backup vocalist
Behind the lead
A backup vocalist is a singer who supports the lead performer, providing harmonies, echoes, or vocal textures rather than carrying the main melody.
Backup vocalists may sing alone or in groups, often choreographing their movements together: The backup vocalists swayed in unison behind the star.
Also called backup singer or background vocalist.
Creating musical agreement
- backingAid or sponsorship
- singingVocal music-making
- microphoneAudio input device
- stageRaised performance platform
concert · gig · tour · rehearsal · soundcheck · setlist · live show · spotlight
Bring into agreement
- blendCombine into mixture
- thirdsOne of three parts
- fifths750ml spirit bottles
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
octave · polyphony · barbershop · interval · chord · unison · descant · obbligato
To uphold or sustain
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- substituteReplacement for another
- reserveSupply kept back
featured · uncredited · anonymous · behind the scenes · unsung · secondary · sideman · hired gun
Organized group of singers
- groupAssembled collection of things
- quartetEnsemble of four
- trioGroup of three
- doo-wopFifties vocal harmony genre
gospel choir · backing band · girl group · boy band · Motown · Supremes
harmonizing
Creating musical agreement
- backingAid or sponsorship
- singingVocal music-making
- microphoneAudio input device
stage · concert · gig · tour · rehearsal · soundcheck · setlist · live show · spotlight · arena
harmonize
Bring into agreement
counterpoint · octave · polyphony · barbershop · interval · chord · unison · descant · obbligato · call and response
support
To uphold or sustain
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- substituteReplacement for another
reserve · featured · uncredited · anonymous · behind the scenes · unsung · secondary · sideman · hired gun · session work
choir
Organized group of singers
doo-wop · gospel choir · backing band · girl group · boy band · Motown · Supremes
- musicianspianist, guitarist, electric guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter
backup vocalistlead vocalist
Primary singer in group
lead singer · frontman · frontwoman · frontperson · soloist
backup vocalistlead
Dense metal, symbol Pb
principal · top billing · headliner · marquee name · center stage
backup, back, vocalist, vocal, vocalize, vocalization, vocally, vocalise, vocalisation