They are the most talented musical group I’ve ever heard in my life. Truly amazing.

Pentatonix Bohemian Rhapsody Insights: So, some things to know about this cover and video: -It took PTX years to get the arrangement to where they felt they could do the original masterpiece justice. -The cover, and especially the video, was meant to be an homage to Queen. Some of the moments paying respect were: The mono-recording of the line "easy come, easy go" followed by the panning of the voices from left to right on the line "little high, little low" (which is how the original was recorded), obviously the flashlights being used to mimic the lighting on the operatic part of the original video, the four shooting stars to represent the four members of Queen, as well as acknowledge the fact that Dr. Brian May is an astrophysicist, and the overhead shot of them lying on the couch is to represent the Sheer Heart Attack album cover. -The megaphone was just a prop. It is not needed to reproduce the electric guitar distortion. -PTX can, and does, perform this live with no backing track...something even Queen and the Great Freddie Mercury could not do. -Freddy once said he didn't care what people did with his music as long as they "...don't make it boring, darling!", so I think he would absolutely approve. -The overall video--with the "living room" and couch--is an homage to Pentatonix's own journey as a group. They lost their record deal right after winning the Sing Off and moving to LA, so they started putting out videos on KZfaq, performing covers. They would sit on the couch in Kevin (beatboxer) and Avi's (bass) living room and just record themselves on Mitch's (counter tenor who took the lead on this song) iPad. Some of their earliest videos went viral and they eventually were able to secure a new deal, record an EP, go on tour, release chart-topping albums and win three Grammy awards...so they moved out of the living room and down this new, unknown road. At the end of the day, though, they're still the same choir-nerds they've always been; just happy to sit together on a couch and sing. Also when Brian Mays heard it... then he posted it on his web site with the word "ENJOY”.

Meant to add, among their many unique versions of Christmas songs is their official video of "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" which features an African beat and a surprise group of guest stars at the end. It's so much fun!

If someone hasn't already mentioned, Adam Rupp with Home Free has apparently mastered the art of vocal harmonica. See Home Free's cover of Man of Constant Sorrow. Peace, Love!! Pentatonix is also Bad Ass by the way.

The audio panning on "little high, little low" is a direct quote from Queen. If you listen to Queen's original you'll hear the same panning on the same phrase. Pentatonix loves Queen, and they love "Bohemian Rhapsody," so they always wanted to cover this song, but they feared that they couldn't do it justice, so they decided to wait until they were sure they were ready. That took them five years, but it was worth the wait - they were definitely ready. In the early days of Pentatonix, after Epic reneged on the recording contract Pentatonix had "won" on _The Sing-Off,_ Pentatonix started posting to KZfaq; it was the only way they COULD publish their music. A lot of those early KZfaq videos show the five of them sitting on a couch, with the trio on the back of the couch and Avi and Kevin on the seat in front of them, just five very young people singing their hearts out, making their dream come true. Note that this is the configuration we see them in at the beginning and end of "Bohemian Rhapsody," which is one reason the couch needs to move - it's taking Pentatonix (and us) on a trip down Memory Lane. The more important reason the couch moves is that it's standing in for the car in _Wayne's World,_ where Wayne and Garth introduced a whole new generation to the genius of Queen by putting a tape of "Bohemian Rhapsody" into the car's tape player. The couch was motorized, and not very well balanced. (Note that when they're sitting on it their feet don't quite reach the ground. The little curtain thing on the bottom was added to hide the motor.) It kept trying to tip over during the filming and actually managed to throw Kevin off at one point. There was a small platform attached to the back so that Kirstie could climb on the couch from behind - Scott, being a foot taller than Kirstie, didn't need it. When Mitch lies down on the couch, singing "Too late, My time has come," they're refering to Freddie Mercury's death (the foreshadowing was, of course, unintentional on Freddie's part; there's no way he could have known). The other four are walking next to the couch to serve as his pall bearers. Many people think the megaphone is distorting Mitch's voice to make him sound more like an electric guitar, but it actually has nothing to do with it. The megaphone wasn't turned on, and couldn't have distorted Mitch's voice even if it had been - it was just a megaphone. The electric guitar is all Mitch. Mitch happened to see the megaphone lying around on the set and thought it would make a cool prop, so it's been confusing people ever since. During the "Bismillah" argument, note that Scott, whose range includes both bass and tenor registers, is actually singing along with both the high and low sides of the argument. Scott has said that this rapid switching is the hardest part of the song for him. When the camera pans up to show us the starry night sky during Mitch's second guitar solo, it's meant as a tribute to Queen's lead guitarist, Brian May, who has a doctorate in astrophysics. The four shooting stars honor the four members of Queen. When the camera pans back down to show Pentatonix lying on the couch together it's meant to recall the cover art for Queen's "Sheer Heart Attack" album. And when this official video was first released, Brian May posted a link to it on all his social media accounts with the comment: "Enjoy."

