College Singers Elevate Josh Groban’s Hit to New Heights with Acapella Mastery
An expertly performed acapella song can bring new depth to any track – whether it’s the absence of instruments highlighting the lyrics or the vocalists’ skill in engaging the audience. This rings especially true for the acapella rendition of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit, “You Raise Me Up,” by Brigham Young University’s (BYU) Vocal Point. Their version breathes fresh life into this inspirational song.
In 1991, BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander founded the BYU Vocal Point, a nine-member acapella group. The group swiftly gained popularity on campus, with their debut concert selling out.
BYU Vocal Point’s Ascent to Acapella Fame
Since its inception, BYU Vocal Point has achieved numerous accolades, including a fifth-place finish in the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off. Their talent was further recognized in December 2018 when they announced a record deal with Universal Music Group’s classical label, Decca Gold, on social media. Member Jason Bromley reflected, “We’re ordinary college students doing extraordinary things.”
“You Raise Me Up” Music Video: A Scenic Vocal Journey
The video for “You Raise Me Up” is set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. It starts with a single, clear voice, soon joined by another in harmony, building a rich, layered sound. The group’s voices are bright and pure, complemented by impressive percussive sounds created vocally.
As the singers traverse the mountain landscape, their rendition of the song becomes an immersive experience. The tranquility of the setting almost becomes palpable, illustrating the power of music to transport the listener to another place.
A Unique and Harmonious Rendition
The vocalists’ harmonies blend seamlessly, making distinguishing between the lead singers difficult. Their take on this widely covered song is refreshingly original, avoiding a simple imitation of the original. They infuse their unique style and arrangement into the song, adding a new hook towards the end that enhances the harmonies. The finale is bolstered by a choir of additional students, creating a profoundly powerful conclusion.
This exceptional version of “You Raise Me Up” by BYU Vocal Point is bound to become a favorite. Sit back and enjoy this unique and uplifting performance.
Judges Thought She Picked A Hard Song, But Once She Started Singing I Got Chills
Before making her on-stage debut in 2016, singer-songwriter Grace WanderWaal gave a brief sneak peek at her America’s Got Talent audition.
Grace said, “I’m doing my own song tonight, because I really think that it shows who I am,” when she was twelve years old. Although Grace was residing in New York at the time, she was born in Kansas.With luck. I really hope it does.
Indeed, to cut a very long tale short.
Grace gained the moniker “the next Taylor Swift” thanks to her outstanding performance.It also put her on a glitter-coated, affluent road. In Season 11, she won the $1 million prize on AGT.
Grace VanderWaal’s First AGT Examination
Judge Simon Cowell asked Grace if she thought she may win, to which she replied, “Miracles can happen, so possibly.”
When Simon asked her about the song she would be performing, she answered, “It’s about me.”The bulk of her school friends, she remarked, “don’t really know I sing.”
Her distinctive voice and method of fervent composing were initially noticed by her friends and AGT spectators.
With a ukulele accompaniment, Grace captivated the audience with her honest and poignant rendition of “I Don’t Know My Name,” a song about accepting one’s individuality.
I have no idea what my name is. “I don’t play by the rules of the game,” Grace sang.”You say I’m trying, and you’re right,”
Which decisions did the judges make?
The standing crowd fell hushed, chairs were occupied, and Grace braced herself to find out what the four judges thought of her audition.
Howie Mandel did not hesitate to express his opinions.
“This is a show about surprises,” he remarked.”You called yourself a miracle, and you are a beautiful walking miracle, in my opinion.”
Howie continued, citing a line from the song that said, “You’re original.”It is both right and wrong, in my opinion, for someone to not know your name, since everyone will know it. By now, they should be able to recognize your name.
Then he hit the Golden Buzzer, bringing Grace to the stage for her live performances. Howie rushed to give Grace a hug as she broke down in happy emotions.”You are amazing,” he told her.
Simon disclosed that Grace reminded him of a pop artist because of her ability to use her life experiences as inspiration for songs.”Grace, you know what I predict for you,” he uttered.I remarked, “You might be the next Taylor Swift.”
What a lovely young woman. Simon proclaimed, “What a wonderful personality,” to the other judges.
Amazing, Heidi Klum said.”That really is incredible.”
“She’s special,” Mel B said.
“Do you think you’re a star now?”Howie put a question to Simon.
“I think we’ve got a star,” Simon exclaimed, expressing his “annoyance” over not being included in the Golden Buzzer publicity.
Grace began her acting career in Stargirl and has since recorded CDs, having gained notoriety from her experience on America’s Got Talent. In Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, she portrays a pop star.
Watch America’s Got Talent’s previous Peacock seasons right now.
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