Like the broader evolution of music, the art of jazz has become increasingly more intricate and technically demanding. In the jazz voice realm, melodic and harmonic lines have become faster, more rhythmically intricate, involve fewer words, and require the ability to blend and match pitch with other instruments. This paper presents the notion that the increased use of wordless vocals (composed melodic lines sung on syllables rather than words) indicates that the role of the jazz vocalist is expanding. Compositions and arrangements written and performed after the year 2000 will be analyzed. These pieces feature prominent contemporary jazz vocalists using the style which is defining the new model of vocalization. With the amalgamation of the new and traditional vocal skills, the dividing line between vocalist and instrumentalist may be blurring. These skills will be examined in order to understand what is needed not only for success in the vocal world, but in the instrumental world as well.