Haha! Your reaction to Mitch Grassi at 5:22 is what we Pentaholics call a „Mitch Slap“. The expression of disbelief „Is this really his voice?!?“ is what we are all here for!
"Kiss from a Rose" is a very recent one that's astounding. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is incredible, "Daft Punk Medley" won them their first Grammy. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is magical. Hard to go wrong with them.
You really need to hear them singing, Bohemian Rhapsody. You wont believe how they pull of the guitar solo, pure genius. This is the best cover of Bohemian Rhapsody ever.
First time commenting, love your emotions in these!! Well done! You need to listen to Hiatus Kaiyote!! ( if you haven’t already) keep it up sister! Rock on!
There are so many mind blowing choices in their catalogue… The Sound of Silence, the Daft Punk Medley, Bohemian Rhapsody, the Evolution of Michael Jackson, Mad World, Imagine, the 90s Dance Medley, the Evolution of Music, Little Drummer Boy… everyone has their favorites.
Oh, yeah! That was a great Mitch-slap! Mitch Grassi is a high tenor/countertenor, and his voice is very distinctive. He's been called a "once in a generation" talent, and once you've heard a few Pentatonix songs, you'll be able to recognize his voice instantly - except when he's singing harmony with Kirstin, the mezzo soprano, because their vocal ranges overlap almost completely, and their timbres also match each other, so they blend together so well that it can be very difficult to tell them apart. Recommendations: Daft Punk (to see just how different they can sound from this song - it also won them their first of 3 Grammy awards), and to see them live, just search "Pentatonix Hollywood Bowl", for a number of songs that were live-streamed from their September 2022 concert.
Pentatonix a "brief" background. 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); For a time in 2018 between the group’s tours, had the female lead on Broadway in the production of “Kinky Boots”. 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); Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair), true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; and 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) joined them in September 2017. He did only become official when they renewed their RCA contract in February 2018, but he recorded with them in September as a featured artist and went on their Christmas tour as a featured artist, as well. 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. If you think there have been other changes to the line up - look again. This is the ONLY change. Kirstie and Mitch are like chameleons and change looks frequently. It is an often debated subject among the Pentaholics as to just how soon we introduce the "Beginners Guide" as we don't want to overdo the introduction. This is a compilation of snips of a whole load of songs which PTX have released. It highlights each member with some of their solos and then a brief history in video. It is quite long - 14+ minutes and is a little dated now (Feb 2020) but is a good watch th-cam.com/video/lDxIfwfCmQE/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUdYmVnaW5uZXJzIGd1aWRlIHRvIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D. 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. A good watch is "The Recording of Evergreen" where a camera was invited into the studio for the second week of recording/ 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 Grammy wins for Daft Punk Medley, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jolene featuring Dolly Parton. They were nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album Evergreen, but didn't win. Another nomination for Holidays Around the World album in the 2024 list! Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. Mid March 2023 Kirstie has announced that she is engaged to Ben Hausdorff, their videographer. They married 22/04/24! They have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame installed in February 2023. They are the only a capella group with a star! They came 3rd in the 2023 Masked Singer performing as "California Rolls" being unmasked in May 23. Things you need to know because if you get these wrong Pentaholics will come after you with pitch forks and torches! Ha Ha!! 1- There is NO Auto-Tune; what you hear is actually what they sing. They really are that good. One exception is the 90's Dance Medley where Cher used autotune as an effect - so they had to. 2- What produces everything that you hear in the video, you see in the official video. If there is an instrument used in the music, you see it on screen. In the 2022 Christmas album, there are some instruments not featured throughout the album. 3- They never release something on video they can’t reproduce with the exact same quality live on-stage. 4. It is "Pentatonix" there is no "The".
I thought you articulated your reaction well, the words seemed to flow from your mouth. Of course, Pentatonix is a phenomenal a cappella group and the highly trained musicians who react to them all say the same thing, the Pentatonix are especially strong because they all have tremendous ranges, great group sensitivity and chemistry and can literally sing any genre of music (yes, they even to Rap and they do it really well).
I agree! My sister recommended that I watch this video and Mitch's solo cover of "Your Power," and my life was literally changed. I don't want to sell the other members' short, because they're all fantastically talented, and voices in perfect harmony have always been my "thing," but hearing Mitch for the first time was like opening a door and finding a world of indescribable beauty that I never knew existed.