The megaphone is just a prop that was actually just him doing the guitar solo with his voice. They are amazing, Christmas is coming up soon and they have so many christmas songs to listen too, hope you will get to some.

This song is Fire and PTX just poured gasoline on it... 🔥

These guys are just flippin amazing alien unicorns! It took them 5 years to feel ready to do this song and to do it the justice that it deserves. They are all massive Queen fans. Brian May, lead guitarist from Queen, heard this song when it came out and posted a link to his socials with the one word comment 'Enjoy!' I feel like that is giving Queen's Seal of Approval right there! They also inserted a lot of references and easter eggs into this video in tribute to the original video - which by the way, if you haven't seen - you should probably check it out! Queen couldn't perform this song live because of all the layering they did in post! And not only can Pentatonix do this Live, but the Mitch Grassi Guitar has no need for a Megaphone. Mitch just saw it lying around the set and decided to use it to draw attention to who was doing the guitar solo part - the megaphone was not on, Mitch can do this live! The couch is in reference to their beginning videos where they recorded themselves on various of theirs couches to post onto KZfaq after they were dropped by Sony because they didn't think that Acapella would be popular enough to sell records. It is also a tip of the hat to Wayne's World movie scene with the car and head banging to this song which brought in a whole new generation to Queen's music! The part where Mitch is laying on the couch is in reference to Freddie's death and the members walking alongside are his coffin's Pallbearers. A lot of the visuals in here are in tribute to the original video's trippy graphics; like when they all line up and do the 'oh, oh, oh's' one after the other, and also when they line up behind Kirstie standing on the couch only to fan out behind her with their vocal parts. The shot of the sky is in tribute to Dr. Brian May who is Queen's lead guitarist and also an astrophysicist! Each shooting star represents a member of Queen. When they all collapse onto the couch with the shot from above is a homage to the cover art of Queen's record 'Sheer Heart Attack' Also I am pretty sure, Mitch is a reincarnation of Freddie Mercury - one...he can grow the Freddie Stash and looks so much like Freddie that it is kinda creepy - two...he can sing just as high if not higher than Freddie could - and three...Freddie died 8 months before Mitch was born!

PTX is world class. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to make such incredible music without any instruments. They are the BEST!

The Grassi Guitar does not require a megaphone. It is just a prop to draw attention to who is making the sound. I heard it done live and it was EPIC! Mitch might be the reincarnation of Freddie Mercury. Freddie died in November 1991 and Mitch was born in July 1992. He can also grow the Freddie mustache. It is so close to matching it is kinda creepy. You can see Mitch with the Freddie mustache doing Somebody to Love on a Queen special that was on ABC a few years ago.

