You’ve heard it. That slight rasp. A bit of a gravelly edge that wasn't there when he first started reporting from the field years ago. If you’ve been watching the Today show lately, you might have noticed Craig Melvin’s voice sounds a little more weathered than it used to.
It’s subtle. But for daily viewers, it’s definitely a thing.
People are talking. Search for "Craig Melvin voice change" and you’ll find plenty of viewers wondering if the guy is okay or if he’s dealing with some kind of medical issue. Honestly, when your job depends on your vocal cords, any shift in tone feels like a major headline.
What’s Actually Happening with Craig’s Voice?
First, let's clear up the confusion. A lot of people are mixing up Craig Melvin with his co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. In early 2026, Savannah actually had to take a leave of absence for vocal cord surgery to remove a polyp and some nodules. That was a big deal. She was on total vocal rest—literally silent—for weeks.
Craig? He’s been the one holding down the fort.
He hasn't announced any major surgery. He hasn't gone on "vocal rest." Instead, what viewers are hearing is likely the result of a grueling schedule and a decade of high-pressure broadcasting. Think about it. The man is everywhere. He’s co-anchoring the main hours of Today, leading the 3rd Hour, and until recently, he was juggling a whole other show on MSNBC.
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That’s a lot of talking. Professional "voice users"—singers, teachers, and news anchors—often develop what’s called vocal fatigue.
The "Hoarse" Factor
Some viewers on Reddit and social media have described his voice as "raspy" or "pep-club hoarse."
It’s not just age. While it’s true that vocal cords lose some elasticity as we get older, Craig is only in his mid-40s. The change is more likely environmental. Anchors often have to project over crowd noise or deal with the dry, recirculated air of a television studio for hours on end.
If you listen to old clips of him from his early days in South Carolina, the difference is there. Back then, it was smoother. Higher. Now, it’s got a deeper, more textured quality. It’s a "broadcast voice" that has been lived in.
Is There a Health Concern?
There is zero evidence that Craig Melvin is ill. In fact, he’s never been more active.
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He recently took over Hoda Kotb’s prestigious co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie in January 2025. You don't get promoted to the biggest job in morning TV if you can't deliver the lines. NBC clearly isn't worried.
However, the "rasp" can be a sign of a few things:
- Reflux: Acid reflux (GERD) is the secret enemy of many broadcasters. It can irritate the vocal folds overnight, leading to a "morning voice" that lasts all day.
- Nodules: These are like calluses on the vocal cords. While Craig hasn't confirmed having them, they are incredibly common in his profession.
- Plain old exhaustion: The Today show call time is brutal. 4:00 AM doesn't do favors for anyone’s throat.
A Man of Many Voices
Interestingly, Craig has been open about his voice in other ways. He’s talked about how his mother, a teacher, was stickler for "correct" pronunciation. He grew up consciously cultivating a non-regional, ambiguous dialect.
He's also joked about struggling with certain words. In an interview with Rachel’s English, he admitted that words like "rural" and "regularly" still trip him up because of the "R" and "L" sounds.
Maybe the "change" people are hearing is just a man becoming more comfortable in his own skin. He’s less of the "stiff newsman" and more of the conversational, warm presence we see now. That shift in personality often comes with a shift in vocal placement. He’s speaking from the chest more than the throat.
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The Stress of the Big Chair
Let’s be real. Replacing a legend like Hoda Kotb is stressful.
Stress manifests in the body. It tightens the muscles around the larynx. When you’re nervous or under high pressure—like, say, broadcasting to millions of people while your co-anchor is out for surgery—your voice can thin out or become strained.
Craig has been incredibly candid about the emotional toll of the job. He’s called his co-stars the "sisters he never knew he needed." When he read Hoda's farewell letter on air, he was visibly (and audibly) moved. Emotions affect the vocal cords. Period.
How to Protect Your Own Voice
If you’ve noticed your own voice changing or feeling "scratchy" like Craig’s occasionally does, there are a few things the pros do that actually work.
- Hydration is boring but vital. Vocal cords need a thin layer of mucus to vibrate properly. If you’re dehydrated, they grate.
- The "Steamer" trick. Many anchors use personal steamers or "vocal mists" before they go on air to hydrate the folds directly.
- Rest. Silence is the only true cure for vocal fatigue.
Craig Melvin isn't going anywhere. That voice—rasp and all—is now the sound of our mornings. It’s the sound of a veteran who has put in the hours, reported from the front lines, and earned his spot at the desk.
Next Steps for Your Vocal Health:
If you’re experiencing a persistent voice change that lasts longer than two weeks, don’t just "wait it out" like a tough news anchor. Schedule an appointment with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) to check for nodules or reflux. In the meantime, try cutting back on caffeine and using a humidifier at night to keep your vocal folds lubricated. For fans of Craig, keep an eye on the 3rd Hour; he usually shares more personal health updates and "behind the scenes" tidbits during that more casual segment.