What does it sound like to make music
using only your voice?
( Vocalizing )
The Sing-Off is back for our biggest season ever!
We searched far and wide
for America's best singing groups,
but only 16 earned the right
to compete on the Sing-Off stage.
Now they'll wage vocal battle
for the ultimate grand prize...
$200,000 and a career-making
Sony music contract.
We want to win so bad.
Think this is it.
Every day, I lose sleep over this!
Week after week,
they'll leave their hearts on the stage.
I felt your energy. I feit.
And I think everybody else felt it too.
Along the way, our groups will face
challenges that will push them to the breaking point.
Some will be pitch-perfect.
Wow, wow, wow, wow.
But others will fall flat.
It felt like the entire group came unglued to me.
To stay alive in the title fight,
they'll have to get past our award-winning judges...
That was a radical arrangement.
Your voice is beautiful.
And chart-dropping triple-Grammy nominee...
You know me.
Or you don't, but you're getting to.
Tonight, the nation's most original
music competition kicks off
with our first eight phenomenal groups.
We have to win. It's the only way.
Which group will win Sing-Off glory?
That was my favorite performance
of this entire competition.
In the end, America will decide.
Music like you've never heard.
A competition unlike any other.
Season 3 of the Sing-Off starts now!
( Vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
♪ Made a wrong turn ♪
♪ once or twice ♪
♪ dug my way out ♪
♪ blood and fire ♪
♪ bad decisions ♪
♪ that's all right ♪
♪ welcome to ♪
♪ my silly life ♪
♪ mistreated ♪
♪ misplaced, misunderstood ♪
♪ miss, no way, it's all good ♪
♪ it didn't slow me down ♪
♪ mistaken ♪
♪ always second-guessing ♪
♪ underestimated ♪
♪ look, I'm still around ♪ ( Performers vocalizing )
♪ Pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ don't you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you're less than ♪
♪ less than perfect ♪
♪ pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ if you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you're nothin' ♪
♪ you are perfect ♪
♪ to me ♪
♪ you're so mean ♪
♪ when you talk ♪
♪ about yourself ♪
♪ you are wrong ♪
♪ change the voices ♪
♪ in your head ♪ in your head ♪
♪ make them like you ♪
♪ instead ♪
♪ so complicated ♪
♪ look how big you've made it ♪
♪ filled with so much hatred ♪
♪ such a tired game ♪
♪ it's enough ♪
♪ I've done all I can think of ♪
♪ chased down all my demons ♪
♪ seen you do the same ♪
♪ pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ if you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you're less than ♪
♪ less than perfect ♪
♪ pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ if you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you're nothing ♪
♪ you are perfect ♪
♪ to me ♪
♪ the whole world stares while I swallow my fear ♪
♪ the only thing I should be drinking is an ice-cold beer ♪
♪ so cool in lying ♪
♪ and we try, try, try ♪
♪ but we try too hard... It's a waste of our time ♪
♪ done looking for the critics, they're everywhere ♪
♪ they don't like my genes, they don't like my hair ♪
♪ we are strange ourselves ♪
♪ and we do it all the time ♪
♪ why do I do that? Why do I do that? ♪
Why do I do that?
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ if you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you're less than ♪
♪ less than perfect ♪
♪ pretty, pretty please ♪
♪ if you ever, ever feel ♪
♪ like you are nothing ♪
♪ you are perfect ♪
♪ to me ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ perfect ♪ perfect ♪
♪ you're perfect ♪
♪ to me ♪
( Song ends )
( Cheers and applause )
( Cheers and applause continuing )
( Vocalizing )
( Imitates record skipping ) ♪ bring it back ♪
♪ oh oh oh ♪
yeah! ♪
♪ oh oh oh ♪
♪ bom-bom-bom bom-bom-bom ♪
♪ ba-bom-bom bom-bom ♪
♪ oh! ♪
( Cheers and applause )
Sync and corrected by dr.jackson for www.addic7ed.com
Hey, everyone, I'm Nick Lachey,
and welcome to the season premiere the Sing-Off.
You just heard a one-of-a kind,
all-vocal performance of pink's hit "perfect,"
and it's a perfect example of why this show is such
a unique and powerful vocal competition.
Now, this season the Sing-Off
is the biggest ever.
We're gonna hear the best voices in America
making music unlike anything you've heard before,
and the stakes couldn't be higher,
because these groups are battling for a $200,000 prize
and a Sony music recording contract.
( Cheers and applause )
Yeah.
Good stuff.
And guiding us along the way are our trio of experts,
some of the most respected names in music.
Platinum piano player,
a cappella aficionado,
singer-songwriter,
and self-proclaimed music nerd,
Ben Folds!
Thanks, Nick. It's good to see you.
Nice alliteration too!
I appreciate that.
Are you ready for a new season of the Sing-Off?
Absolutely. I feel like the first two seasons,
we introduced a cappella music to...
( Imitates rural accent ) ...America,
and they loved it,
and now you're seeing people coming out of the woodwork
and pushing the art form into the... future.
And that's what's happening.
I can't wait to see what happens.
( Cheers and applause )
All right. He's a 4-time Grammy-winning
vocal legend and member of the biggest R&B group in history,
Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman!
( Cheers and applause )
What's up, Nick?
How you doing, man? Good to see you again!
Good to see you. It's so, so good to be back.
I'm so excited because,
although we've had a lot of great singers in the past,
this year, we have 16 groups this time,
so I'm just looking forward to seeing what flavor
they're gonna bring this year. I'm ready.
( Cheers and applause )
And the newest member of oSing-Off team.
She's sold millions of albums,
she's been nominated for three Grammys,
and she has one of the most beautiful voices
in all of music, miss Sara Bareilles.
( Cheers and applause )
Thank you.
Nick: Of course.
Sara should be an inspiration
to all of our groups here on stage
'cause, actually, while you were at ucla,
you were part of an all-vocal group,
and now Sara is one of the biggest recording stars in the business.
Thanks for being here.
Thank you so much.
I'm so excited to be here, you guys.
You have no idea.
I have watched the show from the very, very beginning,
but from my house on the couch,
so, this is much, much better.
And, um, I'm just so excited,
and if I have any advice,
it's just sing from your heart and enjoy the ride.
Have fun, guys!
( Cheers and applause )
No better advice than that. Thank you, Sara.
All right, this season we've got 16 super-talented groups,
and we've divided them into two brackets of eight.
Now, tonight you'll see the first bracket perform.
Eight groups will hit the stage with their signature songs,
and their fate will rest with our judges.
Only six will continue on into the next round,
which means that two contenders
will be eliminated tonight.
One missed note could cost them their dream.
The competition begins when we return.
The Sing-Off is on!
( Cheers and applause )
Welcome back. For those of you
checking out the Sing-Off for the first time,
tonight you're in for a brand-new musical experience.
Our groups are taking some of your favorite hit songs
and completely reinventing them without a single instrument.
Now let's get it started with the first group of the season...
Some New York college kids with a swarm of fans
on campus and around the world.
We follow the bus to the university of Rochester
to suit up with the Yellowjackets.
( Vocalizing )
We are...
The Yellowjackets from the university of Rochester!
( Vocalizing )
♪ ...about you ♪
The university of Rochester's mascot is the yellow jacket,
and so, back in 1956, when our group was founded,
they decided to wear yellow blazers
to have a little bit of fun.
( Vocalizing )
This group is made up of many different kinds of people.
Some of us are athletes...
Row, row, row, row!
Some of us are funny people.
Most of us are nerds... Definitely myself included.
( Vocalizing )
Something else that gives us the edge
is the fact that five of us attend
the university's prestigious music school,
the eastman school of music,
and it helps us bring our music to the next level.
♪ Tutti-fruity ♪
♪ oh, Rudy ♪
Because of this group's rich history,
we can do a whole bunch of different styles of music:
Everything from '50s doo-wop
to stuff playing on the radio today.
♪ Do you remember? ♪
♪ do you remember? ♪
( Vocalizing )
As a group, we just shared
one of the most powerful experiences
in any of our lives.
We went to Kenya to do a musical exchange.
♪ Rejoice in the beautiful game ♪
Jamal Moore: Going to Kenya was a humbling experience
for each and every one of us.
♪ When I get older ♪
♪ I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a waving flag ♪
Initially, this was a musical exchange
with a choir over there, but it became so much more.
