The a capella group Pentatonix first popped onto most fans’ radars when they won the third season of the NBC television show “The Sing-Off” and have subsequently won over the hearts of music lovers everywhere since. The group puts its own unique spin on songs with pop arrangements that feature not only glorious vocal harmonies but also basslines and beatboxing to create a musical experience like no other. They even competed on The Masked Singer and with five members they were the largest group to compete on the show. This summer the group is out on tour bringing the musical numbers from The Masked Singer as well as Pentatonix classics to the masses. This Sunday they paid a visit to Charlotte performing at the PNC Music Pavilion for an evening of incredible music and out-of-this-world visuals.
The stage was washed in red lights as the name Pentatonix glowed in red at the rear of the stage. The group got things started quickly with a high-energy version of Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” that even had the baritone lead, Scott Hoying, jumping off the riser. During the performance, we got to see each of the individual band members take the spotlight vocally with Kevin Olusola treating the crowd to a series of vocal percussion and beatboxing all while playing the cello. He was amazing to watch due to his uniqueness. Rounding out the group we have tenor lead Mitch Grassi, soprano lead Kirstin Maldonado, and bass lead Matt Sallee.
Pentatonix was vocally breathtaking with an outstanding version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” that absolutely produced chills down my arms. They also performed several medlies that had the audience on their feet and singing along as well as filmed a Tik Tok video with fans lighting up the venue with their cellphones. Throughout the set, the music was accompanied by absolutely stunning lighting and visuals to provide a full, immersive experience for fans. The standout of the evening for me was the set closer, a poignant version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” with some of the most exquisite vocal harmonies that I have ever heard.
Pentatonix definitely surpassed my expectations. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with talented singers brought together in a unique way that you don’t often see. Penatonix: The World Tour runs through mid-September so be sure to check out this fantastic show when it makes a stop in your city or town.
Opening the show was country singer-songwriter Lauren Alaina, who also became known via a television show. Alaina was the runner-up on the tenth season of American Idol and has been topping the country charts ever since. In 2022, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Lauren brought her talented band with her and lit up the venue from the start of her set. Her music is what I call country-fresh with songs you can sing along and dance along to. The fans enjoyed each and every moment as Lauren had the venue clapping and up on their feet. If you are heading out to see the tour, make sure to get there early enough to catch Lauren’s set.
Set List:
Radioactive (Imagine Dragons cover)
I Rise
Can’t Sleep Love
Aha! (Imogen Heap cover)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
Love Me When I Don’t
The Lucky Ones/Be My Eyes/Coffee In Bed/Easy Love/Never Gonna Cry Again
Daft Punk
Jolene (Dolly Parton cover, performed with Lauren Alaina)
Creep (Radiohead cover)
Jule-O (Celloboxing)
Bach (Celloboxing)
Kevin’s Fifth
Dreams
Shallow (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper cover)
Side/White Winter Hymnal
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrell cover)/Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond cover)/I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys cover)/Banana Boat (Day-O) Harry Belafonte cover/This Is How We Do It (Montell Jordan cover)/Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince cover) /Drop It Like It’s Hot (Snoop Dogg cover)
Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey cover)/Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi cover)/You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi cover)/We Will Rock You (Queen cover) medley
90s Dance Medley
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover)
Encore:
My Heart With You (The Rescues cover)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen cover)
We would like to thank Kim Shiver from Livenation for the credentials to review the show.
