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Kirstie, Mitch and Scott grew up together in Austin. They did musical theatre thru high school. Scott went to USC, found out about the Sing Off and got Mitch and Kirstie to come to LA to try out. They needed 5 people to compete. Scott found Kevin on RU-vid and someone connected them with Avi.
@@Gwennedd It was indeed Ben, who learned about Avi because of the reputation he was already making in his college choral groups, winning an award for vocal percussion from the ICCA. By the way, he was an opera major and had been offered a position as a basso profundo with the Los Angeles Opera when Ben and Scott recruited him into PTX for The Sing Off. That operatic training strengthened the power and control of his voice and built his vocal range.
The chances of this group coming together was so infinitesimally small that only the powers that be in the universe could have made it happen. I’m glad they decided to do that to allow us mere mortals to have something to brighten our days. Three kids meet as children who love to sing and decide to keep singing together in school and local theater. As a side note, can you imagine trying to keep those three reigned in in high school choir? Scott, Mitch and Kirstie say that she did help them learn to blend better. They become life-long friends. Scott befriends Ben Bram who helps Scott get on The Sing Off. Ben introduces Scott to Avi. Scott talks Kevin into giving up med school at Yale and joining four strangers to compete on The Sing Off. They actually win the show. Sony drops them so they decide to start building their Pentaholic following on You Tube. Viral videos, and great music follows, and they get resigned to Sony. Avi decides to leave the group and they find another great bass in Matt. While Matt is not Avi, he is still excellent and I think he blends even better with the other members of PTX. If anything happens differently along that path Pentatonix does not exist, and the world is a lesser place.
Did you know that Sean Stockton (Boyz to Men) was the very first Pentaholic? He was on of the judges for the 3rd season of Sing-Off when PTX were competing and he just loved them.
Every time the word Hallelujah is spoken it's the highest praises being offered up to God. That is, literally, the definition. Utterly beautiful. Why you felt what you did from it. 😊 Also... Happy Birthday Jesus❣️
Pentatonix They won The Sing Off in 2011. They made a guest starring appearance on America′s Got Talent as non−competitors a couple of years after that. The founding members are:- Scott Hoying (tall blond guy, natural baritone but has an impressive five−to−six octave range, can go all the way up to high tenor and down to bass, sings the bass lines when the usual bass singer takes the lead); Kirstin "Kirstie" (Rhymes with "Thirsty")Maldonado (the only female member, natural mezzo soprano, but can go down to low alto and as high as upper soprano, also can sing in whistle notes that are off the scale); Mitch Grassi (a true contra−tenor, can hit high notes in his chest voice with ease and go WAY higher in his falsetto, also with ease); and Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair, true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; Kevin "KO" Olusola (beatboxer extraordinaire, also is a world−class cellist who plays cello on some of their songs, has a beautiful high tenor voice and gets occasional lead vocal solos as well, graduated pre−med from Yale and speaks several languages including Mandarin Chinese). Kirstie, Scott & Mitch grew up together in Arlington, Texas, and began performing together as children in local youth musical theater. They ended up in high school together and performed in the choir. While there, they formed an a cappella group called The Trio which had several performance videos go viral on RU-vid, most notably a cover of Lady Gaga′s "Telephone". The three of them are best friends and consider themselves to be almost siblings. Scott & Kirstie (who were a class year ahead of Mitch) both graduated high school in 2010 and went their separate ways to different colleges, Scott at USC and Kirstie at Oklahoma. While at USC, Scott joined a USC−based a cappella group called the SoCal VoCals, where he met alumnus Ben Bram, who was now an arranger and vocal coach for the NBC TV show The Sing Off, an a cappella competition show. Ben convinced Scott to get The Trio to audition for the show. The three reunited (Mitch had to skip high school graduation ceremonies to go) in Los Angeles for the audition. They found out that the rules had changed, so they needed at least five members to audition. Ben put them together with Avi (a native of Visalia, California), who he knew from Avi′s performing days at Mount San Antonio College in California. They found Kevin (from Kentucky) through one of his RU-vid videos that had gone viral featuring him playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time, a talent that Kevin coined as "Cello−Boxing". Kevin arrived in Los Angeles literally the day before the audition! Scott came up with the name "Pentatonix" after the pentatonic scale. They performed a re−arrangement of "The Telephone" for the audition and passed, despite having been together as a five−piece group for less that 24 hours! They won The Sing Off that season (all of the performances are available on RU-vid), in which they received a substantial cash prize AND a record contract with Epic Records. They pooled their prize winnings together and all moved to Los Angeles, and all got apartments right next door to each other in the same building. But just a week later, Epic dropped them because the marketing people didn′t think an a cappella group could sell records. Instead of giving up, they were determined and began recording their own songs on RU-vid, hiring Ben Bram as their producer and arranger. These usually consisted of the five of them sitting on a couch and performing cover songs live. Several of the videos went viral, and Sony (the parent company of Epic) decided to give them another chance by placing them on one of their smaller labels, Madison Gate. They released two secular EPs and one Christmas EP on Madison Gate, all of which were strong sellers. But when their cover of a medley of songs by Daft Punk not only went super−viral, but also won them their first Grammy, they were promoted all the way up to RCA Records, Sony′s top label. They began writing and producing their own songs in addition to their covers, began putting out a Christmas album just about annually (which has become their best−selling genre), and have had multi−platinum album sales, sold−out world tours, and have won two additional Grammys. Avi began getting burned out with all of the touring and heavy recording schedule, was suffering from anxiety and personal problems, and learned that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. He announced he was departing from the group and taking some time away from the music industry. Matt Sallee (from Baltimore) was brought in as the new bass singer in early 2018. When he attended the audition for the group, he had already mastered the Bass part for most if not all their past catalogue. He was successful and has proved that he fits in well with the group. After a year away from music, Avi has now returned as a phenomenal solo artist in the Folk/Americana/Roots genre. Ben Bram has been in charge of their production, including arranging and directing from the beginning. He is often referred to as the sixth member. Scott and Kevin are major players in the arrangements, but every member contributes. Also, all members are songwriters for both Pentatonix and their own solo work. Ed Boyer who mixes everything of theirs (even the HWB Livestream) is the one who pulled Ben Bram into the sing off in the first place. They have been nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album Evergreen. Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. They have announced that they will have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame to be installed next year.
