putting riffs/runs/trills aside… can you effectively transition between head and chest voice? sing in upper and lower registers without being flat/pitchy? sustain some vibrato? can you at least hold a note, stay on key, and do it CONSISTENTLY? these! things! matter!
and for those who like to dive into the deep end with belting and vocal acrobats even with the aforementioned criteria, can your diaphragm handle it? do you know your range? where’s the distinct and appealing tones? where’s the proper breath control, sis?
you don’t need a powerhouse voice to qualify as a consummate singer, but at least be aware of whether you sound pleasing and stimulating to the ear…
and whatever you lack in big & bold vocals, you better take a page out of Janet’s book and make up for it with sheer artistry and musicality! give me songwriting, varied production, thematic depth, aesthetics on and off stage, choreo, appropriate theatrics, etc.