First Time Hearing | Pentatonix - Hallelujah | I was BLOWN Away |

[@nickforell1]

Bit of an echo in this video. Ordered a new microphone so hopefully sound issues are gone by next video =) This was actually incredible!

[@micahyjaran]

I'm super excited to see this reaction!! It's always so fun watching new fans getting Mitch slapped 😉😂

[@fauxmedia3182]

You really need to hear them LIVE ❤❤

[@chrispavlich9656]

You should give a listen to their Official Video of John Lennon’s Imagine and also their cover of Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion’s The Prayer. Both very different and both very beautiful.

[@BobCarter1oldsinger]

Nick, Keven is not only the best boxer but perhaps the finest musician in the group. In some videos he plays the cello beautifully, and occasionally he sings a brief solo part in an elegant falsetto. You can find these videos on KZbin pretty easily. Bob, old choral singer from NC.

[@lilywhitefi]

I’m not a techie but it sounds as if you have two mics on - I hear the same echo when someone at work has both headphone and computer mics working. Hope the new mic helps!

[@meredithingram9384]

Kevin, the beatboxer, is not stomping in rhythm with the percussion. He IS the percussion! No instruments.

[@Xrousn]

The second singer ( the one you didn’t recognize) is the original bass, Avi Kaplan. He is absolutely incredible. He left the group to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Matt, who is also amazingly talented. Kevin is the beat boxer. When Avi takes the lead, Scott seamlessly takes over the bass.

[@feldegast]

I was going to say this you said it better than I was going to 😃 my only addition, to date he is the only change in the group

[@B3thBakes]

This part yes

[@mountainman5173]

imo Scott is the most underrated member of the group... he is so versatile and his range is insane.

[@HyggeDk]

⁠@@mountainman5173 I absolutely agree with you about Scott. Very underrated. He’s just amazing. My favorite !!

[@lynno7423]

He left because his mum was I’ll and couldn’t keep the schedule of pentatonic, he didn’t want to hold them back. So left with everyone’s best wishes. He even recommended and helped find his replacement.

[@kayecastleman6353]

I'm sure others will assist you with your confusion about Matt (who is not in this video, since he hadn't yet joined PTX), but I MUST tell you about Avi Kaplan, the second singer in this song whose voice so impressed you. Avi was Pentatonix' original bass singer. He is actually a classically-trained basso profundo, the lowest of the bass ranges. Avi already had a small following from his choral and operatic training and teaching, and was headed for an operatic career when Ben Bram (the current PTX arranger) introduced him to Scott in 2011. His musical skill is off the charts as a singer and songwriter. Avi can even sing two notes at once, called overtones. There's a great clip of him whistling The Lion Sleeps Tonight over a droning bass note. Many PTX fans were heartbroken when Avi left the group in 2017. The frantic touring pace that PTX maintained, plus all their other commitments, was affecting Avi's health. Then his mother had her second cancer scare, and Avi reconsidered his priorities. We are so glad he did, because Avi now has his own solo career, writing and singing music that is much closer to his heart. His music is personal and powerful, and his inspiration comes from the natural world he loves and the challenges and triumphs in his own life. Also, the Avi to Matt shift is the only member change in 12 years of PTX.

[@azekel7687]

Avi's voice isn't low enough to be a Basso Profundo, because even Geoff and Tim has deeper voices and darker tone than Avi and they aren't Basso Profundo.

[@ileana8360]

Thanks. I was really hopeful that somebody would clarify this. And it is true that Avi was very much missed as in my opinion there is no other bass singer who gives me goosebumps from the first until the last note. Just can´t get enough.

[@yvonneclaes5208]

@@azekel7687 Not true. Look it up. Avi is a basso profundo who is classically trained.

[@charlottevan_8]

@@yvonneclaes5208 Thanks for correcting that. The Los Angeles Opera was offering Avi a position as a bass/basso profundo when Ben and Scott recruited him into PTX for The Sing Off. And also, some things that characterize an actual basso profundo are the clarity, texture, mobility and resonance Avi brings to his performance that I haven't heard in Geoff or Tim. Yes, they can get very low and sub-harmonic, but it's not the same. A good example of Avi's resonance and clarity at very low notes is his solo part in his collaboration with Peter Hollens - "Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair", which was done in 2015. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaDGYourpt-sfdU

[@yvonneclaes5208]

@@charlottevan_8 You're welcome, and thanks for the additional information.

[@shelbychesnut99]

Only one change, the bass singer. Avi Kaplan was first, now it is Matt. Avi's solo career is amazing. I believe everyone has a soft spot in their hearts for him.

[@mariawilliams4941]

Very true

[@mariawilliams4941]

Good reaction, Avi left and Matt joined so a win win. Avi has plenty of solo stuff out there and it is amazing

[@christerfurberg6538]

It's beatboxer Kevin who does the clapping and stomping. The bearded guy with the beanie is the bass Avi, who quit for a solo career and was replaced by Matt

[@mebrn61]

the stompping is Kevin Olusola , he is the beat boxer and just to educate yourself on how talented he is react to his cover "Down" it is amazing

[@jlelliotton]

For many Pentaholics, this video was our 1st exposure to PTX. We all got goose bumps, and then the famous "Mitch-slap" when we heard his angelic voice. One thing we comment on with PTX is how clear their voices always are.