♪ And then it goes back ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
We've met people that have been through things
that we could never imagine.
♪ Oh oh oh ohhh ♪
Being on the Sing-Off stage is extremely emotional for us
because that message of hope that we learned over there,
we get to share that with millions of people.
♪ Oh oh ohhh ♪
♪ it's time for Kenya ♪
( Cheers and applause )
Trying to share the spirit of hope with the whole world,
performing a song from the world cup,
"wavin' flag" by K'naan,
here's the university of Rochester's Yellowjackets.
( Cheers and applause )
( Vocalizing )
♪ Oh oh ohh ♪
♪ oh oh ohh ♪
♪ whoa ohhh ♪
♪ give me freedom ♪
♪ give me fire ♪
♪ give me reason ♪
♪ take me higher ♪
♪ see the champions ♪
♪ take the field now ♪
♪ unify us, make us feel proud ♪
♪ singin' forever young ♪
♪ singin' songs underneath the sun ♪
♪ let's rejoice in the beautiful game ♪
♪ all together at the end of the day ♪
♪ we all say ♪
♪ when I get older, I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a wavin' flag ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
♪ and then it goes back, whoa ♪
♪ when I get older, I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a wavin' flag ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
♪ whoa ♪
♪ so many wars ♪
♪ settling scores ♪
♪ all that we've been through ♪
♪ and now there is more ♪
♪ love is the way ♪
♪ that's what they say ♪
♪ love is the answer ♪
♪ right now I'll say ♪
♪ when I get older ♪
♪ I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a wavin' flag ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
♪ when I get older ♪
♪ I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a wavin' flag ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
♪ whoa ♪
♪ when I get older ♪
♪ I will be stronger ♪
♪ they'll call me freedom ♪
♪ just like a wavin' flag ♪
♪ and then it goes back ♪
♪ whoa ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
Nice. The yellow- and-black attack is back.
Shawn, you were waving your arms.
Yeah, man.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.
Man, where do I begin?
This ridiculous, man.
You know, that was really, really powerful.
Let me say that that was a really cool thing
that you guys did, to fly over there to Kenya
and make those kids' day,
but I guarantee that it was just as good for you
as it was for them too.
That's something...
That's something that stays with you forever,
and I felt that you believed the music
and that you believed what you sang.
That's why I enjoyed the performance.
It was powerful.
It had range. It went up, it went down.
It had all types of levels and things of that nature.
I mean, the solos were great,
but, as a unit, you guys just showed something that,
you know, it was important
for the song to deliver, which was that energy.
It was awesome. Great job.
( Cheers and applause )
Ben?
I'm with Shawn.
It was the group effort and the choir part of it
that really made you feel it on the chorus,
which meant you guys were all on the same page
about the message that you're putting across with the song,
and that's important.
If I had to be picky, the tempo was a little fluctuating in a way
that, when it was groovin', it was groovin',
but there were times when it was slowing down and speeding up.
Aaron, I really dug your lead. That was a lift.
( Cheers and applause )
Weighing in for the first time,
Sara Bareilles.
♪ No pressure ♪ none at all.
Okay.
You know, I look at your faces,
it's really emotional,
and I see a brotherhood here
that I think is really special and unique,
and I know that having that experience
of going to Kenya together is something
that will always be a bond
that you guys share with each other.
My favorite part of the song was sort of towards the end
where it was at its apex,
and we were all waving the flag with you guys.
Was really emotional.
I had written down that I wanted a more
intricate sort of counterpoint
in terms of the arrangement.
I wanted to hear you guys doing some different things,
but I don't know if actually the song calls for that,
so I may or may not be right with that.
I'm new here, you guys, I'm new.
( Laughter )
But I enjoyed your spirit onstage.
It really... It makes a difference,
and so, yeah, thank you.
( Cheers and applause )
Well, we'll learn later
if the judges sent you to the next round.
Thank you, Yellowjackets. Great job.
( Cheers and applause )
If you like the songs you hear tonight,
you can download them from iTunes.
When we come back, we're getting more first looks
at incredibly talented groups,
including a family whose got singing in their genes,
plus an all-vocal group where the Sing-Off's
first-ever rapper takes on an Eminem smash.
This is the season premiere of the Sing-Off.
( Cheers and applause )
I feel amazing!
I look like I'm so sad, but I feel amazing!
♪ Whhhaaaaaaa ♪
♪ ( indistinct ) ♪
( Cheers and applause )
This is the season premiere of the Sing-Off,
a competition that's not just about
incredible vocal skill,
it's also about how well a group can work together.
Collaboration is key, and these next contenders
may have a competitive edge.
Now, we've seen some groups with chemistry before,
but none that all share the same DNA!
We ventured north to Hortonville, Wisconsin,
to meet the eight singin' siblings
of the Fannin Family.
( Vocalizing )
All: We are the Fannin Family from Hortonville, Wisconsin.
( Vocalizing ) ♪ come on, get happy ♪
We have a big family. There are 11 of us.
All: Michael, Betsy, Nicholas, Jacob, Rachel,
Christopher, Alex, Monica, Sarah, Maria, and Tony.
♪ We had a dream we would travel together... ♪
Growing up, music absolutely surrounded us.
I can't remember a time where someone wasn't singing
or playing the piano,
and so this just seems natural for us.
♪ Ooh ♪
My personal inspiration is my parents.
They have given us so much over the years.
All of us are going onto the show with that mindset,
that we want to make them proud,
so they can just sit back and relax just for a while
and look at what they've created.
( Vocalizing )
We're not afraid of the comparisons
to musical families like the Von Trapps
and the Partridges and the Osmonds;
we just don't want to be put into a place because of them.
♪ Come on, get happy ♪
♪ why do I tire of counting sheep? ♪
When one of my brothers and sisters starts singing,
I know exactly what they're going to do.
We've been doing it for so long it's just second nature to us.
( Singing ) Did that work?
I liked that. I kind of liked what you did.
♪ Who says ♪
♪ who says you're not perfect? ♪
♪ who says you're not worth it? ♪
♪ who says you're the only one that's hurting ♪
I think people might be surprised I'm only 14
and I'm the one taking all the solos.
Maria is the youngest one in this group,
and we picked her as the lead
because she's one of our strongest singers.
♪ Ohh ♪
We want to win. Obviously, we're doing it together.
♪ I'd like to make myself believe ♪
This is the biggest audience
that we're ever going to sing for,
and I am very nervous.
I worry about letting my brothers and sisters down.
This means everything to us.
I want to do this for the rest of my life.
( Song ends )
( Cheers and applause )
Can 14-year-old Maria
lead her older siblings to victory?
Performing "who says" by Selena Gomez,
please welcome the Fannin Family.
( Cheers and applause )
♪ I'm no beauty queen ♪
♪ I'm just beautiful me ♪
♪ you've got every right ♪
♪ to a beautiful life ♪
♪ you made me insecure ♪
♪ told me I wasn't good enough ♪
♪ but who are you to doubt ♪
♪ when you're a diamond in the rough? ♪
♪ you maybe have some things ♪
♪ you'd like to change about yourself ♪
♪ but when it comes to me ♪
♪ I wouldn't want to be anybody else ♪
♪ I'm no beauty queen ♪
♪ I'm just beautiful me ♪
♪ you've got every right ♪
♪ to a beautiful life ♪
♪ who says ♪
♪ who says you're not perfect? ♪
♪ who says you're not worth it? ♪
♪ who says you're the only one that's hurting? ♪
♪ trust me, that's the price of beauty ♪
♪ who says you're not pretty? ♪
♪ who says you're not beautiful? ♪
♪ just listen to me ♪
♪ now, just listen to me ♪
♪ who says you can't pass the test? ♪
♪ who says you can't be the best? ♪
♪ who said? Who said? ♪
♪ can you tell me who said that? ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Sustains note )
( Vocalizing )
♪ Who says? ♪
♪ who says you're not perfect? ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ I'm no beauty queen ♪
♪ I'm just beautiful me ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ You've got every right ♪
♪ to a beautiful life ♪
( Cheers and applause )
Thank you, Fannin Family!
Your family road trips must have some serious sing-alongs going on.
Ben, what'd you think?
You guys were really lucky, growing up singing.
That's not something that's done a lot.
