Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
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 TH-cam 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.
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❣️
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.
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.
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.
Appreciated the sincerity of your reaction, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Pentatonix. Of course, this is the song that really kickstarted their meteoric rise and this live version proved to the world that they truly are gifted musicians who do not depend on sound effects or post-production to create a full and wonderful sound.
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 TH-cam, 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 TH-cam 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 TH-cam), 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 TH-cam, 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 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.
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 TH-cam. 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!!
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.
And to your last comment...if you are human and it doesn't move you....bless you because if you are still truly a happy human I'm impressed beyond words. Merry Christmas everyone btw
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
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.😊
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 TH-cam 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.
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.
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 know live shows what they really sound (they being any band ) but anyone reading this if you have GREAT headphones they were made for Pentatonix video of this and it also has like 600 million views for freaking legit Acapella so all you need to know
Scott and Mitch met when they were about 10 years old doing children's theater in the Arlington, TX area (the metro area between Dallas and Fort Worth). That is also how Mitch met Kirstin (who also lived in Arlington). They all three went to school together, specifically Martin High School in Arlington, and were in choir together as well as being close friends. After graduation, Scott went to college in California, where he was in an acapella group. Scott met Ben Bram (who is part of the arrangers of their music). Ben convinced Scott that he should try out for "The Sing-Off" (an acapella group contest show), but they needed more than the three of them (Scott, Mitch, Kirstin). Scott convinced Mitch (who was still in his senior year in high school then) and Kirstie to come to California. Ben knew Avi Kaplan (Bass) and recommended him to Scott, and then they found Kevin (Beatboxer) via his TH-cam channel when one of his Cello-boxing renditions went viral. Kevin and Avi agreed to meet in California as well. They met and practiced the day before trying out for the television show, earned a spot on Season 3 and the rest is history.
This was straight live recording with minimal editing with full audience. Amazing performance straight through. They have gotten even better over the years.
My family saw them live on their Christmas tour, and even my hard to impress dad said they did great with the Christmas songs, and even better with their other covers.
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!!
3 were friends since middle and high school, Beat boxer was found online doing Cello-boxing, Avi bass was through a friend. They got together for the 1st time the day before the show "The Sing Off" (One of the judges was Shawn Stockman of Boys to Men) They won, got record deal, almost instantly dropped by label, started TH-cam performances and history.
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. 😊
I’m not religious at all and I’m sitting here listening to them on this stolen holiday. Their voices are that amazing. I do it everyday year. I need an “I’m a Pentaholic” shirt. You should check out Bohemian Rhapsody and Daft Punk. Sound of Silence is great too.
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!
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!
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".
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.
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.
You don't need to be religious for this music to move your soul with in you. I don't have a favorite; they are all so God given sweet. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts!
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 th-cam.com/video/U85U3dPuiR4/w-d-xo.html kirstin - Break A Little (Official Video) th-cam.com/video/hg8lxtKSMQ0/w-d-xo.html Avi Kaplan Change on the Rise th-cam.com/video/382BTxLNrow/w-d-xo.html "LOST ON YOU" by Scott Hoying & Mario Jose (LP x HANS ZIMMER Cover) th-cam.com/video/_vaI7pOjc0M/w-d-xo.html MITCH GRASSI - YOUR POWER by BILLIE ELISH (music cover) th-cam.com/video/0mSMqkBArxk/w-d-xo.html Kevin Olusola - Renegade th-cam.com/video/gouiY85kD2o/w-d-xo.html Scott Hoying - Mars [Official Video] th-cam.com/video/vjV-tMsVtzQ/w-d-xo.html Frozen Medley - Superfruit ft Kirstin Maldonado th-cam.com/video/tA53EsnzlIg/w-d-xo.html GUY.EXE by SUPERFRUIT th-cam.com/video/r2Kh_XMIDPU/w-d-xo.html
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'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." 😢
"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.
Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!
Love your reaction but how do you only have 5 PTX songs on your playlist????
This version is beautiful. I highly recommend KD Lang’s live version at the Olympics it’s a spiritual experience 🤯
My favourite too. Have played it so many times
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 TH-cam and someone connected them with Avi.
Arlington, not Austin. Otherwise you are correct.
