31 replies to this topic

[smw]

This is something I've noticed for quite a while now -- and we haven't seemed to discuss it much on the forum. But has anyone else noticed how Celine talks differently depending on the situation she's in? It's almost as though she doesn't have a consistently natural speaking voice.

Think about it: How does she sound on the A&E Biography compared to The Colour of My Love opening credits voice over compared to the A New Day...Live in Las Vegas DVD. Even when she speaks in her native tongue, it varies.

Like with Lady Gaga and other artists, Celine probably didn't know much of who she was unless she was onstage…singing and performing. And, because of that, she lost some personality development (develping her own distinct, unique persona). I think this is why she has latched onto motherhood so much -- it has given her a clear purpose apart from being onstage.

Not having a defined speaking voice is not just with Celine, either. Whitney Houston didn't seem to have a consistent speaking voice either. Nor does Christina Aguilera. But with Celine, at least, there is the language barrier.

And I'm sure this extends beyond the "divas"!  

Thoughts?

[Celinefanatic07]

wow....just....wow.

[celine-rc]

I think it depends on who she's talking to. She won't use the same type of language if she's speaking to Julie Snyder then when she's speaking to Denise Bombardier, for example. I think it really has to do with who she's speaking to, depending on how close she is with that person and stuff like that.

[ferjaacu]

I think it also depends on the moment... Like, when you're sad, you don't sound the same as when you're happy And it also might depend on how tired she is, how tired her vocal cords are and so...

[dmeredith]

I think we all do that sort of thing. I certainly know that I'm guilty of doing it from time to time.

[caitlynceline56]

Age could be a factor too. I've noticed that she sounds "younger" to me in interviews from the 90s, which makes sense. You're not going to sound the same at 44 than at 24!

[Angel2006]

Is there really a topic about this? Knowone's voice sounds the same all the time. Everyone has different voices for different emotions. To say that Celine doesn't know who she is unless she's on stage, or that she has lost her personality and she doesn't have her own persona.  

I'm sorry, but this is beyond dumb. I can't believe you even came up with this topic. As a fan i am very offended by these comments.

We all know that Celine does have a personality. Why else would she have stayed so grounded all these years. If she didn't know who she was, she would have had a mental breakdown by now.

[CelinesDIVO5]

I totally have thought about this myself. Like in interviews...On Larry King, she was a little more dry in her dialogue than when she was on Oprah or Rosie where it seemed to be a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere. I totally understand what you are saying, and I am not offended at all by this topic. I think it's silly if you are offended by this topic because it wasn't meant to be offensive. It was a very valid observation.

[carmGel55]

I agree with all the comments above. U have to understand something about dt lousy, though inquisitive ovservation. There are a lot of factors affecting the person's voice, way of talking, or even tone. U can site the person's emotional state (temparament), age, physical condition, topic of the conversation, and the so-called "behavior millieu" -that is, what d situation (may it be a person, place or an event) is demanding you to act (in this case, celine's voice, tone, etc.).

Saying that celine lost her personality is plain wrong, and unfounded. I dnt mean to hurt ur feelings but u have to understand dt personality is a composition of collective characters the person plays all through his life, thus it keeps on changing needless to say that the human nature itself is a dynamic one. If she really lost it, i dnt think she would be as wonderful as she is ryt now. Myb u shud review ur psycholgy class. No offence meant

[Angel2006]

I have also noticed many times myself that Celine's voice does sound different alot, but to go as far to say that, just because her voice sounds different from time to time, that means she doesn't know who she is and doesn't have a personality.

so yes, i am offended by that judgement because i think it's wrong to say those things about Celine. I do agree that her voice does change alot, but that is to be expected with her career and age. I just think this has been taken a little to far as to judge Celine's own frame of mind.

[dmeredith]

Age does affect how you sound. A child's voice is different from an adult. That's obvious. Also, our voice can sound different if we are sick or if our voice has been over-worked.

Celine just has an animated personality, and that's why she's so endearing. She's fun to be around, talk to and listen to. It's actually a good trait to have. Celine has the whole package; talent, personality and kindness. She has an "inner light, and that's why people are drawn to her. Especially us!!!

