Pronunciation: [vˈə͡ʊkəlˌɪsts] (IPA) 
The word "vocalists" is spelled with a "c" instead of an "s" because it is derived from the noun "vocal," which is pronounced /ˈvoʊkəl/. When the suffix "-ist" is added to "vocal," it changes the pronunciation of the final consonant from /l/ to /k/. Therefore, the correct spelling is "vocalists," pronounced /ˈvoʊkəlɪsts/. This is an example of how the rules of phonetics guide spelling and pronunciation in the English language.
Vocalists are individuals who specialize in singing or using their voices as a primary musical instrument. They are skilled in the art of vocal performance, often possessing a wide vocal range and the ability to manipulate their voices to create various tones, pitches, and styles.
Vocalists can be found across a wide range of musical genres, such as pop, rock, jazz, opera, country, and many others. They may choose to perform as solo artists or as part of a group or band. Singing is a highly expressive form of communication, and vocalists use their voices to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with their audiences on a profound level.
In addition to possessing natural talent and a unique voice, vocalists often receive training to further develop and refine their vocal abilities. They may learn proper breathing techniques, vocal warm-up exercises, and how to project their voice effectively. Vocalists also learn about musical theory, phrasing, and often study different languages for pronunciation accuracy when performing songs in various languages.
Vocalists perform in a variety of settings, including concerts, recording studios, theaters, clubs, and even on television shows. Their performances can range from intimate, acoustic performances to high-energy, theatrical productions. Vocalists often collaborate with other musicians, such as instrumentalists and songwriters, to create and perform music. Their contributions are essential to the overall sound and success of a musical piece, making them a crucial component of the music industry.
The word "vocalist" is derived from the Middle English term "vocalist" or "vocals" which can be traced back to the Latin word "vocalis", meaning "sounding" or "speaking". This Latin term is derived from the verb "vocare", meaning "to call" or "to summon". Thus, "vocalist" originally referred to someone who called or summoned others through their voice. Over time, the meaning of "vocalist" evolved to specifically denote a singer or someone who uses their voice in a musical sense.
