I know I’ve been pretty tough on female pop singers. Maybe it’s a little unfair because I don’t prefer the style of music. I do sing along if Adele or Lady Gaga blare through my car radio speakers, but it isn’t long before I flip to a jazz or blues artist and really listen.

It’s just that, I only really enjoy good singers. Lady Gaga and Adele are okay. They sing loudly, and mostly in tune. They don’t lip sync their concerts. They write their own music. But there is a distinct difference between those stars and true artists. See, there I go again being unfair. 

Let me try and explain. I sing in the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and I’m certain that many women in our group could belt out “Rumor Has It” in their sleep. Many could put on a strange wig, take off their pants and rock out with “Born This Way.” Becoming a famous singer in our day and age doesn’t have much to do with singing well. Oftentimes, really good singers end up with desk jobs, using their MFA’s in music on the side, in local choirs or community theater. 

For that reason, I love when I stumble upon tween and teen girls who are using their musical skill, not their side boob, to break into the pop world. Girls who can sing without belting, and dance without stripping, but might still interest my eight-year-old niece. 

Today I discovered the Cimorelli girls - see video. These six sisters were introduced (by their musician mother) to classical piano, three-part barbershop harmonizing, and vocal jazz, each by the age of four. Now they sing popular hits as an a cappella group, and received quick notoriety on YouTube. In addition, the girls, ranging in ages from 12-21, write their own songs and were signed by Universal Records in 2010.

The first clip I saw (above) featured the girls in a video ad for AT&T’s “Don’t Text and Drive” campaign. Covering the popular hit, “Some Nights,” they wore brightly colored and appropriate clothing. One shirt read “DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE.” Another, “IT CAN WAIT.” I have to say - the girls impressed me. I won’t be adding them to my playlist or anything - it’s still not my preferred style. But as I perused through their numerous videos, I liked what I saw. The girls have a sense of style, a definite artistry, and they keep their performance about the singing and the music.

They managed to cover a Rihanna song without taking their clothes off. They dance well, without booty shaking. They keep it clean, without appearing uncool. How refreshing to see a young group of female singers go the pop route without selling their bodies. I’m crossing my fingers that as the Cimorelli sisters get bigger, they keep it classy.