In the Carnatic music system, instruments are given second preference. It s the vocal music that gets the most attention of the public.
Carnatic music is systematic, with lots of grammar, whereas light music has no system.
It is the singer on the stage who sings first, or initiates the programme in Carnatic shows, and then the accompanists start showing their hands. Singers like PU Chinnappa can sing at a very high pitch. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar can encompass three octaves. TR Mahalingam can sustain a high pitch for a long time. In Carnatic music, the vocalist can run the show without even any accompaniments.