We talking singers and talent, so a rant is incoming. . .
In terms of soulfulness and technical ability ... I have my own GOAT . . .
I love Aretha and Patti, no doubt. This isn't even about quality of songs. Clearly Aretha and Patti are legendary artists. . .
. . . but not only do I just love the sound of Kelly's voice, but she is an extremely talented, powerhouse vocalist. She can go from 0-100. Beyonce can probably go from 0-70. With her looks, that is remarkable, and why she is where she is. I don't know if nature would allow for someone with Kelly's voice to look like Beyonce. LOLOLOL.
What's funny is, from a technical standpoint, the most gifted singers are relatively unknown. D'atra Hicks, for instance. I first heard of her through Tyler Perry's stage plays - TP might not write worth a damn, but that motherfucking have given a platform to some of the most ridiculous singers I have ever heard. Like where is he finding all of these motherfuckers? - and I heard her do something vocally back in the very early 2000s, that combined vocal dexterity, range and breath control, that I still don't know how it was humanly possible. She is, however, a very crazy human being. Mentally.
Rachelle Ferrell does a lot of weird shit with her mouth, AND she has super-sized soup-coolers. Her singing style is even unorthodox. If you're talking talent, tho'? Rachelle is kind of scary.
Melonie Daniels from NYC. Vocally could go toe to toe with probably any singer I've ever heard, AND has this grit to her voice reminiscent of David Ruffin. This woman not only has a super-powerful voice, but its very dexterous. Imagine Bo Jackson with moves like Mike Vick. . . . . . . exactly. Even more interesting is her range. She can go from authentic bass to super-WTF-how did you get there;nobody's 'sposed to be there-soprano. She's had minimal success as a recording artist, but is better known to those in the know for her background work with legendary artists, and her live performances in NYC's live music scene.
Anthony Williams bka Tonex. An over-singing, out of the closet homosexual. However . . .
. . . this dude is a vocal mutant. Mutant. Never heard an adult male singer with that much range. Dude can even sing in the whistle register (e.g. Minnie Ripperton; Mariah; Rachelle Ferrell). At this point, he's a live performer at this point, doing older songs he recorded, and covers of other artists songs. Some of his performances are super-pause worthy, and you just have to turn the shit off. Other times he wants to dress like a normal man, and then its easier to forget, because the talent is truly top .01%