PTX has 3 grammys and a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. KO the beatboxer invented an artform called celloboxing where he plays the cello and beatboxes simultaneously. Oh he was also premed at Yale when they found him and speaks multiple languages. As an appropriate intro to this group I strongly recommend their "Sing Off" performances which is their origin story. Lets just say the other groups competing against them were bowing at their feet. They have almost 400 songs to react to but they also have over 5 BILLION views on youtube. Yes that is a B and not a M. All are well deserved. Welcome to the rabbit hole. Much love and keep on keepin on J.
If this doesn't move your soul then you don't have one. This is one of those songs, both the music and the performance, that makes you truly appreciate the beauty of music and what a gift it is to have.
i discovered youtube reactions during covid. had a rough spot with my mental health during lockdown. pentatonix reactions, specifically, helped majorly. they have a way of just hitting the deepest part of our souls we didn't know needed hit. they always talk about the "sweet spot" in the entertainment industry and for me, pentatonix goes beyond that. on new meds so haven't been as emotional reacting to the videos lately (yay zombie mode! 😂) but watching this with you, helped me break that barrier. thank you for going on this journey. you will be so appreciative of the 🌟pure magic🌟 that they bring to you life - the reminder is cherished 🩶 ps; some personal favorites - amazing grace, o come all ye faithful, say something, evolution of michael jackson (if you're a fan, its a MUST!).
Singer #1 Scott Hoying, Baritone Singer #2 Avi Kaplan, Bass Singer#3 Kirstin Maldonado, Mezzo-Soprano Singer #4 Mitch Grassi, Tenor And Kevin Olusola is Cello/Beat boxer Matt Sallee replaced Avi after he left to pursue his solo career
Their rendition of Silent Night, sung in the wings of a church, utilizing the natural echoes of the building, is nearly haunting and possibly the most beautiful version of the song, ever. Period.
This is probably the best intro to PTX. You get to hear each one solo (except the beat boxer, who is also a great singer), and how great they are as a group. Pretty much any of the songs others have recommended will show how varied they are.
You expression and appreciation of how pentatonix and this song made you feel was so incredible. They have so many more productions of covers and originals. There is not a bad one. Enjoy your journey. Looking forward to the next.
You know what's the most beautiful thing you have? It is the sensitivity to the beauty of music, and I think not only that. When I watch how individual sounds change the tension of the muscles on your face, I feel unity and I know that in a moment this inner beauty will melt your eyes to complete the work of love for music. Thank you for your reactions
For some of their most moving songs, you MUST listen to O Holy Night, Amazing Grace, and Run To You. They also have some very upbeat songs such as Sing, Can’t Hold Ys, and 90’s Dance Medley. Enjoy this trip down the rabbit hole!
The way your face was lighting up and all of the expressions you had throughout the whole song 🥹You can tell when a song catches you and it’s so cute it hurts my heart 🖤
As an official " Pentaholic " I am looking forward to seeing you react to more Pentatonix ... You're right, they do have so much good music that you haven't listened to yet...and I saw that you got your first " Mitch slap "... That's what they call the reaction that you had and other reactors have when they first hear counter tenor Mitch Grassi start to sing... as always, I loved your reaction ... I will look forward to your next reaction of Pentatonix...Keep being awesome !!!...
I loved your reaction. We Pentaholics are very dedicated and love reactors!! There are well over 200 videos to choose from and you cant go wrong with anyone of them. Definately subbing for more! ❤
Just keep going Aileen. You've stumbled on a hell of a ride. Any of the many suggestions are great, I like their GOLD cover. Hope you take us on your ride. Stay beautiful!
Great reaction - the first time I heard this track I cried m eyes out, so you're in good company. I look forward to sharing your Pentatonix journey. They don't do covers - they do upgrades.
I love your reaction so far. I just paused as Kirstin finished her verse. Watching your facial expressions, I am making the prediction that Mitch will either make you cry or knock you out of your chair. Back in a sec... Yup... you teared up, but you held it together. Is he amazing, or WHAT??!! As many have said, we call that a "Mitch Slap." The term is used in the most loving and respectful way! Great reaction! Welcome to PTX!
They are absolutely amazing in concert too. They put down their mics and one point and sang this in a basketball stadium and the power of their voices was breathtaking.
I've been waiting a long time for this reaction. Welcome to the rabbit hole. Everything they cover is an upgrade. Can't wait to see you react to their vision of Amazing Grace.
I am a retired elementary school teacher and tried to listen to some music in my class after lunch for a few and one of my students requested Pentatonix and I fell in love with the music so still listen to it.
Yes, this song broke you then lifted you. Your expressions said so much. For a moment , there was much sadness, but it didn't last, it was just felt. You really had no control with this reactio, but it was a very honest one. Thank you.