I absolutely love your reaction! Pentatonix never fails to put out magic.

actually, the guitar is straight-up Mitch 🔥 The megaphone is just a prop 💖

This has to be one of the best reactions ever!!! Your energy is a total vibe🫶🏼

Oh, yeah, they can top this! The brilliance on this one is undeniable. But then, if you want heart and soul, there's Hallelujah. And, Mary Did You Know. And Amazing Grace. And about a dozen more I could name...not even including any of the holiday stuff. But Shon: start with Hallelujah. And I gotta tell you, every time you listen to/watch it, the emotion (yours) will grow.

This was absolutely phenomenal live. Caught their summer tour this year. Best night

Absolutely agree with Kevin's 5th! I went to see them live 2x this year and he still performs this and it is amazing...Celloboxing!!! Guitar is definitely Mitch only and no assistance with the megaphone. They have a huge collection of covers and originals. May want to check out Daft Punk (1st Grammy), Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (another Grammy) and Jolene performed with Dolly Parton (yet another Grammy). A couple of originals are Run to You and Love Again. They have so many awesome covers and originals....please keep reacting.

I’m tellin ya…check out their Daft Punk Melody… it’s 🔥

Can't wait til you react to their version of O Come All Ye Faithful... it will have you dancing 😊

The best remake of this song with or without instruments.

Just so you know the megaphone is a prop. In live concerts he doesn’t use it.

You're 2 into over 220. They will fit whose voices bet into the song. They Hellelujiah, it has nearing 750 million vies.

I subscribed last PTX reaction. PLEASE keep reacting. You wont be disappointed. They are so amazing and entertaining. You won't regret it. They can rap too.Cant Hold Us and Problem two of my favorites The beatboxer plays the cello. Dances and beatboxes ... Kevin's 5th. Christmas is outstanding. And they can perform live anything they do in the studio. You may want to check out Superfruit also. I'll leave the surprise for you when you search Hip Hop goes Broadway 1 and 2

I so love how enthusiastic you are when you react to PTX! Mitch did get a big part of the lead in the beginning of this song, which happens for each of the vocalists from time to time. In other songs the lead is split more evenly. It all depends on the song and who is most suited to sing which parts. There’s so much more to discover, please keep ‘em coming! Peace …

Hey Shon... I love the joy you bring to us when you discover a new Band! I normally dont reply... because someone bests me to it... but as I am a huge fan of Kevin the Beatboxer ( your Chocolate Brother 😉), I will suggest one video for you. "Kevin's 5th" from the 2022 Christmas Tour. Be sure to pick the 17+ minute video! Scott (tall blonde) explains how they found Kevin for the show "The Sing-Off." Mind blowing! His talent knows no bounds, and IMO, often understated. I'm hoping you get to it... but definitely here for the PTX Journey... as will other Pentaholics!

Harmonica....have you not reacted to Home Free's 'Man of Constant Sorrow'? They also are an a capella group. The beat boxer, or human drum kit, Adam Rupp does a perfect harmonica solo in the song.

I enjoyed your reaction to this beautiful Pentatonix video. Thank you. They are amazing. Mitch can also sound like a violin with just his voice. I don't know if any of them can do harmonica sounds. Kevin can sound like a fluegelhorn and a bugle with just his voice. I look forward to more of your Pentatonix reactions.

Man the operatic part (the Galileos) is probably my favorite part of the song 😂

If you want to hear a harmonica in an acapella group, check out "Home Free - Man of Constant Sorrow".

Loving your reactions!! Next… recommend Imagine (video not live), Amazing Grace, Can’t Hold Us and an original Love Again (EDM vibes)

the megaphone, is only a prop, not being used at all. they do the same sound live on stage with nothing.

Recommend their cover of I Just Called To Say I Love You.

probably one of the most melodyned things ever created

Look up pentatonix “Daft Punk”

Kevin Olusola - The sign of the times

PTX's official video of "Havana" includes Kevin doing a great vocal imitation of a trumpet (or is it a coronet? One of those horns. Anyway...)

