Tonight’s episode of The Sing-Off is Halloween-themed and the remaining 7 groups will perform a medley of “Freaky” songs, including Danny Elfman’s “This Is Halloween,” Warren Zevon’s “Werevolves of London,” and Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” – VIDEO
The Yellow Jackets are eliminated.
Next week: Country hits.
Ugh. If one of the college groups HAD to go home, I would have booted Vocal Point. They were way overpraised by the judges, and not very good last week either. Having said that–if the elimination was based on the weakest performance of the night–that would definitely be Urban Method. Here’s a Tip: Definitely keep those girls in the background. Especially if the performance calls for some fierce singing.
The Yellow Jackets proved they deserved another week by performing the best swan song evah. I’m going to miss them.
Best of the night? Most definitely the Dartmouth Aires’ ambitious and nearly pitch-perfect Queen medley.
The groups will also perform a medley of three hits by a pop music icon.
Urban Method: Rihanna’s “What’s My Name,” “Umbrella,” and “Only Girl (In the World)” – After last week’s lukewarm comments, the girls are determined to kill it this week. The female vocals are too “girly” for this song and don’t work of the edgier rap sections very well. This isn’t quite working for me. It’s like Broadway meets Hip Hop and not in a very good or interesting way. Sara thought it finished strong, but found some weak moments. Thinks they have a confidence issue. Shawn: Thinks it’s hard for the others to step up to Mike the rappers intensity. Ben: Liked their transitions. Thought the group came unglued during Umbrella but came back together at the end. – VIDEO
Vocal Point: Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock” – Vocal point has to channel their inner “bad boy” to cover the king. Good luck with that!Whoa, this is pretty corny dudes. I don’t like the arrangement and the lead singers are doing really really bad Elvis impersonations. It improves half way through–“Falling In Love With You” has some beautiful background harmonies. Finally at the end a lead singer steps up who can growl a little bit on “Jailhouse Rock”, the performance comes alive here and is somewhat redeemed by the end. But that cornball beginning, and poor leads from the 1st 2 singers nearly sunk it. Ben: Oh you’re back, that’s good. Ben liked the 2nd and 3rd leads. Sara: Feels she saw the guys in their element. She appreciated that they pushed the arrangement and changed it up. Shawn: Was engulfed, appreciated the changes and was very entertained. – VIDEO
Afro-Blue: Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done For Me Lately,” “When I Think of You,” and “Miss You Much – Now, this is how you do a female lead. This jazzed up arrangement of ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately” is fierce. A nice segueway glides into the infectious “When I Think of You”, a perfect song for Afro-Blues sweet harmonies. A flurry of beatboxing takes us into “Miss You Much”. There’s so much going on sonically in this song, but the group doesn’t miss a beat. This is amazing. Shawn: Impressed with the styling. Transitions were interesting, maybe they overdid the arrangements, but it looked effortless. Ben: Mr. Folds if you’re nasty! Called it a radical arrangement. Really really good, he says. Sara: Thought it showcased their personalities well. Thought the arrangement was too ambitious–got lost in the middle. (I disagree, I loved their intricate take on the songs!) – VIDEO
Dartmouth Aires: Queen’s “Killer Queen,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Somebody to Love” – Queen is tough and iconic. The group is nervous. Yeah. This stuff is really difficult, but the Aires are gettin g it done in their typical humorous style. Awesome harmonies. Solid leads. This is pretty great. Oh my gosh, that transition into “Somebody to Love” was fantastic. I really have nothing bad to say about this at all. Bravo. Michael brought it home and was unbelievably good. The audience gives them a well deserved standing O. Hugs all around! YAY! Sara: “That was my favorite performance of the entire competition. Brilliant, she says. “You executed it flawlessly.” Shawn: That was absolutely amazing. Loved all the leads. Said it was like he was watching a Broadway play. You guys nailed that. Ben: The most valuable player was each one of you, says Ben. The middle part was perfect. – VIDEO
Pentatonix: Britney Spears’ “Oops…I Did It Again,” “Toxic,” and “Hold It Against Me” – I wasn’t jumping up and down over the girl lead in “Oops”, but “Toxic” was fantastic. The middle-eastern harmonies over the rhythms were mesmerising. “Hold it Against Me” featured the entire group in full harmony. The song ends in a groovy little remix of all 3 songs. Not my favorite performance from the group, but still really solid. Pentatonix are contenders. Shawn: “This is a really good show!” Finds it amazing how big the rhythm section sounds. Loved the mashup at the end, and the transitions. Ben: So many colors going on, smart arranging. Sara: Admires their high standard. “You packed a punch tonight” she says. “The rhythm section is spectacular.” – VIDEO
Delilah: Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” “A Woman’s Worth,” and “If I Ain’t Got You” – The band admits that they have not been consistent. – Wait..where was I? I hate to admit it, but I found myself drifting off in the middle of this. A solid performance with some nice leads and harmonies, but not very dynamic. But, maybe, ultimately, it’s Alicia who is boring? “If I Ain’t Got You” the best song in the bunch features beautiful, soaring harmonies. That got my attention. Sara: “You were singing your hearts out. Perfect for you.” “A Woman’s Work” was a little “squirrely” she says, but it came back around at the end. Shawn. The right vocalists for the leads. Sassy, humble, sexy and strong, he says. Nailed the leads, he says. Engaging and powerful. Ben: Also loved the lead vocals and the arrangement. – VIDEO
Yellowjackets: Billy Joel’s “The River of Dreams,” “She’s Always A Woman,” and “Uptown Girl” – I was fully expecting to hate this, because, to be honest, I’m not really a Billy Joel fan. But, the arrangements are so gorgeous and the leads so good, I’m enjoying these songs in a way I’ve never been able to enjoy the original versions. I loved that cool little percussive transition to Uptown Girl. The best thing about Yellow Jackets are their full rich backgrounds, and they do not disappoint here. The leads were a tiny bit pitchy in spots, but overall solid. Ben: Loved the transition to Uptown Girl (as I did!). Songs had loads of heart. Wants the lead singers to step out a little more. Shawn: Loved seeing the “sweet” side of the group. Noted some of the pitchiness with the leads, but felt the backgrounds made up for it. Sara: She hearts them! Complimented the blend and the lead vocalists. The challenge is to harness some of their raw energy. – VIDEO
Last year’s winners, Committed, will perform Chris Brown’s “Forever,” “With You,” and “Yeah (3x).” – VIDEO
Results! Dartmouth Aires, Pentatonix and Vocal Point are safe. Delilah and Afro Blue are also safe. Urban Method are safe. The Yellow Jackets are going home. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS RESULT! Urban Method were NOT good tonight. Yikes. They sing off with their swan song, “Tubthumping”. It’s hilarious. And I’m sad they are gone. – VIDEO
