15 Singers That Don’t Use Autotune

Auto-Tune is a pitch corrector and is incredibly popular in the world today, and some say that it’s often used far too much in pop music (particularly when used in uncreative ways just to clean up pitch imperfections). However, there are plenty of quality singers out there that don’t use Autotune when singing live!

Note: Just because many of the singers below generally don’t use Autotune for live performances, it’s very much industry standard to use tools like Melodyne for vocal correction in studio recordings. Some of these singers use pitch correction for their studio releases.

Let’s look at some in more detail.

1. Beyoncé

Beyoncé is known for her powerful voice and her strong stage presence. She has won numerous awards, including 20 Grammy Awards. Not many can argue that she is one of the greatest performers of our time. Her voice is unique and her style is unmatched.

Beyoncé has been strict when it comes to Auto-Tune and stands by that she does not use it! This is certainly believable just as soon as you see one of her live performances.

2. Pink

Pink is also an amazing singer. Her vocal range is truly amazing as well as her ability to connect with her fans. She is always putting on great concerts and her albums are always full of amazing tracks.

It’s no wonder that Pink is one of the most successful artists in the world. She has worked hard for everything she has achieved and continues to do so. Her huge success can also be credited to her genuine voice and sound, with no Auto-Tune included.

She sings without the use of pitch correctors and you can see that in her live performances when she simply pours out her soul singing. This just goes to show that genuine voices and singers still exist and she is one of them.

3. Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is another name that has stood the test of time and is still, to this day, an active artist and genuinely good singer. She’s been in the music industry for a long time now, having won 3 Grammy Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, and a slew of other awards.

There is no denying her singing credentials as she is involved in multiple live shows (not just concerts) where she displays her vocal abilities quite often! You can see that there are no effects and additional help there.

Kelly Clarkson is a bonafide quality singer that has earned her spot on this list, not only because she does not use Auto-Tune but because of her incredible voice overall!

4. Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is currently one of the best and biggest names in the industry, with his incredible activity and output regarding new material and live shows! How can you argue against the great Bruno Mars, from shows like the Sting tribute to almost all of his live shows?

With the catchy and incredible new wave of music alongside Anderson Paak, having multiple shows, and displaying amazing vocals as well as choreography, Bruno puts the ‘rumors’ to rest and shows why he is unique and natural.

There is no secret why he is so popular, the only legit answer is his amazing ability to sing and sing well!

5. Adam Lambert

You probably already know Adam Lambert and what he’s currently doing. Is there really any point to arguing here? Being the replacement for the late great Freddie Mercury should suffice!

Freddie was undoubtedly one of the best there ever was when it came to singing, having to fill his shoes is no easy task and Adam has been able to fill them, and well! With a vocal capability to rival Freddie’s, he has managed to pull off each and every song live.

Don’t take my word for it, have a listen to what the original band has to say and whether or not they think that Adam has what it takes and the natural voice.

6. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande needs no introduction whatsoever! Her whistling vocals, the resemblance to the great Mariah Carey, as well as her overall vocal range are more than enough to fill her resume and prove that she is genuine.

Ariana has stressed multiple times to many doubters that she is willing to prove her voice even in private settings to truly show her skills. No proving is necessary when you look at her live shows as well as guest appearances on tonight shows.

Displaying a unique and natural, breathtaking voice, Ariana is surely one to not associate with Auto-Tune.

7. Alicia Keys

Who doesn’t love Alicia Keys and her amazing voice? I mean, do we even need to argue if she uses Auto-Tune or not? From all her improv performances and multiple covers of songs, she has brought natural and unique vocals every single time.

Alicia is one of those singers that rarely anyone doubts. Her affinity for blues and soul music also shows this, with great improv and harmonies, she has always been one to display amazing vocals.

Just have a look at some of her live shows as well as guest appearances and see how she fares with the best of the best, assuming that she already is among those!

8. Ed Sheeran

There is hardly a soul out there willing to argue against Ed Sheeran’s vocals. The man is simply a master at what he does, never being associated with Auto-Tune and bringing it every time with maximum effort!

Taking into consideration the many, many, many live shows he’s had, there is more than enough evidence to prove that he is not using any help and simply does not need any help in the vocals department.

Ed Sheeran is a staple for what it means to sing and sing well! With multiple hits under his belt, as well as awards, Ed Sheeran leaves no doubts.

9. Celine Dion

It’s just crazy to even think about Celine Dion using Auto-Tune. Regarded as one of the best female singers ever, Celine Dion is surely one to approve without a fraction of doubt.

From countless videos on the net of her doing vocal exercises, to still performing live shows and displaying top-notch vocal capabilities, she is one to immediately put in the pile labeled ‘No Auto-Tune’!

