newjerseynewsroom.com

BY SAMANTHA NEGRAVAL

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The finale of NBC’s “The Sing-Off" was certainly a night to remember. From a performance by the legendary Smokey Robinson, accompanied by Afro-Blue, to a surprising tip of the hat to Bruce Springsteen, the two-hour event was an a capella celebration.

Pentatonix, a group of vocal innovators from Arlington, Texas, was declared the Season 3 champions and walked away with $200,000 and a Sony recording contract.

"I don't even know what to say. I can't believe it," said Scott Hoying, Pentatonix’s male lead. "I'm just so humbled to share the stage with my best friends. They're my family. These were 16 amazing groups. I can't believe this has happened."

Earlier in the evening, the group wrote to fans on their Facebook wall: “TODAY IS THE DAY! AHHHHHHGAHHHH!! IT's all coming to tonight, where we finally see who America decides! Sooo giddy :) Hope all of you are watching tonight!”

Pentatonix is best known for their futuristic take on Top 40 hits, and their bag of vocal tricks and surprises. They delivered solid performances during the length of the competition, putting their own twists on songs while staying true to the original tracks.

Despite their small size of just five members, Pentatonix’s power blew away the audiences and judges Shawn Stockman, Sara Bareilles, and Ben Folds every week.  A clear favorite from the start, the group never landed i n the bottom two during elimination.

According to their official website, Pentatonix began as a trio when Hoying and friends Mitch Grassi and Kirstie Maldonado, all 19 years old, met at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. They began entering competitions and received local recognition. Realizing they could have a bigger sound by adding a solid bass and beat-boxer, they sought out Avi Kaplan and vocal percussionist Kevin Olusola. This dynamic duo provided a rhythm section that drove Pentatonix right into the finale.

"You guys have potential to take a capella into the mainstream,” said Folds during final judge’s comments. "I think you should get out there and work with the best writers in the business, the best producers, and get out there.” Always one for a joke, Folds added, “When you're on the road, stay at Night's Inn. It's very cheap." 

And keeping with the theme of heading out on the road,  “The Sing-Off” finale also featured an electrifying rendition of “Born to Run” by Jersey’s own icon Bruce Springsteen.

The only way the performance could have been better is if The Boss himself joined in the a capella fun. Unfortunately, Springsteen did not attend. (Perhaps he is too busy putting the final touches on his upcoming album or tour dates.)

But the male vocalists of 15 of the 16 vocal groups (Delilah was the only all-girl group) did the anthem justice, packing the stage and singing their hearts out in a performance that brought down the house.

An entertained Nick Lachey, the show's host, remarked that the performance brought everyone back to Jersey.

A little of the Garden State in L.A.? Well, why not!

Samantha Negraval is an editor for NewJerseyNewsroom.com and a freelance writer.