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

This was my first song that I heard from PTX. I am a person who, when listening to a new group or vocalist, I need to listen to three or four songs to see if I like them. For PTX my love was instant! After about 4 years of being a Pentaholic, next month I am going to see them live in Toronto! I can’t wait! Stay safe, stay sane,stay strong!

[@Zoyanna]

First exposure was Radioactive featuring Lindsay Sterling.

[@user-yh8ik3xw8s]

The tall blond guy is Scott Hoying-Baritone; the girl is Kirstin Maldonado, Mezzo-Soprano; the guy with the hat is Mitch Grassi, Counter-Tenor; the bearded guy with the turban is Avi Kaplan, Basso-Profundo; and the Beatboxer is Kevin Olusola, Tenor/Cellist/Cellist-Beatboxer. Scott, Kirstin, and Mitch met in a high school in Arlington, TX (between Dallas and Ft. Worth), and at graduation went to different colleges to major in music. They got back together for a TV singing competition called "Sing-Off." They required 5 person groups, so Avi, and Kevin came on-board as referrals. They are in the California Mojave Desert for this video. Thank you for your reaction, you handle it well.

[@shynola8]

Congratulations, you've been "Mitch-slapped". LOL He is incredible.

[@teresafletcher5535]

Their cover of "The Prayer" is so amazing. The eyes of many reactors, male and female, tear up. Scott does an unbelievable job singing in Italian.

[@LindaVernon]

Don't spoil the surprise!! Even those who know the Celine/Andrea performance wouldn't expect that. 🙂

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

Amazing Grace as well.

[@B3thBakes]

Yes yes the prayer is so good

[@Pen12160]

Mitch’s voice can bring you to tears, so beautiful

[@Blue-rl5dp]

"Mary Did You Know" is a favorite of mine and don't dare leave out "My Heart With You". Truly, you can't go wrong on anything they have done but of course we all have our favorites. "Sing" is just fun as is "Come Along" When you've got all that down pat they will surprise the heck out of you with "Bohemian Rhapsody". Really, they did that. Be sure to listen to the ones they won Grammy awards for. "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Faeries" is just genius!!

[@B3thBakes]

I love mary did you know

[@Blue-rl5dp]

@@B3thBakes They really put some gusto into it. Sweet Mitch is wonderful when he sings the line "The Great I Am" and holds the note so long. He takes a huge gulp of air after so he must have been on dead empty of air and ready to fall down for it. LOL

[@Nora-jt9zy]

This is one of my favorites too ❤️ It is absolutely beautiful!

[@orangegirl247]

I was so lucky to hear My heart with you live. It was everything I had ever hoped for and so much more. ❤️

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Congrats! I haven't seen them in person. I'll bet your ears were happy for days.

[@sheilatumpach2112]

So many great comments already posted. One thing that also sets them apart from all the other groups is their versatility. They can cover any genre., from classical ( The Prayer) to techno (Daft Punk or Love Again), to country (Jolene), to gospel (Amazing Grace), to medleys and mash-ups, and everything in-between., all mind blowing. Each member has an outstanding voice. No weak links. All extraordinary. And Kevin, their beatboxed, is an enormous musical talent different than the rest. Incomparable beat boxer, lovely tenor, concert cellist, and amazing song writer. God put these six people together with a purpose. To have put the core trio of talent together since childhood in Arlington, Texas, in children’s theater and then unite them in junior high (Mitch and Scott) and then add Kirstie in high school…..how does that even happen? Must be written in the stars. Welcome to the rabbit hole. Enjoy your journey.

[@Anna-xx1lv]

If you’d like to see them in a “laid back” version, sitting around each other, just with mic’s I’d suggest: Gold - Pentatonix (Kiiara Cover) If you know the original you will understand how fantastic their cover is! Mitch blows your mind as well as all the other 4. What they contribute, their timing, their perfectness! It’s amazing!

[@lauracottom7425]

If you do react to Gold please listen to the original first.😊

[@bonnieflynn4798]

Yes to this

[@cimwandaful]

Too many to list....their original Run to You, Imagine, Havanna, Say Something, Shallow etc etc!

[@lijohns57]

The singer you're talking about at 4:48 is Avi Kaplan and he was an original member of Pentatonix. He was with them a long time and then went out on is own. If you want to hear how impressive his voice really is, watch Avi Kaplan "Change on the Rise" !

[@demeraragirl]

Avi is the person that sung second. He was the first bass of the group and the only member that left and was replaced by Matt. Avi does his own music at his pace. He said the constant touring was hard on him and his mother was fighting cancer. Kevin is the beat boxer( the person stamping) and percussionist extraordinaire. When Avi does his solo, Scott, the first soloist, does the bass. He has incredible range. They also have quite a few originals. Pentaholic from Guyana 🇬🇾 here.

