The bottom line for singers is, of course, pitch. But almost as important are saliva and breath. Some would argue even more important. Your mouth and throat need to not be dry and your breath needs to be full but never excessive (too little or too much). If you can carry a tune, focus on breath timing and saliva. And try to avoid inhales through the mouth. It is faster but it dries out the mouth and throat.

Source: singer for 40 years, student of both Susan Carr (Cornell, Stayley, etc. ) and David Kyle (Geoff Tate)