backing vocals

Meaning

The singing that supports the lead vocalist in a song. These singers can provide harmony, repeat lines, or add texture to the track, usually staying in the background of the mix.

Examples

• She started her career singing backing vocals for famous pop stars.

  She started her career singing backing vocals for famous pop stars.

• The backing vocals in the chorus really make the song sound huge.

  The backing vocals in the chorus really make the song sound huge.

• He recorded his own backing vocals by layering his voice multiple times.

  He recorded his own backing vocals by layering his voice multiple times.

• During live shows, the band uses pre-recorded tracks for the backing vocals.

  During live shows, the band uses pre-recorded tracks for the backing vocals.

• The acoustic version of the song sounds much simpler without any backing vocals.

  The acoustic version of the song sounds much simpler without any backing vocals.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He sings the back vocals for the band.

  ✓ He sings the backing vocals for the band.

  The standard industry term is 'backing vocals' or 'background vocals,' not 'back vocals.'

• ✗ The backing vocal was too loud in the mix.

  ✓ The backing vocals were too loud in the mix.

  'Vocals' is almost always plural when referring to the collective singing track.

Related Expressions

Practice

• She has a great voice, but she prefers singing ___ instead of being the lead singer.

  💡 Supporting vocals in a song

  Show answer

  backing vocals

• If you listen closely, you can hear the beautiful ___ in the chorus.

  💡 The background singers' voices

  Show answer

  backing vocals