[@reginairvine3919]

When Avi was singing that lil musical frog you referred to us called a vocal fry and he executed it perfectly

[@roydeneckhardt3112]

This is my favourite Pentatonix song ever. They are incredibly talented. They just know how to make sounds come together. Thank you for reacting to this. You gave your ears a real treat. ❤

[@tamaraengelberger5928]

They have an awesome live version of this, Hallelujah, that was during their Christmas special...

[@stephaniem2007]

Yes! Watch this and you’ll see just how little post they use. They even make sure to ad lib when live so you know they aren’t lip syncing!

[@chrisdecaminada2886]

Nick i envy your new found appreciation for PTX. My own continuing journey of their talents has been amazing. The more you hear the more you cant believe what they are capable of doing.

[@nickforell1]

Thanks Chris! Yeah I can’t help but to feel very grateful

[@joebarnhart4460]

The "percussion" is actually Kevin Olusola -- the "human 808". The stomps and claps are studio enhanced with EQ but he is actually the source of all of the percussion. Matt was missing from this video because Avi was the original bass and appears in this video. After Avi left they recruited Matt to fill that role. That was the only change in the group in their history.

[@nickforell1]

Hahaha human 808

[@stephanie3230]

The bass is the second singer, Avi Kaplan. His solo music is amazing. He's my favorite singer/songwriter. Kevin is the beatboxer and does the stomping.

[@susiemilligan7220]

As much as I love Matt, and I do love Matt, there's just something about Avi's bass. It's spectacular.

[@camillep3631]

Remember you've just had the tiniest taste of these astonishingly talented and creative people, they ARE the pinnacle of a cappella

[@dramac333]

Scott's voice is from, well, Mars. (See his solo video by that title.) He can do tenor, second tenor, baritone and bass. During the second verse, when Avi (the original bass) takes the lead, Scott takes over the bass line and you literally cannot tell the difference unless you listen very, very closely.

[@MellowJourney4Life]

I've been fortunate enough to see them twice in concert and can confirm that they were sent by angels. They give me chills every time I hear them sing.

[@jonboy7452]

The prayer. Imagine. Shallow. Merry did you know. Everything they do is amazing

[@Dianecraftyspeak]

How incredible that Mitch, Scott and Kiersten all went to high school together. The talent of these 3 friends! Off the charts. Then you add Kevin, Avi and the Matt (who replaced Avi) and you get a not-from-this-world musical group.

[@karehelene]

Mitch is a counter-tenor. He can go higher than some sopronos easily. This video is just a sample of his range. Bohemian Rhapsody, Say Something, Blinding Lights, Come Along are all good videos to watch. And when you are ready for Christmas Music - O Come All Ye Faithful.

[@IceNixie0102]

I have chills down my spine NONSTOP when I listed to this song. Love it so much.

[@vidsorama2]

Great reaction. Thank you. 99.5 percent of Pentatonix fans actually welcome pausing to comment when reacting to Pentatonix. We are are here for your reactions so feel free to pause, comment, rewind, etc., because those actions make the experience more fun for us. We can always watch the uninterrupted video on Pentatonix' channel. Kevin is the percussionist, Matt is the bass but he is not in this video, Avi is in this one.

[@rfiliagaful]

In my opinion, the very best video of them live is 2016 Popspring concert. It is about 15 minutes and worth every minute of it. PTX fans love watching this one over and over. They perform 3 originals and their Evolution of Michael Jackson. Perfect one for you to see just how amazing they are live and what great song writers they are as well.

[@camillep3631]

I really like their Times Talks hour when they talk about their journey and answer audience questions and perform 4 songs live, it is very entertaining, as we know it would be

[@chrispavlich9656]

The fellow you didn’t recognize was their original bass, Avi Kaplan who is no longer with them AND THE ONLY MEMBER CHANGE in their history. The bass you saw in Sound of Silence is their newest (2017-Present) member, Matt Sallee. The girl, Kirsten, and the smaller guy, Mitch, change their hair and looks constantly but once they open their mouths there is no doubt who they are.

[@nickforell1]

Oh thank you for the information Chris! Avi is amazing

[@chrispavlich9656]

@@nickforell1 He is that. It was a sad day when he left PTX but he is happy and Matt is a wonderful addition to the group! Enjoying your PTX journey and am here for more!

[@marilynatkinson3735]

The Prayer and Amazing Grace are both incredible.

[@amberconn3173]

If you're interested in the bass, check out Avi Kaplan's - Change on the Rise. Would LOVE to see your reaction to that. Avi is the bearded God you see here , the second singer that caught your attention. ( And for the next Pentatonix, absolutely have to check out their Bohemian Rhapsody cover 🥰🥰🥰 )

[@RossWrock]

Now you gotta start exploring their sheer range of styles and genres. Next I suggest their "90's Dance Medley," their Grammy winning songs "Daft Punk Medley" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy", "Mary, Did You Know?", and their original piece "Love Again."

