Down - Kevin Olusola : Reaction

[@MelaniePoparad]

His cheeky smile at the end as it’s fading to black is my favorite! Haha.

[@racheljohnson3796]

I just love the way he is clearly loving it... what a talent...

[@lauraa4294]

I heard someone else say once, "When God was handing out talent, we all came with our buckets, but Kevin came with a barrel", lol. He's a BEAST!!

[@amandasamson4513]

Kevin is my Favourite!!!!! Just sOoooo talented

[@vidsorama2]

I love Kevin. He is so talented and so nice.

[@Bonofox1]

KEVIN!!! yes!! He was looping and YES! he has a BEAUTIFUL Voice... You might also like him doing Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles!!!🙂👍

[@bill.godwin-austen]

Kevin is just insanely talented! And the best part is that he clearly takes great joy in doing what he does. That smile at the end could light up New York City.

[@danisetsuko]

I like that his initials are K.O., because that's what it feels like when you hear his music. He knocks you out with his pure genius and talent. Great reaction dude! 👍🏼

[@TexasRose50]

That's what I call wicked good!!!!! Love KO!!!!

[@jessmeade5647]

KO has more talent in one pinky, then my family had all together! Love him!! His voice is unbelievable!

[@joebarnhart4460]

Yeah, I think you're discovering that Pentaholics are the nicest fandom anywhere. As a group we're very positive, polite, and supportive.

[@dropeIII]

Shawn: "He ain't gonna try to play all of those, is he?" Kevin: Hold my cello bow

[@JoSedunary]

Haha such a Pentaholic post - thanks for that laugh Pedro X

[@anessalyn1035]

Kevin is an absolute beast at this stuff. Talent overload

[@Bismarck82371]

Kevin is one of the most talented people EVER!

[@drewmoore7094]

I love the realness of his voice, the breathes and slight imperfections of the moment remain, and all flows perfectly.

[@karmakkaze]

He's fluent in Mandarin.... He is quite amazing. A-MA-ZING

[@cherryfulK]

"The dude has swagger." 😂😂 Ayyyye I call Kevin 'King', too! He speaks fluently in Mandarin and he studied pre-med at Yale. He has performed at the Carnegie Hall before and oh, he can also play the saxophone. Kevin is definitely gifted. Down was my favourite KOver. When it first came out, it was my jam and I listened to it again and again for a whole week straight. I'm glad I get to experience that newness again through you. Pentatonix's cover of "Royals" is a fun earlier song you could react to. Also Scott Hoying's "I Should Tell Ya Momma On You" for a good taste of his bass. And Todrick Hall ft. Superfruit's "Black and White"!!! I've been listening to that non-stop since you did The Wizard of Ahhhs. Gah, there's just so much good stuff to cover. 😂

[@cherryfulK]

Oh I forgot to also mention that Kevin has perfect pitch!!

[@mecfstraveler]

I'm playing a bunch of PTX stuff after mentioning it or reading them mentioned too! They've done so much that I love to listen to! It's great revisiting their actual Official Videos and my CD's/digital versions! I'm dying to share them HERE!!

[@jenniferjohnson824]

He is amazing! His laugh can make anyone happy (there are some videos of him laughing that people have put together). His music can amaze you. His mind is brilliant! And he is a wonderful human. PTX is a group of phenomenal people not just musicians.

[@lisarodmell1935]

Kevin is beyond talented and works so hard. He’s also incredibly kind and compassionate. He remembers me whenever he sees me in VIP and makes me feel special. All 5 of them are angels!

[@mecfstraveler]

I'm so HAPPY you reacted to this! Kevin is freaking amazing and the humblest person alive I think! He would just laugh at you saying how smooth he is and say "nah..." with a big grin and that laugh of his (and then get his hair stuck in the velcro on the portable dressing room flap when walking away and need rescuing). I honestly don't think I've EVER seen a person as multi-talented as Kevin that doesn't really grasp that he is. I love his big, kind heart! The Trio are constantly telling Kevin that HE can hit the highest notes, and Kevin insists it's Mitch.. and they just can't seem to get how amazing he is through to him. He's in total denial. But, man... When they do 5-part harmonies, songs you haven't reacted to yet, it's so sweet it brings tears to your eyes.. and it's because of Kevin. The first time I really grasped what I was hearing that was the game changer was being sung by Kevin was in the Official Video of their cover of John Lennon's "Imagine". I saw his mouth moving when the highest line was being sung and I was 😲 *Note - In spite of what you think.. we don't like to see you jump or be shocked. So I'm warning you that when you react to "Imagine", if you truly grasp the "visual aids" and how they apply.. you'll get hit emotionally. If you watched it now.. in the current climate, well.. I've seen male reactors cry. Most need a moment before they can speak. It is a deep message and they drive it home with certainty. so, be forewarned. I now return you to the original comment... * He's amazing! And his laughter (especially at Mitch's sass) is uplifting and so funny. He's a "physical laugher". The kind that's rolling around in his seat with one knee up, head thrown back, arms going whever laughing loud and hard. Kevin's the best.. a great talent, kindest heart and fast to joyful laughter. I've never seen him upset.. unless he's fussing about him needing to up his game to be at the same level the others are at.. be worthy of being in the group... Like.. WHAT?! thanks for this! It HAS been intense lately and I truly needed to feel happy! Again, Thanks Shawn! Don't overdo it.. being busy and not uploading for 1 day is permitted you know? 😊

