Malta’s Eurovision entry, “Bella” by Aidan, is a gorgeous example of how simplicity in melody and emotional control can create a truly unforgettable vocal performance.
Rather than relying on flashy vocal acrobatics, Aidan delivers a jazzy, warm, and deeply emotional sound that draws listeners in from the very first note. If you have ever wondered how to create that kind of rich, intimate tone in your own singing, this breakdown of the key vocal techniques behind “Bella” is for you.
Thyroid Tilt and Thin Vocal Folds in “Bella”
One of the most prominent techniques throughout Aidan’s performance of “Bella” is the use of thyroid tilt. This is the mechanism where the thyroid cartilage, the structure where the vocal folds live, tilts forward to allow the vocal folds to stretch and thin out. The result is a breathy, emotional, and slightly cry-like quality that sits at the heart of this song’s sound.
You can hear it especially in the softer, more intimate phrases where Aidan keeps his vocal folds thin and allows just a touch of breathiness to come through. That gentle vibrato and warmth in his tone are direct results of maintaining this tilt consistently throughout the performance.
What makes Aidan’s technique in “Bella” so impressive is his ability to stay within those thin vocal folds as he moves up and down in his range without any audible breaks or clicks. This seamless navigation is something many singers strive for, and it is a hallmark of a well-trained voice.
The Role of Twang in Aidan’s Vocal Style
As Aidan moves higher in his range during “Bella,” you can hear a subtle addition of twang entering his tone. Twang is a brightness or edge that helps singers cut through without adding unnecessary weight to the voice. In the context of this jazzy vocal style, twang serves a very specific purpose: it helps to reduce some of the breathiness in the sound while adding projection and clarity.
This is particularly noticeable in the more soaring phrases of the song. Key things to listen for include:
- A slight narrowing or brightness in the tone as he ascends in pitch
- The balance between maintaining warmth and adding just enough edge for volume
- The way twang prevents the voice from becoming too airy in the upper range
For singers wanting to replicate this quality, it is important to understand that twang in “Bella” is used subtly and stylistically, not as an aggressive or overpowering element.
Tongue Root Engagement and Compression
Another technique Aidan uses to “beef up” his sound, particularly in the lower and mid-range sections of “Bella,” is tongue root engagement. This involves activating the back of the tongue to create a sense of compression and thickness in the tone. It gives the impression that the vocal folds have thickened, even though they have not.
This is a technique that works especially well in the lower register. Some important points about tongue root engagement in this style include:
- It adds body and depth to the sound without sacrificing the overall thin-fold quality
- It creates a perception of power and fullness, especially on sustained notes
- It works best in the lower to mid-range and becomes more difficult to maintain as you sing higher
Aidan uses this strategically throughout “Bella” to add weight to certain phrases, giving the performance dynamic contrast without ever abandoning the core vocal quality.
Larynx Position and the “Scaffolding” of Sound
A key part of what makes “Bella” sound so polished is Aidan’s control of his larynx position. Throughout much of the song, he maintains a slightly lowered larynx, which contributes to the warm, almost classical undertone of his jazzy delivery.
As the melody moves higher, the larynx naturally rises slightly, but Aidan avoids letting it jump dramatically. Instead, he keeps what can be described as a “scaffolding” around the sound, holding the overall structure steady while gently placing each note within that framework.
This control is what allows Aidan to move through the range of “Bella” so fluidly. When he does shift into slightly louder, more emotionally intense moments, you can hear the larynx come up just a bit, which naturally reduces some of that low-larynx warmth and introduces a more direct, present tone. That timbral shift is intentional and serves the emotional arc of the performance beautifully.
Soft Palate Choices and Nasality in “Bella”
At certain points in Aidan’s performance of “Bella,” there is a subtle hint of nasality, particularly at the ends of phrases. This likely comes from a slight lowering of the soft palate, which is the gateway to the nasal passage. Dropping the soft palate can serve as a stylistic tool to soften the volume and add a different color to the tone.
However, this can also be the result of the constrictor muscles at the back of the throat coming into play, creating the sensation that the sound is being placed further forward. In either case, it adds a lovely texture to the performance and is a common technique within jazz-influenced vocal styles.
Emotional Delivery and Vocal Stability
Toward the end of “Bella,” Aidan leans more heavily into the emotional content of the song. You can hear the thyroid tilt increase as his delivery takes on more of a crying or sobbing quality, which is a natural byproduct of heightened emotion in singing. While this adds incredible expressiveness, it also introduces a slight instability in the sound as the pressure and emotion build.
This is an important lesson for singers: emotion is essential, but too much unchecked emotional pressure can cause the voice to become unstable. The key is finding the balance between feeling the emotion deeply and maintaining enough technical control to keep the sound grounded.
Resonance and Overtones: The Secret to Volume Without Force
One of the most remarkable aspects of Aidan’s singing in “Bella” is how he achieves volume and presence without forcing the voice. This comes down to resonance. By maintaining thin vocal folds and a well-managed thyroid tilt, Aidan is able to take advantage of the resonance space at the back of the throat. This creates overtones, additional frequencies that give the voice its perceived size and power without requiring the singer to push harder.
Understanding and harnessing resonance is one of the most valuable skills a singer can develop. It is the difference between a voice that sounds effortlessly full and one that sounds strained under pressure.
Why “Bella” by Aidan Is a Masterclass in Vocal Simplicity
“Bella” is a reminder that vocal fireworks are not always necessary to create a powerful and moving performance. Aidan’s approach is rooted in control, warmth, and emotional honesty.
The jazzy, old-world quality of the song pairs perfectly with his technique, proving that a simple melody sung with beautiful tone and thoughtful dynamics can be just as captivating as the most technically demanding performance.
If you want to learn more about how you can learn to implement these singing techniques into your own voice, let’s sit down for a chat and discuss if the vocal academy is the right fit for you. You can join us here.