DAM NATION, Contributor
This week, the two brackets merged to create the Top 10. I will admit, the new 2 hour format of this season has left me exhausted of a cappella some nights, but not this episode. After an amazing opening performance (the largest Sing-Off group performance ever!) and a steady first half, the energy ramped up for an outstanding second half. Things moved quickly as another two acts were sent home.
Group Performance: All Night Long by Lionel Richie
On to the performance ratings!
Wannabe
This definitely set the tone for the night. It was hilarious to see these college boys singing their hearts out to the Spice Girls. These guys are always entertaining. I particularly love how unique each of their soloists are. It gives their performances a lot of personality and helps them to stand out from the other all-male collegiate groups. 8/10
Flashdance...What a Feeling
Delilah gave another passionate performance, but you could tell their confidence was shaken after being in the bottom two the last time they performed. Unfortunately, this performance also didn't live up to expectations. The lead was a bit too low and breathy, there were some pitch issues, and overall they just didn't look like they were enjoying themselves on stage. But they had the '80s look with the leg warmers and neon colors. I really wish the girl who sang Grenade would take the lead again. 7/10
The Power of Love
North Shore sang this song with the kind of professionalism that makes you think they've probably performed this song dozens of times in the past, and they most likely did pull this one out of their pocket since they changed their song last minute. It sounded good, however, they stayed in their comfort zone, which didn't seem to do them any favors with the judges. 8/10
I Will Survive
Once again, The Collective went with their signature soulful sound to impress the judges after nearly facing elimination last week. This group definitely seems to rely on their two leading ladies, but it works, so no complaining from me. However, I would like to see them show a little more versatility as they continue on. Still, this was a strong performance that exploded by the end. 8/10
Jessie's Girl
The Aires showed that they may have been hiding another soloist and that they can sing and kick really high, but this was probably one of their weaker performances. They are still energetic and theatrical, but this song didn't rock as much as it should have. The judges commented on the lack of a solid bass groove. 7/10
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
This was a lot of fun to watch! I loved seeing the boys and girls samba with each other, and then they did a soul train line! As usual, they sounded great. Keeping the judges' previous comments in mind, they kept this arrangement relatively simple and straightforward. It was nice to see them have some fun and be a little more relaxed vocally. 9/10
Video Killed the Radio Star
I died watching this. It was so good! I loved everything about this performance: the arrangement, the choreography, even their black and neon green outfits! I'm calling it now, Pentatonix could very well be the winning group this season if they stay this strong. I was so glad that they changed their song last minute from Cher's Believe to this. I LOLed at Shawn when said he thought they must have been "sent from the future to save a cappella." 10/10
Listen to Your Heart
The Deltones decided to go with what they do best and delivered another emotional ballad. They tried to take the judges' critiques into account, but it was too little, too late. Sure, their dancing was a little looser than usual, but the choreography was too indistinct for it to really matter. But their sound was full and had heart. 7/10
Poison
I have to say, Urban Method nailed this performance. This song worked perfectly for them, and it was a lot of fun to watch. Loved the '90s dance moves! The energy was so high after this performance that even the judges got out of their seats and started dancing! 9/10
Footloose
Their final member was able to rejoin the group after his father's passing, but there was no hint of somberness in this performance. In this bit of synergy with the remake that's now in theaters, the boys really "cut loose" and rocked the stage in their bright red blazers and sneaks. 9/10
The first elimination of the night was North Shore. These guys had been so well recieved by the judges throughout that that it was a bit of a shock to see them eliminated, but it was probably just in time. They were not likely winners anyway, and I wouldn't really have wanted to see them take on next week's hip-hop challenge. But these a cappella vets went out in style, singing Goodnight, Sweetheart as their Swan Song. Even, Delilah, who joined them in the bottom two, was in tears.
I think we all saw the second elimination coming, I even called it in last week's review: The Deltones. They did their best, but it was painfully obvious that they weren't as inventive, confident, or distinctive as the other groups. They walked off the stage singing, Goodbye to You.
Things are heating up and the judges aren't going easy on them anymore. Sara in particular is coming into her role as a judge, giving more specific and constructive criticisms. Now that the groups are all together, it's a lot easier to see which acts are the real standouts of this competition. My two favorite groups right now are Pentatonix and Afro-Blue, though the rest aren't too far behind!
Tune in next week for "Hip-Hop Hits" done a cappella!
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