Linda Ronstadt reveals which 1980s star she considered more of a great entertainer than a singer

Throughout her career, Linda Ronstadt has shared the stage and closely followed some of popular music's biggest artists. Known for her sincerity when commenting on her professional colleagues, the singer once made a surprising observation about one of the most popular figures of the 1980s. The artist in question was Elvis Costello. According to Ronstadt, although she recognized Costello's enormous creative talent, she never considered him an exceptional singer in the technical sense of the word. For her, her strength was much more linked to her ability to interpret, artistic presence and ability to communicate with the public. The statement was not made as criticism. On the contrary. Ronstadt believed that many of the biggest names in music did not necessarily have perfect voices, but were able to convey emotion and personality in a unique way. In the case of Elvis Costello, his combination of lyrical intelligence, charisma and authenticity ended up becoming more important than any display of vocal virtuosity. During the 1970s and 1980s, Costello built a career marked by sophisticated lyrics and a musical approach that ranged between rock, new wave, punk and pop. His unique style has made him one of the most respected figures in British music. For Ronstadt, the ability to move and entertain the public often surpasses purely technical aspects. This vision helps explain why such different artists are able to leave lasting marks on the history of music. Decades later, both Linda Ronstadt and Elvis Costello continue to be recognized as two of the most influential artists of their generations.