Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Sing-Off Watch: All A Cappella, All the Time

The New York Times: Art Beat
December 15, 2009, 2:08 pm
By NEIL GENZLINGER


The Beelzebubs, one of the a cappella groups on the show The Sing Off.
Chris Haston/NBC

Warning: This post contains spoilers.

Imagine the agony of this particular defeat: You perform a song called “Living on a Prayer” but lose out to some kids from a religious college.

That’s what the six men who make up an a cappella group called Face are pondering as they head home to Boulder, Colo., after being booted by the judges Monday night in the opening segment of “The Sing-Off,” a reality competition show on NBC in which eight a cappella groups are vying for $100,000 and a recording contract.

Face delivered a pretty tasty rendition of the Bon Jovi anthem, but it inexplicably lost out to Voices of Lee, a mixed group of 10 from Lee University in Tennessee whose version of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” seemed a bit muddled. How could these guys get the heave-ho, especially given that a whole other religious college (Brigham Young) is also represented in the final eight and that they had such a swell back story? One of the member’s wives couldn’t go through a pregnancy because of cancer, so the wife of another member carried the embryo for her.

Anyway, a prediction: Voices of Lee gets tossed Tuesday night, when the second installment of the four-part program will be seen.

Also shown the door Monday was the poorly named Solo, a seven-person group from Omaha whose members had an assortment of hard-luck stories. If Solo’s singing wasn’t a match for the other competitors, maybe it’s because, as one member was heard to say in a film clip, the group had been together for only about 12 weeks.

Two crowd favorites seemed to emerge from Monday’s show: Maxx Factor, four middle-aged women from Maryland, and the Beelzebubs, a bunch of enthusiastic young men from Tufts. Another prediction: Maxx Factor doesn’t last much longer. Four voices just sound too thin to compete against groups of 8 or 10 singers. Sorry, ladies.

__________________________________________________________________


New York Times: Television
December 13, 2009
by: Neil Genzlinger

If it surprises you that NBC is devoting a huge chunk of its prime time this week to a cappella music, that’s probably because you aren’t aware of just how many people, from high school students to retirees, are singing it. Joel Gallen, the executive producer of “THE SING-OFF,” which begins Monday at 8 p.m., Eastern and Pacific times, on that network, wasn’t either, until he was asked to create some kind of competition show using a cappella groups.

“It was intriguing to me, but I wasn’t that familiar with the world and the passion behind it,” Mr. Gallen said in a telephone interview. He is now, especially after overseeing the open auditions for the show, which took place live in four cities in September, as well as by video submission. “When you add all of it up, I’d say somewhere between 800 and 1,000 groups were considered,” he said.

From those, eight were chosen. In two-hour shows Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, a panel of judges will narrow the field to three, at which point viewers will have a chance to vote. The champion, to be crowned Dec. 21, receives a recording contract.

The eight finalists, Mr. Gallen said, include “singing soccer moms” from Maryland (Maxx Factor), blue-collar workers from Colorado (Face) and college women from Utah (BYU Noteworthy). “And,” he said, “they all have different musical tastes.”

__________________________________________________________________


Various Articles and News Postings about "The Sing Off"

New York Times, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” highlight in “What’s on Today” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15560

New York Newsday, December 14, 2009: Ran feature on “The Sing-Off” in support of the premiere includes quotes by executive producer Joel Gallen. Includes photo of Nick Lachey and photo of THE BEELZEBUBS from the stage. Picked up from Jacqueline Cutler of Zap 2 It.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15574

New York Newsday, December 13, 2009: Andy Edelstein included “The Sing-Off” highlight in “Hot Stuff” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of Nick Lachey.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15519

New Jersey Record, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Weekly Planner,” includes a photo of Nick Lachey.

Los Angeles Times, December 13, 2009: Denise Martin included an item on “The Sing-Off” in support of the premiere in “Smart List.”
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15521

Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Today’s Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15558

Chicago Sun Times, December 14, 2009: Paige Wiser includes “The Sing-Off” in “TV Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15577

Philadelphia Daily News, December 14, 2009: Ran item on “The Sing-Off” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of Nick Lachey.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15572

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 13, 2009: Ran item on from local a cappella group THE SOCALS member Dan Payson-Lewis in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off,” includes a photo of Dan Payson-Lewis.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15528

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Today” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15570

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Monday Best Bets” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15543

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, December 14, 2009: Robert Philpot included “The Sing-Off” in “Couch Surfing” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15588

Contra Costa Times, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Program Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15556

Contra Costa Times, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Around the Remote” in support of the premiere. Picked up from Chuck Barney of Bay Area Newsgroup.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15557

Contra Costa Times, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “What’s On: Monday.”
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15592

Oakland Tribune, December 13, 2009: Chuck Barney included “The Sing-Off” in “Around the Remote” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15529

Oakland Tribune, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Program Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15530

Boston Globe, December 14, 2009: Matthew Gilbert included highlight of “The Sing-Off” in “Critic’s Corner” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15567

Boston Herald, December 14, 2009: Tenley Woodman ran feature on local a cappella group THE BEELZEBUBS in support of “The Sing-Off,” includes quotes from Eric Morrissey, Tufts spokeswoman Kim Thurler and Ben Folds. Includes set photo of THE BEELZEBUBS and Ben Folds.