I love your respect for the music and their singing. Songs and music sometimes just hit you. This is my fav a capella. Always. Always sound amazing. Always pushing boundaries. Always loving their craft.
No there is no bad Pentatonix cover. However, The Prayer is probably one of the best covers of any song period. You mentioned that you were shaken to your core from this cover. If so, The Prayer cover will bring you to tears.
I’ve watched this Pentatonic video many times but I just was struck by a certain magical similarity between Mitch’s first solo note and Dimash’s last note on “Ave Maria.” Both are exquisite, resonate deeply in the soul and transcendent. Thank you so much for this reaction. You’ve got me wiping my eyes. Hoping you get to watch and react to much more Pentatonix, VoicePlay and Home Free.
Wonderful reaction !!! It’s hard for a true reactor or most anyone for that matter not to get a little teary eyed and have a few sniffles watching this performance for the first time… or second… or third :) Pentatonix won the 3rd season of a singing competition show called The Sing Off in 2012. Home Free won the following year. A third acapella group that has joined these two from that show and has helped blow up TH-cam with their songs is Voice Play. If you had to categorize them: Pentatonix - mainstream/pop Home Free - Country Voice Play - Theater Although they can’t truly be categorized because they all can simply do it all. You really can’t miss when picking songs of theirs to react to. All three groups have had a couple of lineup changes over the past twelve years, so you might see some unfamiliar faces once in awhile. Here’s a few videos many reactors have started with: Pentatonix: Hallelujah Daft Punk Mary did you know Sound of Silence Bohemian Rhapsody Imagine Amazing Grace 90s Dance Medley Mad World Come Along My Favorite Things Wizard of Ahhhs Any Christmas song they did Home Free: Ring of Fire Sea Shanty Medley Man of Constant Sorrow God Bless the USA w/ Lee Greenwood Do You Hear What I Hear The Butts remix Seven Bridges Road Mayday Fishin in the Dark Gambler When a Man Loves a Woman American Pie w/ Don McLean Folsom Prison Blues Voice Play: Oogie Boogie’s Song The Little Mermaid Medley Moana Medley This is Halloween Valhalla Calling Hoist the Colours You’re a mean one Mr Grinch Hellfire Man in the Mirror Unchained Medley w/ John Pinto Jr Good 4 U Running up that Hill Whoa I guess that should get ya thru the rest of the year lol Lovin the acapella reactions and lovin your videos- keep em coming!!!
Great review!! All I can tell you is this, if you EVER have the chance to see them live...DO IT!! They are absolutely amazing! Have seen them twice and can't wait to see them again.
I was so excited to see your reaction for Mitch when I saw how much you were enjoying the rest of them. Mitch's voice is so surreal in this song. They have so many amazing songs. I really love, "Love Me When I Don't," which is also an original song. The lyrics and their voices are amazing.
Thank you for your reaction. Waited for the Mitch slap. Wasn't disappointed 😊they are just an amazing group of people, their personalities and beautiful voices. Have subscribed to follow your pentatonix journey. ❤
Love your reaction!!! I've been a Pentaholic since 2012. I never get tired of watching first-time reactions!!! Have a great day! P.S. I heard "Someone I Used To Know" and was instantly hooked!
Pentatonix... over 20 million subscribers...videos viewed over 6 BILLION times...and their fans always follow whoever posts their videos, so keep doing it and your numbers will definitely rise quickly.....They also sound just the same in their concerts!
You're a wonderful reactor! It looks like that is probably because you're a performer, too? I haven't seen your channel before, I look forward to more!
