Freddie Mercury by a long way. You can always tell what he's singing. Very clear voice and belted it out.
Karen Carpenter is a great call. Respect. I have lots of favourite artists and bands, and even I admit some of their singing qualities are questionable. So for pure singing ability, I'll throw a couple of left field suggestions out there. Growing up, I was brought up on my parents faves, Elvis and Buddy Holly. But I remember asking my long-gone Grandma her favourite when I was a kid, and she always quoted the Platters. She said "the singer can sing like most people can whistle" and I know what she means. I think the man was called Tony Williams and his vocal on 'Only You' was superb. Link below. Secondly, around 1978, a young American singer sang with a band called Blue Angel. I liked them because they weren't mainstream. Sadly, the singer went solo and turned mainstream, and became commercialised and marmite. Her name was Cyndi Lauper and her vocal on "I'm Gonna Be Strong" still takes my breath away. I'm not sure how she did it, raw, perfect, talent. Link also below, and if you only listen from 2 mins 12 for the final crescendo it will have made your day worthwhile. Enjoy.
We always watched Stars In Their Eyes when the kids were little. Brian Blessed was excellent as Pavarotti. Great voice.
Skin from Skunk Anansie honourable mentions to 2 blokes who most people hate as human beings: Roger Daltrey Bono and from the lyrics thread, one of our greatest songwriters who I never considered a great singer till he covered this and it blew my socks off.
Re Cyndi Lauper mate. My favourite artiste. Seen her 4 times. I Have every album she's ever made including the Blue Angel one. ( I bought it from America) if you like her voice, and you've never heard the song. Sally's Pigeons, its a must. Drove all night. ( stolen by Roy Orbison.) I could go on and on. About how amazing she is. all day. Kinky boots the musical. Superb songs written and created by her. Trolls movie. input. If you ever get the chance to see her perform. Try make it. You'll not be disappointed. When travelling back from distant away games. I have 50 of her songs downloaded onto my mp player. Makes the journey worthwhile even if we've lost. Lol. My eldest Granddaughter knows who are the 5 most loved ladies in my life. And reels em off when I ask. Her Her sister Her mother Her Grandma (my missus) Cyndi lauper. Lol. Other Artistes Alison Moyet Kool and the gang. Cherish the love sends a shiver down my spine.
Aretha Franklin Candi Staton Janice Joplin Levi Stubbs Jeff Buckley Aaron Neville Van Morrison Frankie Valli Amy Winehouse Curtis Mayfield Marvin Gaye ... I could go on.
Hope Sandoval John Lennon Nina Simone Robin Zander Marianne Faithful David Bowie Gram Parsons Kate Rusby Nick Cave Don & Phil Everly John Lee Hooker Joey Ramone Mark Kozelek Vanessa Paradis Emmylou Harris Bob Dylan Marie Therese Stephen Duffy Lana Del Rey Shane McGowan Elvis Presley Billie Holiday Jake Burns Excuse me, whilst I google the fella from Prayer Boat..