The Ultimate Modern Power Ballad
"Never Enough" is the vocal centerpiece of the 2017 blockbuster The Greatest Showman. While actress Rebecca Ferguson performed the song on screen, the staggering vocals were actually recorded by Loren Allred. This song is a definitive test of stamina, breath control, and belting technique.
Unlike many pop songs that stay within a comfortable octave, "Never Enough" demands a solid chest voice in the verses and an effortless, sustained belt in the chorus. If you don't pace yourself, you will run out of air before the final climax. Let's break down the strategy.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Airflow
The most common mistake is over-singing the verses. The AI detects that singers who start too loudly often go flat in the chorus due to fatigue. Keep the verses (0:00 - 0:45) at a whisper-like volume to save energy.
Phase 1: The Breath Control (0:00 - 0:52)
The song begins in Ab Major. The opening lines ("I'm trying to hold my breath...") sit low in the range (around G3/Ab3). You need a mix of breath and tone here.
The Trap: Because the notes are low, singers tend to push their chin down, which constricts the throat. Keep your head level and think of the sound vibrating in your chest, but keep it light and airy.
Phase 2: The Chorus Belt (0:52 - 1:45)
The energy shifts massively here. As you hit "All the shine of a thousand spotlights," you need to access your mix-belt. The notes hover around C5 and Db5.
- Open Vowels: Modify the vowel sounds. "Shine" should sound more like "Shahn" and "Find" like "Fahn". This drops the jaw and creates more space for resonance.
- Support: Engage your core muscles *before* you sing the note, not during.
- Placement: Aim the sound forward, towards your nose and teeth ("the mask"), to get that piercing brightness without straining your vocal cords.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:40 - End)
The final section is where the song separates the amateurs from the pros. The repeated "For me" lines require sustaining high notes while doing vocal runs.
The final big note is a sustained belt that requires absolute commitment. Do not shy away from it. Use the "cry" technique (a slight whimper sound) to help thin out the vocal folds so you can hit the pitch comfortably without yelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a Db5, which is sustained with great power. However, the ad-libs and runs in the final chorus touch up to an F5.
It is very challenging. We recommend beginners start with the verses to master the lower register before attempting the full belts in the chorus. Use the app to transpose the key down -2 or -3 semitones initially.
Loren Allred provided the singing voice for the character Jenny Lind in the movie. She has since gained worldwide recognition for this specific performance.
