The Fragile Instrument: When Singers Lose Their Voice
For singers, the voice is essential, and its absence can be tragic. In 2009, Joanna Newsom developed vocal cord nodules due to extensive touring, choosing silence instead of surgery, and returned in 2010 with a different vocal quality. After a polyp surgery in 1997, Julie Andrews lost her voice, subsequently suing Mount Sinai Hospital and settling in 2000, later transitioning to acting. During a concert in 2024, The Weeknd experienced vocal loss, attributed to his role as Tedros in 'The Idol' (2023). Baritone George London suffered career-ending paralysis, while Miley Cyrus underwent throat surgery for Reinke's edema in 2019, and Björk had nodule surgery in 2012. Touring-related inflammation often results in vocal problems, compounded by industry practices that promote misuse.
Key facts
- Joanna Newsom developed vocal cord nodules in 2009 and remained silent for two months instead of surgery.
- Julie Andrews lost her singing voice after a 1997 polyp operation and sued Mount Sinai Hospital for negligence.
- The Weeknd lost his voice during a Los Angeles concert and linked it to his role in 'The Idol'.
- George London developed unilateral vocal cord paralysis that ended his operatic career.
- Miley Cyrus underwent throat surgery in 2019 for Reinke's edema and a polyp.
- Björk had vocal cord nodule surgery in 2012 and avoided flying to preserve her voice.
- Adele and Sam Smith have undergone vocal surgery by Dr. Steven Zeitels.
- Mariah Carey released 'Here for It All' in 2025, showcasing an aged voice.
Entities
Artists
- Joanna Newsom
- Julie Andrews
- The Weeknd
- Abel Tesfaye
- George London
- Miley Cyrus
- Björk
- Adele
- Sam Smith
- Aretha Franklin
- Frank Sinatra
- Whitney Houston
- Mariah Carey
- Marianne Faithfull
- Julie London
Institutions
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- The Guardian
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Los Angeles
- Hamburg
- Germany
- Cologne