Never underestimate Oakland youth. If I’ve learned anything as a high school educator in Oakland, it’s that our young people are strong, intelligent, and talented. Case in point? , an impressive student acapella group from the Oakland School for the Arts, who are making a splash this holiday season on NBC’s The Sing Off.
Monday, December 9th was the 2-hour premier of the 4th season of The Sing Off, an acapella competition in which 10 groups from all over the country compete for vocal supremacy. Facing Ivy League singers, OGs, and grown-ass professional musicians of all stripes, Vocal Rush is easily the youngest crew in the competition. It’s a bit reminiscent of a couple of years ago, when their OSA classmates, Pop Lyfe, made a run for the title of America’s Got Talent. Pop Lyfe finished in fourth place, but not before capturing the hearts of millions with their soul, funk, and maturity.
Vocal Rush’s moving and stomping rendition of Delta Rae’s “Bottom of the River” had the judges rapt, and Jordan Holly absolutely murked the lead vocals. The judges appeared thoroughly impressed and commented on Vocal Rush’s soul, gravitas, and technically sound performance. The Princeton men were the first to be eliminated, which means the Oakland kids will live to sing on.
The competition continues this Wednesday at 8/7c on NBC, but for now, check out their performance and a feature interview with the Oakland youth below.
UPDATE: VOCAL RUSH PERFORMS “GONNA MAKE YOU SWEAT” ON EPISODE 2
UPDATE: VOCAL RUSH PERFORMS “HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO” ON EPISODE 3
And then things got dicey as they got sent to the “Sing-Off” round to perform a dueling version of Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” against Element to see if they would be eliminated. Watch and find out if they made the cut!
UPDATE: VOCAL RUSH PERFORMS “AGAINST ALL ODDS” ON EPISODE 4
And then at the end they took on Ten in an ultimate Sing-Off of the song “Fame.” I’m not sure what the function of this rehearsed match-up is, but it was a triumphant team performance.
UPDATE: VOCAL RUSH PERFORMS “MY SONGS KNOW WHAT YOU DID IN THE DARK” ON EPISODE 5
VOCAL RUSH HAS MADE THE FINALE, WHICH MEANS ON MONDAY FROM 8-10PM THEY WILL COMPETE FOR $100,000 AND A SONY RECORDING CONTRACT ON NBC. TUNE IN AND SUPPORT OAKLAND YOUTH!
