Shawn Stockman’s ‘Sing-Off’ Blog: The Evolution Of A Cappella

This is the official blog on AccessHollywood.com for the NBC a cappella competition “The Sing-Off”.

This is the ONLY vocal competition show of its kind on television where you will hear vocal groups perform with absolutely NO instrumental accompaniment! A cappella, although being one of the oldest musical art forms, is really in comparison to the digital, electronic, synthesized-driven music that’s heard on the radio today, a distant cousin in popularity!

When I first heard of the show and was fortunate enough to be asked to be a part of it, I was excited! It’s the art-form that my own group, Boyz II Men, had an affinity for and the main reason why we acquired our very first record deal! Harmony, when done right, is the sweetest most dulcet sound the ears are privileged to hear!

I was so happy that NBC was gracious enough to give a cappella a national soap box! I’ll admit, I was pleasantly surprised that when seeing the contestants take the stage on the first season, what I thought would be just groups of a particular age, were groups from all ages and colors. But when I heard them, and I said to myself with a big grin, “This could actually work!”

Now here we are in our third season, and a cappella music is bigger, and as you will see with the contestants on this season’s show, more innovative than ever! Only on this show will you find a cast of characters that range from a bunch of fun loving, energetic college kids, to a jazzy sophisticated ensemble, to a band of Mormon heartthrobs!

This show has shown that a cappella actually IS beloved not only by what the uninformed would think a specific and out of date demographic, but by all age groups! You never know what you’re going to see or hear when these groups open their mouths, but it’s always a ride you have never witnessed before.

This season, unlike the previous two, we have 16 groups battling for the grand prize of $200,000 and a SONY music contract! Last night was the bracket of the first eight groups. Keeping up with the tradition of the show, we start the episode off with all of the groups combining to sing one huge number. All their voices to create one enormous sound blaring through your television!

Instantly, you get a chance to get acquainted with all the groups and have fun arguing with your family and friends who you think will be your favorite! Then after a brief commercial interlude, the competition begins!

This season my theme regarding clothes is simple and clean: I’m wearing a Peter Miller sweater and a shirt by Robert Graham and although you can’t see them under the desk, my Levi’s 501 “hard denim” and a pair of fresh white Jordans. My ruby-studded G-shock and shamballa bracelet were customized by jeweler Harry Glinberg. I would love to read what you thought about the show, your favorite group thus far, the judges’ clothes, the groups’ clothes, etc. But be mindful that I’m an artist and I’m sensitive..LOL!

For real though, I hope everyone enjoys the show and next blog I’m going to give you some insight of what shooting day is all about — oh and I’ve got an idea, tell me what you think — we shoot the finals live in November…anyone interested in coming and hanging with me…..just a thought!

Everyone be safe and I’ll holla next week!

-SHAWN