Top 10 Best Singers for Singing High Notes

If you're a fan of music, you know that hitting high notes can be a real challenge for singers. But when they do it right, it can be absolutely breathtaking.

From pop stars to opera singers, we've compiled a list of the best vocalists in the business who can hit those high notes with ease. These singers have not only wowed us with their impressive range but also with their ability to convey raw emotion through their music.

So whether you're looking for a power ballad to belt out in the shower or a stunning performance to bring you to tears, these talented artists have got you covered.

The Top Ten

David Phelps

David Norris Phelps is an American Christian music vocalist, songwriter, and vocal arranger. He is best known for singing tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band. Phelps is widely respected for his vocal range and has also released several solo albums showcasing his talents.

David has the clearest voice no matter what tone he is singing. I got used to hearing him sing with the Gaithers and then I got a chance to go on a cruise with them for 10 whole days. It was marvelous!
After supper each night, they all put on a show. Only half of the people could go because the room was too small. Thus, every other night, I was able to hear a 2-hour program of David and all the rest of the singers. One night, we clapped so long that they gave us two more songs. I would stand in line if I had to, to vote for David!

New fan of David Phelps, but he truly blows me away with his vocals, a very hard thing to do because I have a background in music and have heard it all, from ear-cringing to glorious, and David Phelps is definitely the latter.
He clearly has a great talent and is using it for God's work, whereas so many do not. Even in college, he took a stand on this when they were pushing him toward opera or classical, and I respect that about him.
Dimash Kudaibergen

Dinmukhamed Kanatuly Kudaibergenov, commonly known as Dimash Kudaibergen, was born on May 24, 1994. He is a Kazakh singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
He gained international recognition as a contestant on the Chinese talent show Singer 2017, where he finished as the runner-up. Dimash... read more

He has a fantastic voice with an incredible range of 5 octaves, F2 - G7. His voice is flexible, strong, young, and very beautiful. When he sings, his heart sinks and goosebumps arise. He freely passes from the range to the Liapashchon. In the same song, he can sing like a baritone, a tenor, and a soprano.
He is an excellent actor, and each of his songs is a performance. Dimash is also a very handsome guy with the appearance of a model.

Dimash is a one-of-a-kind singer that you will ever meet and hear. He has an angelic voice and can hit both very low and super high notes. He can do everything and anything with his voice, singing in 12 different languages.
He is superb in singing, not just using his voice, but also putting his heart and soul into the music. You can feel it right away. He is a very good storyteller. Even if you don't know the language or understand what he is singing, you will feel like you understand the song very well.
I love seeing how he is always down to earth and has a humble personality, showing great respect for the people around him and his dear fans. I love his voice so much that I want to hear him sing every day. Thanks to him, I can now sing in different languages.
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... read more

It's Mariah Carey! Come on! Her high notes, among everything else about her, are legendary! You talk about high notes, you talk about Mariah Carey. It's self-explanatory.
It's not even about opinion here. It's a FACT that you either sing higher notes than other singers (such as those listed here) or you don't, and Mariah? She does! This cannot be disputed. And she delivers them flawlessly. Personal opinion means nothing when the facts are undeniable.

Mariah sings the highest notes and we all know it. She's a beautiful singer and I can't get "Emotions" out of my head. I also love Ariana, Demi, and Michael, but I haven't heard them sing as high as Mariah.
Not just that, Mariah rocks the low notes as well! The whistle note is hard for anyone to master, especially adults. In my opinion, she sounds like an angel, even the whistle notes though they're annoying (and astonishing for you haters)! Go Mariah!
Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

Absolutely amazing, god-hood singer. She was on another level compared to other vocalists in every aspect and way possible when it comes to singing. She had a natural range that's big and strong. No other artist has shown, not only the perplexing agility she possessed (almost bird-like), but the sheer range and control she "naturally" possessed in her chest voice without much effort.
Really, I've never heard anyone able to take their chest voice up as high as she demonstrates consecutively, song after song in her hits and especially live performances with no hint of struggle. Her head voice is the most beautiful and focused I've ever heard in pop music. And this was all in her golden years.
Jackie Evancho