Boston Herald, December 13, 2009: Included a highlight of the second episode of “The Sing-Off” in “Tuesday, December 15” section.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15524

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “AJC TV Weekly” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of judge Shawn Stockman.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15518

Atlanta Journal Constitution, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” highlight in “Monday Television” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15569

Atlanta Journal Constitution (Blog), December 14, 2009: Rodney Ho included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Best Bets.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/12/14/tv-best-bets-including-season-finales-of-niptuck-survivor-so-you-think-you-can-dance/?cxntlid=thbz_hm

Washington Post, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15567

Houston Chronicle (Blog), December 14, 2009: Includes “The Sing-Off” highlight in “Watch This” in support of the premiere.
http://blogs.chron.com/tubular/archives/2009/12/tune_in_121409.html

Houston Press, December 14, 2009: Daniel Carson included “The Sing-Off” highlight in “This Week in TV.”
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/12/this_week_in_tv_last_flight_of.php

Tampa Tribune, December 14, 2009: Walt Belcher ran feature on native Tampa resident Philip Nitz from local a cappella group VOICES OF LEE in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off,” includes quotes from Philip’s father David Nitz and executive producer Joel Gallen and photo of VOICES OF LEE.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15576

St. Petersburg Times, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “What to Watch” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15571

Seattle Times, December 13, 2009: Ran feature on “The Sing-Off” in support of the premiere includes quotes by executive producer Joel Gallen and judge Shawn Stockman. Includes a front page photo of Nick Lachey on “TV Times.” Picked up from Jacqueline Cutler of Zap 2 It.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15547

Minneapolis Star Tribune, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Critic’s Picks” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15583

St. Paul Pioneer Press, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Here’s What’s New” in support of the premiere. Picked up from Joanne Ostrow of the Denver Post.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15542

St. Paul Pioneer Press, December 13, 2009: Ran item on “The Sing-Off” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of Shawn Stockman.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15552

Miami Herald, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Today’s Highlights” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15564

Sacramento Bee, December 14, 2009: Carlos Alcala ran feature on Sacramento native Kelley Jakle from local a cappella group THE SOCALS in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off,” includes quotes from Kelley Jakle and her friend John Ferrace.

Sacramento Bee, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tonight’s Best” in support of the premiere, includes front page photo of Nick Lachey in support of “The Sing-Off.”

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 14, 2009: Gail Pennington included “The Sing-Off” on “New Tonight” in support of the premiere.

Oregonian, December 13, 2009: Jake Ten Pas ran feature Q&A with local a cappella group THE SOCALS member Ryan Alvarez in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off,” includes a photo of THE SOCALS performing on set and a single photo of Ryan Alvarez.

Baltimore Sun, December 13, 2009: Chris Kaltenbach ran feature on local a cappella group MAXX FACTOR in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off,” includes a set photo of MAXX FACTOR.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15541

Baltimore Sun, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “More Can’t Miss Picks” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15536

San Diego Union Tribune, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Monday Best Bets” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of Nick Lachey.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15546

Hartford Courant, December 13, 2009: Roger Catlin included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Eye” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15532

Hartford Courant (Blog), December 14, 2009: Roger Catlin included “The Sing-Off” in “On Tonight” in support of the premiere.
http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2009/12/on-tonight-singoff-start-hudso.html

New Haven Register, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Best Bets” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15562

Tennessean, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tuesday Highlights” in support of the second episode of “The Sing-Off.”
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15542

Columbus Dispatch, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Best Bets” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15555

Cincinnati Inquirer, December 14, 2009: John Kiesewetter ran feature on “The Sing-Off,” includes quotes from local Cincinnatian Joe Sofranko from local a cappella group THE SOCALS and host Nick Lachey. Includes a set photo of THE SOCALS and a photo of Joe Sofranko.

Cincinnati Inquirer, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Week” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15593

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 14, 2009: Includes “The Sing-Off” highlight in “Flash Forward” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15565

San Antonio Express News, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tune in Today” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15590

Oklahoman, December 13, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Monday” in support of the premiere, includes a photo of Nick Lachey.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15553

Oklahoman, December 14, 2009: Ran item on “The Sing-Off” in “Got a Minute?” section.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15589

Austin American-Statesman, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” highlight in “New on TV” in support of the premiere.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 12, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “The Week’s Best” in support of the premiere.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15511

Lansing State Journal, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “TV Tonight” in support of the premiere. Picked up from Mike Hughes of TV America.
http://hub.lsj.com/article/20091214/THINGS0206/912140304/1055/THINGS

Commercial Appeal, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tune In” in support of the premiere. Picked up from Kevin McDonough of United Features Syndicate.
http://images.burrellesluce.com/image/7246MX/7246MX_15573

Toronto Star, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tonight on TV” in support of the premiere.

The Futon Critic, December 14, 2009: Jim Halterman ran feature interview with Nick Lachey and Joel Gallen in support of the premiere of “The Sing-Off.”
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20091214_singoff

Canwest News Service (Canada.com), December 14, 2009: Kat Angus included “The Sing-Off” in “Three to See” in support of the premiere.
http://www.canada.com/Fine+Tuning+Monday/2338205/story.html

Hamilton Spectator Internet and Wire Services, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tonight’s TV” in support of the premiere.
http://www.thespec.com/Entertainment/article/690383

Gather, December 14, 2009: Included “The Sing-Off” in “Tonight on TV” in support of the premiere.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977946014&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace
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