A cappella superstars Pentatonix found their break on YouTube, recording mind-blowing covers from their members’ humble kitchens and living rooms. Now, over 12 years later, the group has gone viral again — this time spotlighted on the big stage, and commanding an entire arena with their immaculate voices, in a clip that’s amassed over 750k YouTube views to date.
With the squeaky clean sheen of all Broadway and Disney covers, two members of the Texan group — Scott Hoying (aged 32 in this clip) and Kirstin Maldonado (31) — play two different roles for this duet: Scott, singing “Go The Distance” from the 1997 Disney animated classic “Hercules,” and Kirstin, singing “Defying Gravity” from 2003’s original Broadway musical soundtrack of “Wicked.”
But before merging their songs into one modern choral masterpiece, the pair take a minute to teach the crowd a melody of their own, which resonates among thousands of voices.
Once Scott tenderly kicks off the track, Kirstin weaves her alternate song lyrics through the same piano harmony before their songs collide in the chorus, tangling their lyrics like a dense forest of sound before inviting the crowd to begin their own enchanting choir round. With the audience backing the stars, Scott and Kirstin glitter even brighter while parading their insane ability to layer two contrasting songs with two distinct melodies serenely together.
Another magical element unfolds as the audience is split in halves, members facing one side of the stage shining their phone flashlights as Scott sings, before turning them off as Kirstin begins, only for the other half of the audience to raise their lights to Kirstin’s voice. The effect is a wave of stars through the blackened room, joining in harmony with Scott and Kirstin’s layered lyrics.
The moment has since gone viral on TikTok, racking up 863.6k views to date and tons of online comments from fans anticipating the day Pentatonix are cast in a Broadway or Disney extravaganza, for real.
And the hype just keeps on growing, especially following the recent release of “Wicked,” the 2024 Hollywood blockbuster starring Cynthia Erivo (previously of Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) and pop icon Ariana Grande in her first lead role since starring on Nickelodeon.
This 2023 concert was performed off the back of Pentatonix’s then-recent festive compilation album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits,” which hit #10 on the US album charts. With 31 reimagined hymns and festive tunes from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” to “Frosty the Snowman,” Music Man readers seeking a new, feel-good Christmas soundtrack as the holiday season rolls in need not look any further!
Pentatonix continues to redefine live performance with their electrifying stage presence and stunning vocals. This recent viral moment captures the essence of their incredible talent and connection with their audience. To dive deeper into this remarkable ensemble, explore the links below.