How come when I'm singing along to a song i sound good, but by myself i stink??? what's the problem????

Question

I sing along to MANY different songs. I sound EXACTLY like the original vocals when I don't even try!

okay. its official. i've discovered the answer to my problem: I CANT SING. PARIS HILTON SINGS BETTER THAN ME!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

the next time your by yourself singing with the radio , get close to it and put 1 finger in one ear and you will definately know if you are singing on or off key .. my daughter who sings christian music does that all the time to perfect her pitches

Answer 2

It's all in the brain. When hearing the song, your brain automatically adjusts the pitch of your singing to match closer to the song's pitches; alone, however, most people's memory is not fluid enough to remember those exact frequencies of notes, so when you sing it aloud without the song, there is a notable difference.

Some people are born with perfect pitch and are able to match tone perfectly even after hearing the song only once, but that is a rare skill that few people have. Others who have studied much music theory may eventually acquire a good enough ear to do this feat, but it is not easily gained.

You are not the only one with this problem. Professional singers obviously have to cope with this, although they generally have much practice to compensate for that. :)

Answer 3

I would say that you tend to go off pitch more when you're on your own. Music helps you stay on.

But wait... are you talking about 'by myself' you mean your own song/lyrics?

Maybe it's a psychological thing. Sometimes I sound exactly like Christina Aguliera, and then when I'm singing in the shower I sound like myself. I would say it's a psychological thing.

Answer 4

Happens to me all the time. I think it's because we're following along with the singer. By ourselves, we may think we're singing it right, but the sad truth is... we're not.
Take Care,
Cindy
xoxo

Answer 5

Is it because you are your worst enemy?
We all seem to be very critical with ourselves. So, what do others think when you sing without the music/song?

Answer 6

It's because you are listening to the song / singer and not yourself. You always sound the same, it's what you are listening to that is changing.

Answer 7

i think it is beacuse you need the music to back u up because that happens to me too!!!

Answer 8

it means you are tone deaf , if you can,t hold a tune without music

Answer 9

I agree with the others BUT also maybe your just nervous.....