Last night the remaining six groups of
The Sing-Off bracket one went back in time, then back to the future, each performing a current Top 40 hit and a 1960s classic. The pressure of performing two numbers from two completely different eras got to some of the groups, but for the most part,
the episode was jam-packed with gorgeous vocals and creative arrangements that showed off each group's unique strengths.
Sadly, at the end of the night, we had to say goodbye to Kinfolk 9. The brand-new nine-piece L.A. group gave a
sweet though stiff performance of "Price Tag" by Jessie J and a warm and
earnest rendition of "Let It Be" by The Beatles, but couldn't quite make up for their lack of experience performing together, and the judges sent them packing. I was sad to see them go, but
their awesome swan song definitely eased the pain.
In case you missed 'em or just want another listen, here are my picks for the three best performances of
the night: Urban Method, "Dance to the Music" (1960s)With their 60s classic, Urban Method proved that they have the talent and creativity to go beyond their "rapappella" niche.
Afro-Blue, "American Boy" (Top 40)The Howard University troupe wanted to take Estelle into the jazz era,
and they succeeded, giving a performance that was jam-packed and technically complex, yet
accessible and sweet to the ears.
And the best performance of the evening goes to...Vocal Point, "The Way You Look Tonight" (1960s)The BYU boys got to show off their smooth, gentlemanly style, but there was nothing sleepy or too-cool about this performance. The Point boys went through more vocal styles in this one number than some of the
Sing-Off groups will do all season, and they did it with a confidence and ease that would have made Sinatra proud. It was a well-conceived, well-thought out and well-executed number that had me (and Sara B.!) well-smitten by the end.
Which performances from last night's Sing-Off were YOUR favorites? Was it
Delilah's delightful "Heatwave," or the
YellowJackets' dynamic "Dynamite"? Share your picks in the comments, and check out mine below!
(Image courtesy of NBC)