[@gailseatonhumbert]

Hi. Nice reaction Avi Kaplan was Pentatonix bass singer from the beginning SingOff competition where they started through the first 6 years. You can find him now under his own name on KZbin as a singer-songwriter. He is trending folk rock right now but his most famous song is Change On the Rise used in several tv shows. Another singer for you to listen too since you are just starting will remind you of Dimash. Marcelito Pomoy. A good place to start for him is The Prayer.

[@shirleymoffat3338]

That second singer with the spectacular voice is Avi Kaplan. He is an opera trained basso profundo, now pursuing a successful solo career. He is a talented arranger and songwriter who played a great part in PTX's early success. If you want to react to his solo work, start with 'Change on the Rise'.

[@TravelingTexan]

Hallelujah was filmed in the California Mojave Desert, near Barstow, the video features the group singing while walking across spectacularly stark Coyote Dry Lake.

[@catherinelopresti7121]

Again, welcome to the PTX world. I would recommend their Daft Punk Medley for another cover. They won their first Grammy for it. After that, I would recommend their ORIGINAL, Love Again. Love Again because it is the same clubby dance EDM vibe as Daft Punk and when I have played it for people, they don't believe me that it is acapella. Their cover of The Prayer is a lot of Mitch and it is awesome! Don't know if others have told you, but they have 3 Grammy's, were nominated for a 4th and they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year. They brought back acapella and made it a very cool thing. I can't wait to see them live next month.

[@uniquely_mo]

There has only been one member change in Pentatonix, and that was Avi (Kaplan, the man you didn’t recognise). He is incredible, just one in a million, and you should check his solo work out. Avi was replaced by Matt for the bass. Kevin is the beatboxer/percussionist you see here, stomping and beatboxing. Don’t worry, it’s a lot of info to take in immediately. They do covers and their own originals. Daft Punk, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Prayer are must-sees ❤

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Oh my gosh Avi solo is so so good

[@Trouble405]

add the cover of Imagine by John Lennon to the must see's.

[@rlhcat7662]

@@Trouble405 Yes, partly because all 5 of them have solo parts in it.

[@bobmalaggese4098]

There is a live performance of this out there. Go listen to it and you'll see that they don't need post-production.

[@jeangoodwin1856]

Another great reaction! Pause as much as you want because we Pentaholics have watched/listened to their songs many times. I tune in to hear what you have to say and to watch your facial expressions/reactions. Daft Punk, Evolution of Michael Jackson, Amazing Grace. 💕

[@glenlubowicz6685]

There is only one change… Avi Kaplan left in 2017, replaced by Matt Sallee.. People think there’s a change due to Mitch and Kirstie constantly changing their looks..

[@DougRayPhillips]

Second that.

[@susanhappe5444]

Great reaction. You smiled the whole way through! This is a great video for the “Mitch slap” I mentioned before. Goosebumps are also a real phenomena that goes along with Pentatonix. One of my favorite covers that they do is Imagine. I’m sure you will like not only their vocals but the message they send as well.

[@nickforell1]

Wow, thank you! I really enjoyed myself like you said

[@rlhcat7662]

You mentioned Matt a few times, but he is not in this video. This is the original group of 5 that joined together in 2011 to go on a TV competition show called The Sing Off. The first singer is Scott Hoying, a baritone. He has a very wide range and covers for the bass singer when they are doing a solo. The second singer is Avi Kaplan, who has a wonderful bass voice. Avi was in the group from 2011 to 2017 when he was found himself struggling with the touring schedule and an illness in his family while they were touring. He decided to "step back" from PTX, and he now has a solo career where he can sing his own music and tour on his own schedule. He was replaced by Matt Sallee, so videos after Sept. 2017 will have Matt on bass. The third singer is Kirstie/Kirstin (like Thirsty), a mezzo-soprano who met Scott and Mitch in jr. high school, and they performed as a trio. A few years ago, Kirstie was actually on Broadway in Kinky Boots for a few months between PTX tours! She put out her own album and is Mom to a beautiful 1 year old. Mitch - well I think you know his beautiful tenor voice. He and Scott were had a separate group for a while called Superfruit, where they put out an album, toured and made many wonderful music videos. He has recently been working on a solo album. Kevin, their beatboxer, is not a bass singer, but has a nice tenor to high baritone voice. If you want to hear all five of them sing in a video, check out their cover of John Lennon's Imagine (the official video is amazing). Love to see your reaction to that!

[@LindaVernon]

Mitch has a few solo songs, especially listen to his cover of Your Power by Billie Eilish. He also records under a wholly different persona, Messer. 🙂

[@rlhcat7662]

@@LindaVernon Yes - thank you for adding that!

[@darren4664]

If k.d. lang isn’t in your top 5 Hallelujahs, you betta check yourself!

