In the world of entertainment, this year has seen remarkable achievements for young talents. Two prominent figures, Ariana Grande and Timothée Chalamet, have garnered Oscar nominations for their performances in Wicked and A Complete Unknown. Behind their success lies the guidance of Eric Vetro, a renowned vocal coach who has shaped the vocal prowess of numerous Hollywood stars. Vetro’s expertise extends beyond just these two celebrities, having worked with an array of A-list actors including Angelina Jolie, Renée Zellweger, and Emma Stone.

The Art of Vocal Mastery: Shaping Future Legends

Vetro’s approach to vocal coaching is both meticulous and personalized. He emphasizes the importance of preparing the actor’s natural voice before they can fully embody their character. This preparation phase can last anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the project's demands and the actor's availability. During this time, Vetro focuses on enhancing the actor’s vocal range, flexibility, and overall performance quality. For instance, when working with Grande, he spent months refining her operatic style for her role in Wicked. His dedication ensured that she could seamlessly transition between musical styles without compromising her comedic timing or vocal strength.

Grande’s transformation under Vetro’s tutelage was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite her already celebrated musical career, playing Glinda required a new level of vocal control and expressiveness. Vetro recounts how they worked tirelessly to prepare her for the role, ensuring that every note she sang felt authentic and powerful. Grande’s ability to effortlessly perform complex songs like “Dancing Through Life” showcased not only her vocal talent but also her comedic flair. Vetro notes that Grande’s confidence in her vocal abilities allowed her to focus on delivering a nuanced and hilarious performance, which resonated deeply with audiences. He even compares her to Judy Garland, praising her exceptional pitch and wide vocal range, qualities that make her a standout performer in today’s industry.

Guiding the Next Generation: Lessons Beyond the Stage

Vetro’s influence extends far beyond Hollywood’s elite. Recognizing the demand for his expertise, he has partnered with BBC Maestro to offer online courses that teach vocal techniques to aspiring singers worldwide. These courses provide bite-sized lessons on warm-up techniques, vocal strengthening, and effective communication through lyrics. By making his knowledge accessible to a broader audience, Vetro aims to empower individuals who may not have the opportunity to work directly with him. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the way he tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs of his students, whether they are seasoned professionals or beginners.

Timothée Chalamet’s preparation for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown exemplifies Vetro’s holistic approach to coaching. Chalamet immersed himself deeply into the character, capturing Dylan’s essence without resorting to imitation. Vetro helped him understand the nuances of Dylan’s speech patterns and cadence, enabling Chalamet to deliver lines with authenticity. The actor’s dedication to mastering Dylan’s vocal mannerisms paid off, resulting in a performance that felt genuine and captivating. Vetro’s guidance in this process highlights his ability to bring out the best in his students, transforming them into versatile performers capable of tackling any challenge. Through his online platform, Vetro hopes to inspire the next generation of artists, offering them the tools to succeed in their own right.