You know how some words get tossed around so much they lose their meaning? Like “authentic.” It’s everywhere these days. “Be your authentic self!” gets shouted from every self-help corner of the internet, and at this point, it feels like one of those phrases we nod along to without really letting it sink in. I mean, sure, we get the general idea: don’t try to be someone you’re not. But when we gloss over it, we miss the real point—what it actually means to celebrate what makes us different and unique in a world where identity is so reliant upon how many of us can replicate the latest TikTok challenge.
I used to think I had a solid handle on authenticity. For as long as I can remember, I was unapologetically myself, loud and proud, no filter. But then in December of 2016, I found myself on set with the cast of NBC's Hairspray Live. It was like I’d stepped into a whole new realm of what "being authentic" really means.
I remember looking at Harvey Fierstein, who was there, larger than life. He’s got a voice so gravelly that, by all conventional standards, he should’ve never written himself into a musical—let alone won a TONY® Award for it. But there he was, an icon, his authenticity breaking all the rules in the best possible way.
And then there was Kristin Chenoweth, who’s four-foot-eleven and has a speaking voice so high and squeaky that you’d never peg her as one of the world’s most celebrated sopranos. But she leaned into that squeak, made it her signature, and now she’s got a career that most people only dream of. Her authenticity wasn’t something she tried to cover up; it was her golden ticket.
Oh, and let’s not forget Jennifer Hudson. I mean, talk about a powerhouse. She was born with an instrument so incredible that her first major film role won her an Academy Award. And the thing is, she didn’t downplay her gifts or try to mold herself into what people expected. She fully embraced that voice, that presence, and leaned in with everything she had.
It hit me hard that day. Authenticity isn’t just about not pretending to be someone else; it’s about digging deep, finding what makes you extraordinary, and letting that shine—even when (especially when) the world tells you it won’t work. Watching those legends live out that truth made me realize that being authentic is more than just a buzzword. It’s the secret sauce to a life and career that are uniquely, breathtakingly yours.
The Pressure to Conform
In the entertainment industry, it's all too easy to feel pressured to conform. Whether it’s fitting a certain image, singing in a trending style, or adapting your work to meet fleeting expectations, the urge to blend in can be overwhelming. Early in my career, I, too, struggled with this. As a young, classically trained baritone, I was taught that male singers needed to embody a certain hyper-masculine presence on stage: a chest puffed out like a prizefighter, leading every step with a swaggering pelvis, and a stance so grounded it felt more like I was anchoring a ship than delivering a performance. Sure, when you’re acting, it’s part of the job to step into someone else’s shoes, which sometimes means adopting a different physicality. But the pressure to conform to this rigid idea of masculinity never sat well with me. It felt forced, uncomfortable, and, frankly, artificial—like I was putting on a mask instead of tapping into the heart of a character.
I never understood how classical singers expected to convey genuine emotion while trapped in this outdated caricature of what “masculinity” should look like. The more I tried to perform within these confines, the more disconnected I felt from the music and the audience. It wasn’t until I began to strip away these preconceived notions and embrace my natural energy—leaning into my own quirks and vulnerabilities—that my performances came alive. Suddenly, I felt free to express the full range of human experience, and audiences responded to that sincerity. It turns out, breaking the mold wasn’t just liberating for me; it made my work more compelling and real.
It’s a lesson I see repeated time and time again, even with top performers: being genuine isn’t just freeing; it’s magnetic.
To delve deeper into societal pressures and the psychological need to conform, consider reading this article on conformity and social influence.
My Personal Journey to Authenticity
After my "aha Moment" on the Hairspray Live set, I began to see a common thread among each of the most successful people I found myself working with. I flew to Rome to put on The Andrea Bocelli Show at the Roman Colosseum; standing amidst artists like Reba McEntire and Elton John, it was clear that these legends had something in common: an unshakeable sense of self. They performed not just with skill, but with an authenticity that made every note resonate, with the audience and within themselves.
Even as I worked on Broadway, where high stakes and expectations could easily push a performer to compromise, I found that audiences responded most when I let my guard down and allowed my true personality to shine through. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real. One of the most surprising realizations? The moments when I embraced imperfection were often the most memorable and impactful.
Why Authenticity Works (and the Science Behind It)
Have you ever wondered why some performances leave you with goosebumps, while others, though technically perfect, feel forgettable? The secret lies in authenticity. Science backs this up: people are biologically wired to respond to genuine emotion. Studies have shown that our brains are more engaged when we sense sincerity. In the entertainment world, this translates to stronger connections with audiences, who can intuitively feel when a performer is being honest or merely going through the motions.
I’ve experienced this firsthand while coaching performers, from seasoned veterans to beginners. Even A-list celebrities I’ve worked with find that when they connect deeply with their material, audiences are drawn in. Authenticity is an invisible, powerful force that makes performances unforgettable.
For more on the psychology of authenticity and human connection, check out this research piece.
Lessons from the Entertainment Industry’s Biggest Names
Working with entertainment legends has given me a front-row seat to how authenticity shapes a career. Take Reba McEntire, for example. Despite her immense fame, she remains rooted in her genuine love for storytelling and connection with her audience. This authenticity not only defines her brand but has sustained her relevance for decades. Idina Menzel, too, is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s self. Her signature sound and fearless embrace of vulnerability are what make her performances legendary.
In my career as a producer, these lessons have resonated. Each artist who has stood the test of time has done so by leaning into their unique identity, rather than chasing trends or people-pleasing. They know that being true to who they are attracts the right roles, the right audiences, and the right opportunities.
Finding Your Own Authenticity in Online Singing Lessons
At the end of the day, being authentic is the best advice I could ever give someone. It’s the secret to unlocking your full potential, whether you’re telling a story on TV, performing on a concert stage, or exploring your voice in a coaching session. Authenticity isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the foundation of everything I do. When I work with artists and storytellers, my mission is to help them discover and celebrate what makes them unique, so their true essence can shine through. Because when you’re brave enough to be yourself, that’s when the real magic happens—and that’s when your story becomes unforgettable.
Having trouble finding your own authenticity? Don't worry, I've got you. That's what I help my singers do every single day in my online singing lessons. Check out more information on my vocal coaching sessions here, or book me directly through my Fiverr Pro® gig page.
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