[@Trouble405]

Originally the "Trio" ( Scott, Mitch, and Kirstin) went to high school together in Arlington Texas. The opportunity to do the Sing Off was there but they had to have at least 5 people. They added Avi (bass) and Kevin (beat boxer, tenor and concert trained in Cello) Avi opted to leave the group and Matt Sallee was the new bass. So Kristen is Soprano and sometimes Alto, Scott is a Baritone who also covers Bass when Bass is singing lead. Mitch is a true Counter - tenor with an incredible range. Avi's departure was not completely amicable but once they worked out the financial parting, they added Matt and he has been a wonderful addition. He not only learned the bass part of the audition piece but he learned the bass part of all of their songs! Also as a little bit of Trivia - Kevin was accepted to medical school at Yale and declined to audition until he finished his tests for Yale!

[@n.q1158]

Their harmonies are always incredible but in this in particular I get goosebumps every single time. Really looking forward to watching you going on the acapella journey!

[@CindyEikenberg]

Thanks for this, NIck, huge Pentatonix fan! The singer you didn't recognize is Avi Kaplan, who left the group in 2017. Would love to see you react to Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@tammyree6200]

I am loving this journey of yours and I'm here for it. The Prayer is a Mitch showcase with powerful support from the others. Great suggestions from other commenters. Excited to see where you go next!

[@nickforell1]

Yes! Thank you!

[@jillianhelding]

You've been Mitch-slapped! He really does have the most life changing voice.

[@sues3725]

Watch their cover of gold. It's them sitting around on a couch just jamming out and it's phenomenal. I also love bohemian rhapsody, daft punk, say something, and you need to go down to superfruit rabbit hole which is Mitch and Scott who started their own channel and it's hysterical. My favorite is when they have Kristin on and they to the Frozen medley and their Rise cover tears me up everytime.

[@beckyd.236]

They do "Imagine" very well also

[@MichaelWmBruce]

Yayy, you did it! Sweet. That's Avi Kaplan, the original bass of the group, who has since moved on to a more solo career. He was also featured in Home Free's video for "Ring Of Fire".

[@jamiem4941]

In the KZbin universe there are three really talented a cappella groups you should get to know. Each one has five members which includes a bass and beat boxer but outside of that they are very different. Pentatonix, Home Free and Voiceplay all offer something different but they all are really skilled artists!

[@joycewetherbee7421]

I know and listen to the first two. I’m going to have to check out Voiceplay.

[@corvus1374]

Don"t leave out Voctave.

[@PenneySounds]

MayTree are entertaining as well

[@GingerJohnson-uu9lw]

Also don’t leave out the newest group, The Bass Gang. Even the other groups are noticing TBG ie Tim Foust (HF) collaborated with them on a recent video I Can’t Stop The Feeling

[@suesmith7946]

This sounded amazing! Thanks for this one. One of my favourite songs.

[@nickforell1]

Glad you like it!

[@erikdarman591]

Tchaikovsky wrote a melody for orchestra without lyrics. Pentatonix did it and got their second Grammy for that. Dance of the sugar plum fairy, hear that and get the experience of top and bottom in their voices.

[@kristyvancleve9084]

subscribed after Sound of Silence to join your journey down the PTX rabbit hole. enjoy the ride. looking forward to many more reactions and you've only just begun.

[@nickforell1]

Awesome, thank you Kristy!

[@Miobambino]

Are we witnessing the creation of a new Pentaholic?! I think we are!!! 🎉 I love to find a new reactor. I feel like my journey of discovery is beginning all over again and I’m LOVING IT! Welcome to the rabbit hole… Subscribed! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@nickforell1]

Yes you are! Thank you

[@taligeoghan8361]

SAME...so exciting to see a new reactor to our favorite group

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

PTX revolutionized a cappella. After people get over the fact that they are doing these arrangements without instruments, the next question they ask is “can they do it live?” I’ve seen them in concert 2x and I promise you, they can! Here’s a live version of Hallelujah with the same lineup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npKpeaWcost7mMU

[@Silverbell_TTV]

I always think of Shawn Stockman on the Sing Off telling them, "I think you were sent back from the future to save A Cappella."

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

@@Silverbell_TTV YES! And the Ben comment “how much new stuff can they come up with?!”

[@jerrybaker2857]

Before PTX was The Swingle Singers, from Paris now London. They brought voice to classical orchestral music in addition to redoing vocal pieces. They intercepted current acapella trends by collaborating with Peter Hollens on Wayfaring Stranger. See Libertango, Beethovenxs 5th, Blackbird.

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

@@jerrybaker2857 I’ll look them up!

[@ptxfan4290]

@jerrybaker2857 Another current group I'd suggest is Skylark Vocal Ensemble. They're each classically trained chamber soloists who come together to sing really good but seldom heard classical pieces that aren't part of the 'canon' and don't easily fit into what classical audiences will pay for. Short (one hour) concerts that weave together shorter songs to form an overarching theme or tell a story. Albums 'Once Upon a Time' and "A Christmas Carol' are really accessible, as they have narration+music and tell the stories Snow White/The Little Mermaid & the Dickens classic. They don't have a large KZbin presence, but can be found @SkylarkVocalEnsemble. Listening to individual songs, though, sort of misses the point of what they're doing. I'd say just buy any album & listen to it all the way through.

[@belindajay8797]

I know it's nowhere close to Christmas but Mary Did You Know is one of my fave Pentatonix songs. It's just beautiful. Thanks so much for your reaction.

