Some of the most incredible voices in history never got the breakthrough into superstardom that they deserved. The following three vocalists, even though they are objectively talented, just haven’t sold as many records as they should have. I’m sure a pro in the industry could explain why, but I’m still mad about it. These great voices deserved so much better. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Videos by American Songwriter
Taylor Hicks
You might remember Taylor Hicks as the superstar singer who won the fifth season of American Idol back in 2006. His win wasn’t particularly controversial, either. He is a really amazing singer, with an ability to harness soul, blues, and rock like it’s easy. And after winning Idol, he basically disappeared.
So, what happened? After winning Idol, Hicks signed a contract with Simon Fuller’s label. His debut single “Do I Make You Proud” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But after that release, none of his singles cracked the Top 60 on that chart. He only released three studio albums in the 2000s before essentially giving up.
Javier Colon
This famed winner of the first season of The Voice should have enjoyed a powerhouse career. Following his 2011 win, he signed a contract with Universal, though he would leave the label in 2012. He left because his latest album at the time, Come Through For You, allegedly didn’t get any support from his label.
“I went into it with high hopes, as I believe everyone did,” Colon said of the situation. “But when you pour your heart and soul into a new album that you think is really great, and your label who is supposed to support, market and promote your music does neither, it’s really hard not to be upset.”
Faith Evans
I’m still mad about this one. Faith Evans has one of the most beautiful voices in R&B. Her first four albums in the 1990s through the early 2000s were amazing. They did fairly well, too; her first two went Platinum and her second two went Gold. I don’t understand how someone like her could be so underrated and overshadowed in the industry.
Faithfully, despite being a legendary album of the early aughts, didn’t even crack one million sales by 2005. No matter what, though, Evans is still at the top of the list of great voices in R&B, in my opinion.
Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.