What a delightful reaction, thanks for choosing Pentatonix! Hallelujah is often the introductory song for new fans. To get an idea of their range, you may want to see their Daft Punk medley (their first Grammy win) and their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody in the near future. One of their most recent releases is their cover of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose (live VEVO video, please), and that really shows how they have developed over the years. New subscriber in the hope you will continue with PTX. Peace from Ohio …
Welcome to Pentatonix @AileenSenpai. I watched them win the Sing Off in 2011 and became a Pentaholic way back then. I have been hooked ever since. "Imagine" also brought me to tears along with "The Prayer". As mentioned below, you can't go wrong with anything of theirs in my opinion. One that is seldom reacted to is "Sing". I highly recommend it as break from the emotional that makes you cry. :)
Hi Aileen 😊 Wonderfully beautiful reaction to Pentatonix's Hallelujah 😊👍 Gorgeous acapella 😊 and you are very right everything has to be precision and precise and technical or the performance falls apart and you know this very very well as a singer yourself 😊 As I said before you indeed are a lover of all kinds of music and I believe that is why your channel has grown so much 😊👍 All the recommendations are awesome 😊 and I look forward to your reactions to each and every one of them 😊👍 Have a great day you and Arya 😊👍 PS I checked your earlier video with Voice Play's Oogie Boogie Song and your video of Jeff Castellucci's cover of The Sound of 😊👍 Excellent as always 😊👍 Voice Play, Home Free, now Pentatonix... wonderfully gorgeous acapella for us all to enjoy 😊
I knew the bass comment was coming haha, Avi is amazing. But yes what a beautiful rendition of this song, Pentatonix are incredible. Lots of great recommendations in the other comments, but one of my absolute favourites is 'Pure Imagination / Christmas Time'
oooh, lil lady Aileen; that just reminds me, at sixty, that home is nearer today than yesterday - and nearer tomorrow than today! Hallelujah! thx for that, lil lady @Aileen!
Aileen, I thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful heartfelt reaction as well as your comments❤ As you mentioned, the Pentatonix catalog of music is very deep and you're going to absolutely love it! Next, I'd love to see you react to their covers of The Sound of Silence and Amazing Grace. They will blow you away! By the way, you have such a beautiful spirit about you it your reactions even more enjoyable. Take care!
Amazing Grace, Little Drummer Boy, Mary Did You Know are three of the best holiday songs that I can listen to everyday, and they have so much more . But these will reach deep into you.
Haha! Your reaction to Mitch Grassi at 5:22 is what we Pentaholics call a „Mitch Slap“. The expression of disbelief „Is this really his voice?!?“ is what we are all here for!
Mitch is a Counter-Tenor.......he often sings notes higher than Kirstie in his harmonies
Yep. Mitch-Slap. Peace, Love!!
You know when things have been repeated so much it starts to become cringe? .. Yeah
Avi bass at 1:30 and Mitch at 5:22 are two parts I always watch for
Man I can't wait til she gets to The Prayer
SOUND OF SILENCE YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO A DIFFERENT DIMENSION 😁
"Amazing Grace (my chains are gone)" and "Mary did you know" are both incredible.
Definitely! Those two are my favorite PTX Christmas songs!
[Official Video] Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix I love this one as well
"Kiss from a Rose" is a very recent one that's astounding. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is incredible, "Daft Punk Medley" won them their first Grammy. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is magical. Hard to go wrong with them.
All great choices for the next one!
I concur!
Sound of Silence
@@davidhodgson1011hello darkness my old friend
Bohemian rhapsody is better than the Queen original 🙌 down
After all these years Mitch’s verse still hits so hard.
Rack up another Mitch slap!
You really need to hear them singing, Bohemian Rhapsody. You wont believe how they pull of the guitar solo, pure genius. This is the best cover of Bohemian Rhapsody ever.
Given that Aileen has reacted to Queen before - I would highly second this!
First time commenting, love your emotions in these!! Well done! You need to listen to Hiatus Kaiyote!! ( if you haven’t already) keep it up sister! Rock on!
“Shaolin monk mother funk” is a good intro track
Oh man I completely forgot they covered Bohemian Rhapsody. That was a great cover. I agree she needs to react to that.
There are so many mind blowing choices in their catalogue… The Sound of Silence, the Daft Punk Medley, Bohemian Rhapsody, the Evolution of Michael Jackson, Mad World, Imagine, the 90s Dance Medley, the Evolution of Music, Little Drummer Boy… everyone has their favorites.
Oh, yeah! That was a great Mitch-slap!
Mitch Grassi is a high tenor/countertenor, and his voice is very distinctive. He's been called a "once in a generation" talent, and once you've heard a few Pentatonix songs, you'll be able to recognize his voice instantly - except when he's singing harmony with Kirstin, the mezzo soprano, because their vocal ranges overlap almost completely, and their timbres also match each other, so they blend together so well that it can be very difficult to tell them apart.
Recommendations: Daft Punk (to see just how different they can sound from this song - it also won them their first of 3 Grammy awards), and to see them live, just search "Pentatonix Hollywood Bowl", for a number of songs that were live-streamed from their September 2022 concert.
“Mary did you know” will knock your socks off!!
💯
Pentatonix a "brief" background.
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); For a time in 2018 between the group’s tours, had the female lead on Broadway in the production of “Kinky Boots”.