Jacqueline Marie "Jackie" Evancho is an American classical crossover singer who gained wide recognition at an early age. Since 2009, she has issued an EP and eight albums, including a platinum and gold album, and three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts. Evancho's latest album, The Debut, was her eighth consecutive... read more

When this angelic young lady uses her God-given voice of an angel to soar into her high-pitched stratosphere, it can take your breath away and even bring tears. Jackie's perfect tone and intonation truly make you feel you're hearing a song descending from heaven!

It's not the quantity of high notes that Jackie sings - it's the quality. Smooth, strong transitions from low to high and back again. Listen to her sing "Lovers" or "Think of Me." Majestic, sweet, rich, and buttery tones prevail in all of Jackie's songs.
Celine Dion

Céline Marie Claudette Dion is a Canadian singer and businesswoman. She's best known for "My Heart Will Go On," the theme song of the 1997 film Titanic, which was the first film in history to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

I don't even know why she's #3 and not #1. This upsets me. Celine should be nicknamed the goddess of song. She has not a sour note in her body. She pierces the galaxy and makes bright red roses rise from the bone-dry concrete. I consider it more than disrespectful not to put her as number one.

For sure, Celine rules this! She can hit her high notes softly, powerfully, airily... She can reach her high notes with her pure, talented voice! That's why her voice can sing everything (pop, rock, ballad, R&B, soul, reggae, opera, yodel...!). It's beautiful all the way!
Zayn Malik

Zain Javadd Malik, born on January 12, 1993, and known mononymously as ZAYN, is a British singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Bradford, he pursued a music career from a young age, leading him to audition as a solo artist for the British television music competition The X Factor in 2010. After leaving... read more

Look, I am a guy, and 1D music isn't what I listen to. I still don't like their music, but this kid is one hell of a singer. My sister was the one who changed my mind when she showed me his live vocal performances and the stuff he did in their new album, Midnight Memories. I was impressed by the wide vocal range this kid has. He can easily hit any low or high note. He is particularly good at highs, and his highest note is an A5. That is something special for a man.
He is basically an R&B/soul version of Adam Lambert, and he is still developing. I just didn't get how he was put in a band rather than going through as a solo artist. This surprised me, and I did some research because I needed to know for my own curiosity as I became a new fan of his. What I found out was that he was really shy and nervous during his X Factor days and didn't really have the drive to pursue a music career. His mom basically dragged him to the X Factor auditions. Also, he just wanted to know if he could sing because he never sang in front of an audience. When all three judges said yes at the audition, he had accomplished what he went there for and was ready to leave. That's why you don't see him crying or showing any sadness when he didn't make it through. He just had problems with his nerves, and that's why he is stuck with that pop junk of a band rather than being a solo R&B artist that he wanted to become.
If anyone wants to check him out, you should just type ZAYN BEST VOCALS, and you will see a lot of videos. Also, check these songs out in particular: Best Song Ever, Happily (Acoustic), You and I, Last First Kiss (live), and Moments (live version). These are just some of the songs where he does his high and low notes. I just don't like how he is wasting his talent on these songs.
Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibari‑born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range.... read more

A lot of people consider Freddie to be the greatest singer that ever lived. One thing when discussing his vocal talent that people seem not to bring up enough is his velvety, soft falsetto that is unlike anything else in rock (or any other genre for that matter).

I honestly don't know how Freddie is so low on the scale. He should be number one. I bet I'm going to get people saying, "Oh, you're just old! Get with the times." I'm only 14, and I know he is amazing and deserving of the number one spot.

Freddie Mercury is as talented as it can get. He's legendary. His music is made with so much dedication, and his voice is simply outstanding.
Adam Lambert

Adam Mitchel Lambert (born January 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, and stage actor. He rose to prominence as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009. Since then, he has sold over 2.5 million albums and five million singles worldwide.

