Utada vs. Ayumi (vocally)

[YUKARI]

I voted for Utada, because I know, her vocals are better than ayu's She doesn't have to make an effort to sound good, while ayu obviously has some difficulties. I miss her clear sound, her voice changed so much, while Hikki's almost the same (just a bit mature than in 1999).

[unhidragtor]

Yeah, i vote for Utada

[susiowong]

I don't like Utada's music or voice much, but I picked her because she just seems to have ... a better method for singing. I'm not sure how to describe it.

[Polyrhythm]

This poll is such a joke.

I love Ayu to death but as a vocal miracle? Please....no.

[Not Fade Away]

^This.

And people keep bringing in things like who sings with more emotion and who has a voice that gets boring after a while, but I'm pretty sure the poll is supposed to be on vocal techniques and how well the quality of the voice is.

That being said, I can clearly notice deterioration in Ayu's voice, so sometimes it's extremely difficult to listen to her. I don't really connect with her voice so much as I connect with the things she is singing about. For me, I love Ayu more for her lyrics and messages rather than the quality of her voice.

Utada, however, has remained strong vocal-wise since the beginning of her career. And - actually - she's had vocal training earlier than 2004, I remember her talking about it in her blog posts waaaay back when. She's also had vocal lessons as recently as 2009/2010 because she mentioned she had to have them because of the problems her vocals suffered during promotions for 'This is the One'.

Also, Hikki's vocals are extremely dynamic if you listen to all of the tracks on her albums and not just her singles or go-to songs.

Overall, I would choose Hikki. I've heard her growth and maturity in her vocals over the years and I think she sounds smooth and strong when she sings.

[Delicious n Bold]

Ayu
While I like Utada's voice, it can be bland.
And although Ayu's voice can be nasally and just impossible to listen to (ASFXX), she pours emotion in her songs like nobody else.

[jewelbox]

I like Ayu's vocals because they're one of a kind. Utada is good technical singer, but I always prefer uniqueness.

[~StarCatcher~]

Ayu for sure.

I think Utada's voice is not very strong even thought I like her music, too.
It sounds as if she does not have the power to hold her voice through the lines.

[isthisLOL?]

Utada has horrible technique, Ayumi has gotten good technique lately with both of them having quite compareable ranges, so on the technical side Ayumi wins. I do think Hikki's voice is more pleasant though and that Utada's voice can fit a wider variety of music.

[millie47]

Ayu. 'coz whatever listening I do to Hikki, I just can't.

[ayumint]

i love both of them.
but i really prefer Ayu's unique voice