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);
Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair), true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; and
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) joined them in September 2017. He did only become official when they renewed their RCA contract in February 2018, but he recorded with them in September as a featured artist and went on their Christmas tour as a featured artist, as well. 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.
If you think there have been other changes to the line up - look again. This is the ONLY change. Kirstie and Mitch are like chameleons and change looks frequently.
It is an often debated subject among the Pentaholics as to just how soon we introduce the "Beginners Guide" as we don't want to overdo the introduction. This is a compilation of snips of a whole load of songs which PTX have released. It highlights each member with some of their solos and then a brief history in video. It is quite long - 14+ minutes and is a little dated now (Feb 2020) but is a good watch th-cam.com/video/lDxIfwfCmQE/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUdYmVnaW5uZXJzIGd1aWRlIHRvIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D.
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. A good watch is "The Recording of Evergreen" where a camera was invited into the studio for the second week of recording/
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 Grammy wins for Daft Punk Medley, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jolene featuring Dolly Parton. They were nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album Evergreen, but didn't win. Another nomination for Holidays Around the World album in the 2024 list!
Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. Mid March 2023 Kirstie has announced that she is engaged to Ben Hausdorff, their videographer. They married 22/04/24!
They have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame installed in February 2023. They are the only a capella group with a star!
They came 3rd in the 2023 Masked Singer performing as "California Rolls" being unmasked in May 23.
Things you need to know because if you get these wrong Pentaholics will come after you with pitch forks and torches! Ha Ha!!
1- There is NO Auto-Tune; what you hear is actually what they sing. They really are that good. One exception is the 90's Dance Medley where Cher used autotune as an effect - so they had to.
2- What produces everything that you hear in the video, you see in the official video. If there is an instrument used in the music, you see it on screen. In the 2022 Christmas album, there are some instruments not featured throughout the album.
3- They never release something on video they can’t reproduce with the exact same quality live on-stage.
4. It is "Pentatonix" there is no "The".
Lol "brief" the most effective use of quotation marks ever
I thought I knew them, but you are a true stalker! LOL🤣
You were that one student in class who easily write them thousand word essays. 😂
I thought you articulated your reaction well, the words seemed to flow from your mouth. Of course, Pentatonix is a phenomenal a cappella group and the highly trained musicians who react to them all say the same thing, the Pentatonix are especially strong because they all have tremendous ranges, great group sensitivity and chemistry and can literally sing any genre of music (yes, they even to Rap and they do it really well).
IMO, MItch has the most beautiful voice ever. Angelic.❤❤❤❤❤
I agree! My sister recommended that I watch this video and Mitch's solo cover of "Your Power," and my life was literally changed. I don't want to sell the other members' short, because they're all fantastically talented, and voices in perfect harmony have always been my "thing," but hearing Mitch for the first time was like opening a door and finding a world of indescribable beauty that I never knew existed.
So fun to watch the Mitch slap reaction…. shook her to her core!!😂
If you’re going down this rabbit hole you need to add Voiceplay to the list of Pentatonix and Home Free.
2nd Voice Play as well!
And Voctave
She did say in the outro that she has done a little Voiceplay.
PTX has 3 grammys and a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. KO the beatboxer invented an artform called celloboxing where he plays the cello and beatboxes simultaneously. Oh he was also premed at Yale when they found him and speaks multiple languages. As an appropriate intro to this group I strongly recommend their "Sing Off" performances which is their origin story. Lets just say the other groups competing against them were bowing at their feet. They have almost 400 songs to react to but they also have over 5 BILLION views on youtube. Yes that is a B and not a M. All are well deserved. Welcome to the rabbit hole. Much love and keep on keepin on J.
Oooh! There you have opened up a totally new rabbit hole! I am totally here for it!
I am so glad you have discovered Pentatonix, prepare to go down the rabbit hole!
Enjoyed your reaction. I recommend Sound of Silence and The Prayer.
Amazing grace from pentatonix is awesome
The prayer is amazing 😊
If this doesn't move your soul then you don't have one. This is one of those songs, both the music and the performance, that makes you truly appreciate the beauty of music and what a gift it is to have.
Great group! Sound of Silence and Imagine are mind blowing
i discovered youtube reactions during covid. had a rough spot with my mental health during lockdown. pentatonix reactions, specifically, helped majorly. they have a way of just hitting the deepest part of our souls we didn't know needed hit. they always talk about the "sweet spot" in the entertainment industry and for me, pentatonix goes beyond that.
on new meds so haven't been as emotional reacting to the videos lately (yay zombie mode! 😂) but watching this with you, helped me break that barrier.
thank you for going on this journey. you will be so appreciative of the 🌟pure magic🌟 that they bring to you life - the reminder is cherished 🩶
ps; some personal favorites - amazing grace, o come all ye faithful, say something, evolution of michael jackson (if you're a fan, its a MUST!).
