a backing singer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a backing singer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a vocalist who provides vocal harmony or support to the main singer in a musical performance. Example: "During the concert, the main artist was accompanied by a talented backing singer who added depth to the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In 1955 she became a backing singer in the touring show of country star Red Foley.

The Guardian

I'm one of the few people in the world who's had Björk as a backing singer".

The Guardian - Books

She worked as a music teacher and was a backing singer for Michael Jackson.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So where do you go when you've been a backing singer for the Pussycat Dolls?

The Guardian - Music

Janey Lee Grace, now an author and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, was a backing singer on the tour.

The Guardian - Music

Her "decisiveness and directness" she attributes to an apprenticeship she served as a backing singer for Will Oldham.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The song was performed by Geddes on the night of the contest in a red shirt and suit, as well as with a female pianist, a violinist and cellist, as well as a male and a female backing singer.

Wikipedia

She was accompanied on stage by a band, consisting of a guitarist, keyboardist and drummer in shirts and ties, as well as a female backing singer wearing a black dress.

Wikipedia

But he is still a skilful and affecting presence, singing in remarkably good Italian, accompanied by a dextrous guitarist, John Themis, and a female backing singer, Zee Asha.

The Guardian - Music

Watch here The remaining two soldiered on, prayed hard, and found two new members – Michelle Williams, a former backing singer with Monica, and Farrah Franklin, a dancer in their 'Bills, Bills, Bills' video.

The Guardian - Music

But right now, The Boss, who at almost 60 is 16 years older than Ms Kelly, has plenty to lose from allegations of infidelity – and not just the affections of his wife of almost two decades, Patti Scialfa, a former backing singer with whom he has three children.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that you specify the artist the backing singer is working with to provide context, e.g., "She worked as a backing singer for Michael Jackson."

Common error

Avoid using "a backing singer" interchangeably with "a lead vocalist". The former supports the latter, and confusing the two can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a backing singer" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person who provides vocal harmony or support to the main singer. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a backing singer" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a vocalist who provides support to the main singer. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in contexts such as news, media, and music, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employing it. Alternative terms include "backup vocalist" and "supporting vocalist". When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific artist or performance being referenced. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-understood and appropriate for various writing styles, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backup vocalist

Replaces "backing" with "backup", a common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

supporting vocalist

Substitutes "backing" with "supporting", emphasizing the role of providing vocal assistance.

vocal supporter

Highlights the supportive role of the singer.

background singer

Emphasizes the singer's position relative to the lead vocalist.

harmony singer

Highlights the specific function of providing vocal harmonies.

secondary vocalist

Indicates a vocalist with a supporting role.

vocal accompanist

Uses a more formal term to describe someone who vocally accompanies the main singer.

session singer

Indicates a singer hired for studio sessions to provide backing vocals.

chorus member

Refers to a singer in a chorus, providing vocal support.

ensemble singer

Describes a singer who is part of a vocal ensemble.

FAQs

How is "a backing singer" different from a lead singer?

A lead singer is the primary vocalist in a performance, while "a backing singer" provides vocal support and harmony.

What are some other terms for "a backing singer"?

Alternatives include "backup vocalist", "supporting vocalist", or "harmony singer", depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "a backing singer"?

It's suitable in descriptions of musical performances, album credits, or discussions about the music industry.

Is "a backing singer" a formal or informal term?

It is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts.