Opera singer backs criticism of young artist's voice

Opera singer Irena Parlov has joined the public discussion between singer Jacques Houdek and emerging artist Duška Brčić-Šušak, agreeing with Houdek's assessment of Brčić-Šušak's vocal health. The debate began after Brčić-Šušak posted a video of her performance of Oliver Dragojević's song "Ostavljam te samu."

“

I must agree with Jacques because everyone is sending me this video. The voice is not made only by vocal cords, even if they are without nodules, polyps, etc.... Although these are not healthy vocal cords at all, and I say this with the best intentions because I feel sorry that someone with talent cannot show their full potential because not everything is right with their voice.

Houdek had commented on the video, acknowledging Brčić-Šušak's talent and emotional delivery but expressed concern about the state of her voice. He advised her to seek immediate help, warning that her voice could be permanently damaged. Brčić-Šušak responded by stating she had undergone a specialist examination a few months prior, which confirmed her vocal cords were healthy. She suggested that Houdek might simply dislike her singing style, but her vocal health was her priority.

Parlov, however, supported Houdek's view, explaining that vocal health involves more than just the vocal cords themselves. She observed that Brčić-Šušak's vocal cords appeared "swollen" and were not closing correctly, despite any medical findings. Parlov warned that this condition could lead to a short career if not addressed, even with proper singing technique.

“

It's a shame, because with this kind of singing, your career will be very short, and you can do much better and more relaxed.

"It's a shame, because with this kind of singing, your career will be very short, and you can do much better and more relaxed," Parlov wrote. She advised Brčić-Šušak to focus on vocal hygiene and technique, suggesting that surgery might be an option. Brčić-Šušak, in contrast to her exchange with Houdek, offered only a brief, appreciative response to Parlov's detailed advice.

“

You have everything, you just need to take care of the health of your vocal cords and vocal hygiene through technique and care for your voice. Forget advice that rasp is gold. It is not if that 'rasp' is not naturally there because this is hoarse, violent screaming and sounds aggressive and unhealthy, which diminishes everything else good that you actually have.