I think it was Ben Bram that knew Avi and connected him with them. Ben became the groups main arranger and still is.
@@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.
Also they didn't meet face to face until the day before their audition.
In Arlington, not Austin. I know people who went to school with them.
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.
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❣️
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.
People who vibrate at the same frequencies usually find each other ❤
Wow, I love that!!! 💓💓💓
What a great way to put it!
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 🙏🏼
@@fauxmedia3182 💗💗💗
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.
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.
Your face told it all Polo. That the Pentatonics do it all a cappella, even voicing their own percussion, is amazing.
Appreciated the sincerity of your reaction, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Pentatonix. Of course, this is the song that really kickstarted their meteoric rise and this live version proved to the world that they truly are gifted musicians who do not depend on sound effects or post-production to create a full and wonderful sound.
They literally make my heart quiver and, this song even more so than the others. Love, love, love Pentatonix.
Avi Kaplan's bass voice gets me every time it toutches my soule ❤️
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 TH-cam, 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 TH-cam 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 TH-cam), 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 TH-cam, 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.
Thank you for this post. I learned so much!
Pentatonix is a wonderful group.🥰
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.
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 TH-cam. 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!!
My favorite band❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Welcome to a new world! I'm jealous of all the great BeeGee hits in store for you. Nothing like hearing it for the first time.
Three of them met in Junior High, I often picture their music teacher thinking she had died and gone to heaven
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 Oh the ignorance out there. I really appreciate your comment. Hallelujah
My interpretation is that it’s forced religion. Just my opinion
@@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.
If memory serves they met in college. I first saw them on a TV competition for college acapella groups.
And to your last comment...if you are human and it doesn't move you....bless you because if you are still truly a happy human I'm impressed beyond words. Merry Christmas everyone btw
It gave me chills
KD Lang's 2010 Performance at the Olympics is chilling. Merry Christmas may you be warm, safe and happy !!
Tears. Thank you.
If she is your favorite in Pentatonix, then you have to listen to, Mary did you know. Beautiful song.😀
I have heard their version awhile ago, absolutely beautiful
That bass note at the end kills me everytime
Thank you so much Polo, for another superb reaction video! You never miss a beat 😊
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
I’m also not religious/Christian but I agree with Tuija Kantula that a good song is a good song and PTX makes it a great song!
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.😊
I love this song…..every version
Not a fan of Boyz 2 men though. Reference is insulting
So glad you like them too !
For the record, this version is live. They sound that good live.
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 TH-cam 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.
God given talent and they just knock it out the park with every song...I love Mary did you know also...but they are just great...God Bless...........
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.
Great reaction! Thanks
I love it
Amazing that the live version is better than the recording
Beautiful!
Yes, this is Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
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
Great reaction! Christmas Eve is my Birthday! Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅 ❤
So many more of their covers and originals you have to explore. Enjoy 😉
A little taste of Heaven. Heavenly Choirs!
Their range!
I love pentatonix!
They first hooked me w/their arrangement of The Little Drummer Boy
Please react to Pentatonix singing:
Be My Eyes. It was written by Kirsty and she has the lead in this one. She looks amazing👍👍👍👍💖💖
First saw them when they won an acapella contest.
I know live shows what they really sound (they being any band ) but anyone reading this if you have GREAT headphones they were made for Pentatonix video of this and it also has like 600 million views for freaking legit Acapella so all you need to know
Two more holiday songs they do incredibly well are Oh Come All Ye Faithful, & Mary Did You Know. They will blow your mind.
I love Mary did you Know!
Scott and Mitch met when they were about 10 years old doing children's theater in the Arlington, TX area (the metro area between Dallas and Fort Worth). That is also how Mitch met Kirstin (who also lived in Arlington). They all three went to school together, specifically Martin High School in Arlington, and were in choir together as well as being close friends. After graduation, Scott went to college in California, where he was in an acapella group. Scott met Ben Bram (who is part of the arrangers of their music). Ben convinced Scott that he should try out for "The Sing-Off" (an acapella group contest show), but they needed more than the three of them (Scott, Mitch, Kirstin). Scott convinced Mitch (who was still in his senior year in high school then) and Kirstie to come to California. Ben knew Avi Kaplan (Bass) and recommended him to Scott, and then they found Kevin (Beatboxer) via his TH-cam channel when one of his Cello-boxing renditions went viral. Kevin and Avi agreed to meet in California as well. They met and practiced the day before trying out for the television show, earned a spot on Season 3 and the rest is history.
