Vocal Coach Analysis: Jessica Sanchez x Die With A Smile x AGT WINNER
When Jessica Sanchez took the stage for “Die With A Smile,” audiences heard more than a beautiful melody—they heard a full‑time professional’s toolkit in action.
From the way she managed breath while carrying a baby bump to the subtle microphone tricks that kept every nuance crystal‑clear, her performance is a perfect case study for singers who want to level up.
Below we break down the key technical elements that make this rendition stand out and show how you can apply them to your own voice.
Breath Support and Core Stability
Jessica sang while pregnant, a condition that adds weight to the abdomen and pulls the ribs forward. To compensate, she leaned slightly back, engaging the muscles of the upper back and maintaining a stable rib cage. This posture allowed her to keep the airflow steady, even on the longest phrases.
- Engage the back: Sit tall, pull the shoulders down, and imagine a gentle “lean back” to counter abdominal pressure.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Inhale for four counts, exhale for eight, keeping the lower ribs firm but relaxed.
- Support the baby weight: Lightly activate the core without crushing the breath; think of the breath as a continuous stream rather than a single burst.
The Darkening Effect
The extra weight in the front of her body caused a natural darkening of the tone. The slight compression of the vocal folds gave the sound a richer, more resonant quality, especially in the lower register. Understanding how body posture influences timbre can help you shape a darker tone when you want it without compromising power.
Navigating the Passaggio (The Flip)
One of the most striking moments in the performance is the seamless flip from a light falsetto into a full chest voice. Jessica achieves this by:
- Laryngeal tilt: Slightly lowering the larynx as she ascends, which keeps the vocal folds cooperating smoothly.
- Mixed‑voice balance: Blending the breathy falsetto quality with the chest resonance creates a continuous sound across the break.
Practice tip: Glide on a soft “ng” sound from low to high, feeling the larynx tilt down as you rise. Then repeat on a vowel, aiming for an even tone.
Microphone Technique: The Invisible Instrument
Singing close to the mic, Jessica keeps her mouth relatively small, allowing the microphone to capture every nuance without excessive breath noise. Key points:
- Proximity: Stay about 2–4 inches from the mic for intimate, breathy passages.
- Angle: Slightly off‑axis to avoid plosives (the popping “p” and “b” sounds).
- Mouth shape: A smaller mouth reduces air leakage, letting the mic pick up a focused sound that feels “in the head.”
Mouth and Jaw Positioning
Jessica’s mouth shape shifts throughout the song to match the desired tonal quality.
- Trumpet mouth for high, thick vocal‑fold closure: Slightly open the jaw, keep it relaxed, and project the sound forward.
- Closed mouth for softer, falsetto‑like moments: Keep the lips gently together, the mouth small, and let the air glide over the folds.
These adjustments let her move from powerful belted notes to delicate whispers without losing control.
AES Narrowing and “Twang”
The Aryepiglottic Sphincter (AES) narrowing creates a bright, slightly “twangy” sound that adds projection without pushing. Jessica uses this technique to boost volume on higher notes while keeping the vocal folds from over‑straining.
- Twang drill: Sing a short “ah” on a comfortable pitch, then add a subtle nasal edge. Feel the resonance shift to the front of the face.
Why Personal Coaching Still Matters
Even though the video demonstrates impressive technique, each singer’s anatomy—whether dealing with pregnancy, a unique vocal range, or specific tension patterns—requires individualized attention. Applying the concepts above under the guidance of a qualified vocal coach can help you avoid bad habits and accelerate progress.
Take Action
- Warm up the passaggio: Use the laryngeal‑tilt and mixed‑voice siren exercises daily.
- Record your mic distance: Play back and notice how proximity changes the intimacy of your tone.
- Experiment with mouth shapes: Switch between a trumpet mouth and a closed mouth on the same phrase to hear the tonal shift.
- Add AES narrowing: Incorporate the twang drill into your routine for brighter high notes.
Conclusion
Jessica Sanchez’s “Die With A Smile” isn’t just a beautiful song—it’s a masterclass in professional vocal technique.
By studying her breath support, passaggio management, microphone usage, mouth positioning, and subtle laryngeal tricks, singers of any level can glean actionable insights.
Try the exercises, pay attention to your own body’s cues, and you’ll be on your way to delivering performances that sound as polished and emotionally resonant as Jessica’s.