Funny enough, my first time watching this, I had to go watch them perform this song live just to make sure. its crazy that mitch didn't even need the megaphone and it was just a prop. idk why I was surprised

Careful what you wish for... You might get it!

They have done so many songs you would enjoy - especially their "Evolution of" videos - Michal Jackson, Rihanna, Arian Grande. Their cover of Havana, Problem, Imagine, Cheerleader - keep going~

Love to see you do more reactions to them. Check out their library of music videos.

evolution of riahnna and micheal jackson top notch bro

That is why the lead bass pler for the grou instead watch and enjoy

The megaphone for Mitch's vocal guitar is just a prop. When they perform live he does the guitar solo without it.

Mitch Grassi aka Mitch May Mercury

PTX don't do covers, they do upgrades.

🔥🔥🔥

I would love for you to react to Avi Kaplans Change on the rise.

The megaphone was only a prop... It was all Mitch!

@shon1303 I've been thinking about your desire to hear Pentatonix vocally emulate a harmonica ever since I saw this reaction yesterday. Harmonica is HARD; there are so many tones involved. And then I thought about Avi. One of the things that has always fascinated people about Avi is his overtone singing. He's given several demonstrations; here's one, beginning at 3:14 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ac2ehreBuZOWd4U.html And here's Avi explaining how to do it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nKt1dMl_ztDDeok.html We haven't heard overtone singing from Pentatonix since Avi left, but NOT because only Avi can do it - this is an interview where the trio and Kevin demonstrate that they also know how to do it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fLGdaN1_qJPRkXk.html (the question about overtone singing begins at 17:11, but the whole interview is worth watching). And since Avi's explanation wasn't quite enough for me to understand how to do it, here's a tutorial I found: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rZpid7Sgv5Pej5c.html Now, there are several possible reasons why Pentatonix doesn't currently do it. They may feel that it's too closely associated with Avi and not wish to trigger people's nostalgia, or their own pain at losing him. They may simply have no songs where they feel that it would be an enhancement. Or there's a possibility that they have a contractual obligation to avoid overtone singing - I know that when Avi left there were some disagreements about who owned what and lawyers got involved and parts of it may be rather messy, kind of like a divorce settlement. If it's contractual we'll never hear overtone singing from Pentatonix again; they honor the agreements they've made. To get back to vocally mimicking a harmonica, I think overtone singing is the closest anyone can come. But there's something else I should point out here. While overtone singing SOUNDS like the singer is doing something impossible, it's actually quite easy. There's nothing special about my voice, but I can do overtone singing. That tutorial video is very good. So Shon, if you want to hear a vocal harmonica, try it. I bet this is something you can do yourself.

You should hear a family band called Liliac pronounced Lilly ack .Melodies voice will impress they do a cover called Enter Sandman from Metallica, give it a shot I believe you will enjoy it.

It's so exciting to watch you react to songs you didn't know just a few years/months ago, and now you're finding alternate versions of classics and absorbing all of it! As a suggestion for something you've probably never heard, check out the Duet from Pearl Fishers (opera), like this one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a7aJp5V50ajZqX0.html

Really hope you do hallelujah by them.

You need to react to some Home Free and Voiceplay videos please 🙏🙏 They are both amazing as well!

Try Home Free if like acapella. “Man of constant sorrow “.

HAHAHAHAHAHA @ "a man's voice shouldnt be able to go that deep" Avi can actually break subwoofers with just his voice. Interesting question though..have u not yet been introduced to "The Bass Gang" They will literally melt your brain...I am a PTX girl through and through but they have snuck up on me and totally blew my freaking mind with their music as well. Also react to anything with Tim Foust or Geoff Castelucci for some really deep velvety bass singing. SUBBED for more PTX and hopefully some other great groups that are out there that people have already suggested to you

No megaphone was used in the making of that guitar solo....

Home Free.

Listen to the Evolution of Michael Jackson.

Pentatonix is so interesting to watch?

Mitch was born exactly 8 months after Freddie died…just saying.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