Pentatonix

Over 3.9M+ followers on spotify, Popular for christmas music genre.

Pentatonix, renowned for their innovative a cappella style, formed in Arlington, Texas in 2011. The group originally comprised of five members: Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Avi Kaplan. Scott, Mitch, and Kirstin attended Martin High School together, where they developed an early passion for music. Scott, who began singing at an early age, was heavily influenced by pop and R&B genres. Both Mitch and Kirstin were avid theater enthusiasts, contributing to their vocal versatility. After auditioning for NBC's 'The Sing-Off,' they recruited Kevin, skilled in cello and beatboxing, and Avi, whose deep baritone rounded off the group. Taking their name from the pentatonic scale, known in music theory for its versatile and harmonic nature, they embodied a unique approach to contemporary covers and original music. Winning the third season of 'The Sing-Off' catapulted them into the spotlight, setting the stage for their burgeoning career.

Pentatonix's career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. Post their 'Sing-Off' victory, they released their debut EP, 'PTX, Volume 1,' in 2012, instantly capturing the audience's fascination with their inventive covers of popular songs like 'Somebody That I Used to Know' and 'We Are Young.' Their style has continually evolved, initially rooted in covers of pop and R&B hits, but transitioning to include original compositions as their confidence and fanbase grew. Key breakthrough moments include their viral Daft Punk medley, which showcased their intricate harmonies and innovative arrangements. Over the years, members came and went, with Avi Kaplan departing in 2017 and Matt Sallee stepping in to fill the bass role. Their sound, while always grounded in harmony and vocal precision, has expanded to include holiday albums and original music, further cementing their reputation as a dynamic and adaptable musical force.

Pentatonix's discography reveals their expansive range and continual growth. Their debut EP, 'PTX, Volume 1,' released in 2012, was followed by 'PTX, Volume 2' in 2013. In 2014, they achieved a significant milestone with the full-length album 'PTX, Vol. III,' featuring a mix of covers and original tracks. Their self-titled album, 'Pentatonix,' released in 2015, was pivotal, as it included the breakout original hit 'Can't Sleep Love.' They continue to captivate audiences with Christmas collections like 'That's Christmas to Me' and 'A Pentatonix Christmas,' displaying their vocal prowess. More recent releases include 'The Lucky Ones' (2021), showcasing their artistry and depth as original songwriters, further expanding their repertoire.

Pentatonix has a remarkable repertoire of hit songs that have left an indelible mark on the charts. Their Daft Punk medley, released in 2013, became a viral sensation, amassing over 350 million views on YouTube and contributing significantly to their international fame. The medley made its way onto the Billboard charts, a testament to its widespread appeal. Their holiday album 'That's Christmas to Me' became one of the most successful Christmas albums ever, going double Platinum. Original songs like 'Can't Sleep Love' highlight their ability to craft hits beyond covers, achieving notable positions on both the Pop Digital Songs and Billboard 200 charts. Their cover of 'Hallelujah' further solidified their status, securing a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and exceeding 500 million views on YouTube, underscoring the group's remarkable appeal.

Pentatonix has engaged in notable collaborations that underscore their versatility and appeal across various musical landscapes. They have collaborated with legendary artists like Dolly Parton, reimagining her classic 'Jolene,' which increased their mainstream crossover appeal and won them a Grammy Award. Their unique collaboration with Lindsey Stirling on 'Radioactive' demonstrated their capability to blend a cappella with contemporary instrumental sounds successfully. Engaging with other a cappella and vocal-centric artists, such as Peter Hollens, on tracks like 'Disney Love Medley,' highlights their commitment to pushing vocal boundaries. Each collaboration showcases their ability to blend seamlessly with other musical talents, enhancing their reputation as collaborators adept in artistic fusion.

Pentatonix enjoys substantial popularity on various streaming platforms, reflecting their global fanbase's dedication. On Spotify, they boast over 10 million monthly listeners, consistently attracting audiences with their engaging harmonies and innovative arrangements. Their YouTube channel, with over 18 million subscribers and over 5 billion combined views, functions as a key platform for engaging with fans worldwide. 'Hallelujah,' one of their most streamed songs, accumulates millions of listens monthly on both Spotify and Apple Music, illustrating their music's enduring appeal. The consistent growth in their streaming numbers underscores their status as a prominent force in the digital music landscape, maintaining relevancy among diverse audiences across the globe.

Throughout their career, Pentatonix has garnered numerous accolades that celebrate their artistic excellence and innovation. They are three-time Grammy Award winners, claiming titles in categories for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. Their groundbreaking arrangement of 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' from 'That's Christmas to Me' earned them another prestigious Grammy. Adding to their achievements, they've received multiple Streamy Awards for their creative visual content on YouTube. The group's albums frequently secure Gold and Platinum certifications, proving their commercial success and widespread popularity. Their recognition by the music industry underscores their talent and the enduring impact of their artistry, continually resonating with audiences and critics alike.

Pentatonix's musical style is a vibrant tapestry of rich harmonies and intricate a cappella arrangements. Their sound incorporates elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, reflecting influences from artists like Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. They expertly blend modern and traditional elements, creating engaging and dynamic renditions that often surpass the popularity of the original tracks. The group's versatility allows them to navigate multiple genres effortlessly, crafting originals and covers that showcase their extraordinary vocal talent. Their emphasis on vocal percussion and bass lines, primarily provided by Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee, adds distinctive layers to their sound, making it both powerful and emotionally resonant. Pentatonix's commitment to pushing the boundaries of a cappella music continues to inspire and attract a diverse, global audience.