Adam has a phenomenal voice! His vocal range is insane, and he can sing notes that other singers don't even know exist! Adam should definitely be in the Top 5. There are others higher up on this list because Adam's fans don't know about this poll, not because the other singers can sing higher!
The best thing about his singing is that it is so clear and crisp! He makes you want to keep listening, and you never want him to stop! Adam is the best! Both Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen say that he's "one in a billion" and "a gift from God"! That's why Adam is currently touring with Queen all over the world and has been for the past 6+ years at their invitation! That sounds like a great endorsement to me!
Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande‑Butera (born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her four‑octave vocal range has earned widespread critical praise, and her personal life continues to attract significant media attention. She has received numerous honors, including two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award... read more

Ariana Grande is the best singer in the world. I'm not just saying this, but she can sing so high, like in her song Breathin'. Ari is also the prettiest female on Earth right now, and I wish she could read this. My favorite album of hers is Thank U, Next.
I wish I looked like her and could sing like her. I don't understand why people hate her because I love everything about her. She's the best actress. I always look at her Facebook to see what she uploads. Love her style. Wish more people could like her. Please vote for her, and if you think this is true, please like.
-your babes-

Ariana is no Mariah. They are both talented and have ridiculously amazing voices, and in my opinion, only people who have no idea about music and vocals think they sound alike.
The only time Ari sounded like Mariah was in the whistles of her cover of Emotions, and only the whistles. People should really accept the fact that Ari is proving to be the voice of our time.

The Newcomers

?
K.S. Chithra

Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

She's very talented. She's my EVERYTHING. I would die for her. I love her and admire her always.
She was born with the gift of singing truly amazingly. I would recommend her songs to everyone worldwide. I would kill to meet her and die to greet her. She's my all-time favorite and will forever be.
I love her every move and every song.

One of the best voices there ever was. She's not screeching or just trying to hit high notes. She sings them with perfection and grace, like a goddess.

There may be singers out there who can hit higher notes, but she has an amazing and unique voice that sounds great throughout.
I love the way she performs her songs and her technique. Other newer singers tend to exaggerate the high notes and perform poorly in the mid/low range.
?
Jeff Stinco

I have been thinking this for a long time but wasn't really sure how to express it, as I don't know much about how Jeff Stinco can hit such high notes. I think I remember someone mentioning that he hit a Db4 while singing the lyrics "I'm not the only one you've got to lose" in the final bridge of that song. I don't know how that happened, but I was thinking about it.
It's really hard to describe, but just listening to a Jeff Stinco song and hearing his vocals, you can grasp the mood of the song without even thinking about the vocal range. There have been a lot of songs I've understood just by listening to his voice and the emotion he conveys - without needing to read the lyrics.
In my opinion, he's an underrated artist and should be number one. I listened to that David guy last week, and honestly, he didn't sound good. Having high notes shouldn't be a determining factor for Jeff Stinco, especially since some of his songs don't even suit having high notes.
No offense, but that's a real reason I love Jeff Stinco. His voice and high notes feel natural. I believe he's a tenor-baritone. Please vote him up higher. He really deserves it.

The Contenders

Christina Aguilera

Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants," and she later showcased her vocal power in songs like "Beautiful" and "Hurt." Throughout her career, she's explored a range of... read more

Xtina is the queen! Anastasia could never beat her. Mariah is my second favorite, but neither artist could compare to my lovely, beautiful Christina Aguilera! I've loved her since I was seven, and my love for her has stayed with me as life goes on.
She is a phenomenon, a generation of music itself. Christina can sing anything. An angel is not enough to describe her voice. Some people hate her rasp, but I think it just makes her sound even more powerful. My dream is to meet her and/or do a duet with her.
She's my idol, a very strong voice. Christina, I know you're probably not reading this, but if you are, I love you, and you are my favorite, my inspiration. I will stand by you till the end of time, support you. I believe you are better than Whitney, Celine, Mariah, and Martina combined. Your voice is so soulful and amazing. It makes the hair on my spine prickle and stand erect. Team Xtina forever, you superb 4-octave singer! ~Jenna
Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

Are you serious, guys? Michael Jackson was able to sing over 4 scales. He had a powerful voice and also a very smooth one, but mostly he could sing notes even female singers could barely reach. He was a legend.