The trio, Scott, Kirstie and Mitch, met as kids, musical theater. Scott was introduced to Avi in college, and then Scott and Ben bramm found Kevin through RU-vid. You should watch the sing off season 3 journey. You mentioned Boyz ll Men, Shawn Stockman is the original pentaholic.
My son and I love watching pentatonix! I’m writing this comment mid-video but my son loved when you said “I wasn’t ready” he has a smile throughout the whole video lol thank you for giving us a good Christmas video he loved your reaction! Subscribing and clicking the bell!!
Loved your reaction to one of my favorite a Capella groups ever Polo & have loved a Capella for over 50 years now.....😊 For those who may not know, I would like to inject a little history of the style of a Capella, as described from Wikipedia....Early history: A cappella could be as old as humanity itself. Research suggests that singing and vocables may have been what early humans used to communicate before the invention of language.[3] The earliest piece of sheet music is thought to have originated from times as early as 2000 B.C.[4] while the earliest that has survived in its entirety is from the first century A.D.: a piece from Greece called the Seikilos epitaph.😊
One thing I like about these guys is that when you have an ensemble in perfect tune and balance together, harmonic notes that aren't even being played start popping out. It's like the sum of the parts is greater than its constituents.
I am an atheist, a good song is what it is, I enjoy it. Leonard Cohen, who wrote the song, never ment it to be a christmas song, or even a religious song.
Definitely not a Christmas song, I 100% agree with that.. but to say it's not religious, is simply just not true. It is religious directly by name! Hallelujah is the ancient sacred word in Hebrew, used by the Jews and later Christians among others, that literally means, "Praise to God". Leonard Cohen was ethnically Jewish, though he wasn't a devout practicer of his faith. Also, there are several religious references throughout the song and to the Old Testament.. Starting with the biblical story of King David playing his harp and seeing the infamous Bathsheba bathing, being tested by God, and giving in to temptation by committing adultery with her, then later killing her husband. In addition to that, the song is filled with religious imagery and symbolism that speaks to the suffering of the Jewish people! So to say it is not a religious song, I'm sorry, but I just can't agree with you on that.
Actually you are correct, it was never intended to be a Christian song. It is a song of loss and being broken. The hallelujah is more of regret or mourning for a broken love or of reconciliation.
@@sashabenoit1518 You might have a different perspective if you experience Leonard Cohen's live in London performance. This is most definitely NOT a religious song, like many skilled lyricists, Cohen used juxtaposition to give irony to this classic sad composition.
Thanks 🤗 I think that’s why the Pentaholics family is the Best Community in the world. We vibrate at a higher frequency than others. That’s why WE FEEL the music that PTX produces, and connect with them on another level. The universe put them together. And all of us. Music heals. Merry Christmas and God Bless 🙏🏼
That is one of the most beautiful ways I ever heard someone describe how they came to find one another... Pentatonix is a band of beautiful, angelic,magical souls sent to this world at this precise moment in time for a very important reason to heal the world by healing one soul at a time through harmonious song.
