Write the lift into the arrangement
A chorus feels big because of contrast, not volume. Keep the verse smaller, with fewer instruments, less low end and a narrower image. Then let the chorus add what the verse held back, such as wider harmonies, a fuller bass and a bigger drum pattern. Tell the producer what should change between sections instead of only asking for a bigger chorus.
Give the music a job around the voice. Instruments that play in the gaps between lines help a hook stand out, and instruments that play through every word compete with it. A short, repeated idea that answers the vocal usually does more than a busy part.
Stack voices on purpose
Doubles and harmonies are how pop vocals get their size. A tight double in the chorus adds weight, and a harmony above the melody can lift a hook. Stacks work best when the lead is finished first, so settle on the final take and build around it. Dhun can add a harmony from your lead once it knows the key.
Keep the lead clearly louder than the stack. If backing voices match the lead in level and tone, the words get harder to follow. Pan pairs to the sides, and consider leaving most of the verse single so the chorus has somewhere to go.
Polish without removing the person
Modern pop vocals are often bright, even in level and tightly tuned, but those are choices, not requirements. Even out the loudest and quietest words first, then add air only if the voice still sounds dull against the track. Watch for harsh S sounds whenever you brighten a vocal.
Test the mix on small speakers. If the words disappear on a phone, the problem is usually the balance or the midrange, not the master. Compare against a song you like at a matched level, and treat it as direction rather than something to copy.
Common questions
Does a pop vocal have to be heavily tuned?
No. Plenty of pop keeps natural pitch movement. Tune the notes that distract, then decide whether a tighter sound suits the song. Keep a version of each so you can choose by listening.
How loud should a pop vocal be?
There is no fixed number. The vocal is usually the loudest element, and every word should stay clear at low volume. Trust a test on a small speaker over any meter reading.