[@janetlawson4482]

PTX is a special collection of incredible talent. Thank you Nick❤.

[@nickforell1]

My pleasure! They are incredible

[@pjb3583]

Yep, this is the big kahuna of PTX. Loved your reaction, looking forward to more. If you’re starting a list … Grammy winners are their Daft Punk medley, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and a duet with Dolly Parton on Jolene. Big, luscious anthems like this one include Can You Feel the Love Tonight, The Prayer and Amazing Grace. To see their versatility, try Bohemian Rhapsody, Problem and Havana. Songs with introspective vibes are Imagine (official video, please), Mad World and Say Something. For exuberant fun, try Sing (an original), Can’t Hold Us and Come Along. More stellar originals include Coffee in Bed, Love Me When I Don’t and Anchor. A couple more of note are Prayers for This World (written by the great Diane Warren) and O Come All Ye Faithful (Christmas is a whole separate category). Honestly, any title you choose will be a good one. Their Popspring performance is live and includes three originals and a Michael Jackson medley. And Recording Evergreen is a mini-doc on their studio work while producing a recent-ish Christmas album. It gives you a good look at how they work together and how dedicated they are to creating exactly what they want. Too much? Sorry, but not really, lol. I adore this group of exceptional humans. Peace …

[@jengle1970]

Avi did bass and some sound effects, he was an original member. He left and had been part of an all male group and has a solo career. He is amazing. He is also on their version of bohemian Rhapsody, which is stellar and he showcases some of his bass range there

[@pamelakgarrett993]

So glad you reacted to this Nick! It is truly a master piece of music! So glad you liked it!

[@loucatozzi7656]

It was filmed in the Mohave Desert outside of Los Angeles in the summer/fall for their Christmas album. They were DYING in those clothes! They would film a bit then get cooled down and wipe the sweat away and film some more. The drone pilot was running late, note that only the last verse/chorus is drone filmed, so they were out there a long time.

[@donnone7295]

Leonard Cohen wrote HALLELUJAH and said he head over 800 versions, some different verses but he saw this video before he passed away and he said that "It is the best version he ever heard." It was filmed in the CA Salt mines, just think Dessert and heat. Since they wanted to put it on their Christmas Album they filmed it in the SUMMER with 110-118°F in heavy coats. Many Pentaholics will give you the information on group and song recommendations. Daft Punk for 1st of 3 Grammys. Kevin is the beatboxer who stomped his foot. He is a Beast on his own playing Carnegie Hall at 17, speaks fluent Chinese Mandarin and he just graduated from Yale (pre-med) when Scott snatched him away. There are a couple of "Beginner's Guide to PTX" that might interest you. Diversity and Respect. Scott was married last Friday, 6 days ago. Kevin was there as Scott allowed Kevin and family to observe Sabbath as he is very religious and Spiritual with always a smiling face. There are videos of each of their ceremonies, including Kevin and his wife in their traditional wardrobe to Matt's wedding last Jan 2022. They are a family all parents know each other and the Trio had to be drove to events. Scott and Mitch met when they were 10 years old doing, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and Mitch met Kirstin around age 8. They have been singing and blending together for 20 years. Kevin is a tenor and listens to Classical music due to his Cello. Scott and Kirstin are more pop music and Mitch has an entire albulm, personality known as MESSER.😊 KIRSTIN did "Kinky Boots" on Broadway and her confidence improved.

[@LindaVernon]

While it is true that Leonard Cohen was still alive when this was released (and for a few weeks afterward) he was very ill and working hard to finish as much music as he could, it is doubtful that he heard and commented. The statement comes from Scott in a magazine interview who said he had been TOLD Cohen said that. Scott didn't say who told him. 🙂 I could see Cohen having that opinion as PTX performed it in true anthemic style rather than an over emotional dirge.

[@paulmason6474]

They do a great version of Bohemian Rhapsody. Apologies if you have reacted already❤

[@feldegast]

You need to hear the original just before their version of this song to truly appreciate how good their version is

[@LindaVernon]

"GREAT VERSION" was exactly what Brian May said (caps his) when he shared it on Twitter. 😃

[@RenaeBecher]

Seriously, I have just watched a few of your reactions now but I love watching your facial expressions to these songs! Your face says it all! Us PTX fanatics have watched a million reaction vids so I find genuine reaction so refreshing! ❤️

[@sammurphy3343]

Individually they are 10/10 singers. Combined it really isn't fair lol

[@bmorse68]

I have seen them twice live in concert in Chicago and they are simply incredible. It really shook me to my core after seeing them do everything live. It truly is a moving spiritual experience you will never forget ! Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a concert or two. Many blessings...Bob

[@celiachristman104]

My favorite live song they do is "Joyful, Joyful" which was part of their tour called "The Evergreen Experience". Mitch is amazing in it. I saw them do it live....EPIC! I just subbed.