In a place like Ireland,
they just stand up in the pub,
and someone will just sing,
and then they'll beat the crap out of each other.
There's something really natural about it...
Nick: And then they sing some more!
Yeah, then they sing some more!
But, yeah, it's true, there is an unfair advantage.
Your blend is gonna be effortless.
I'd say that's offset by the fact that
you all have similar voices,
so you're going to bunch up in a certain tone
where, if you had lots of different gene pools
to pull from, you would have lots of different timbres to pull from.
I thought you dealt with that really well.
Maria, it was very focused, very impressive that you...
( Cheers and applause )
You know, I'm a musician.
For 14, that's very impressive, yeah.
Your unisons... Is the place that you really shine.
The bass... You're singing, I think,
out of your range, Chris, a little bit.
You can't help it if your parents didn't sprout a bassist.
Like, that's...
We're not gonna criticize them for that.
All in all, really good.
Doesn't mean there's not room for improvement,
but it was really a fine first delivery.
Thank you.
( Cheers and applause )
Nick: Sara?
I... was sucked in, like tunnel vision,
with miss Maria singing her heart out
at the front of the stage,
and I want to speak to how powerful I think it is
that a 14-year-old girl who even admitted that
she was worried that she'd be too nervous
to overcome, and she wanted to really sing it out.
Well, amen, girl. You sure did it.
( Cheers and applause ) You sure did.
And I loved just hearing the strength and power
in the words that were coming out of your mouth.
And I want every girl in America to listen to that.
"Who says you're not perfect?"
I think that's a really wonderful message.
There's something really wholesome and innocent
about what you guys have to offer,
and it's really refreshing.
I think there are a few pitch issues here and there,
but I really enjoyed it.
I just... I really was moved, so, thanks, guys!
( Cheers and applause )
And Shawn.
Maria, you really did an awesome, awesome job,
I'm telling you.
I mean, to know that
you're as young as you are
and for you to be in the midst of
hundreds here and millions in the camera right there,
and for you to nail it like you did,
you should be very proud.
Your parents should be very proud.
You fought those jitters, girl, and you did your thing.
As for the family, there were some little harmony,
you know, quirks here and there.
But, again, good performance.
Maria, good job.
( Cheers and applause )
All right, well, we'll find out soon
if the judges extend your family vacation.
Thanks again, Fannin Family. Great job.
When we come back, we'll meet a group
of music majors from Howard university
going old-school on a soul smash
by Corinne Bailey Rae.
And, in just a few moments,
the first elimination of the season.
The Sing-Off. Keep it tuned.
( Cheers and applause )
There's no words to explain it. That was amazing.
I've never experienced anything like it.
( Stammers ) ...There's no words.
( Cheers and applause )
Welcome back to the biggest season of the Sing-Off.
When you hear a group hit a perfect harmony,
it seems effortless, but any musician will tell you
locking voices is harder than it looks.
As a singer myself, I know how tough it is
to make four voices blend together,
let alone ten, like our next group.
They're a vocal ensemble from a distinguished university
bringing a rich music tradition
to a whole new generation.
We swung by Washington, D.C.,
to sample the timeless groove of Afro-Blue.
♪ I'm so happy ♪
We are... Afro-Blue...
From Howard university.
( Vocalizing )
Howard university is a traditionally black university,
and Afro-Blue is the premiere jazz choir at Howard.
I would describe our signature sound
as a mixture of many styles,
from jazz to R&B to even funk.
( Vocalizing )
Howard university has such a rich musical legacy.
Artists from Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
to even P. Diddy have all come from Howard.
Martin Luther King used to frequent the university
and give the amazing speeches that we all know and love today.
I sing at the same place he stood when he spoke.
It's a dream come true.
( Singing "the star- spangled banner" )
When Afro-Blue is rehearsing,
we're really focused and together,
but when we're on our downtime...
♪ Yeah, my name is Mariah ♪
♪ and I like to sing ♪
♪ and I want to be on Sing-Off ♪
♪ I can do my thing! ♪
There is crazy pandemonium.
♪ And that is that ♪
( Vocalizing )
We all have dreams,
and we all want to fulfill those dreams,
and to win the Sing-Off,
it would put us all in a position to do what we love to do
full-time, not just have a degree in music and work retail.
Being on the Sing-Off
would be a major game-changer for Afro-Blue.
Everybody in the group wants a career in the music industry,
and what better platform than this?
We really, really need this.
( Cheers and applause )
Will their old-school sound
be embraced by a modern audience?
Performing Corinne Bailey Rae's "put your records on,"
here is Afro-Blue!
( Cheers and applause )
( Vocalizing )
♪ Three little birds ♪
♪ sat on my window ♪
♪ and they told me I don't have to worry ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Summer came like cinnamon, so sweet ♪
♪ little girls double-Dutch on the concrete ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Maybe sometimes ♪
♪ we've got it wrong, but it's all right ♪
♪ the more things seem to change ♪
♪ the more they stay the same ♪
♪ don't you hesitate ♪
♪ girl, put your records on ♪
♪ tell me your favorite song ♪
♪ you go ahead, let your hair down ♪
♪ sapphire and faded jeans ♪
♪ I hope you get your dreams ♪
♪ just go ahead, let your hair down ♪
♪ you're gonna find yourself somewhere ♪
♪ somehow ♪
♪ just more than I could take ♪
♪ pity, for pity's sake ♪
♪ some nights kept me awake ♪
♪ I thought that I was stronger ♪
♪ when you gonna realize ♪
♪ that you don't even have to try ♪
♪ any longer? ♪
♪ do what you want to ♪
♪ girl, put your records on ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ I said you go ahead ♪
♪ sapphire ♪
♪ sapphire and faded jeans ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ just go ahead ♪
♪ let your hair down ♪
♪ you're gonna find yourself somewhere ♪
♪ somehow ♪
( Cheers and applause )
Very nice! Thanks, Afro-Blue. Man!
Let's go ahead and hear from our judges. Ben?
That was really great. I really love your sound.
I really love your name.
My first band was called that too.
( Laughter )
That's not true, but I'll keep moving on.
Christie, I loved your presentation.
It's so relaxed.
( Cheers and applause )
You guys also have made some very jazzy stuff
sound accessible, which is important,
'cause the point of jazz, jazz chords,
all those extensions, is not to freak people out,
it's to get the message across.
And the message is, in this song, it's about music,
and it's about joy.
You guys completely delivered it.
Oh, and Reggie, nice bass work. Excellent.
You held together.
( Cheers and applause )
Sara Bareilles.
I was thoroughly entertained.
I was sucked in from the beginning,
of just watching your story,
and I also wrote down that you're all very attractive,
so...
( Laughter )
Maybe I need to work on taking notes.
You're all very good-looking,
in addition to sounding amazing. It's on there.
Is on there. I know. Get over it.
Um... I loved the story behind your group coming together
and the fact that you're seeking a deeper meaning
in sharing music, and the reason that that brought you together.
And that really speaks to me
because that's why I play music as well.
Um, you guys show a lot of promise
for a lot of versatility.
Like, I kind of can't wait to hear what you do next
because you did this so well.
So, yeah, really, really well done. I loved it.
( Cheers and applause )
Shawn?
Let me start with what I wrote down.
"Class. Style.
"Slick. Smooth.
"Effortless.
And fun."
Like, you made what is difficult for most singers
look so easy.
And, Christie, man,
just watching you perform...
Like, your voice feels like warm butter on grits.
( Laughter and shouts of agreement )
And the way you just glided onstage,
it was like you've been here before, doing your thing,
and that's what made this enjoyable.
So, great first job, guys. Great.
( Cheers and applause )
Good stuff.
All right, we'll find out a little later
if you guys will be staying in the competition.
( Cheers and applause )
Coming up, an all-girl supergroup
first up a Bruno Mars hit,
and we're only moments away
from tonight's first elimination.
The Sony music recording contract is on the line.
This is the season premiere of the Sing-Off.
( Cheers and applause )
This was a moment unlike any other moment
I've ever experienced, and I'm so glad
that I shared it with all of these wonderful
and beautiful faces. It was amazing.
( Cheers and applause )
I'm Nick Lachey, and welcome back
to the season premiere of the Sing-Off.
A great performance on this show
not only hits the high notes, but also the low notes.
They give a song its rich texture.
