The Anthem of Self-Acceptance
From the hit musical The Greatest Showman, "This Is Me" is more than just a song; it's a declaration. Performed by Keala Settle (as the Bearded Lady, Lettie Lutz), the song demands vulnerability in the verses and unshakeable power in the choruses. It won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for a reason.
To sing this correctly, you must master the art of the "healthy belt." If you shout this song, you will fatigue within the first two minutes. Let's break down the vocal roadmap.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
When belting the high D5 on "This Is Me," do not spread your mouth wide like a smile. Drop your jaw vertically. Modulate the "E" vowel slightly towards an "Eh" sound to keep the throat open and reduce tension.
Phase 1: The Vulnerable Verse (0:00 - 0:45)
The song starts in a low, conversational register (around F#3). "I am not a stranger to the dark." Do not push here. Use a breathy, chest-dominant tone to convey the hesitation and pain of the character.
The Trap: Many singers start too loud. Keep it mezzo-piano. You need to save your air for what is coming later.
Phase 2: The Build (0:45 - 1:15)
The pre-chorus "And I know that I deserve your love" is where the energy shifts. You must transition from that quiet chest voice into a forward-placed mix. This section builds tension. Focus on crisp diction, particularly on the consonants, to drive the rhythm forward.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (1:15 - 1:50)
This is the release. The key is D Major, and the melody sits high in the chest/mix register. The line "When the sharpest words wanna cut me down" requires significant breath support.
- Support: Engage your core muscles before you start the phrase.
- Placement: Think of "calling out" to someone across the street, rather than screaming. This keeps the resonance in the mask of the face.
- Attitude: The AI scores highly on dynamic contrast here. If you don't commit emotionally, the pitch may be perfect, but the score will be lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main belted note in the chorus is a D5. There are ad-libs in the final chorus that can reach higher depending on the arrangement, but D5 is the target note.
You must use "twang" and proper breath support. Do not squeeze your throat. If you feel tickling or pain, stop immediately and rest. Practice the chorus in head voice first, then slowly add chest resonance.
Yes, but the low verses (F#3) might be quiet. You may need to focus on strengthening your lower chest register to make the beginning audible.
