1. Ronnie James Dio (DIO) - The original, this guy has been around since the late 1950's!!! An unmistakable voice that can't be ignored, truly powerful. He can still hit it after all these years. The guy must be almost 70! What a vocal god!
2. Eric Adams (MANOWAR) - Great range and a unique vocal sound. Conveys emotion flawlessly, and writes powerful vocal patterns. He began singing for MANOWAR in the late 70's and he's never let up once.
3. Michael Sweet (STRYPER) - I can't believe more people haven't mentioned this dude, he has the most commanding voice ever. Perfect technique and an amazing upper register. And even now his voice still sounds great!
4. Ian Astbury (THE CULT) - another guy I'm surprised people haven't brought up more. This guy proves beyond a doubt that you don't need crazy 6 octave range to be a devastating singer. Listen to the Sonic Temple album and tell me you don't get goosebumps when the chorus of "Fire Woman" or "Sweet Soul Sister" kicks in.
5. Jim Gillette (NITRO) - I had to put this guy because the topic is "Best metal singers". This is the guy I'd say is "technically" the best, that is he has the best technique, best range, most diversity of sound, and greatest breath control of any singer I know of. But any true musician or music lover knows that the measure of a singer is more than just their potential for highlow notes and vocal effects. Jim's vocal patterns, lyrics, and ability to convey emotion leave a lot to be desired. Still, a truly remarkable singer.

Best?Well,these folks I think are best(in my world)

In no order(except the first one)

1.Dolores O'Riordan(The Cranberries)--She's my fricken idol.
2.Sinead O'Connor
3.Pat Benetar
4.Scott Stapp
5.Marie Fredriksson(Roxette)

I had a bad slip and neglected to put David Phelps on my list. So scratch the country category and put Phelps down as the best gospel singer I've heard.

1.Steve Perry

2.Sting

3.The guy from Survivor

4.The guy from Europe

5.Jamie Vendera!

I don't count ;)

JV

1. Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle) - Possibly my favourite singer. Beautiful tonality and a unique ability to work with lyrics. He has a great range and uses it tastefully.

2. David Phelps - Unbelievable control and range! He can sing well above C5 while maintaining a very chesty tone. I'd recommend everyone to check out his videos on YouTube.

3. James LaBrie (Dream Theater) - This is the guy who has inspired me the most. After recovering from a nasty vocal rupture caused by food poisoning, the man is still going strong and he's almost 50 (I think). I love his tonality and power in the upper range, as well as some of his vocal inflections.

4. Brandon Boyd (Incubus) - Very nice tonality, sort of similar to Keenan's. Incubus is the first band of all of these singer's bands that I got into, so naturally, I was inspired by this guy quite a bit.

5. Daniel Heiman (Lost Horizon) - AMAZING range and power. I've heard him sing powerful A5's WITH GRIT. If there's anyone else who has the potential to shatter a glass with his voice, it's him.

1. bruce dickinson....maiden
2. sebastian bach....skid row
3. geoff tate...queensryche
4. david coverdale...whitesnake
5. chris cornell...audioslave
6. paul shortino...rough cutt
7. ray gillan.....badlands
8. john cowan....newgrass revival
9. freddy mercury...queen
10.jeff keith...tesla.........and "cobbie"

These are my own personal favorites:

1. Josh Groban
2. Hayley Westenra
3. David Phelps
4. Richard Marx
5. Harry Chapin
(6.) Corrinne May (A BRILLIANT songwriter, IMO. Check her out at www.corrinnemay.com.)

Meagan

1.Steve Perry
2.Sting
3.Robert Plant
4.Tony Harnell
5.Paul Rodgers
6.Rob Halford
7.Miljenko Matijevic
8.Jim Gillette
9.Axl Rose
10. Nick Cave

I know the thread just says 5, but it's hard do