[infiniti]

I myself have different voice during the day... I think it all depends on the emotions, topic, people, atmosphere. Celine is a singer (grand singer - a nightingale   ) so it will be natural for her to have different speaking voices depending on the state of her vocal cords (folds)..although this can be true for everyone actually. I do, however, think state of mind affects the voice too. Consider that Celine sounded younger when she was young...obviously, but since lately, she not only is in her 40s, but also she is CELINE freakin DION...she is a legend, accomplished artist and great human...so naturally she is going to sound more mature and (let's say) determined! When watchin Callas in late 50s, she sounds more calm and "relaxed" sort of...some interviews done in 60s and especially 70s, she talks like a Diva with very determined and more mature voice and tone (age is a factor too)...just a thought!  

Whatever is Celine's voice, we all LOVE it let her voice "go on" as it makes our "hearts beat now"  

Edited by infiniti, 21 April 2012 - 10:31 AM.

[Bell]

I still can't understand what the problem is. One's voice can change, of course. So what?

[dmeredith]

Bell, on Apr 21 2012, 11:55 AM, said:

I still can't understand what the problem is. One's voice can change, of course. So what?

Exactly, and I say "Amen"!

[dmeredith]

infiniti, on Apr 21 2012, 11:29 AM, said:

I myself have different voice during the day... I think it all depends on the emotions, topic, people, atmosphere. Celine is a singer (grand singer - a nightingale   ) so it will be natural for her to have different speaking voices depending on the state of her vocal cords (folds)..although this can be true for everyone actually. I do, however, think state of mind affects the voice too. Consider that Celine sounded younger when she was young...obviously, but since lately, she not only is in her 40s, but also she is CELINE freakin DION...she is a legend, accomplished artist and great human...so naturally she is going to sound more mature and (let's say) determined! When watchin Callas in late 50s, she sounds more calm and "relaxed" sort of...some interviews done in 60s and especially 70s, she talks like a Diva with very determined and more mature voice and tone (age is a factor too)...just a thought!  

Whatever is Celine's voice, we all LOVE it let her voice "go on" as it makes our "hearts beat now"  

I agree with you "infiniti"!!!!  

[Alex_Incognito]

Those of you who go in and protest EVERY little thing that you PERCEIVE to be negative should go to a forum where opinions aren't allowed to be expressed.  GROW UP.  Lots of you "complaining" about this post have a first language that is not English.  This post was NOT a negative post and was not ANTI-Celine.  

Celine, herself, has mentioned her "speaking voice" in her autobiography and mentioned how she was greatly criticized for "memorizing" her patter between songs (listen to her speeches on "En Concert."  It's just like they were practiced, practiced, and practiced.)  She still does this, to this very day.  But she's gotten better at it.

For those of you that speak French, we know that there is a night and day difference between "English" and "Franco" Celine.  I study languages and several theories point to the fact that we have different "identities" in our different languages.

Edited by Alex_Incognito, 21 April 2012 - 01:25 PM.

[smw]

CelinesDIVO5, on Apr 21 2012, 12:07 AM, said:

I totally have thought about this myself. Like in interviews...On Larry King, she was a little more dry in her dialogue than when she was on Oprah or Rosie where it seemed to be a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere. I totally understand what you are saying, and I am not offended at all by this topic. I think it's silly if you are offended by this topic because it wasn't meant to be offensive. It was a very valid observation.

Thanks. This topic was by no means meant to be offensive. I think we have all pretty much discussed every facet of Celine -- her looks, style, career, singing voice, children, family, etc. -- so I don't see why this would be anymore "offensive" to people than any other topic.  

carmGel55, on Apr 21 2012, 12:11 AM, said:

I agree with all the comments above. U have to understand something about dt lousy, though inquisitive ovservation. There are a lot of factors affecting the person's voice, way of talking, or even tone. U can site the person's emotional state (temparament), age, physical condition, topic of the conversation, and the so-called "behavior millieu" -that is, what d situation (may it be a person, place or an event) is demanding you to act (in this case, celine's voice, tone, etc.).

Saying that celine lost her personality is plain wrong, and unfounded. I dnt mean to hurt ur feelings but u have to understand dt personality is a composition of collective characters the person plays all through his life, thus it keeps on changing needless to say that the human nature itself is a dynamic one. If she really lost it, i dnt think she would be as wonderful as she is ryt now. Myb u shud review ur psycholgy class. No offence meant

Thanks for your comments. I've taken my fair share of psychology classes. And I absolutely understand the factors that make up one's persona.