[@cherryfulK]

I agree with everything here. Kevin is a light in the dark kind of person. Also seconding the vote to react to PTX's "Imagine" to reflect on current times!

[@bethvargas8841]

Totally agree to Imagine. I. Addition to what's happening now in many American locales, June is Pride Month and that makes this more relevant 🌈

[@carolcraig9008]

He is fantastic, sooooo talented!

[@jo-annelebel9819]

I love Kevin's smile at the end.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

One word, TALENTED!!!!

[@elainecourteau6231]

Yep! I agree with you. Soooooo talented.

[@jelinenanashi9466]

I love Kevin. His talent is incredible. It's disgusting how talented it he lol could the rest of us just get a LITTLE BIT of talent?? 🤣

[@MelaniePoparad]

I agree! When they linked up should be a holiday. They are ridiculous and have really brought back an art that was almost lost. A cappella was almost gone. They resurrected it for the general population.

[@sarahluty7083]

Got to see him reconstruct the Game of Thrones theme like this live in concert last summer. It was awesome!

[@ChristopherTate]

"He ain't gonna try to play all of these, is he?" Oh my sweet summer child. 😂😂😂

[@allybandy3047]

He is so good. In Sign of the Times he even plays drums while singing and looping.

[@bethm2736]

You should check out Scott Hoying's solo work. "I Should Tell Your Mama on Ya" is incredible and shows off a LOT of his skills!

[@geriatricptxer2362]

The next time you do a KO reaction, I'd love to see "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood". Great cover of an older song.

[@missydom89]

Yes! He is awesome!

[@jenniesue8129]

Generally i cant keep my eyes off Kevin and his superior talent--but your reaction was AMAZING! your jaw dropping, incredulous looks at his abilities was priceless! Keep the reactions coming. He just recently released a version of True Colors (no Cello or beatboxing just a stripped down version) in a laundry mat that is beautiful--especially with the current times here in the US.

[@ankhgirl3]

💜💜💜💜KO!!! He’s the Best!!

[@michelleblkft3831]

I’m so happy you reacted to this!!! Yay! 🤩

[@rhondaholtfrazer7800]

Kevin is badass!!

[@JoSedunary]

There's really no words to describe Kevin that haven't already been used here -so I'll just agree with everyone ! Nice to see Mr Carter make an appearance too - (his electric cello , originally he named it 'JayZ' but his mum liked "Mr Carter' better so he renamed it. Of course his traditional cello is called 'Beyonce'. So glad the trio found KO and Avi .

[@travisrussell9166]

I love KO,what he did at the very start, he is using a thing called a looper, it can records what he wants it to,then it just keeps looping the same notes. You probably already knew that already,but in case you didnt, thats what it is

[@swami114]

Kirstie and Scott were going to school for music. Avi at jr college and a member of the only jr college acapella group to wing the ICCAs, and Matt is a grad of Berklee College of Music, and was in Pitch Slapped, their premier group that was on season one of the Sing Off. Kevin- performed at Carnegie Hall at 17 on Sax, and prior to PTX was a runner up in a cello competition ran by YoYo Ma. So, he already had that stuff down, and rocked out pre med at Yale, learning Mandarin and studying in China along the way. There are a few clips people have done of Kevin busting out in Mandarin at a party, or on Chinese television answering questions even though a translator was provided and the audience being astounded. He is fluent, I played him for my aunt and she says his grammar, diction and even nuances of speech are good. He is a genius, but in a more serious way. There is an awesome 4 part little documentary on Kevin's channel that is work the watch. Erudite doesn't even begin to describe him.