Singer #1 Scott Hoying, Baritone
Singer #2 Avi Kaplan, Bass
Singer#3 Kirstin Maldonado, Mezzo-Soprano
Singer #4 Mitch Grassi, Tenor
And Kevin Olusola is Cello/Beat boxer
Matt Sallee replaced Avi after he left to pursue his solo career
Isn't it cool how much amazing music exists? Humans can be pretty awesome when we want to be.
Beautiful reaction Aileen. I'm really happy that you are going down their rabbit hole. Have a wonderful day everyone. 🙏💙
Their rendition of Silent Night, sung in the wings of a church, utilizing the natural echoes of the building, is nearly haunting and possibly the most beautiful version of the song, ever. Period.
I need to listen. I LOVE Silent Night. Thanks for them suggestion!
This is an amazing version of this song.
Kiss from a Rose, OH Holy Night, Bohemian Rhapsody, you can't go wrong with anything by Pentatonix
This is probably the best intro to PTX. You get to hear each one solo (except the beat boxer, who is also a great singer), and how great they are as a group. Pretty much any of the songs others have recommended will show how varied they are.
This song lives rent free and on repeat in my head.
Pentatonix does the best DaftPunk!
TEST YOUR QUEEN! Pentatonix has also done Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody"...Freddie would've loved it.
Queen guitarist Brian May enjoyed enough to post it on his social media with one word, "enjoy."
You expression and appreciation of how pentatonix and this song made you feel was so incredible. They have so many more productions of covers and originals. There is not a bad one. Enjoy your journey. Looking forward to the next.
You know what's the most beautiful thing you have? It is the sensitivity to the beauty of music, and I think not only that. When I watch how individual sounds change the tension of the muscles on your face, I feel unity and I know that in a moment this inner beauty will melt your eyes to complete the work of love for music. Thank you for your reactions
perfect reaction...it's a tear jerker no matter how many time I hear it...the Pentatonics "Daft Punk Medley" is unbelievably good and fun
For some of their most moving songs, you MUST listen to O Holy Night, Amazing Grace, and Run To You. They also have some very upbeat songs such as Sing, Can’t Hold Ys, and 90’s Dance Medley. Enjoy this trip down the rabbit hole!
Add in “My Heart With You”, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. Those 2 caught me completely off guard with how hard they hit.
Love your little black heart, I love going on these emotional journeys with you AileenSempai. Its a beautiful journey.
You're reaction is so sweet. Loved it ❤
Their upgrade of Imagine is incredible and Bohemian Rhapsody is a must watch!
Tremendous harmony
Love watching you get the shivers....This song is soothing to our souls. 😍😍❤❤🌹🌹
Oh...Pentatonix is in a class of it's own. They are like this in any genre you want. Try one of their many originals..."Love Again".
Bohemian Rapsody, Amazing Grace, The Prayer..... I loved your reaction. I can't believe you never listened to them. Please go down that rabbit hole!
The way your face was lighting up and all of the expressions you had throughout the whole song 🥹You can tell when a song catches you and it’s so cute it hurts my heart 🖤
Always gives be thrill chills! Thanks for this!
As an official " Pentaholic " I am looking forward to seeing you react to more Pentatonix ... You're right, they do have so much good music that you haven't listened to yet...and I saw that you got your first " Mitch slap "... That's what they call the reaction that you had and other reactors have when they first hear counter tenor Mitch Grassi start to sing... as always, I loved your reaction ... I will look forward to your next reaction of Pentatonix...Keep being awesome !!!...
I loved your reaction. We Pentaholics are very dedicated and love reactors!! There are well over 200 videos to choose from and you cant go wrong with anyone of them. Definately subbing for more! ❤
Welcome to the Pentatonix family. Haha.
You gotta react to their "Daft Punk" medley.
Just keep going Aileen. You've stumbled on a hell of a ride. Any of the many suggestions are great, I like their GOLD cover. Hope you take us on your ride. Stay beautiful!
Mary Did you Know, Amazing Grace, O Holy Night will just leave you speachless.
everyone talks about Mitch's voice, but that girl's is no slouch! she is amazing !
Hallelujah is one of those songs that have pulled me from the edge so many times. I adore this song.
