Pentatonix

Formation

Pentatonix is an American a cappella group formed in 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The original lineup consisted of Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, and Kirstin Maldonado, who were schoolmates at Martin High School. They gained initial recognition by performing a trio version of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" for a local radio competition. Although they did not win, their performance garnered attention, leading them to perform together more frequently. After high school, Hoying and Maldonado pursued music degrees, while Grassi joined them later. They were encouraged to audition for NBC's "The Sing-Off" by a member of Hoying's college a cappella group, which led to the inclusion of Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola to complete the group.

Breakthrough

Pentatonix rose to fame after winning the third season of "The Sing-Off," which earned them a $200,000 prize and a recording contract with Sony Music. However, after being dropped by Sony's Epic Records, they pivoted to YouTube, where they built a massive following and released several successful albums, including "PTX, Volume 1" and "That's Christmas to Me." Their unique blend of pop-style arrangements, vocal harmonies, and beatboxing set them apart in the music industry.

Lineup Changes and Recent Years

In 2017, Avi Kaplan left the group, and Matt Sallee joined as the new bass vocalist. Despite this change, Pentatonix continued to thrive, releasing numerous albums such as "A Pentatonix Christmas" and "Evergreen." They have received multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella, solidifying their status as one of the leading a cappella groups in the world. With their innovative approach to music and engaging performances, Pentatonix has influenced a new generation of a cappella artists and continues to captivate audiences globally.