This was straight live recording with minimal editing with full audience. Amazing performance straight through. They have gotten even better over the years.
My family saw them live on their Christmas tour, and even my hard to impress dad said they did great with the Christmas songs, and even better with their other covers.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Definitely check out the Sing-Off they won to see how they started 💯
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!!
I love seeing the Mitch slap faces people make the first time they hear him.
I recommend watching their Sing Off performances they are on TH-cam. The first episode they sang in was the first time they ever performed together.
I have seen them live. They are simply amazing!
Merry Christmas ! "This "Hallelujah" was about making love. The music is a metaphor
Happy Holidays!
I just saw them in concert this week amazing live!
AVIII I SO AMAZINGGG
I never knew they had a beatboxer. I thought those were real drums for a second.
You seem like you have the love of God in you!!! I couldn't live without knowing Jesus Christ And God
3 were friends since middle and high school, Beat boxer was found online doing Cello-boxing, Avi bass was through a friend. They got together for the 1st time the day before the show "The Sing Off" (One of the judges was Shawn Stockman of Boys to Men) They won, got record deal, almost instantly dropped by label, started TH-cam performances and history.
I’d love to see you check out their cover of “Silent Night” - the official video is live. It’s another one that makes you feel some things lol
Recommend their new videos, Last Christmas and Christmas In Our Hearts.
Merry Christmas man. Hope you're well.
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. 😊
I like your OIHO shirt.
I’m not religious at all and I’m sitting here listening to them on this stolen holiday. Their voices are that amazing. I do it everyday year. I need an “I’m a Pentaholic” shirt. You should check out Bohemian Rhapsody and Daft Punk. Sound of Silence is great too.
All I can hear is Avi and that bass! 😮
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!
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!
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".
No one does it better than PTX
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.
I commented Jeff Buckley as well. You said it better. He made it eternal.
iT IS YOUR TIME TO GET RELIGEOUS
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.
As much as I like Pentatonix, I think Jeff Buckley's version is more moving. Great reaction to another great video.
You don't need to be religious for this music to move your soul with in you. I don't have a favorite; they are all so God given sweet. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts!
Hallelujah by TheDooo is also as amazing as this
I generally hate religious music but this is amazing.
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 th-cam.com/video/U85U3dPuiR4/w-d-xo.html
kirstin - Break A Little (Official Video) th-cam.com/video/hg8lxtKSMQ0/w-d-xo.html
Avi Kaplan Change on the Rise th-cam.com/video/382BTxLNrow/w-d-xo.html
"LOST ON YOU" by Scott Hoying & Mario Jose (LP x HANS ZIMMER Cover) th-cam.com/video/_vaI7pOjc0M/w-d-xo.html
MITCH GRASSI - YOUR POWER by BILLIE ELISH (music cover) th-cam.com/video/0mSMqkBArxk/w-d-xo.html
Kevin Olusola - Renegade th-cam.com/video/gouiY85kD2o/w-d-xo.html
Scott Hoying - Mars [Official Video] th-cam.com/video/vjV-tMsVtzQ/w-d-xo.html
Frozen Medley - Superfruit ft Kirstin Maldonado th-cam.com/video/tA53EsnzlIg/w-d-xo.html
GUY.EXE by SUPERFRUIT th-cam.com/video/r2Kh_XMIDPU/w-d-xo.html
I would like to see you do a reaction video to wait in the truck by Hardy.
Also impressive is "Yellow Flicker Beat" by the Bass Gang feat. Colm McGinnis. Not religious but excellent harmony.
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'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." 😢
Religion has nothing to do with. Its all spiritual. Deep in the heart.
⚡⚡⚡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⚡⚡⚡
"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.
give the Lenard Cohen version a listen.
I am a Christian, and this is not a religious song.
They met in college a little more than a decade ago.
Best version of this song hands down is by Jeff Buckley, his voice was so beautiful and haunting