In the past, finding that deep-down sound
has been a challenge for all-female groups.
These next girls are looking to change that.
This dream team is packed with all-star vocalists
and standouts from the past two seasons of the Sing-Off.
We charged down to the O.C.
To get a boost of girl power from Delilah.
( Cheers and applause )
I'm Hannah, and I sang with pitch slapped on season two.
I'm Ingrid, and I sang with pitch slapped.
I'm Kendall, and I sang with eleventh hour.
I'm Candace, and I sang on season one with voices of Lee.
I'm Laina, and I sang with noteworthy on the first season.
I'm Amy. I sang with noteworthy on season one.
After season two ended, I got a call from Amy.
She had this really cool idea
to put together a really awesome group of girls
from past seasons,
and then called up a couple of friends
that were in the a cappella community...
Jo, our bass, and Gina, our beatboxer.
( Vocalizing )
♪ I wanna startight ♪
♪ so what... ♪
We definitely wanted a lot of female power.
We're here to show that has its place, a cappella
and it can be really exciting.
( Vocalizing )
♪ Don't speak ♪
♪ I know just what you're thinking ♪
( Playful shouting )
The more that we interact with each other offstage,
the better we're unified onstage.
( Ladies vocalizing )
I think it's really important that we get to know each other
not just on a musical level, but on a friendship level.
It's tough when you're like, "oh, let's get eight girls together
and have them sing in a group!"
We're still kind of figuring out how we work musically
and how to be able to work better and perform better together.
I definitely think we're probably a little bit behind.
Pitch slapped, you're gonna be going home.
Getting eliminated last season so early on
definitely was a blow.
It kind of left a feeling like,
oh, I wish I could go back and do more
and show people what we can do.
With this group, I know that we can go all the way.
It's definitely nerve-wracking.
There's a lot of pressure.
We are just so excited to get back out on that stage
and show everybody what we can do
and what we've been working for.
Oh, my.
It's surreal.
Coming back for season three,
this is make-or-break right here.
There's such a higher level of talent and competition.
We really, really have to step up our game.
No one ever gets a second chance at these kinds of things.
Exactly. This time, we're gonna do it, Delilah.
One, two, three... Season three!
Whoo!
Will they make the most of their second chance
and reignite their Sing-Off dreams?
Performing "grenade" by Bruno Mars,
here is Delilah!
( Cheers and applause )
( Vocalizing )
♪ Easy come ♪
♪ easy go ♪
♪ that's just how you live ♪
♪ oh, take take ♪
♪ take it all ♪
♪ but you never give ♪
♪ shoulda known ♪
♪ you was trouble ♪
♪ from the first kiss ♪
♪ had your eyes wide open ♪
♪ why were they open? ♪
♪ gave you all I had ♪
♪ and you tossed it in the trash ♪
♪ tossed it in the trash ♪
♪ you tossed it in the trash ♪
♪ to give me all your love ♪
♪ is all I ever asked ♪
♪ but ♪
♪ what you don't understand ♪
♪ is I'd catch a grenade for you ♪
♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪
♪ throw my hand on a blade for you ♪
♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪
♪ I'd jump in front of a train ♪
♪ for you ♪
♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪
♪ you know I'd do anything for you ♪
♪ yeah, anything ♪
♪ you won't do the same ♪
♪ if my body was on fire ♪
♪ oh ♪
♪ you'd watch me ♪
♪ burn down in flames ♪
♪ you said you loved me ♪
♪ you're a liar 'cause you never ♪
♪ ever ♪
♪ ever did ♪
( Cheers and applause )
( Vocalizing )
♪ You know I'd catch a grenade for you ♪
♪ catch a grenade for you ♪
♪ throw my hand on a blade for you ♪
♪ jump in front of a train for you ♪
♪ in front of a train for you ♪
♪ you know I'd do anything for you ♪
♪ do anything for you ♪
♪ I would go through all of this pain ♪
♪ take a bullet straight through my brain ♪
♪ yes, I would die for you, baby ♪
♪ you won't do the same ♪
( Cheers and applause )
Thank you, Delilah!
Sara, what'd you think?
Ladies!
( Cheers and applause )
Hell, yeah.
That was awesome.
And I want to talk about girl power,
and I love the idea of it,
and you guys are just the kick-ass a cappella group.
That's what you are.
You're more than just a bunch of beautiful women
choosing to sing together.
You guys put together an amazing group
who, um, showed dynamics and versatility
and emotion
and a little sex appeal here and there,
which is really nice.
I love that you sort of switched up the groove in the chorus.
I thought that was really interesting as a choice
for an arrangement.
There were all these crazy chords you hit here and there
where I kept feeling like I got slapped in the face with something,
and I was like, "oh! Go girls!"
( Laughter )
I loved it.
I am so proud of you. Well done.
( Cheers and applause )
Shawn?
Amy.
( Cheers and applause )
What boyfriend did you channel to sing that?
I believed it, girl. That lead was awesome.
It cut through my darn heart.
It was off the hook,
and your girls backed you up well.
I enjoyed that performance.
It was strong, it was passionate, it was sexy.
Great job, girls.
Ben, what'd you think?
It was great. I mean, it was, um...
You're delivering the song first.
There's no novelty to this.
An all-female group, or one person by themselves,
or a whole bunch of toothless loggers could...
( Laughter )
Could all pull music off, if you put your head to it,
and it's all about delivering the song.
Yeah, 'cause I kind of expected, okay,
the secret weapon's gonna be jo,
and the bass is really great.
I mean, you're... Sara: Yes!
( Cheers and applause )
You're working together with Gina really well to create the low end,
so we don't have a low-end issue at all.
You girls know when to drop out
to allow a dynamic to happen,
'cause sometimes Amy gets to scream the hell out of something.
And everyone shut up, and that's smart.
Um...
"Watch me burn down in flames."
You know what you did there with the harmonies,
the chromatic stuff,
some of the rubbing seconds and stuff...
So smooth. Really well done.
( Cheers and applause )
I was so impressed that I was just writing my ass off
while you guys were singing your asses off.
It was really great work.
You've really accomplished something,
and welcome back, all of you that have come back.
Nick: Yes, yes! ( Cheers and applause )
I'm not even sure I know what "rubbing seconds" are,
but I think that was a good thing, so...
We'll find out soon if you guys will be
moving on to the next round.
Thanks again, Delilah.
( Cheers and applause )
Well, you've just seen four exceptional singing groups
giving it everything they've got.
During the break, the judges will decide which three to save
and which one's gonna sing their swan song.
The very first elimination of the season
is coming up on the Sing-Off.
( No audible dialogue )
( Cheers and applause )
It was the most amazing fire on stage, ever.
It's amazing.
We done good, girls!
We did! We done good!
( Overlapping happy chatter )
( Cheers and applause )
We are back on the Sing-Off.
We've still got more one-of-a-kind performances on the way,
but right now I'm standing onstage
with our first four groups of the night.
Afro-Blue.
( Cheers and applause )
Rochester's Yellowjackets.
( Cheers and applause )
The Fannin Family.
( Cheers and applause )
And Delilah.
( Cheers and applause )
They've moved us with their signature songs,
but for one, it just wasn't enough.
I have the judges' decision right here in my hand.
For three of these groups,
the show will go on.
For the other, this will be their final act.
The first two groups that will definitely
move on in the competition are...
Delilah!
( Cheers and applause )
And...
Afro-Blue!
Congratulations to both of you.
Please head to your boxes.
It's down to Rochester's Yellowjackets
and Fannin Family.
Yellowjackets...
Shawn called your performance powerful;
Ben applauded your excellent lead vocal,
Sara was captivated by 14-year-old Maria's solo;
Shawn thought your group gave a good performance
but noted some quirks with your harmonies;
Ben respected your effortless blend
but said because you're a family,
the voices sounded too similar.
One of you will survive to sing again on this stage.
The other is about to sing your swan song.
The group that still has a chance to become
the Sing-Offchampion is...
Yellowjackets!
( Cheers and applause )
Congratulations.
You're moving ahead in the competition.
( Cheers and applause )
Fannin Family, I'm so sorry.
It's been wonderful to watch your family support each other.
You all are a one-of-a-kind family,
and we certainly wish you the best of luck.
Thank you, guys.
We ask each group to choose a song
for their final exit from our show,
so please raise your Mikes one last time.
