The Art of the "Happy" Belt
"I'm Alive" is a masterclass in controlled energy. Released in 2002 for the album A New Day Has Come (and notably featured in Stuart Little 2), this song demands joy, power, and incredible breath management. Unlike many ballads, there is no time to rest here.
The song sits firmly in a bright major key and relies on Celine's signature nasal resonance to cut through the upbeat production. To sing this effectively, you must balance facial expression (keep smiling to brighten the tone) with deep diaphragmatic support.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
The phrases in the chorus are long and high. Our data shows users run out of air before the phrase ends. Practice taking quick, silent "sips" of air through your mouth during the short rests in the verses.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:00 - 0:45)
The verses ("I get wings to fly...") sit in a comfortable mid-range (G#3 - B4). The goal here is clarity and storytelling. Avoid getting too heavy or "chesty" too soon. Keep your placement forward, buzzing in the mask of your face.
The Trap: Dropping the energy. The tempo is driving, so your diction must be crisp. Consonants should be sharp, but vowels must remain open.
Phase 2: The Chorus (0:45 - 1:15)
This is where the stamina test begins. The lines "When you call on me, when I hear you breathe" require sustained belting around C#5 and B4.
- Placement: Think of sending the sound out of your nose and forehead. This "twang" reduces the strain on your vocal cords.
- Vibrato: Celine uses a delayed vibrato here—straight tone for the first half of the note, then vibrato at the end. The AI Coach tracks this stylistic nuance.
- Volume: Do not push for maximum volume. Let the resonance provide the volume, not air pressure.
Phase 3: The Ad-Libs & Outro
Toward the end of the song, Celine unleashes high ad-libs reaching up to E5. These should feel free and ecstatic. If you feel tightness in your throat, switch to a head-dominant mix rather than forcing pure chest voice. The song is about being "Alive"—it shouldn't sound painful!
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is an E5 found in the ad-libs towards the end. The main melody hovers around C#5.
It is challenging due to the continuous high energy and range. We recommend transposing it down -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app if you are just starting to learn belting.
Cardio! But vocally, focus on "support" rather than taking massive breaths. Engaging your core allows you to use less air more efficiently for those long notes.