[@annamariadelillo2916]

You have been officially "Mitch-slapped!" LOL!!! Love watching how these wonderful singers make people who have never heard them SMILE and CRY! You need to listen to Bohemian Rhapsody. You will never be able to wrap your head around that!! Also check out Amazing Grace, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Prayer, I Can't Help Falling in Love With You, Royals, ....oh my!! There is so much great stuff from this mega-talented group! Enjoy the ride!!

[@maryann1907]

Live is when they really shine. My favorite live performance is when they sang their haunting original "Run to You" posted by Your Classical NPR. So good! Also, there is a live performance of Daft Punk Medley posted by Nick Riddell. Just the five of them singing in a room and it sounds as good as the studio version. Have fun on your PTX journey.

[@bobbisox7777]

The got their star on the show The Singoff, which they of course won. You can search them on The Singoff. My favorite song they performed was Dog Days Are Over by Florence & the Machine. Those are all live performances.

[@melbanton]

Mitch is incredible. He releases a new song tomorrow under his solo persona Messer. They all have solo projects so you have a big old rabbit hole to go down. 😊

[@donnietrowell3124]

The funny thing about this group is that they all can hit dang near every note. I've seen them 2 times already and I'm going to see them on the 26th and when I tell you they are the real deal I absolutely mean it. Also they do have some songs with instruments in them which are also great songs as well.

[@ellenhulslander2897]

Since everyone is filling you in on the group, I will just make a request. Their cover of "Gold" by Kiara is...well....gold! If you are not familiar with the original, listen to at least part of it, then listen to what they do with it. It is a live recording, sadly not on any of their albums. 90's Dance Medly is also oustanding, as is almost everything they do.

[@myesha2616]

I feel like no one appreciates their Gold cover but it is honestly my favorite of theirs... especially when comparing to the original. An upgrade for sure!

[@kayecastleman6353]

Gold is one of my favourite PTX recordings ever. Mitch's vocal acrobatics are stunning, and those subterranean bass drops Avi delivers... superb!

[@bonnieflynn4798]

Gold is a masterpiece It’s so insane and it’s live

[@feldegast]

Two great songs from them is Darf Punk and 90s Dance Mix, both consist of different songs combined together and are amazing

[@vickipeterson9633]

The gentleman wearing the beanie is Avi Kaplan (pronounced Ah-Vee) and he was the basso profundo and original bass for Pentatonix. He left due to personal reasons and the touring schedule was too much for him. His mother had cancer and he was unable to be with her and his family and friends. He did not want to hold the group back and so chose to take leave. He created his own music and has an amazing solo career. Please check out his music as well. His first big song was Change on the Rise which is a fan favorite and has been featured on a few television shows. It is an inspirational song about what he went through post Pentatonix and his determination to gain his fire back. Please treat yourself to an amazing live performance of Hallelujah performed on their Christmas Special. Some think its even better than this video which has over 714 million views. Here is the Url kzbin.info/www/bejne/npKpeaWcost7mMU The beatboxer(percussionist) is Kevin Olusola. He is also a tenor and does sing as well but his beatboxing abilities are off the charts. PTX has 3 Grammy wins in their earlier years. Please react to Daft Punk (medley) which is their first win. You will get to see an entirely different side to this super talented group. Each member is a musical genuis and the group is so diverse. When they come together, as you indicated, they are perfection. Loved your descriptive narrative of what you experienced and heard. You'll catch something new each time you watch and listen to them. I just subscribed and hope you will react to Avi's solo work as well. Thanks!!!

[@margretrosenberg420]

This was filmed in the Mojave Desert, just outside of Barstow. They were off-road, with night coming on, in 98° weather, and they were all wearing winter clothing because the song was being released on their Christmas album that year. They were in a huge rush because they wanted to catch the sun setting behind Mitch's hat, and they needed to leave as soon as possible for fear that they wouldn't be able to find their way back to the road in the dark. The audio recording was done in the studio; it's the same audio that was released on the CD. They're lip synching in the video. But the way they lip synch is very intelligent; they actually sing the song. This keeps them properly in time and ensures that all their movements are accurate.

[@dwfarr]

The only member change in their 12 year history was at bass. Avi left in 2017 and Matt took over. Mitch and Kirstie change their looks all of the time which leads to confusion. You should pause often for copyright reasons. We don’t mind. You’ve been Mitch slapped. Kevin is a beatboxer with a fine tenor voice. You will see later that he plays the cello. When the bass (Avi/Matt) is singing lead, Scott takes over the bass. Recommend their version of Amazing Grace. For a live version of Hallelujah, look it up from their 2016 Christmas special.

[@helenabdulah7263]

The percussionist is Kevin! Matt joined when Avi left. Kevin Olasula (K.O) is multi- talented. He plays the cello on some of their videos while beat-boxing. Definitely worthwhile checking out his solo work.

[@nickforell1]

Thank you for the info Helena!

[@AjayMomma]

I love Mitch's voice so much. They do have some original songs. My favorite one is, "Love Me When I Don't."