MJ should be #1 considering Freddie isn't that good live (he was the best in the studio), and Plant lost his voice kinda early. Why bother. Most guys today wouldn't know a legend.

Michael Jackson is the king of pop, and he still had that child's voice in his adulthood. He should definitely be on this list.
PS, I can't get high notes like him, and I'm 13.
Brendon Urie

Brendon Boyd Urie, more commonly known as Brendon Urie, was born April 12, 1987, in St. George, Utah. He is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist. He became best known as the lead singer of the pop-rock band Panic! at the Disco and was its only constant member until the... read more

His theatrical voice is to die for! He has a spectacular range for a male voice and is an extremely versatile singer (as is his band, Panic! At The Disco). He always impresses with the new music he performs.
I heard him live this past summer at a free concert in my hometown, and it may have been hands down the greatest show I ever saw. This man's voice is truly magical. Just listen to his music - it speaks for itself.

He has, like, the widest vocal range of anyone I know. At first, I listened to his song and I was like, "Well, that was a cool high note." Then I listened to his other songs, not only his songs but the songs he covers, like 'Dream On', and I was like, "DUDE, what?"
I watched his Vines, from the hardcore rock voice to the low deep voice, the normal voice, the high notes, and the 'melodic scream'. I'm stunned. This guy is wow. Not only is he good at high notes, but he can also do the low note, a deep low note.
King Diamond

Kim Bendix Petersen, better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Danish heavy metal musician. He is known for his extensive vocal range, usually sung in falsetto. King Diamond was originally known as the vocalist for Mercyful Fate but has become renowned for his horror-themed concept albums released... read more

No one can touch the King. Ariana Grande is a horrible singer who uses auto-tune, and it is completely invalid to have her on the list. King's singing voice is his natural voice.
Rob Halford is also really good (this is highlighted in the song "Painkiller"), but not quite as amazing as King Diamond.

Let's get this straight. When it comes to high notes, no one sings higher than King Diamond. Harry Styles and Ariana Grande use auto-tune and should be disqualified instantly. King Diamond is the true falsetto master.
Leona Lewis

Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer, songwriter, and animal welfare campaigner. She was born and raised in the London Borough of Islington, London, England, where she attended the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. She rose to fame after winning the third series of The X Factor in 2006... read more

Actually, Leona can sing higher and stronger than Lea Michele (the little baby with a fat face who steals songs and has no creativity to come up with her own), and she possesses a superb four-octave range! Leona is a phenomenon.
No, her voice is not as strong as Whitney's or Christina's, but her voice is purer in general than Mariah Carey's. Besides, Mariah is starting to lose her voice. Did anyone hear her song "Migrate" where she sounded like a Spanish Nicki Minaj, rapping trashily with T-Pain?
Hands down, Leona is the most gifted high-notes singer besides Minnie, Deniece, and Debelah. But her voice is stronger than all of these women.
Celine, Whitney, and Christina have more powerful voices, but they just don't have the same range as Leona and Minnie.
Sissel Kyrkjebø

Sissel deserves a comment here. After I heard her sing, everyone else went into the background. Her voice is crystal clear, and her range is outstanding. She is the ultimate crossover singer, from the Beatles to opera to country to folk to pop to classical to gospel.
Not only does she have an amazing voice, but she looks like she enjoys singing. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but for me, Sissel is #1 and always will be. She is also outstanding in duets and is great at harmonizing as well as taking the lead. I don't bother to compare her to other singers because I have, and for me, she is always my favorite.

