The Sing Off - A Capella Competition Show on NBC - Overview and Results

I am not a fan of most reality TV shows, but since I sing back up, most anything musical gets my attention. One of my favorite types of music is a cappella (vocals only) so when a show came on the scene showcasing a cappella groups, of course, my DVR started seeing some serious action. That show is called The Sing Off and I am having a great time watching. In a cappella music, vocals only produce the sounds of instruments, words, melodies and harmonies. It is NOT easy, but is a lot of fun. The percussion is called "mouth drums" and some of the performers do it well.

The Sing Off is a four episode event in which the best a cappella groups found compete for a recording contract and $100,000. Three judges give their thoughts after each performance. The judges, Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman and Nicole Scherzinger are nothing like American Idol judges, with the possible exception of Nicole (of Pussycat fame) who, in looks, words and actions somewhat resembles Paula Abdul. Ben Folds has industry credentials and gives each group a critique that includes their strong points and what they can do better next time. Shawn is a Boyz to Men alumnus and probably notices the pitch more than the other judges. Nick Lachey hosts the NBC show.

The first episode introduced us to eight very different groups from the US and Puerto Rico. For some, the harmonies held together, for some others, well, it wasn't a good night. Monday the judges sent two groups home: Face, a group of guys from Boulder, CO who just never quite were on the same page and Solo, a group from Omaha who had only been together about 3 months. To be selected to compete on the show was a great honor, but these two groups just couldn't bring it when it counted.

Tuesday's episode allowed Noteworthy to sing their swan song and go home. Noteworthywell, they weren't. They struggled the first night and only stayed for the second episode because there were two groups who did worse than they. Their lead singer was good, but the harmonies were rather screechy.

Now, there are 5 groups left; one more leaving after tonight's show and then a live show Monday the 21st to name the best group. A quick summary of the groups still competing:

Beelzebub - A group of guys from Tuft's University full of talent and charisma. I think they will take the competition.

Maxx Factor - Four middle-aged women with a Barbershop vocal background. Very tight harmonies, but unless they can pull away from their roots and add more variety, they can't win.

Nota - Six guys from Puerto Rico with tremendous voices. They are the Bubs biggest competition and could win.

SoCal - Can you guess where they are from? This group sang in college and pulled together after graduation. Not bad, but not the best. They pattern themselves after the show Glee.

Voices of Lee - This guys and gals group from Tennessee are pretty good, but not consistent. When they are in their element; a more gospel sound, they are great.

So far, the judges have made the decisions, but America gets to vote for the winner. Are you watching? Who do you think will win? You can leave your thoughts as a comment below.