Save "The Sing-Off!"

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you probably know two things by now:

1. I was in a college a cappella group and love the musical form.
2. I love television.

3 years ago NBC put those two loves together and created "The Sing-Off," which I have also blogged about here numerous times.

Well, if you haven't heard by now, NBC has decided not to air the show again next year. It's stupid and understandable at the same time. Even if they didn't pick it back up for a full season like they did this year, then they should at least put it back in its three week miniseries form.

Anyway, here's where you come in. A petition has been started to save the show. There are currently over 12,000 signatures, but we need so many more! Even if you've only seen the show once or twice, if you enjoyed it, please sign! This series has been SO important to the spread and awareness of a cappella and they just produced their most marketable winner yet!

Here is the link to the petition: Save the Sing Off!

And if you are not yet a fan of a cappella, watch this video of this season's winners, Pentatonix. It is epic.

Here are some more reasons to celebrate "The Sing Off"-- Celebrating The Sing Off

What are you waiting for? Go sign!

Pop Bytes

I love writing about pop culture, but sometimes I just have random thoughts that I want to put out there about certain things that don't warrant an entire post. That's where "Pop Bytes" comes in. I'll do this from time to time just to get some commentary out there, and I encourage you to chime in!

VH1 This channel has been rocking my socks off lately. It started with the return of Pop Up Video. I absolutely love this show, and have enjoyed reminiscing, as well as seeing current videos since no one seems to show them anymore. They also recently aired 100 Greatest Songs of the 00s which made me want to create a giant playlist and listen to it over and over (hello Spotify!). VH1 also has Tough Love Miami and The TO Show, which are two of my guilty pleasures. And if you get up early enough, they actually show MUSIC VIDEOS in the morning, imagine that!

Oprah's Lifeclass I've never really liked Oprah, but I tuned in to the first episode out of curiosity and boredom. I was hoping that she was using old episodes to reminisce and maybe catch up with old guests, which could be interesting (because of the guests, not her). Instead, it is Oprah using old episodes to "teach life lessons." I found it hilarious that the first episode was about ego! If she was really taking that advice, she wouldn't have this show. Oprah is no more qualified to guide someone through life than any other broadcaster. I found out that she would have been a social worker or teacher if she wasn't doing this. If she had actually studied to be either of those, maybe I would take her a bit more seriously.

Fox on Demand I'm glad that Fox has finally jumped on the bandwagon, so I can watch shows I've missed. However, they seem to be missing the point of "on demand." They have their shows available in their entirety, including commercials, without allowing fast forward. In contrast, other networks feature commercials, but they only have one or two per break, so it doesn't require as much time. Also, I've been using it to watch The X Factor, and they only have the episodes up for a couple of days before they take it off, which is kind of pointless. Hopefully they'll get it together for the second half of the season.

Blue Valentine I finally watched this movie. It had amazing reviews, great acting, and Ryan Gosling. Although I agreed with the acting, this movie was soooo depressing. Don't watch it if you're already in a bad mood! And Ryan looks totally grungy and trashy, yuck.

The Sing Off I said I wouldn't pick a favorite until the top ten, so I'm a little late, as they're now down to the top eight. Consistently, I have liked AfroBlue's performances. They have great song choices, and they always put their own spin to it to make it slightly different. I've also enjoyed all three male college groups, and can't really pick a favorite among them right now. I'm ready for The Collective to go, and anxious for Pentatonix going forward, as they finally impressed me this week!

Entertainment Weekly's Reunions Issue I mentioned this a few weeks ago talking about Home Improvement. That article was great, and I also enjoyed the reunion of Growing Pains. I wish they could have done a few more!

Alright, that's my two cents for now. What tv, music or movies has you going right now?

A cappella madness!

In honor of the advent of the third season of The Sing Off, I think it's time for some a cappella blogging!

For those that met me post-college, you may or may not know I was a founding member of USC's female a cappella group Cocktails. It was the most awesome experience and sometimes I want to go back to college just so I can be in the group again! I even pulled out some of our old DVDs to watch this summer, and channeled my inner diva during karaoke this summer ("Rolling in the Deep" anyone?). I wish there were enough alum around Columbia to start another group. If you'd like to check out the current incarnation of the group, they have tons of videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Cocktailsacappella
Here is one of my favorites: 

On to The Sing Off -- this is THE coolest thing to happen to a cappella. I am so excited that they expanded it into a full season this year instead of just a holiday miniseries. This competition has done so much to further the awareness of a cappella. The only thing that bothers me is that they keep referring to it as "voices only," which is technically correct, but I think people can learn a new vocabulary word.

As I was watching last night, I was trying to pinpoint why this show (other than the obvious reasons) seems so different from other singing reality competitions. I decided that this show is completely positive. They don't show the groups during auditions, and thus ridicule them (which is key since many college groups have frequently rotating members). They allow all the groups to sit by the stage and watch each other. The groups are all incredibly supportive of each other, standing ovations and all. I think this gives it a different feel from all of the others.

I really enjoyed most of the first eight groups. Yellowjackets, AfroBlue and Vocal Point more than represented for the college scene. As for Delilah, I was kind of annoyed at first that previous contestants were back, but then I found out they were all in college when they performed before, and have now formed an alumni group,  so it's okay :-) I was pleased to finally see a group (Urban Method) do a rap song, which was decent. I only disagreed with one of the choices they sent home: Kinfolk 9 should have been eliminated instead of Cat's Pajamas. I'm going to wait to pick a favorite until the second bracket performs next week.

Oh, and the addition of Sara Barielles is STELLAR. I called that from the first season. She was in a group at UCLA and I actually have a recording of her singing "Gravity" with her group Awaken. I'm pretty sure that was the first recorded incarnation of the song. Anyway, I'm glad they put someone with true a cappella ties on the panel.

Well, that's my schpiel for the moment. Did you watch? Who was your favorite? What did you think of Sara? Comments please!