Ep. 67: HELP! I Was Told I Need To Sound More "POP"

If you've ever been told you need to “sound more pop” and thought, What does that even mean?, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re coming from a classical or Broadway background, shifting into a pop sound can feel like stepping into a whole new world.

"You Need to Sound More Pop"—What That Feedback Actually Means

Let’s start here, because I know how confusing this feedback can be.

Pop music covers so many styles—so what exactly are they asking for? If you’re trained in musical theatre or classical music, you might naturally sing with lots of vibrato, open vowels, and a bigger, more projected sound. That’s beautiful! But it might come across as too formal or dramatic when you're auditioning or performing a pop song.

Let’s look at how to shift your technique without losing your voice’s personality.

Step 1: Dial Back the Vibrato

In pop music, vibrato is used more sparingly. It’s less of a constant and more of a stylistic choice.

Think of Jessie J’s “Domino.” If you use a heavy vibrato all the way through, it can throw off the groove and feel a little out of place. Try recording yourself and notice where vibrato is creeping in. Could you swap it out for a clean, straight tone instead? Play around with it and see how the song feels.

Step 2: Modify Those Vowels and Mouth Shape

If you’re used to classical or Broadway styles, you probably open your mouth wide and shape tall, rounded vowels. Great for projection—not always great for pop.

Here’s a quick test: put your thumbs on the hinge of your jaw and gently open your mouth just enough to cradle them. That’s probably all the space you need for a more relaxed, pop-friendly tone.

Also, try smiling slightly when you sing—it naturally narrows your vowels and brings the sound forward, giving it that bright, poppy edge.

Step 3: Add a Little Flair with Ornamentation

Pop is full of riffs, runs, and little vocal flips that make a melody feel more expressive and real.

You don’t need to go full Mariah Carey here. Start simple—try sliding between two notes with control and ease. Think Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo. It’s not about showing off; it’s about adding just enough texture to make your performance feel current and emotionally connected.

Play Around. Make It Yours.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for sounding more pop. The goal isn’t to imitate someone else—it’s to experiment with different tools until you find a version that feels natural and fun for you.

Try out some riffs. Loosen up your vibrato. Smile a little more when you sing. Each adjustment helps you find your way into the style while keeping your own vocal flavor front and center.

Want More Help?

If you're ready to dive deeper into riffs, runs, tone shaping, and performance skills, the Passionate Performer Program is packed with step-by-step modules to help you grow your voice and your confidence on stage. CLICK HERE to learn more.

And hey, if this post gave you an “aha!” moment, I’d love to hear about it. Share it with a singer friend, tag me on socials, or leave a review. I love cheering you on.

Happy singing!