I was taken back a bit by the "get a real singer" comment... the goal that I saw was the desire to help a friend sing better - not form a band.

I maintain that anyone with a functional set of vocal chords can sing... maybe not well, but they have something to work with. Then the goal is to start singing better to the limits of their ability.

Some of the most painful renditions of traditional music that I have listened to were performed by highly trained, professional singers... who had no clue about the beauty of the song. All the notes were there, but the soul was nowhere to be found.

A question for the original poster - can this individual sing the song "correctly" on her own? If the only "problem" is joining in on the correct beat, then practicing to a recording may be the best option to start with.

The way to get to Carnegie Hall. Practice, practice, practice. lol