Bell, on Apr 21 2012, 11:55 AM, said:

I still can't understand what the problem is. One's voice can change, of course. So what?

Not really a "problem". Just an observation that I, as a longtime follower of Celine, consider to be valid and justified.

[celine4evauk]

When i watched TCOML concert fro the first time and heard her speaking i thought she was English - Canadian. During the concert i was surprised to find she was French - Canadian. She got me into french though - even though my family originate from France!

[dmeredith]

"smv", don't feel badly about creating this post.  There's nothing wrong with you starting it.  All things about Celine are interesting to talk about!!!!  I certainly didn't think that it was a negative post or anti-Celine.  It's been fun talking about it!!!  

[dmeredith]

Alex_Incognito, on Apr 21 2012, 02:21 PM, said:

Those of you who go in and protest EVERY little thing that you PERCEIVE to be negative should go to a forum where opinions aren't allowed to be expressed.  GROW UP.  Lots of you "complaining" about this post have a first language that is not English.  This post was NOT a negative post and was not ANTI-Celine.  

Celine, herself, has mentioned her "speaking voice" in her autobiography and mentioned how she was greatly criticized for "memorizing" her patter between songs (listen to her speeches on "En Concert."  It's just like they were practiced, practiced, and practiced.)  She still does this, to this very day.  But she's gotten better at it.

For those of you that speak French, we know that there is a night and day difference between "English" and "Franco" Celine.  I study languages and several theories point to the fact that we have different "identities" in our different languages.

"Alex_Incognito", I don't quite know what you mean about several theories pointing to the fact that we have different "identities" in our different languages.  There's nothing wrong, in my opinion, about you saying that, but I just don't understand what you are trying to say.  I teach French and Spanish, and I guess I'm "missing the boat" about that statement.  

I'm not sure that "some" need to "grow up" as you've stated, but maybe just need to be a little bit more understanding.  We all need to be cordial with one another.  That's a definite!  Sometimes people take things the wrong way because of how it's stated, not so much with what someone is trying to say.  Using the right words to get our point across does help us all in gaining the respect of others.  By the way, my first language is English.

[celinemaniacaik]

She sounded a lot less french before than she does now

[dj4celine]

Alex_Incognito, on Apr 22 2012, 12:51 AM, said:

Those of you who go in and protest EVERY little thing that you PERCEIVE to be negative should go to a forum where opinions aren't allowed to be expressed.  GROW UP.  Lots of you "complaining" about this post have a first language that is not English.  This post was NOT a negative post and was not ANTI-Celine.  

Celine, herself, has mentioned her "speaking voice" in her autobiography and mentioned how she was greatly criticized for "memorizing" her patter between songs (listen to her speeches on "En Concert."  It's just like they were practiced, practiced, and practiced.)  She still does this, to this very day.  But she's gotten better at it.

For those of you that speak French, we know that there is a night and day difference between "English" and "Franco" Celine.  I study languages and several theories point to the fact that we have different "identities" in our different languages.

Thank you, Alex, yet again.  

Some people should really find some interesting and more meaningful things to do instead of trying to protect or shield Celine, that remotely looks offensive. She's neither a helpless kitten nor a child and she's not even here on the forum (though it would be interesting if she were here ). This is a place to discuss, debate, figure out and let our feelings out about Celine and that includes negative ones as well. Good Lord, some react as if someone's trying to steal Celine's legendary status by just talking about her.


And the the OP, nice topic btw. I'd really like to know what different members have to say about this.  

[dmeredith]

celinemaniacaik, on Apr 21 2012, 04:15 PM, said:

She sounded a lot less french before than she does now

I always thought that Celine used to sound more French, back in the earlier days of her career, when she had just started speaking and learning English.  Nowdays, I'd say that Celine's English is very good.  She has a great grasp on the English language!

[dmeredith]

dj4celine, on Apr 21 2012, 05:24 PM, said:

Thank you, Alex, yet again.  

Some people should really find some interesting and more meaningful things to do instead of trying to protect or shield Celine, that remotely looks offensive. She's neither a helpless kitten nor a child and she's not even here on the forum (though it would be interesting if she were here ). This is a place to discuss, debate, figure out and let our feelings out about Celine and that includes negative ones as well. Good Lord, some react as if someone's trying to steal Celine's legendary status by just talking about her.
And the the OP, nice topic btw. I'd really like to know what different members have to say about this.  

