Last weekend, country superstar duo Sugarland had to cancel a couple performances in California due to Jennifer Nettles' vocal strain. (The duo also had to cancel a couple of shows in May.) Kenny Chesney, who is headlining the tour on which Sugarland joins him, Miranda Lambert, and Lady Antebellum, has defended Sugarland's cancellations, noting that "it's more important that she have the time to heal properly, rather than forcing herself to try and rush back onstage."
The voice is not just an instrument, it's produced by muscle. It's a very delicate system which requires care and attention and, frequently, rest. Vocalists who push it too far risk losing it forever. Vocal strain can happen when the voice is overused, when the vocalist is overtired (as can very easily happen on the road), and under several other conditions. Nettles doesn't just passively sing her songs; her voice has a lot of power, and she sings in such a way that requires optimum vocal strength and health.
With a voice as powerful and distinct as Nettles' it's incredibly important and respectable that she has chosen to give it the rest it needs in order to be preserved. Folks wouldn't expect their favorite athletes to run on severely strained leg muscles. We wish Nettles well and commend her for taking a break to ensure fans can continue to enjoy her incredible vocal prowess for years to come.
photo courtesy Mercury Nashville
Comments
havent listened to country music in a while UNTIL i caught sugarland on cmas. this girl has pipes. her range, power and soul are awesome. later i caught their tv special and i am convinced that her stage presence is equal to her voicals. nice job jen and kristen. hope jen can get well soon and will look forward to hearing her powerful voice again.