I think this melisma thing has gotten out of hand on Idol and other musical shows...melisma can be a great thing, but lately it’s abused more and more by some insensitive, and obviously amateurish, singers.
I suppose those who practise it like to think that this is a sign of their involvement in the song, but, most times there isn't any musical grounds of what they are doing...many times it interferes with the flow of the lyrics, melody, sometimes even the rhythm itself.
It's frequently done just to copy singers like Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston who indulge in runs.
I think it works great in Gospel music, but to a far lesser extent in Pop tunes.
Ian
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