Singing their swan song, here is Fannin Family.
♪ When I'm stuck with a day ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ That's gray ♪
♪ and lonely ♪
♪ I just stick up my chin ♪
♪ and grin ♪
♪ and say ♪
♪ say ♪
♪ the sun'll come out ♪
♪ tomorrow ♪
♪ so you've got to hang on ♪
♪ till tomorrow ♪
♪ come what may ♪
♪ tomorrow ♪
♪ I love you ♪
♪ tomorrow ♪
♪ you're only ♪
♪ a day ♪
♪ aaaaaaa... ♪
♪ ...waaaayyyyy ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
That was Fannin Family saying goodbye
with "tomorrow," from the musical Annie.
We're only halfway through our first bracket,
and there's still so much great talent
ready to hit the stage.
We've got the Sing-Off's first-ever rapper,
plus finalists from the biggest college all-vocal competition.
The Sing-Off. Stay tuned.
( Cheers and applause )
It felt really good to have
people in the music industry tell us that
we were doing something right.
Absolutely great experience.
Coming up the Sing-Off...
♪ A one, two, three, four ♪
Four phenomenal vocal groups
take the stage for an all-new hour
of voices-only competition.
♪ Baby, baby ♪
♪ it looks like it's gonna hail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Guess I don't know my own strength ♪
♪ just gonna stand there and watch me burn ♪
♪ she's some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ yes, she is ♪
♪ she's some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ all my secrets away ♪
And later, one more group will be cut
from the competition for good.
I have the results right here.
The season premiere of the Sing-Off
continues next.
( Vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
We're back on the season premiere of the Sing-Off,
the show that's riding the wave
of a whole new musical movement.
We just saw the judges eliminate the first group of the season.
The fire has been lit, and now tonight's four remaining competitors
have to summon all their vocal might to survive.
Next up, professional musicians
who have spent hundreds of hours
in the recording studio.
Now they're dropping beats live on stage,
injecting a cappella with a little hip-hop.
We hit the streets of Denver
to catch the downtown sound of Urban Method.
( Cheers and applause )
We are... Urban Method!
And where we from?
Denver, Colorado!
Whoo!
I'm Tony. I run a recording studio,
and over the years, I've met a lot of amazing singers.
I've pulled all of the best of them together
to make Urban Method.
There it is.
♪ I know you feel where I'm comin' from ♪
♪ regardless of the things in the past that I've done ♪
Urban Method means that we go for something
that's more edgy, more on the street,
in the dance and hip-hop genre.
One of main things that we have
that's gonna set us apart is we have a rapper.
♪ You gotta keep your balance ♪
♪ or you'll fall into the gap ♪
( Vocalizing )
And I think that, um,
that immediately sets us apart.
I've been rapping since about fifth grade,
and that's an element
that you don't hear too often in a cappella,
especially in Colorado.
♪ I can't tell you what it really is ♪
♪ I can only tell you what it feels like ♪
There's not really a rapper from my city
that's doing it at a large enough level
that you would really know his name.
I'm trying to be that for my city.
I feel that pressure every day.
I lose sleep over this,
every day!
I love this,
and I believe I was meant for this,
and I believe everyone in my group was meant for this.
I think we have a really good chance of taking this thing home.
( Cheers and applause )
Can Myke reinvent his career as an a cappella mc?
Performing "love the way you lie"
by Eminem and Rihanna,
here is Urban Method.
( Cheers and applause )
♪ Just gonna stand there ♪
♪ and watch me burn ♪
♪ but that's all right ♪
♪ because I like the way it hurts ♪
♪ just gonna stand there ♪
♪ and hear me cry ♪
♪ but that's all right ♪
♪ because ♪
♪ I love the way you lie ♪
( Beatboxing )
♪ I can't tell you what it really is ♪
♪ I can only tell you what it feels like ♪
♪ and right now, it's a steel knife ♪
♪ in my windpipe ♪
♪ I can't breathe, but I still fight ♪
♪ while I can fight ♪
♪ as long as the wrong feels right ♪
♪ it's like I'm in flight ♪
♪ high off of love ♪
♪ drunk from my hate ♪
♪ it's like I'm huffing paint ♪
♪ and I love it the more I suffer ♪
♪ I suffocate, then right before I'm about to drown ♪
♪ she resuscitates me ♪
♪ she hates me, and I love it ♪
♪ wait! Where you going? ♪
♪ I'm leaving you! ♪
♪ no, you ain't ♪
♪ come back, we're running right back ♪
♪ here we go again... It's so insane ♪
♪ when it's going good, it's going great ♪
♪ I'm Superman with the wind at his back ♪
♪ she's blowing flame, but when it's bad, it's awful ♪
♪ I feel so ashamed, I snap ♪
♪ who's that dude? I don't even know his name ♪
♪ I laid hands on her ♪
♪ never stoop so low again ♪
♪ guess I don't know my own strength ♪
♪ just gonna stand there and watch me burn ♪
♪ but that's all right ♪
♪ because I like the way it hurts ♪
♪ just gonna stand there and hear me cry ♪
♪ that's all right ♪
♪ because I love the way you lie ♪
♪ I love the way you lie ♪
♪ you ever love somebody so much ♪
♪ you can barely breathe when you with 'em? ♪
♪ you meet, and neither one of you ♪
♪ even knows what hit 'em ♪
♪ got that warm, fuzzy feelin' ♪
♪ them chills, used to get 'em ♪
♪ now you gettin' sick of lookin' at 'em ♪
♪ you swore you'd never hit 'em ♪
♪ never do nothin' to hurt 'em ♪
♪ you're in each other's face ♪
♪ spewing venom ♪
♪ n your words when you spit 'em ♪
♪ you push, pull each other's hair ♪
♪ scratch, claw, hit 'em ♪
♪ throw 'em down, pin 'em ♪
♪ so lost in the moments when you're in 'em ♪
♪ it's the rage that took over ♪
♪ that controls you both ♪ stand there and watch me burn... ♪
♪ it's best to go your separate ways ♪
♪ guess if they don't know you ♪
♪ 'cause today, that was yesterday ♪
♪ yesterday is over, it's a different day ♪
♪ sounds like broken records playin' over ♪
♪ you promised her ♪
♪ next time you'll show restraint ♪
♪ you don't get another chance ♪
♪ life is no Nintendo game ♪
♪ that's all right... ♪
♪ and you get to watch her leave out the window ♪
♪ that's why they call it window "pain" ♪
♪ I love the way you lie ♪
( Beatboxing )
( Vocalizing )
♪ I love the way you lie ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Song ends )
( Cheers and applause )
Nick: Yeah!
Very nice. Thank you, Urban Method.
Shawn, what's your take on rap-a cappella?
I was a young 'un when hip-hop was born,
so I saw it go from where it was
to where it is,
and me and my homies back in southwest Philadelphia,
we used to, like, beatbox and, you know...
( Beatboxing )
( Shouts of approval ) You know, that whole thing?
And... and the thing was, was thathat was a cappella,
and, you know, my boys would rap over it,
and somebody would hit a little bass note
and whatever to our favorite rap songs,
so, to me, that's not too far from what I know.
So, I'm glad that someone actually was smart enough
to do it on the Sing-Off, so I-I consider it cool.
( Cheers and applause )
It's amazing how y'all backed him up
because that didn't even sound like a cappella.
That sounded like a track.
( Cheers and applause )
Like, it was so dope.
Like, the bass, the kick drum,
and how you guys
switched at the end of it, you know,
from the snare to the rim shot.
That was hot. That was crazy.
Myke, I believed you was legitimate
with the whole thing,
you know what I'm sayin'?
Hopefully, Eminem is watching this right now.
( Cheers and applause )
All right. Sara?
Well...
First of all, I'm not going to beatbox.
( Laughter )
Just wanted to clear that up for everyone.
Um, Myke, you have a real star quality to you here.
You guys are all so gelled,
and I loved the theatrical quality
that was happening out in front
between Katie and Myke.
Um, you guys were so committed to your performance.
That was really impressive.
And I loved how, Katie, you took your time
in the very beginning.
You sort of waited for a second,
and then you... You began,
and it had so much stride and confidence to it.
It was really, really wonderful.
And, Tony, wonderful job in putting together
this awesome group.
