Okay, let’s get down to business. So I’m sure we all classify the singers in our playlists as artists. And yeah, I guess you can say that’s what they are. But artist is such a broad term you know, which works well for generalizing roles in the industry. However, after the last post, it got me thinking and discussing with an industry friend and a co-worker that there are, I feel, at least sub-categories for different artists or those who are artists. (As a reminder, the word artist is very broad, and this is my own opinion.) My friend and I were discussing the different categories/ roles, and this is what we came up with.

Artist

When I think of artists in the industry, I think of songwriters, producers, and composers. A relevant example of this is someone everyone knows, Taylor Swift. Now you don’t have to like Taylor Swift to see that her writing is raw and impactful. I am not a Swiftie (and that’ll probably bite me later in my career lol), but I will say she has a way with words and her lyricism is a chef’s kiss. Now I’m sure we can also agree that Ed Sheeran could fall under this category as well, no crazy vocals, but impactful and emotional lyrics that evoke a warm sense of nostalgia in all of us.

Performer

Now, with performers, their number one thing is to entertain, to put on a show. I automatically think of Britney Spears. She is best known for her iconic choreographies, music videos, and performances– MTV, anyone?  And before you come for me, I’m not saying she doesn’t have good vocals because that signature raspiness in her voice is something we all love, but I think you could agree that Britney was definitely more of a performer. A more current example would be Tate McRae, who blends choreography with modern pop production, making her performances as much about the visuals and movement as the music itself.

Vocalist

Vocalists, their strength lies foremost in their voice. Their artistry is anchored in their vocal ability. A perfect example is Whitney Houston. Her voice could cut through any production, carrying a song without elaborate staging or heavy visual elements. Even a simple mic stand and spotlight were enough for her to captivate an audience and even make them shed a tear (Literally me). Another icon that comes to mind is Celine Dion. Celine also captivates her audiences, holding those insanely long notes perfectly, leaving audiences in awe. 

So now that I’ve classified these categories, not all people in the industry fall under just one. There can be a mix, and to keep things short and sweet, I’ll highlight a few people regarding this.

Billie Eilish- The Artist/ Vocalist

Billie is a great example of a mix between artist and vocalist. She co-writes and produces her music with her brother Finneas, giving her work a signature sound that feels intimate and intentional. Vocally, Billie has a soft, controlled style that’s instantly recognizable #whispervocals (which are very hard to control, might I add), leaning on tone and emotion over sheer power. While she does perform live, her shows focus more on atmosphere and mood than elaborate choreography or visual entertainment, captivating her audience with her raw vocals and emotional lyricism. 

Ariana Grande – The Vocalist/Performer

Ariana Grande is a prime example of someone who thrives as both a vocalist and performer. Her vocals are insane. She’s known for her impressive range, whistle notes, and effortless riffs, which are incredible. At the same time, Ariana’s tours and performances show her skill as a performer. Balancing choreography and strong visuals without sacrificing vocal quality proves this point exactly. God is a Woman immediately comes to mind, literally such an iconic performance. All in all, her vocals manage to leave you in awe while still delivering a visually engaging show.

Beyoncé – All of the Above Icon

Then there’s Beyoncé, a rare example of someone who fully embodies all three roles equally. She’s an artist, writing and co-producing her music while shaping entire album concepts from visuals to themes. She’s a performer, with her top-tier live shows and insane choreography, staging, and precision. And she’s a vocalist, delivering powerhouse range, flawless control, and emotional depth. Beyoncé’s ability to master all these roles is part of what’s made her one of the most respected and influential figures in music. 

At the end of the day, each of these roles brings something essential to the music world. Artists build the emotional blueprint, performers turn stages into immersive experiences, and vocalists remind us that sometimes all it takes is a single, flawless note to move millions. Many people fall into more than one category, and that’s where the magic really happens, but understanding these distinctions can give us a deeper appreciation for the different ways music moves us. Shout out to Adanna for yapping with me about this, and congrats on USC!

Thanks so much for reading, I appreciate you <3

-Elise