Why Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill, Not a Soft Trait

The Grammy Awards sit on a global stage like no other. A huge congratulations to the winners, performers and the many people working behind the scenes who make the night possible. For 68 years, the Grammys have been watched, analysed, celebrated and criticised across cultures and generations.

This year, watching from home in the UK, something stood out to me beyond the performances themselves. It was the level of emotional intelligence required to make the entire night work. In a time when AI is firmly part of the wider creative conversation, that human skill felt more visible and more valuable than ever. The human element is not something we can afford to overlook.

So, what is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand emotions, both your own and those of others, and to use that understanding to guide how you behave, communicate and respond.

It includes:

• Self-awareness

• Emotional regulation

• Empathy

• The ability to read verbal and non-verbal cues

At the Grammys, emotional intelligence shows up everywhere. You see it in the hosts and presenters, in winners navigating high-emotion moments, in the branding and identity of each artist, and even in how the audience receives the show before it truly begins.

How I listen as a vocal coach

As a vocal coach, I listen differently. I am not just listening for notes or range. I am listening for pressure management.

This year, I was particularly aware of three things when people spoke and performed:

• Breath control under intense scrutiny

• Calm phrasing when nerves are high

• Presence, even while knowing millions are watching

The performances that stayed with me were not always the loudest. They were the most intentional.

All nominees reach this stage because they are recognised by their peers. The Grammys are, at their core, a celebration of acknowledging one another across past, present and future.

A few artists I would like to celebrate this year include Olivia Dean as a new artist, Lady Gaga, whom I have watched and respected for many years, and Billie Eilish, whom my teenage daughter, Isabella Francesca, absolutely adores. And of course, our UK artists Cynthia Erivo and Raye, whose presence continues to raise the bar.

What strong performers understand

Technically strong singers do not fight the moment. They allow it to unfold. That ability comes from:

• Trusting their preparation

• Trusting their body

• Trusting the work done long before the spotlight

When an artist truly understands their instrument, you can hear the ease. Even in vulnerable moments, there is stability underneath. That stability allows them to surrender fully to the emotion the song is asking them to share.

A lesson beyond singing

The Grammys are also a masterclass for producers, writers and rappers. At this level:

• Arrangements are exposed

• Lyrics are examined closely

• There is nowhere to hide behind volume or distraction

That vulnerability is powerful. It reminds us that clarity often lands harder than complexity. Year after year, the Grammys show us something important. Vulnerability is not accidental. It is practised, shaped and supported by discipline.

Artists who appear emotionally open on stage are usually the most technically prepared behind the scenes.

For those watching at home

Whether you are a singer, songwriter, dancer or part of a creative team, resist the urge to compare your journey to someone else’s highlight moment.

Instead:

• Study how calm shows up in performance

• Notice how pacing, silence and intention create impact

The Grammys do not reward panic. They reward presence, preparation and trust. And that lesson reaches far beyond music.

If you have read this far, I would love to know your thoughts. Who inspired you this year, and why?