Her resume speaks for itself, with so many awards under her belt, Celine Dion is one of the best for a reason. Singing for so many years, it’s impossible to fake this. She is without a doubt a genuine and great singer!

10. Jessie J

What is there to say about the masterpiece that is Jessie J and her singing? She is truly a real-life human music mixer, with her amazing skills, hardly anyone can argue against her outstanding vocal skills and uniqueness.

Jessie J has been compared to singers like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera, but her voice is truly one of a kind. She has a powerful vocal range and her ability to mix different music styles together makes her an incredible artist.

Her live performances are truly a sight to behold and her attitude is infectious. She always puts on a great show for her fans and never fails to entertain. When it comes to her vocals, she needs no help with Auto-Tune and effects-alike to showcase her skills.

11. John Mayer

John Mayer is a one-of-a-kind musician that will unlikely be surpassed in the coming years. There is simply no arguing his vocals, as well as his technical and sonic proficiency. The skillful guitarist is more known for his vocals than his incredible guitar playing.

John has a very unique voice that suits blues and soul lovers alike, with countless live performances and improv singing, he has clearly laid the ‘rumors’ to rest on whether or not he even needs a pitch corrector.

Just want one or two of his live sessions and see for yourself if John Mayer isn’t all that everyone says he is!

12. Florence Welch

You’ve probably heard of Florence and The Machine, well leading that train is Florence Welch herself. With amazing vocals and unique, to say the least, many would think that she uses Auto-Tune but these rumors are actually false.

Her singing career has all the necessary live shows to prove her actual vocal worth and backing up all those breathtaking performances is her ever-amazing singing!

Florence has many awards and nominations to her name, including Grammy Awards, BRIT Awards, and more. She is an incredible live vocalist and performer and Auto-Tune is not needed to make her voice shine.

13. Adele

Adele has been praised as one of the best to ever do it, so naturally, rumors would arise as to whether or not she uses help. This is a topic that will unlikely be settled unless those opposed can hear her face-to-face and truly give in.

Adele’s career is truly one for the books. She is one of the few singers to ever achieve such high levels of success and critical acclaim. With live performances that have been described as “mesmerizing” and “spellbinding,” it’s no wonder that Adele has become one of the most popular artists in the world.

I truly believe her vocals are unique and if you’ve watched some live shows yourself, or seen a few acoustic sessions, you would agree as well!

14. Faouzia

Faouzia is another amazing singer that deserves credit when it comes to her vocal capabilities. With a large vocal range and capacity, she is able to pull off some outstanding vocals and performances.

If you haven’t already heard some of her work, I urge you to take a few minutes to do so, especially to her live performances. I get chills every time I hear her live performance of “You Don’t Even Know Me”.

If you hardly know Faouzia, trust me, it is worth the time and effort to actually find out more about her and her music.

15. John Legend

To end this list is the very well-known singer John Legend. John has an incredible resume that boasts 10 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and many other awards. John Legend is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the music industry!

His live performances showcase why he is one of the best singers in the world. If you have never seen John Legend live, I highly recommend you do so! You will not be disappointed.

John Legend was heavily influenced by soul and gospel music. This influence is evident in his music to this day. His voice is truly unique and powerful, his live shows clearly show his sonic proficiency, without the help of Auto-Tune.

Conclusion

Auto-Tune is not needed to make a singer’s voice shine. This is evident by the many talented singers that have achieved success without its help.

The aforementioned singers have powerful voices that are able to convey emotion in their music. These singers can achieve this success through hard work and dedication.

While Auto-Tune may help a singer to achieve a certain sound, it is not necessary to be a great singer. These singers are proof of that.

Beyoncé Image by: Sassy, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pink Image by: Andemaya *derivative work: LK, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kelly Clarkson Image by: Kathy Reesey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bruno Mars Image by: slgckgc, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adam Lambert Image by: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ariana Grande Image by: Cosmopolitan UK, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alicia Keys Image by: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ed Sheeran Image by: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Celine Dion Image by: Egghead06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jessie J Image by: Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Mayer Image by: Thatcommonkid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Florence Welch Image by: Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adele Image by: Condé Nast (through Vogue Taiwan), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Faouzia Image by: 2017 Canada Summer Games, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Legend Image by: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Milan Trajkovikj

Milan Trajkovikj

I’m the Deputy Editor for Musician Wave and a touring and recording bass guitarist. I love to share my passion for all things music. I’ve been playing music for over ten years and I love exploring it further through writing. You'll also find me on the Musician Wave YouTube channel.

Leave a Comment

Leave a reply

Musician Wave
Logo