Watch The Sing Off

The Sing Off is an American television singing competition show that premiered on NBC in December 2009. The show was hosted by former 98 Degrees member Nick Lachey and featured a panel of three judges: Shawn Stockman, member of the popular R&B group Boyz II Men, the alternative rock singer-songwriter Ben Folds, and Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.

The Sing Off was unique among singing competitions in that it focused solely on a cappella music. Groups of all ages and genres, ranging from college-based groups to gospel choirs to barbershop quartets, competed for a grand prize of $100,000 and a recording contract with Sony Music.

In each episode of The Sing Off, multiple a cappella groups would perform a variety of songs, each without the use of instruments. The groups would then be evaluated by the judges, who assessed their vocal abilities, song selection, and overall stage presence. The judges would eliminate one group per episode, leaving the final two groups to compete in a head-to-head sing-off in the finale.

The first season of The Sing Off consisted of seven episodes and saw a total of eight groups compete. The winning group was Nota, an all-male vocal quintet from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who impressed the judges and viewers alike with their soulful, Latin-inspired arrangements. The other groups that competed in the first season included The Beelzebubs, a group from Tufts University; The SoCals, a group from the University of Southern California; and Maxx Factor, an all-female quartet from Baltimore.

The Sing Off returned for a second season in December 2010, with the same format and judging panel. This season featured ten groups, including two from outside the United States: Eleventh Hour, a group from Canada, and The Whiffenpoofs, an a cappella group from Yale University. The season was won by Committed, a six-man gospel group from Huntsville, Alabama, whose performances showcased tight harmonies and soulful renditions of contemporary songs.

After a year-long hiatus, The Sing Off returned for a third season in 2011, this time with only two judges: Shawn Stockman and Ben Folds. Nicole Scherzinger had left the show to join the judging panel of The X Factor. This season featured sixteen groups, including Urban Method, a group that incorporated hip hop and rap into their performances, and Dartmouth Aires, a group from Dartmouth College that specialized in pop and rock covers. The season was won by Pentatonix, a five-member vocal ensemble from Arlington, Texas, who brought a unique blend of electronic and beatboxing techniques to their performances.

The Sing Off continued with a fourth season in December 2013. This season featured returning judge Ben Folds, as well as new judges Jewel, a singer-songwriter, and country artist Shawn Stockman. This season featured ten groups, including The Melodores, a group from Vanderbilt University that went on to win the competition with their intricate, multi-genre arrangements.

The Sing Off concluded its run after its fourth season, but not before leaving a significant impact on the world of a cappella music. The show helped to elevate the genre and bring it into the mainstream, showcasing the range and versatility of the human voice. The Sing Off also provided a platform for up-and-coming a cappella groups to gain exposure and recognition, inspiring a new generation of singers and performers.