The Gravity-Defying Duet
Performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya in the hit movie The Greatest Showman, "Rewrite the Stars" is more than just a love song; it's an aerial acrobatic act in audio form. The song is characterized by its driving percussion, syncopated verses, and soaring, explosive choruses.
Singing this track requires you to balance two distinct characters. Zac's part is grounded, rhythmic, and pleading, while Zendaya’s part is lofty, resistant, and eventually triumphant. To score well, you must master the dynamic shift from the conversational verses to the full-belt chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Syncopation
In the verses, phrases like "You know I want you" land on off-beats. Beginners often drag the tempo here. Keep your diction crisp and slightly ahead of the beat to maintain the song's momentum.
Phase 1: The Verses (Zac & Zendaya)
The song starts in Bb Major with a pulsing eighth-note rhythm. Zac's opening verse sits comfortably in a mid-range. The key here is breath control. The phrases are wordy ("You know I want you / It's not a secret I try to hide").
The Trap: Running out of air before the end of the line. Practice taking quick, "sipping" breaths at punctuation marks so you don't break the flow of the melody.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
This is where the energy explodes. The line "No one can say what we get to be" requires a strong chest-mix. The vowels in this line (Say, Get, Be) can be narrow, which makes belting harder.
- Modification: Try modifying "Say" towards "Seh" and "Be" towards "Bih" slightly to open the throat.
- Dynamics: Don't start the chorus at 100% volume. Save your loudest volume for the final repetition to create an emotional arc.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Harmonies
The bridge ("How do we rewrite the stars?") builds tension with overlapping lines. If you are singing Zendaya's part, you will be exploring your upper belt/mix up to an Eb5. If you are singing Zac's part, you provide the harmonic foundation.
To nail the harmony, listen for the interval distance. The AI Coach app allows you to isolate the vocal tracks so you can practice your part against the instrumental without getting distracted by the other singer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zendaya belts a powerful Eb5 during the climax of the song. Zac Efron's part reaches up to a G#4/Ab4 in the harmonies.
Yes, but you will need to choose a melody line during the overlapping sections. The app highlights the dominant melody to help you stay on track.
Ensure you are supporting from your diaphragm and not squeezing your throat. Use a "mix voice" (blending chest and head resonance) rather than pulling your chest voice up too high.
