A falsetto is a special singing technique where a singer (especially a male singer) makes their voice much higher than their normal speaking or singing range. It creates a light, airy sound that's distinctly different from their regular voice.

When you hear someone sing in falsetto, it often sounds almost like a different person is singing. The Bee Gees used falsetto throughout their famous disco songs in the 1970s, creating their signature high, smooth sound. In the musical Hamilton, the character King George sings many of his parts in falsetto, which can make him sound both funny and a little over-the-top.

The technique works by changing how the vocal cords vibrate. Instead of using the full thickness of the vocal cords like in normal singing, falsetto uses just the edges, producing those unusually high notes. Many male singers switch between their regular voice and falsetto within the same song to create contrast and emotional effect.

You can hear falsetto in all kinds of music, from classical opera to modern pop. Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and many other contemporary singers use falsetto to hit notes that would be difficult to reach in their normal range. When someone sings in falsetto, you'll immediately recognize that distinctive, soaring quality that sets it apart from their usual voice.