What a wonderful collective of individuals.
( Cheers and applause )
One of my favorite parts of the song
was the very, very end,
where the arrangement shifted into another gear.
I thought that was just totally amazing.
You guys did a fantastic job.
Ben?
The sense of novelty never occurred to me.
If we hadn't had the preview to tell us,
"oh, well, this is different
'cause it's rap-a cappella,"
I would have never thought of that.
I think the producer aspect is really important.
I mean, sometimes a great band comes along
that's just truly informed by the studio.
And you've got a star in Myke too.
I mean, he's totally delivering the song.
( Cheers and applause )
And it's a poignant song.
I mean, it's a really moving song.
I will say that, that's a lot of words,
and it's hard to keep that articulate.
Troy, the bass was actually shaking my ass.
It was... ( Laughter and cheers )
Great group effort.
Nice first job. Thanks, y'all.
( Cheers and applause )
Well, we'll find out soon if you all
are advancing to the next round.
Thank you, Urban Method.
( Cheers and applause )
We're seeing a ton of extraordinary talent,
but if you've got a favorite group or groups,
you can check out their blogs, videos, and tweets
at nbc.Com.
And when we return, a group from America's heartland
tackles our Hollywood stage.
And later, our judges huddle up once more
to decide who gets the go-ahead
and who gets left behind.
This is the Sing-Off.
( Cheers and applause )
Being up there in front of all those people
and just, like, singing my heart out
was just, honestly, and with all you guys,
like, it was amazing.
I feel good right now.
Nick: Wanna go behind the scenesat the Sing-Off?
Check out nbc.Com
and follow Internet sensation Sam Tsui
as he takes you up close and personal
with all our groups.
Thank you, guys!
( Performers vocalizing ) Yeah.
( Performers vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
We're back on the Sing-Off.
We're experiencing something remarkable tonight
as all these amazing groups redefine vocal performance
in their quest for the $200,000 prize
and a Sony music recording contract.
Now, you know most of our groups form
because of their shared passion for singing,
but few have managed to turn their passion into a profession
like this next group.
We hustled over to Branson, Missouri,
to meet our showbiz pros, the Cat's Pajamas.
One, two, three, four.
♪ Bom bom bom bom bom ♪
♪ I feel good ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Like I knew that I would ♪
We are the Cat's Pajamas from Branson, Missouri.
If you're the Cat's Pajamas,
you're the hip of the hip, the coolest of the cool.
Our show is extremely high energy.
When I'm performing onstage, I'm in the zone.
The Cat's Pajamas, we were doing cruise ships
for about two, three years,
and we got sick of sloshing around on the Atlantic,
so we decided Branson, Missouri, would be perfect.
♪ So good ♪ so good ♪
♪ so good ♪
The Cat's Pajamas. Come and check us out.
It's a city with 40 different theaters,
120 shows.
Eight million people visit here every year.
Branson is known as the live music show capital of the world.
There's no better place that I know of in America.
Are y'all ready for a good show today?
( Cheers and applause )
The Dutton theater picked us up a couple of years ago,
and now we do over 200 shows a year.
♪ You look lovely as can be ♪
♪ are you lonely just like me? ♪
We kind of tailor our set to be more
'50s, '60s, '70s.
♪ 'Cause I need you ♪
♪ I'll treat you right ♪
We try to do it in a fresh, new, funkier way.
♪ Check our groove ♪ pretty woman ♪
♪ when I hold her in my arms ♪
♪ you know she sets my soul on fire ♪
We're very, very excited to show America
what we can do and what we've already established in Branson.
This is the chance that we've been waiting for,
to take us to the next level.
Because we're starting to get the hang of it,
being in Branson, such a small town
and going out to the grocery store
and getting recognized,
we're really excited to go out to Los Angeles
and win the hearts of everybody watching at home.
Nick: Can the pride of Branson
make it big on a Hollywood stage?
Performing grand funk railroad's
"some kind of wonderful," here's the Cat's Pajamas.
( Cheers and applause )
( Beatboxing and vocalizing )
♪ Now, I don't need ♪
♪ a whole lot of money ♪
♪ no, I don't need ♪
♪ a big, fat car ♪
♪ oh, yeah ♪
♪ I got everything ♪
♪ that a man could want ♪
♪ I've got more ♪
♪ than I could ask for ♪
♪ all I could ask for ♪
♪ I don't have to run around ♪
♪ I don't have to stay out all night ♪
♪ 'cause I got me a sweet ♪
♪ sweet, loving woman ♪
♪ and she knows just how to treat me right ♪
♪ my baby ♪
♪ she's all right ♪
♪ my baby ♪
♪ she's plain out of sight ♪
♪ she's some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ yes, she is ♪
♪ she's some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ oh, no ♪
♪ she's some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ yeah yeah yeah yeah ♪
♪ now, is there anybody ♪
♪ anybody ♪
♪ with a sweet little woman like mine? ♪
♪ sweet little woman like mine ♪
♪ there's gotta be somebody, now ♪
♪ somebody ♪
♪ with a sweet little woman like mine ♪
♪ can I get a witness? ♪
♪ yeah, yeah ♪
♪ can I get a witness? ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ I'm talking, talking 'bout my baby ♪
♪ some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ I'm a-talking 'bout my baby ♪
♪ yeah, you know ♪
♪ you know I'm a-talking 'bout my ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ My, my baby ♪
♪ yeah yeah yeah ♪
♪ yeah ♪
♪ some kind of wonderful ♪
♪ dude, she's some kind of ♪
♪ sweet, loving woman ♪
♪ and she is ♪
♪ mine ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Final percussive note )
( Cheers and applause )
Very nice! Thank you, Cat's Pajamas.
Ben, can they get a witness?
Yeah!
Nick: Yeah!
Wow, I mean, that was really strong,
and the 200-shows- a-night shows.
I mean, it's...
Uh, 200 shows a year.
( Laughter ) It might feel like 200 shows a night.
There's nothing to be said about
the musical impact of what you did,
but then I think the next step for you guys
is to take risks and be a little more vulnerable
and, um, the artistry part.
There is art in covering other people's material.
Ykill the technical part.
Your voices are beautiful and amazing.
They completely gel. You're selling it.
Everything is totally there.
How powerful would that be
if you said something about yourself in the song?
( Cheers and applause )
Shawn?
First, I'll shout out Mr. Skinner
on the double-duty thing with the beat and the bass.
He was keeping it moving,
and, um, Chris with the beautiful lead
and the million-dollar smile, and...
( Sara laughs )
I thought I saw your teeth gleam for one second!
( Good-natured laughter )
You guys are definitely entertainers.
Soon as you step onstage,
someone throws some Mikes at you,
you just exude it, like "bam!"
It was fun. It was entertaining. You sold the song.
But, again, how does it translate to the listener
when they're not seeing you?
It's just them and the cd, or the download.
And if you advance to the next round,
let's see what else the Cat's Pajamas...
( Dramatic voice ) ...Can do.
( Applause )
All right, Sara.
Well, you guys are pitch perfect.
You're all smiling ear to ear.
Tons of energy onstage.
That is a super-tight package.
Weird.
Is that weird? Shawn: Yes!
She said "package."
Awkward moment!
That was some self-censorship there.
I know!
Well, you know me.
Or you don't, but you're getting to.
( Laughter )
( Cheers and applause ) Thank you.
( Laughter )
Shawn: Yay!
Moving on.
Please, everyone, come with me.
( Laughter )
Um, I thought it was amazing
that you have created this business in Branson.
Two hundred shows a year?
Do you know how hard it is to do that
if you're traveling everywhere,
much less stickin' put
and having people come visit you?
That is an amazing accomplishment,
so, congratulations to you on that.
I'm with the boys.
I want to see versatility here.
I just want to see what you guys look like
in jeans and a tee-shirt.
And I don't mean that in a weird way either,
but I just meant
you're so slick and showy,
I want to see a different side of you as well.
So, um, I'm excited to see that.
I gotta get outta here!
( Laughter and applause )
I think Sara wants to actually see you
in your Cat's Pajamas.
( Laughter )
Great job, guys.
We'll find out soon if you made it to the next round.
( Cheers and applause )
We've heard jazz, rap, and now classic rock.
These singers are taking on every kind of music,
and we've still got two more exciting performances
before tonight's final elimination.