Never shut up your good and honest rare these days ❤
Great reaction - the first time I heard this track I cried m eyes out, so you're in good company. I look forward to sharing your Pentatonix journey. They don't do covers - they do upgrades.
I love your reaction so far. I just paused as Kirstin finished her verse. Watching your facial expressions, I am making the prediction that Mitch will either make you cry or knock you out of your chair. Back in a sec... Yup... you teared up, but you held it together. Is he amazing, or WHAT??!! As many have said, we call that a "Mitch Slap." The term is used in the most loving and respectful way! Great reaction! Welcome to PTX!
Came for the song, stayed for the 'Mitch Slap'!! Great reaction as usual.
They are absolutely amazing in concert too. They put down their mics and one point and sang this in a basketball stadium and the power of their voices was breathtaking.
This is a fun rabbit hole to dive into. I've lost literal days digging into their music.
I've been waiting a long time for this reaction.
Welcome to the rabbit hole. Everything they cover is an upgrade.
Can't wait to see you react to their vision of Amazing Grace.
Once you learn what those emotions are you'll know. Hopefully, we'll all be singing this together for eternity someday. Hallelujah!
The song is beautiful. But i so love watching the way you light up,so beautiful. Such a joy to my biring life.
Bohemian Rhapsody is so incredible that Brian May, the guitar player for Queen, reposted it onto his page. Now that’s high praise.
It's a ray of light into the darkness. Beautiful reaction to a heavenly song. Happy Friday!
Such a beautiful song. This takes it to another level.
I am a retired elementary school teacher and tried to listen to some music in my class after lunch for a few and one of my students requested Pentatonix and I fell in love with the music so still listen to it.
Yes, this song broke you then lifted you. Your expressions said so much. For a moment , there was much sadness, but it didn't last, it was just felt. You really had no control with this reactio, but it was a very honest one. Thank you.
Best reaction video! The power of music!
I love your respect for the music and their singing. Songs and music sometimes just hit you. This is my fav a capella. Always. Always sound amazing. Always pushing boundaries. Always loving their craft.
No there is no bad Pentatonix cover. However, The Prayer is probably one of the best covers of any song period. You mentioned that you were shaken to your core from this cover. If so, The Prayer cover will bring you to tears.
The sound of silence and can you feel the love tonight are two of my other favourites besides this one!! ❤
The perfection of those voices, along with the meaning of the word Hallelujah, is powerful beauty.
I’ve watched this Pentatonic video many times but I just was struck by a certain magical similarity between Mitch’s first solo note and Dimash’s last note on “Ave Maria.” Both are exquisite, resonate deeply in the soul and transcendent.
Thank you so much for this reaction. You’ve got me wiping my eyes. Hoping you get to watch and react to much more Pentatonix, VoicePlay and Home Free.
I swear they could win the golden buzzer with just their humming. They're so good.
Mitch has one of most amazing voices I've ever heard
I love how we can see the pure and unfiltered joy end emotion you experience when you listen to music
Wonderful reaction !!!
It’s hard for a true reactor or most anyone for that matter not to get a little teary eyed and have a few sniffles watching this performance for the first time… or second… or third :)
Pentatonix won the 3rd season of a singing competition show called The Sing Off in 2012.
Home Free won the following year.
A third acapella group that has joined these two from that show and has helped blow up TH-cam with their songs is Voice Play.
If you had to categorize them:
Pentatonix - mainstream/pop
Home Free - Country
Voice Play - Theater
Although they can’t truly be categorized because they all can simply do it all. You really can’t miss when picking songs of theirs to react to. All three groups have had a couple of lineup changes over the past twelve years, so you might see some unfamiliar faces once in awhile.
Here’s a few videos many reactors have started with:
Pentatonix:
Hallelujah
Daft Punk
Mary did you know
Sound of Silence
Bohemian Rhapsody
Imagine
Amazing Grace
90s Dance Medley
Mad World
Come Along
My Favorite Things
Wizard of Ahhhs
Any Christmas song they did
Home Free:
Ring of Fire
Sea Shanty Medley
Man of Constant Sorrow
God Bless the USA w/ Lee Greenwood
Do You Hear What I Hear
The Butts remix
Seven Bridges Road
Mayday
Fishin in the Dark
Gambler
When a Man Loves a Woman
American Pie w/ Don McLean
Folsom Prison Blues
Voice Play:
Oogie Boogie’s Song
The Little Mermaid Medley
Moana Medley
This is Halloween
Valhalla Calling
Hoist the Colours
You’re a mean one Mr Grinch
Hellfire
Man in the Mirror
Unchained Medley w/ John Pinto Jr
Good 4 U
Running up that Hill
Whoa
I guess that should get ya thru the rest of the year lol
Lovin the acapella reactions and lovin your videos- keep em coming!!!