From the first time I heard Sissel, I was a fan. I never get tired of hearing her sing. Her voice is crystal clear. When she sings, she doesn't strain to hit the high notes. She looks so relaxed and happy to be singing. She is the ultimate crossover from folk to pop to classical to country to opera to gospel to rock. She's better known in her country of Norway but has fans all over the world.
I won't compare her to others on this list because everyone has his or her opinion. For me, she is always the best. If you aren't familiar with her singing, check out her version of Over the Rainbow, Shenandoah, Climb Every Mountain, and To God Be the Glory. She also sang the musical score for Titanic.
Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister.... read more
Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more

One of the best male falsetto singers.
Hayley Westenra

Hayley Dee Westenra (born April 1, 1987) is a New Zealand singer known for her work in the classical crossover genre. She is also a songwriter and has served as a UNICEF Ambassador. Westenra gained international recognition with her debut album Pure, which became one of the fastest-selling international... read more

I hope she can sing "Can Somebody Tell Me Who I Am" from Disney's Dinosaur as a cover song.
Rob Halford

Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford (born August 25, 1951) is an English singer and songwriter. He co-founded the heavy metal band Judas Priest in 1969 and has served as its lead vocalist throughout most of its history. Halford is often called the "Metal God" and is celebrated for his powerful, wide-ranging... read more

Unlike many (but not everyone) on this list, he actually sings high notes, not singing and then digitally changing the pitch. Listen to Painkiller and Dreamer Deceiver by Judas Priest to hear what a REAL singer sounds like.
His vocals now are not as good as they were when he was younger, but that's because his voice has aged, and he refuses to cheat his fans out of a real, 100% LIVE performance. And plus, the fact that he can still do what he can do now is insane for a man his age.

Why is the metal god not on this list? He has some of the most epic screams in the history of music. Examples: Victim of Changes, Dreamer Deceiver, Painkiller, Blood Red Skies, Dissident Aggressor, Beyond The Realms Of Death, The Ripper, etc. He should at least be in the top 3.
Mary-Jess Leaverland
Amy Lee

Amy Lee, born Amy Lynn Hartzler, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with their 2003 hit Bring Me to Life.... read more

She is, in my opinion, the best female rock vocalist. She can hit high and low notes. Her songs have so much meaning to them, and she uses a lot of emotion in her voice.

I love Amy Lee! Great voice and a beautiful face!

Such an angelic voice, try Hello.
Minnie Riperton

Minnie Julia Riperton (November 8, 1947 - July 12, 1979) was an American soul singer and songwriter best known for her 1974 single "Lovin' You," her five-octave vocal range, and her use of the whistle register.

Minnie's passing at such an early age was a terrible tragedy, not only for her family and friends but for the world! Her voice was so smooth, clear, and beautiful, and her high notes took us into another stratosphere. As fans, we can only be thankful that she shared her talent with us in the short time she was here on planet Earth.

This poll is inaccurate mainly because Minnie Riperton should obviously be #1 in this category. There was no singer ever who hit higher notes or had a wider range than Minnie Riperton (5-7 octaves). Not only does she have approximately 2-3 more octaves than Mariah, but she hits higher notes than her and everybody on this list... with ease! And she does it live!
She also quite obviously hits higher notes than Zayn, but she also hits lower notes than him as well. Honestly, Minnie Riperton is #1 in the category. I'm sure the other singers on this list would hands-down agree as well.
Layne Staley

Layne Thomas Staley was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which he founded with guitarist Jerry Cantrell in Seattle, Washington, in 1987. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s.... read more

Seriously, this guy should be called the King of Soul. I've never heard anyone, not even a jazz or soul singer, sing as soulfully as Staley. That, combined with his raw vocal power, is worth the number 1 spot. His chest voice was huge, and his unique vibrato started a legion of imitators. I don't know why he and Whitney Houston are in the lower spots. Maybe that's why music sucks these days.

I cannot believe Layne is at No. 20. He should have topped the list. Listen to Love, Hate, Love and compare that with any song by Mariah Carey.
Sumi Jo