Pentatonix: The A Cappella Revolution

Pentatonix is a Grammy-winning a cappella group from Arlington, Texas. Their innovative vocal arrangements and viral online success have brought contemporary a cappella music to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Early career

The group was formed in 2011 when Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, and Mitch Grassi recruited bass vocalist Avi Kaplan and beatboxer Kevin Olusola to compete on the NBC television series "The Sing-Off." Their victory in the show's third season, which included a $200,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Sony, provided the launchpad for their professional career.

Breakthrough

Pentatonix's true breakthrough came through strategic use of YouTube, where their intricate a cappella covers of pop hits gained massive traction. Their 2012 cover of "Somebody That I Used to Know" went viral, leading to a deal with RCA Records. The group's commercial peak arrived with their 2014 holiday album "That's Christmas to Me," which sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum.

Key tracks

Daft Punk - This 2013 medley of Daft Punk songs won the group their first Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella.

Mary, Did You Know? - A standout track from their massively successful holiday album, this song became a modern Christmas standard and demonstrated their ability to handle traditional material.

Can't Sleep Love - An original single from their 2015 self-titled album, it marked a significant step in their evolution from a cover group to hit-making recording artists.

Hallelujah - Their 2016 cover of the Leonard Cohen classic featured on the album "A Pentatonix Christmas" and topped the Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for a holiday track.

The group has seen member changes, notably with Avi Kaplan departing in 2017 and being replaced by Matt Sallee. They have continued to release original music and holiday albums, maintaining a strong presence on charts and streaming platforms. Their collaborations span from Kelly Clarkson and Maren Morris to the cast of "Pitch Perfect," solidifying their status within the music industry.

Fans of Pentatonix's intricate vocal harmonies and pop sensibilities may also enjoy the work of Home Free, another country-leaning a cappella group known for their tight harmonies. The theatrical style of Voice Play offers a similar focus on vocal percussion and modern covers. For a more jazz-inflected a cappella experience, listeners can explore The Real Group, a pioneering ensemble from Sweden. The complex arrangements of Straight No Chaser also provide a comparable blend of humor and musical precision.

Pentatonix's music, spanning pop covers, original songs, and holiday classics, is featured across various music formats. Their recordings are regularly included in programming that highlights vocal performance and contemporary hits.

Listeners can discover the vocal artistry of Pentatonix through music channels available on this platform.