Great review!! All I can tell you is this, if you EVER have the chance to see them live...DO IT!! They are absolutely amazing! Have seen them twice and can't wait to see them again.
I was so excited to see your reaction for Mitch when I saw how much you were enjoying the rest of them. Mitch's voice is so surreal in this song.
They have so many amazing songs. I really love, "Love Me When I Don't," which is also an original song. The lyrics and their voices are amazing.
Thank you for your reaction. Waited for the Mitch slap. Wasn't disappointed 😊they are just an amazing group of people, their personalities and beautiful voices.
Have subscribed to follow your pentatonix journey. ❤
Love your reaction!!! I've been a Pentaholic since 2012. I never get tired of watching first-time reactions!!! Have a great day! P.S. I heard "Someone I Used To Know" and was instantly hooked!
Pentatonix... over 20 million subscribers...videos viewed over 6 BILLION times...and their fans always follow whoever posts their videos, so keep doing it and your numbers will definitely rise quickly.....They also sound just the same in their concerts!
I still get goosebumps with this one, even after hearing it many times. It is my favorite version of this song. Nice reaction
You're a wonderful reactor! It looks like that is probably because you're a performer, too? I haven't seen your channel before, I look forward to more!
Oh my goodness! First timers are always the best reactions.
What a delightful reaction, thanks for choosing Pentatonix! Hallelujah is often the introductory song for new fans. To get an idea of their range, you may want to see their Daft Punk medley (their first Grammy win) and their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody in the near future. One of their most recent releases is their cover of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose (live VEVO video, please), and that really shows how they have developed over the years. New subscriber in the hope you will continue with PTX. Peace from Ohio …
Mitch has the voice of an angel. He is very special
The fact that they are covering all the material they are without instruments (A Capella) is truly extraordinary.
Welcome to Pentatonix @AileenSenpai. I watched them win the Sing Off in 2011 and became a Pentaholic way back then. I have been hooked ever since. "Imagine" also brought me to tears along with "The Prayer". As mentioned below, you can't go wrong with anything of theirs in my opinion. One that is seldom reacted to is "Sing". I highly recommend it as break from the emotional that makes you cry. :)
I still tear up every time I hear Mitch sing his section. He really has a beautiful voice, well they all do.
So glad to see you react to this song. Don't stop with this one. 😊
The prayer is the must hear next
Hi Aileen 😊 Wonderfully beautiful reaction to Pentatonix's Hallelujah 😊👍 Gorgeous acapella 😊 and you are very right everything has to be precision and precise and technical or the performance falls apart and you know this very very well as a singer yourself 😊 As I said before you indeed are a lover of all kinds of music and I believe that is why your channel has grown so much 😊👍 All the recommendations are awesome 😊 and I look forward to your reactions to each and every one of them 😊👍 Have a great day you and Arya 😊👍 PS I checked your earlier video with Voice Play's Oogie Boogie Song and your video of Jeff Castellucci's cover of The Sound of 😊👍 Excellent as always 😊👍 Voice Play, Home Free, now Pentatonix... wonderfully gorgeous acapella for us all to enjoy 😊
Welcome to PTX! Much love from South Africa!
I knew the bass comment was coming haha, Avi is amazing. But yes what a beautiful rendition of this song, Pentatonix are incredible. Lots of great recommendations in the other comments, but one of my absolute favourites is 'Pure Imagination / Christmas Time'
They are magic every single time. We who love them welcome you. Do their Bohemian Rhapsody It will blow you away
oooh, lil lady Aileen;
that just reminds me, at sixty, that home is nearer today than yesterday - and nearer tomorrow than today!
Hallelujah!
thx for that, lil lady @Aileen!
The live version of this is legit just as good
Aileen, I thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful heartfelt reaction as well as your comments❤ As you mentioned, the Pentatonix catalog of music is very deep and you're going to absolutely love it! Next, I'd love to see you react to their covers of The Sound of Silence and Amazing Grace. They will blow you away! By the way, you have such a beautiful spirit about you it your reactions even more enjoyable. Take care!
Well, it's not often that someone is pretty, articulate, and knowledgeable.........But you are........Keep up the good work.
Amazing Grace, Little Drummer Boy, Mary Did You Know are three of the best holiday songs that I can listen to everyday, and they have so much more . But these will reach deep into you.