Performances That Gave Us Chills

Today in music, the focus isn't so much on vocals... especially in pop music. So I took the liberty of pulling together some of my favorite performances from some of MY favorite VOCALISTS. Yes, I'm aware the are better performances out there, but these are performance that really made the hair on the back of my neck stand up!

Florence + the Machine - The Dog Days Are Over (MTV Video Music Awards)

This was the first time I ever got a taste of Florence. Yes, I was late, but better late than never. I remember watching this and not quite understanding what I was feeling. It had been so long since I heard such immaculate control on such a classical sounding voice. Florence is one of a kind in the industry. No one sounds like her. No one is really like her. She has her own sound and she always bring out the best for her live shows.

 Adele - Chasing Pavements (Saturday Night Live)

I was also admittedly late on Adele too, but it was more so the fact that I couldn't understand her success. Really, her songs are insanely catchy. Yes, I still think Adele is borderline monotone, but this performances is one of the many that shows she works her range unlike any before her.

Beyoncè - National Anthem (Superbowl)

Oh, Beyoncè, how I loathe that you sometimes neglect your god given talent for chart hits. This, right here, is the reason that I love Bey. Songs like "Deja Vu" and "Dangerously In Love," where she really flexes her vocal skills, just send me over the edge. In this performance she isn't just giving you vocal runs, but she's serving vocal acrobatics.

Christina Aguilera - Lift Me Up (Hope for Haiti Benefit)

Bionic wasn't all bad. It actually gave me some of my all-time favorite ballads. Including this one. Christina seemed to be on a perfect path with this performance, showing off her golden vocals. I don't know if it was the wonderful acoustics of the venue or just the emotional tone of the performance, but it moves me in many ways.

Carrie Underwood - How Great Thou Art (Country Music Awards)

Simply put, my favorite vocal performance of all time. Carrie Underwood is an extremely underrated vocal beast and she silenced each and every hater with this performance. People watched from the audience in tears and her ovation lasted throughout the commercial break. 

What are your favorite live performance from female vocalist? I'd love to see some examples from Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson, Mariah, Whitney and others. Share with me! 

Also, check the blog later today from some of the most entertaining performances I've ever seen!