range that makes her vocals so good; it’s her complex phrasing and delivery, which adds intensity to every song. The only complaint we can make about Apple is that she releases music way too infrequently.

#8: Nina Simone

Simone’s career lasted almost 50 years. During that time, she became one of the most influential musicians in history. Her range was fairly limited, restricted to approximately one octave. Despite this, she was a force to be reckoned with when it came to lower registers. She arguably became the archetype for low and powerful female vocals in pop music. Her delivery on tracks like “Feeling Good” showcases her amazing talent. Only a handful of musicians can deliver such booming low notes with the same level of clarity and control Simone did.

#7: Amy Winehouse

Few musicians receive as much praise for their contralto vocals as Amy Winehouse does. She tragically died while only 27, but managed to become one of the most acclaimed singers in history during her lifetime. Her voice was defined by a deep, velvety tone, frequently singing in the lower registers. This gave her a unique sound countless musicians have tried to emulate since her breakthrough. Winehouse’s low notes hit hard, not just because of her pitch, but because of the power and intensity she delivered them with. Her early death will always be remembered as one of the most tragic losses in music history.

#6: Karen Carpenter

As one half of the Carpenters, Karen became highly praised for her three-octave range, alongside her confidence in lower registers. Low notes sounded entirely natural to Carpenter’s low voice. Unlike other singers who make such notes sound dramatic, she delivered them gently with impressive subtlety. Producers would construct songs around her voice, making her talent the centrepiece. It’s crazy to think that she started as the duo’s drummer rather than singer. Unfortunately, she developed a severe eating disorder in 1975, which eventually claimed her life. Carpenter died at only 32 years old, but will forever be remembered as one of history’s greatest singers.

#5: Toni Braxton

Her career began in 1989, and since then, Toni Braxton has become one of the biggest names in R&B. She’s sold over 70 million records globally. Her mastery of lower registers is one of her sound’s most defining features. Braxton’s voice is frequently described as “husky, sultry” and “elegant,” as showcased by hit tracks like “Un-Break My Heart.” Her voice is so deep that she looks to male singers as vocal style models. Now, she’s considered a trailblazer for the use of contralto in popular music and R&B.

#4: Adele

The best-selling album of the century so far is “21” by Adele, released in 2011. It made Adele a household name globally. Unlike other entries on this list, she’s a mezzo-soprano, not a contralto. You’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise; that happens fairly often. Still, she can and does hit amazingly low notes and has an exceptionally strong lower register. Adele has no issues hitting incredibly high notes as well, having a mastery of almost three octaves. She has one of the most impressive voices in the world, and she has no shortage of fans who believe she’s the greatest singer ever.

#3: Tracy Chapman

There’s no chance Tracy Chapman wouldn’t have made it into our top 3. She’s one of the most iconic examples of a female pop star with a naturally deep vocal style. Chapman possesses an amazingly deep and powerful voice that’s instantly recognizable. Her major hit “Fast Car” is a brilliant example of this. But she doesn’t hold back on a single track. And she doesn’t simply dip into low notes; it’s her comfort zone. Chapman has become one of the gold standards for contraltos in pop, folk, soul, and blues.

#2: Annie Lennox

New wave icon Annie Lennox became famous as a member of Eurythmics in the ‘80s. The Aberdeen singer is one of the most celebrated contraltos in pop history. She’s so acclaimed that VH1 named her “The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive.” Lennox’s vocals have an operatic intensity to them, which she delivers with mindblowing ease. Not only did her voice define Eurythmics, it became a staple of the new wave movement. Lennox doesn’t just dip her toes into lower registers; she makes them her own and builds exceptional melodies around them.

#1: Cher

Also known as the “Goddess of Pop,” there’s little debate over Cher’s status as the greatest contralto in modern pop music. Cher possesses a true contralto voice, giving her a natural singing range lower than the vast majority of female singers. This has made her voice instantly identifiable. She’s also maintained her strong voice for an astoundingly long time. Outside of her technically impressive singing, she’s also become a cultural icon. Cher defied expectations for female pop singers; they don’t have to be high-pitched and sweet, but can be deep and commanding. She set the standard for contraltos in pop, making her more than deserving of the top spot on this list.

Were there any vocal masters we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments below!