[@lindajohns7063]

Kevin is the beatboxer, and he is a tenor. The bass is the guy in the beanie, Avi Kaplan. He left in 2017 and was replaced by Matt Sallee, the guy in the white jacket in The Sound of Silence video. Mitch, Scott, Kirstie, and Kevin have been with the group since the beginning.

[@pamelapasechnick6899]

Great Reaction! I've been into Pentatonix for about 3 years and while there are some of their songs I am not wild about, there is no such thing as a "bad" song by Pentatonix! And the majority of them are songs I enjoy listening to over and over! About your first Pentatonix reaction (Sound of Silence).. I knew while watching it that you would definitely feel "roasted" by the comments that you would be getting! Pentaholics are VERY protective of their PTX. That said, you are a newbie and Pentaholics are very forgiving once they realize that a reactor has seen the light and know that Pentatonix truly does live up to all the hype! I would suggest that your next reaction be to their Live performance of "Hallelujah" from their televised Christmas Special done about the same year as the music video came out, because it will have the same original 5 members. I look forward to seeing more of your reaction videos.

[@CurtisPoppenhouse]

When Avi (the bass) has a lead Scott (the baritone) has an incredible range and he covers Avi

[@philipkudrna5643]

There is a Terminus technicus for reacting to Mitch (particularly in this song) for the first time: being „Mitch - slapped“! 🤣

[@sdmcdaniel2255]

Actually, that's Avi Kaplan, the original bass for PTX. Matt is the bass in Sound of Silence. And now you have been Mitch slapped! Welcome to this rabbit hole, hope you enjoy the ride! If you want to see a live performance, I would suggest their Aha! Tokyo performance. That will truly show you what they are capable of! I would also suggest Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Daft Punk Medley, Bohemian Rhapsody, there are so many to choose from! I would also suggest you watch their Sing Off performances, in order. It will show you how they got their start, and just how far they've come!

[@nickforell1]

Thanks for the info!

[@cdfdesantis699]

This sends chills down my spine each time I hear it. Thanks for your reaction.

[@nickforell1]

No problem 😊

[@lorriredmon8212]

I so loved your reaction here! Their version is so moving and even after 100's of listens to this, I still get the goosebumps you just got. Mitch (wide brimmed hat) is my favorite voice of all these oh so excellent voices! AND it's thrilling for me to see someone new be just as gob smacked as I am by them! One of their very early ones was done in the back of their apartment complex in one take cover of Someone That I Used to Know. They had just been dropped by Sony Records and felt they needed to get themselves out there so took to KZbin to do it, and they did it in a spectacular way! Thank you so much!

[@serenity5535]

Please do Imagine.. one of their best covers IMHO. Welcome to the Pentaholics❤

[@Anna-xx1lv]

I’d love to see you start with their older songs…..with Avi. He and Matt bring such gifts to PTX. But to see them as a group grow and mature is such a journey. Avi was so important to them as a group with his unbelievable rich bass! Don’t get me wrong, I love Matt, but Avi (and Mitch) have my heart! 😉❤️ Looking forward to more!

[@rlhcat7662]

@rlhcat7662 1 second ago Avi also was very involved in the writing and arranging of many of their early songs. His composition skills and his voice were assets to the group, and are a big part of his solo work.

[@mollykeefe2870]

Kevin is the beatboxer- Matt isn't with them yet- Matt replaced Avi Kaplan- the second singer in this video who was their bass at the time..

[@elenahume8295]

AVI IS THE BASS , HE IS SO AAMAZING ❤

[@theresarigio5627]

This was a great reaction. Glad you are discovering them and hope you will continue. They have so much to choose from and yes they have originals. Just a few corrections about the group make up. There has only been one member change in their almost 12 years. Avi Kaplan, Guy with the beanie, was their original bass. He left the group for personal reasons in late 2017. He was replaced by Matt Sallee, Guy with the white jacket in Sound of Silence in 2018. All the other members are originals. Mitch and Kirstie change their appearance frequently. If you ever wonder, is that Mitch,, the answer is yes. They have so many great upgrades, not covers, choose whatever interests you. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the journey! 💕💕

[@andycofin6983]

If Scott gets you, you’ll really like his solo, Mars, which he wrote for his boyfriend, now fiancé. And that sound you liked from Avi is called a cry, it grabs the feels and draws you in to the emotion.

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

Husband, they got married on July 7th.

[@nickforell1]

I’ll have to check that out Andy, thank you!

[@kayecastleman6353]

Are you referring to vocal fry?

[@StephanieStarfall]

@@kayecastleman6353a vocal fry is like a growl. A cry is when you use your voice in a way that evokes emotion.

[@kayecastleman6353]

@@StephanieStarfall A vocal fry has to do with the way the air moves through the throat and over the vocal cords. Most people comment on the passionate fry In the second half of Avi's solo verse. He is, of course, singing in a plaintiff cry by the end... I just wasn't sure which you were referring to. 😊

[@BillTheScribe]

This opens the door to Home Free and Voiceplay, along with the vast Pentatonix catalog. Here's the short version of the differences between these acapella groups. You want Pentatonix to play your wedding. You want Home Free to play the reception. You want Voiceplay to play the bachelor party.