Pentatonix members have also done their own side projects. Here are some songs to react to when you want to look from a little PTX sidepath. RISE (Katy Perry Cover) by SUPERFRUIT, Mary Lambert, Brian Justin Crum, Mario Jose ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-U85U3dPuiR4.html kirstin - Break A Little (Official Video) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hg8lxtKSMQ0.html Avi Kaplan Change on the Rise ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-382BTxLNrow.html "LOST ON YOU" by Scott Hoying & Mario Jose (LP x HANS ZIMMER Cover) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_vaI7pOjc0M.html MITCH GRASSI - YOUR POWER by BILLIE ELISH (music cover) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0mSMqkBArxk.html Kevin Olusola - Renegade ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gouiY85kD2o.html Scott Hoying - Mars [Official Video] ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vjV-tMsVtzQ.html Frozen Medley - Superfruit ft Kirstin Maldonado ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tA53EsnzlIg.html GUY.EXE by SUPERFRUIT ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r2Kh_XMIDPU.html
It's funny how many people think this is a religious song; it really isn't. Cohen made it clear it is a song about love. He used religious language and imagery as metaphors, but the song is purely about love. It's an incredible song and I've seen a lot of people do it justice (K.D. Lang anyone?), but there is just something so powerful and special about what Pentatonix does with it. Amazing.
Scott, Mitch, and Krysten met in choir class in high school. Avi had just graduated from college w/ a degree in music; Kevin Olusola was pre-med, graduated from Yale and plays the cello, and several other instruments and sings w/ about a 3.5 octave range. The new bass, Matt Sallee also has about a 3 octave range. G
The first time I heard this song was at my niece's wedding. A friend of their sang it for them... he was amazing. The first song I heard this group perform was Mary Did You Know.... also amazing.
Leonard Cohen wrote this, his performance of it was beautiful, Jeff Buckley made this song eternal. So here’s a suggestion, check out some Jeff Buckley for the most amazing rendition of this song. Then listen to Mojo Pin, Grace, Lover you should have come over, lilac wine. It will change your life. Not as much as Tool but close.
Hey man been following for a while and I know 100% you’ll like Jeff Buckley’s cover that came out in the 90’s. It’s just him and his guitar. It’s super emotional but stunningly beautiful. Would be a great intro to Jeff Buckley as well. Gone waaaaaay too soon. Merry Christmas Polo!
I've said this from the moment I heard this song, but everytime I hear them sing this song, "You're about to get Mitch slapped!" What Mitch does is just simply amazing. All the rest of them amaze too, but..... c'mon!!
Scott, Kirsty, and Mitch have known each other since they were kid's, they were in the same choir and then went to high school together. They auditioned for The Sing Off, an A Cappella singing competition show that required you to have at least 5 members. So they found Avi through a friend and found Kevin from a RU-vid video where he is playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time. They went on to win the show and the rest is history.
This is one of the best groups. I listen to,this a lot. I’m the last of my family so it’s been a really sad year. Just urn the music up load. Also this is one of Leonard Cohens songs. I love to hear him also. Merry Christmas. Janice, TN
I just discovered your channel with the Bee Gees "Too Much Heaven" reaction video. I don't know if you've seen "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Pentatonix, but it's also worth a listen. 😊
"Boyz II Men was one of the originators"? Lol. This style of music predates recorded music. You should check out the Manhattan Transfer. I listeny to them in the early '80s.
The song isn't religious either, despite some groups of religious folks trying to co-opt it. Leonard Cohen was a Jewish-born atheist. The song is about relationships, love, loss, orgasms, using religious //imagery//. PTX's version is one of my favorites. Up there with Jeff Buckley's.
This cover is gorgeous. Which is ironic, because the song was not written to be pretty. Listen to Leonard Cohen's original, to hear the rough edges and pain the song was supposed to have
I'm not religious at all as well. But, I understand, hence I believe in the Truth as to who we are, why I am here, and what's going to happen when I take my last breath on this earth. There is only ONE Way, one Truth, and one Life that created everything and how we all got here folks so, there can only be one Truth as to what's going to happen we leave here as well. There CAN'T be two or more ways, there just can't! It's simple math, it really is that simple. Religions are man's attempt to understand the answer to those questions. The Truth is waiting for you to understand and accept Him...❤ "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." 😢
Definitely don't need to be religious to feel this song. I would say the "Hallelujah" here is more ironic than spiritual. The singer has experienced love only to find that, far from being an uplifting or joyful experience, it's left him feeling cold and broken. I was a huge Boyz II Men fan back in the day. They had good Acapella songs too, but you can definitely hear the difference in the fullness of sound, the intensity that PTX bring to their songs. They really are next-level.
i love the Pentatonix and this song, but it is not religious at all, there are a few things that were biblical references but the rest is just the writer's words... nice reaction
This is not a religious song. It's about human, carnal love & desires. And, "Yes!" Please react to all 12 of their "Sing Off" performances. Make sure each performance video starts with a short 'lead-in' piece. Those are the ones that also have the judges reactions at the end. These are really "Not to be missed" videos. You'll also get to experience the very first "Mitch slap".
Just to emphasize what's been said below, this song is not a Christmas song, nor is it particularly religious. Listen to the lyrics, people, It's about broken relationships. It does contain some biblical references, which is probably the source of some of the confusion, along with the title, of course. It is a sad but somehow uplifting piece of music!
It’s not really a religious song, but I guess the name of the song leads people to think that it is. Although, listening to PTX version of this does make it feel like a religious experience. Nice reaction Polo. ✌️🔥