[@DelGuy03]

Kevin is deservedly the stuff of legend, but I hope I won't be considered a hater (I adore him!) if I point out that the Yo-Yo Ma competition in which he placed wasn't a cello competition per se, but an online creativity competition in which musicians of all kinds were invited to come up with their own variation on "Dona Nobis Pacem." The co-winners were a heavy metal guitarist and a handbell choir director, while Kevin was commended for his "inventive and unexpected" cello-boxing. The competition was still online when I looked for it a few years ago, but the site has now changed hands. Anyway, here's NPR's story about it (Kevin doesn't get a mention): www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99471671

[@bethcoussou]

Was that the most awesome thing you’ve ever heard?!!!! I have seen this a few times and I love it! He’s a musical phenom!!! His voice has such a smooth and rich tone, too! That range, too! He definitely has 2 Cellos beat! They’re really good, but KO is the real deal!! Loved watching your facial reactions, as well! I have to tell you that you have become a reacting pro now! You’re a cool guy and love how you have evolved in your appreciation for good music!! Keep all of the good stuff coming!!

[@juliestevens6931]

Hey, Pentaholics - Am I right in remembering that Kevin didn't know he could sing until he joined Pentatonix and that Avi essentially taught him? Or is that a Pentatonix legend?

[@mariethemagnificent2000]

You are correct. Avi and Mitch have him voice lessons.

[@lexymish990]

So glad you did this! This is his best in my opinion. He is uber talented for sure. Thanks for continuing to do reactions. As I said I'm stuck inside most of the time with my chronic illnesses, so having someone so kind hearted and appreciative is great!

[@kimsowles4044]

Love Kevin, I also really like his KOver of Sign of the Times ❤️

[@MsSneekyNinja]

So much skill. Enjoyed your reaction too.

[@grazynawikert-unger2122]

He is self-sufficient. 😁Man - orchestra.👍

[@garyblocker9135]

After my first view of Kevin's solo work, I began seriously listening & looking for Kevin whenever he's not beatboxing. KO often has a major roll in their arrangements and developing originals. In a very early comment, Scott (perhaps 2011-13) mentioned their experiences with "5 part harmonies" as choir nerds in HS. And KO CAN provide that 5th voice - also with perfect pitch.

[@buddasquirrel]

Ladies and gentlemen - The G.O.A.T

[@TouristProfessional]

I don't know whether his KOver of Crowded House's Don't Dream it's Over or MJ's Human Nature is my favourite of Kevin's work. True Colours is also good, but I like to watch him put the sounds together. Maybe he'll do a video of that at some point to accompany the official video.

[@l0g1cb0mb]

National holiday proposal seconded! XD

[@LeskeyC001]

Great reaction, thanks. I fully support the idea of a national holiday on the day PTX was formed. United Nations PTX day would actually be more fitting.

[@TheImerei]

@4:30

[@fredrickabrown6698]

I'm waiting for his saxophone

[@kimberlyklafter7015]

Saxophone too

[@williamchavez7186]

Kevin does not only beat beatbox play Cello & piano he played sax at Carnagie Hall when he was 17 yo it was videotaped so check him out

[@Catherine.Catherine]

Would love you to do more 2CELLOS. I’ve never heard of them until you reacted just now. Would love you to do Black & White by Todrick ft Superfruit and Kirstin. And I would love to see what you think of Todrick’s Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels. Also, VoicePlay do have a reasonably sized back catalogue (135 videos currently, compared to PTX’s current count of 218, and Home Free’s 181) and they go all the way back to The Sing Off season 4. Please react to VP’s Road Trip. It’s from The Sing Off tour. Also from The Sing Off tour you’ll find The Ultimate Beat Off. It’s a beatbox-off between Adam Rupp from HF, Layne Stein from VP and Nico Del Rey from The Filharmonic (The Filharmonic were also Sing Off season 4 competitors, they did the Caddyshack song with HF).

[@constancegomes2494]

KO's Renegade isn't a cover. He wrote it himself. Just sayin.

[@ucns]

How bout that. He didn't pay at Yale or was it Harvard for nothing. Good reaction

[@sersastark]

Yale😁

[@Wouter_Olivier]

There is no denying Kevins talent! I love his music and obviously that of the rest of the group.. Any way, with you doing videos of chellos.. Do yourself a favor and check this out too.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIClpI2jo9GraKs this guy also plays all 13 (I think) instruments.. He is also very talented!

[@Wouter_Olivier]

Reinhardt Buhr is the guys name by the way