It's all coming up on the Sing-Off.
( Cheers and applause )
They want to see versatility,
and we will give that to them if they give us the chance.
Bareilles wants to see us in tee-shirts. And jeans.
I'm not mad. I-I can handle that!
( Laughter )
I'm Nick Lachey and thanks for checking out
the season premiere of the Sing-Off.
We've got bands from all over the country
who have journeyed to our stage
bringing only one instrument... Their voice.
Our next group considers themselves
the underdogs in the competition.
They're a band of struggling artists
who joined together to try a cappella for the first time.
We stayed local in L.A.
To get the lowdown on Kinfolk 9.
( Performers vocalizing )
We are Kinfolk 9, from the City of Angels!
♪ Never known life ♪
♪ being loved like this ♪
( Vocalizing )
I put Kinfolk 9 together,
and it's made up of some of my best friends
and my extended family.
( Vocalizing )
Kinfolk came out of
several different friendships.
It started in Greenroots, this group we started,
to foster a great environment for the artists
within the artists' community.
We're all artists trying to make it.
We've all had our struggles,
and we thought that the Sing-Offwould be
a great opportunity for us.
To the journey ahead!
You'll be the first one ever.
Yeah, that was really classy!
( Laughter )
♪ Heard there was a secret chord that♪
♪ David played ♪
♪ and it pleased the Lord ♪
Becoming part of Kinfolk 9
is what brought me to the Sing-Off.
I think as a father and as a husband,
there's more at stake.
A few years back, I had to move my wife and my kids
into a friend's garage.
That one.
Okay, ask me.
Moi: As a man, you analyze...
What should I have done better?
Where did I not cross my "T" and dot my "I"?
So, there's a huge part of me
that doesn't take all of this for granted
and that wants to give a hundred percent
so that I can look at my boys in the eyes
and say, "hey, I was working really hard
for you guys."
( Vocalizing )
We all understand what we've given up to be here,
and since I put Kinfolk 9 together,
there's a lot of pressure that I've put on myself
because I definitely don't want to let my group down.
( Singing )
Now we've come to a point where it's like,
"you guys, we have to do this for each other,
"and we have to win. We have to win.
It's the only way."
We want to make it worth it.
Ha ha!
( Laughter )
( Cheers and applause )
Trying to move one step closer
to the life-changing grand prize,
performing one Republic's "secrets,"
it's Kinfolk 9.
( Cheers and applause )
♪ I need another story ♪
♪ something to get off my chest ♪
♪ my life gets kind of boring ♪
♪ need something that I can confess ♪
♪ till all my sleeves are stained red ♪
♪ from all the truth that I've said ♪
♪ come by it honestly, I swear ♪
♪ thought you saw me wink ♪
♪ no, I've been on the brink, so ♪
♪ tell me what you want to hear ♪
♪ something more like all those years ♪
♪ sick of all the insincere ♪
♪ I'm gonna give ♪
♪ all my secrets away ♪
♪ my God ♪
♪ amazing how we got this far ♪
♪ it's like we're chasing ♪
♪ all the stars ♪
♪ who's driving shiny, big, black cars? ♪
♪ ohh ♪ and every day I see the news ♪
♪ all the problems that we could solve ♪
♪ and when the situation rises ♪
♪ just write it into an album ♪
♪ seen it straight to go ♪
♪ I don't even like my flow ♪
♪ so tell me what you want to hear ♪
♪ something more like all those years ♪
♪ sick of all the insincere ♪
♪ I'm gonna give ♪
♪ all my secrets away ♪
♪ got no reason ♪
♪ got no shame ♪
♪ got no family ♪
♪ I can blame ♪
♪ just don't let me ♪
♪ disappear ♪
♪ I'm a-tell you everything ♪
♪ tell me what you want ♪ tell me what you want ♪
♪ want this time ♪
♪ don't need another perfect line ♪
♪ don't care if critics never jump in line ♪
♪ I'm gonna give ♪
♪ all my ♪
♪ secrets ♪
♪ away ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Cheers and applause )
Nice job, Kinfolk 9.
Sara, what'd you think?
Well, I can see that this is
very emotional for you guys.
I get the sense and the feeling
that there's a lot riding on this for you,
and, uh, well done.
That was a really good performance.
Moi, you are a really great front man,
and you have a wonderful, wonderful lead vocal,
and, um, I can really imagine
what's going through your mind,
knowing you've got family at home,
and working hard,
and I love the idea that you guys
have all come together
to really achieve something bigger.
You know? That's partially
what I love about Los Angeles,
is that this is a dream-chaser city.
You know what I'm sayin'?
People come here to aim for something big,
and I think there's something really beautiful in that.
The bass. Daniel.
Wow!
( Cheers and applause )
It was almost overpowering for me,
but you're all powerhouse singers,
it's very obvious, so, well done.
( Applause )
Nick: Ben, your thoughts?
Well, first of all, Moi, beautiful voice
and great delivery.
Nice work.
( Cheers and applause )
Um... Jenilee,
great job of a&r'ing the group
and putting together a group of talented singers.
It's gonna take some time to get this blend together, I think.
I know that you're all wanting to get out of the garage,
but I-I have the sense that you're doing it
'cause you love music,
and it's generous, and so that's what I'm feeling out of it.
I mean, if you get your way and you make it,
then you're gonna be on a tour bus,
which is a lot less real estate than the garage, even.
And I saw the fancy washing machine.
You don't have one of those on the tour bus.
You're gonna have to give that up,
but I think it's gonna be okay.
I think you're gonna do great out on the road.
And, yeah, emotional performance that just
needs to come together a little bit, technically,
with your blend.
That's just a matter of time and work,
and I know you've got it in you.
Nick: All right. ( Cheers and applause )
Shawn?
Definitely some harmony quirks here and there
that I did hear, but I think it's because
I can sense the hunger.
Like, I can sense the desire.
Sometimes you can maybe overshoot.
You want to hit this note so good
that it might be too loud, or it might clash
as far as the harmony thing.
That comes with time.
I have to point out, Moi, I felt
your energy.Felt it.
Isn't it amazing that struggle tends to bring out
the best in who you are?
It-it's the irony of life.
Without struggle and without the means
of going through something,
you never really know how powerful your spirit can be.
You can always fix the technical stuff,
but reserve the feeling
and keep that feeling alive in you.
Keep that hunger. Thank you.
( Cheers and applause )
We'll find out if the judges are your not-so-secret admirers
in just a minute. Thank you, Kinfolk 9.
After the break, a fun-loving group
is gonna get the crowd jumping with a big band hit,
and tonight's final elimination is just around the corner.
Three more groups will see their chances heat up,
and one will be left out in the cold.
The pressure's on when the Sing-Off returns.
( Cheers and applause )
Welcome back to the Sing-Off.
We've got America's top vocal groups facing off
for a career-making Sony music recording contract.
Our final group of the night is another great example
of why this competition is unlike any other.
These Utah boys are known
for their charming sense of humor and their energetic style.
We touched down in provo
to share some laughs with BYU's Vocal Point.
Man: One, two, three, four!
All: ♪ na na na na na na na na na na na na ♪
♪ been workin' so hard... ♪
We are... All: Vocal Point, from BYU!
Whoo! ♪ I got this feelin'... ♪
Man: Vocal Point is the most fun
that nine clean-cut mormon guys can have onstage.
( Vocalizing )
♪ Tonight I gotta cut loose ♪ cut loose, footloose ♪
Whether we're singing a spiritual song, a fun song,
a goofy song, whatever the case may be,
our goal is to make somebody smile.
♪ Everybody cut footloose ♪
( Vocalizing )
Stereotypes that we get as mormons?
Probably that we can't do anything.
But, yeah, we like girls; Kissing girls, also.
Something pretty big in the mormon culture
is when we go on group dates.
When we have our group dates, we get to sing
and show off our talents a little bit to the ladies.
We have something that these ladies need to know.
♪ If you're ever gonna kiss me ♪
♪ two, three ♪ ( Vocalizing )
Every day we're performing different crowds,
which I think is gonna be a great preparation for this competition.
( All harmonizing )
( Cheers and applause )
♪ Baby, baby, looks like it's gonna hail ♪
This competition's really important for Vocal Point.
We've given a lot to be here, and we plan on staying.
