Do backing singers have better voices than the lead vocal???

[puddicat]

sometimes the backing vocals are so much better than the so called singer that they are backing ???

[jen78]

Can't think of a particular example but when I went to see Kylie live in concert, I found myself watching her fantastic dancers far more than her.

[sara3]

the only backing singer I know of who became famous in her own right was Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction), who was a backing singer for Alison Moyet. I'm not saying she was better, but she was obviously good. there must be lots of talent out there. I wish I could sing!

[matt1e]

some become famous in their own right
Rita coolidge (backing singer for eric clapton and joe cocker) * whitney Houston
* Mariah Carey
* Luther Vandross
* Melissa Manchester
* Patti LaBelle
* The Pointer Sisters
* Cher
* Glen Campbell
* Marc Anthony
* Minnie Riperton
* Deniece Williams
* Patti Austin
* Anita Baker
* Linda Ronstadt
* Laura Branigan
* Donna Summer
* Madonna
* Dionne Warwick
* Phyllis Hyman
* Chaka Khan
* Florence Ballard
* Mary Wilson
* Marvin Gaye
* Elton John
* Bette Midler
* Brian Wilson
* Joe Hahn

[Shalane]

yes this can sometimes be true. Backing singers can often hold up a singer. Backing singers are often used when the main vocal is quite weak. For instance- Diana Ross and the supremes. It was a well known fact that Diana Ross did not have a very strong voice and she was never intended to be solo. Also backing singers specialize in harmonies, which not all lead vocalists are very good at.