Pentatonix: Harmonizing Friendships Explored on CBS News
Pentatonix, the acclaimed a cappella group, has transformed the music landscape, showcasing their exceptional vocal talents without instruments. The quintet consists of Matt Sallee, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Mitch Grassi, and Scott Hoying. Collectively, they have garnered three Grammy Awards and sold over ten million albums.
Pentatonix: A Rich History of Friendship
Formed during their high school years in Arlington, Texas, the journey of Pentatonix began over a decade ago. Hoying and Grassi met at just ten years old through theatre and connected deeply during a freshman English class when they were 14. Their trio, which later evolved into Pentatonix, included a soprano, a baritone, and a countertenor.
From ‘The Sing-Off’ to Stardom
The group shot to fame in 2011 when they auditioned for NBC’s a cappella competition, “The Sing-Off,” needing to expand their ranks. They added Avi Kaplan as a bass and discovered Kevin Olusola, a talented cellist and beatboxer, through YouTube. Pentatonix won the competition, clinching a $200,000 grand prize and a record deal.
- Year of Foundation: 2011
- Prizes Won: $200,000 from ‘The Sing-Off’
- Album Sales: Over 10 million albums worldwide
- YouTube Views: Over 6 billion
However, shortly after their victory, the record label dropped them for refusing to incorporate instruments into their music. They swiftly pivoted to YouTube, where they gained four million subscribers within a year. Their rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” significantly boosted their popularity, hitting the iTunes Top 10 for four weeks.
The Evolution of Pentatonix
As they rose in fame, Pentatonix faced the demanding life of constant touring. In 2017, Avi Kaplan announced he would step back from the group, expressing a desire to avoid the grueling tour schedule. After a thorough search, Matt Sallee, a passionate fan, joined to solidify the group’s sound and legacy.
Maintaining Harmony Amid Change
After 14 years together, the members of Pentatonix continue to navigate their evolving personal lives. With growing families and new responsibilities, they chose to double down on their holiday music, producing five Christmas-themed albums out of their last six.
Recently, they released an album titled “Christmas in the City,” marking a significant shift as it includes instrumentation. Despite this change, they assert that they will not abandon their a cappella roots. They believe they have helped popularize the genre, inspiring over 1,200 new college a cappella groups.
Pentatonix’s Impact on A Cappella Music
Hoying reflected on their influence, noting that they have helped normalize and elevate the perception of a cappella music. Maldonado added, “We’ve made harmony and singing cool.” Their journey serves as an encouragement to aspiring musicians and a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.
Through hard work, persistence, and cherished friendships, Pentatonix not only entertains millions but also continues to inspire a new generation of artists.