Well, trying to protect someone from comments that might not seem accurate is what most people do when it concerns someone that they care about, regardless of whether people are just making casual comments.  If they feel that what is being said is incorrect, then they are definitely going to take up for them.  In my opinion, saying something positive is much more interesting and meaningful.  

Also, I guess that most people are on this forum due to the fact that they love Celine, and that in itself is why most would want to shield her from anything that might seem offensive.  It's like sitting around criticizing family members, when you should be lifting one another up, 'cause that's generally what a loving family does.

I don't think that it makes sense to get upset 'cause someone says something negative to a comment that someone else perceives as negative, and then the other person responds back negatively 'cause they don't want anyone complaining about it.  It makes me think of children throwing rocks at others, but they better not throw any rocks back.  Rather contradictory, and it isn't productive.  Goodness gracious, I'll be honest, I'm rather confused.

Also, what is the OP?

[Alex_Incognito]

Dmeredith,

You should search "Second language identity" and look for scholarly journals and articles on this subject (especially studies done by Bonny Norton).  Since you're a second language teacher, I would highly recommend it (not sure if you teach in a communicative or what style).  I'm not sure how much established high school teachers follow the recent discoveries, research, and theories in their field, but looking on my past history it seems that few do.

I'm not sure why you decided to tell me that your first language is English, as you weren't one of the posters that I was addressing.

[Trami0501]

Celine had a different voice like that.

[ennostiel]

Yes, she does have different speaking voices - and many of us do! I sure do. Sometimes I'm even surprised how different my voice sounds in some situations. It changes with age - that's why we can hear Celine's different voices watching her interviews from different decades - but also with mood, health, whom we are speaking to, about what, etc. .... It's only natural that it is like that, and it is no sign of an underdeveloped personality - I think itis a sign of a complex one

[empress]

Personally, I thought this was a good topic. I have wondered on more than one occassion about the sound of her speaking voice. She was younger, yes, but at times she also spoke more softly than she does most of the time now. Not a big deal, just interesting. Thanks for bringing it up!!

[Jeffieboi]

Well, speaking as someone from the U.S. with English as a first language....

I've noticed that as time goes on...you realize less and less that English isn't her first language. Maybe it's just because I'm so used to hearing her accent, but even back in '96 when I first heard her speak....I remember thinking that she spoke English very well. When I look back at interviews in like.....1990-1994....it's definately different. Her accent was much thicker.

I remember most of her Rosie O'donell appearences (many of which I've re-watched on youtube recently, after watching them a million tims in the 90s on VHS), and her English was amazing. This is especially interesting to me since Rosie is a friend of hers, and you would assume that her accent might come out a little more since she would be so comfortable and casual in front of a friend. That just shows how amazing her English is.

With regard to her actual sound....yes...she definately sounds younger. It's weird though because you don't realize how much her speaking voice has matured (because it happens so gradually)....until you go back and re-watch her older interviews.

[*Daniel]

c'line-rc, on Apr 21 2012, 08:58 AM, said:

I think it depends on who she's talking to. She won't use the same type of language if she's speaking to Julie Snyder then when she's speaking to Denise Bombardier, for example. I think it really has to do with who she's speaking to, depending on how close she is with that person and stuff like that.

I'm like that, even I talk to teachers and such in a different way to each person. I even talk in a different tone to the same person while in the middle of talking.

dmeredith, on Apr 21 2012, 11:36 AM, said:

I think we all do that sort of thing. I certainly know that I'm guilty of doing it from time to time.

I'm guilty as well.

dmeredith, on Apr 21 2012, 10:39 PM, said:

Age does affect how you sound. A child's voice is different from an adult. That's obvious. Also, our voice can sound different if we are sick or if our voice has been over-worked.

Celine just has an animated personality, and that's why she's so endearing. She's fun to be around, talk to and listen to. It's actually a good trait to have. Celine has the whole package; talent, personality and kindness. She has an "inner light, and that's why people are drawn to her. Especially us!!!

Well said, and that something that I don't see all the time, and I'm thankful that Celine is like that One other work that I would like to add: honesty.

To those attacking the OP, what is wrong with you?