♪ Ooh... ♪
Ben got a phone call informing him
that his father, who has leukemia, is not doing very well.
And Ben's going to travel home to Australia to be with his father
because he doesn't know how much longer his father's going to be around.
I'm actually going to have to miss the first performance.
But obviously, this is the most important thing,
to be with him at this time.
It's tough losing Ben, fill out our sound.
But more than that, he's part of us...
We're a brotherhood, we're friends,
and we feel like we're losing someone
that's really important to us.
But he needs to be with his family right now.
We just have to stay focused and work really hard,
because we owe it to Ben to stay in this competition.
Can they stay in the game long enough for Ben's return?
Singing Brian Setzer orchestra's jump, jive and wail,
here is Vocal Point.
( Cheers and applause )
A-one, a-two, a-one, two, three, four!
( Vocalizing )
♪ Baby, baby, it looks like it's gonna hail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Oh, baby, baby, it looks like it's gonna hail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ You better come inside ♪
♪ let me teach you how to jive and wail ♪
♪ you gotta jump, jive, and then you wail ♪
♪ you gotta jump, jive, and then you wail away! ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Papa's in the icebox lookin' for a ginger ale ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Oh, papa's in the icebox lookin' for a ginger ale ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Mama's in the backyard learning how to jive and wail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ You gotta jump, jive, and then you wail ♪
♪ you gotta jump, jive, and then you wail ♪
♪ you gotta jump, jive, and then you wail away! ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ A woman is a woman and a man ain't nothin' but a male ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ One good thing about him he knows how to jive and wail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Jack and Jill went up the hill to get a pail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Jack and Jill went up the hill to get a pail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Jill stayed up, she wants to learn how to jive and wail ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ You gotta jump, jive, and then you wail ♪
♪ you gotta jump, jive, and then you wail ♪
( Vocalizing )
( Explosive final note )
Nick: All right!
Thanks, Vocal Point. Great job.
Let's go ahead and go to the judges.
Ben, under the desk, were you tapping your feet a little bit?
They get you goin'?
Oh, yeah, I was dancing.
I only dance with my heels, but, yeah...
Nick: That's good enough.
It was... first of all,
the groove was great, so that was there.
The standing ovation you got was earned
by the high note at the end,
and I believe that was Keith.
That's the kind of... ( Cheers and applause )
( Sings high note )
That's the kind of stuff that drives it home,
and it's smart, it's really great.
The high hat... Your beatboxer, Tanner.
Tanner.
( Cheers and applause )
In this kind of swing music, it is the cymbal
that makes it groove, and not, like,
the snare and the bass drum,
and it sounded like a high hat in the verses.
That's bizarre. I haven't heard that yet.
That was really great.
The bass lines were wicked. Great bass lines.
That sounded really good. ( Cheers and applause )
I think it's just gonna be better when Ben's here,
and I wish for you guys that he was here.
I'm sure he's watching it, and you did a great job.
It was awesome.
( Cheers and applause )
All right.
I have one more thing to say, Nick.
I didn't mean to cut you off, man.
That's okay. I want to teach the kids at home
what modulation is.
That's when you go up a step,
and you modulated very well.
( Cheers and applause )
Ben, anything else you want to add?
Well, I wanted to talk about my childhood...
( Laughter )
But we don't have time for that.
Shawn, what'd you think?
Man!
How... much fun was that?
( Cheers and applause )
'Kay. Where you at, big baby?
( Shouts of approval )
Way to sell the lead, man.
You did your thing, you held it down,
and you kept us entertained.
That modulation... Twice, actually...
Was off the hook.
You kept it together, man. That's hard to do.
Even in the midst of you guys moving and dancing,
you guys still kept the key,
although Ben, who isn't here,
I kind of missed him a little bit,
'cause he is the baritone,
and although it was nice to hear the high horns
and all that other stuff,
it would have been nice to just fill it up.
But, other than that, you guys have so much infectious energy,
and it was just entertaining.
I'm sure everybody here enjoyed it too.
( Cheers and applause )
Nick: Sara?
You have so much personality.
I feel like I just got to know you guys,
in a way, and it was really cool.
I feel like we got taken on this awesome ride.
It felt like act one, two, and three.
It kept morphing into this new thing,
and I was like, "where are they going to go next?
This is awesome."
You guys obviously have such a close bond.
Your blend reflects that, which is so nice.
This was that classic, collegiate,
doo-woppy a cappella that I just... I really love.
I'm such a fan, and when it's done right,
like you guys did, there's nothing better.
I do want to say, yes, we're all thinking of Ben
and wishing him and his family the absolute best.
I know you made him so proud,
and... I'll look forward to seeing him join you guys.
Thank you.
( Cheers and applause )
In a minute, we'll see if you guys are swinging into round two.
Thanks again, Vocal Point. Great job.
( Cheers and applause )
Well, it's gonna be tough to see
any of these groups go home, but during the break,
the judges will make another heartbreaking decision...
Who will carry a tune on the next show,
and who will be dropped from the competition.
This is the Sing-Off.
Our goal is to conquer the world with happiness,
and we felt a lot of happiness out there.
At least onstage, we were having so much fun.
So much fun.
And today it was...
For Ben. For Ben. For Ben.
( Whooshing sound )
( Cheers and applause )
I'm Nick Lachey, and we're back on the Sing-Off.
Joining me onstage are the final four groups
from the first round of competition...
Urban Method,
the Cat's Pajamas,
Kinfolk 9,
and Vocal Point.
( Cheers and applause )
These guys are all such impressive performers,
but, unfortunately, one group has to go.
I have the results right here.
Three of these outstanding groups
have earned another performance,
but one group is about to sing their last tune.
The first two groups to secure a spot
in the next round are...
Vocal Point...
( Cheers and applause )
And... Urban Method!
Congratulations. You're both safe.
Head on back to your boxes.
That leaves Cat's Pajamas and Kinfolk 9.
Cat's Pajamas...
Sara called you guys pitch perfect;
Ben complimented your technique,
showmanship, and energy,
but challenged you to take more risks;
Shawn thought your soloist sold the song,
but questioned whether your polished sound
would translate to the radio.
Kinfolk 9...
Sara said you were all powerhouse singers
and highlighted Moi as an incredible front man;
Shawn thought you had some technical issues,
but still found your performance moving;
Ben felt your passion and generosity,
but pointed out that, as a group,
you need time to work on your vocal blend.
One of you will step ahead in the competition,
the other will be stepping off our stage for good.
The group that still has a chance
to win the Sing-Off title
is...
Kinfolk 9!
Congratulations!
You're still in the competition.
( Cheers and applause )
Cat's Pajamas,
you guys are consummate professionals,
and I know all the fans back in Branson
are extremely proud,
but I'm sorry to say it's time now to raise your Mikes
to perform your swan song.
Saying so long to the Sing-Off is Cat's Pajamas.
( Cheers and applause )
♪ Ooh, bye-bye ♪
♪ bye-bye ♪
♪ goodbye, my baby ♪
♪ goodbye ♪
( Vocalizing )
♪ Bye-bye, love ♪
♪ bye-bye, happiness ♪
♪ hello, loneliness ♪
♪ I feel like I could cry ♪
♪ bye-bye, love ♪
♪ bye-bye, my love ♪
♪ bye-bye, sweet caress ♪
♪ hello, emptiness ♪
♪ I feel like I could cry ♪
♪ I'm singing ♪
♪ bye bye bye, love ♪
♪ I'm singing bye-bye, love ♪
♪ he said bye, my baby ♪
♪ bye ♪
♪ saying oh, byyyeee ♪
♪ love ♪
♪ goodbye, my love ♪
( Cheers and applause )
That was Cat's Pajamas
singing "bye-bye, love" by the Everly Brothers.
And, don't forget, you can download
any of the songs you heard tonight on iTunes.
Well, I'd say season three is off
to a boomin' start, don't you think?
( Cheers and applause )
We've seen six unforgettable groups
make it past the first round, and they're still in the race
for the recording contract and the championship.
Next week, our second bracket of eight take the stage,
including a doo-wop dynasty,
an Ivy league powerhouse ensemble,
a group of rising stars from Nashville,
and a brotherhood of African refugees
brought together by the power of song.
Here's a sneak peak of what's to come.
I'm Nick Lachey, signing off from the Sing-Off.
Good night.