NBC’s “The Sing-Off” spreads holiday cheer

By Tom Comi

One of greatest things about this time of year is when the sound of carolers fills the air, and fans of a cappella music will get a large dose of that tonight as NBC offers up a two-hour holiday special of The Sing-Off, called “A Sing-Off Christmas.”

The competition crowned Pentatonix as its Season 3 winner last week, but that fortunately was not the end of the show’s run. Airing tonight at 8pm ET, this concert will feature groups from the first three seasons performing holiday and inspirational classics.

In addition to Pentatonix , we will be treated to songs by the show’s previous champs, Committed and Nota. Also reportedly lending their voices will be Street Corner Symphony, On the Rocks, The Backbeats, Beelzebubs and several others. Word has it that Flo Rida will also be making an appearance.

One of the great things about The Sing-Off is that it is solely about the singing. Because no instruments are permitted, it showcases the vocalists for their strengths and it doesn’t permit them to hide their weaknesses. The song choices and arrangements might not alway be great, but the singing most often is.

These groups are also always trying to find ways to get better, and their success can oftentimes be traced to their ability to follow the direction of the three judges. Sara Bareilles, Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman are experts within the genre of a cappella music, so the groups and fans alike know their advice is solid.

Tonight the trio abandons their judging chairs for a spot at center stage, as Bareilles and Folds team up for a holiday duet and Stockman performs a Christmas classic with Nota.

So gather the family for great night of holiday music. It might not be as intimate as Christmas carolers at your front door, but it’s pretty darn close.

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© 2010 NBC Universal, Inc.