In the short answer, yes, the a cappella group Pentatonix did provide vocals for some of the songs in the 2018 animated film The Grinch. Pentatonix sang both classic songs from the original 1966 animated TV special, as well as new songs composed for the 2018 movie.
Pentatonix’s involvement in The Grinch
The Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix is known for their covers of popular songs and Christmas music. Their association with The Grinch came about when Pentatonix was asked to contribute vocals to the 2018 computer animated film The Grinch, produced by Illumination Entertainment.
Pentatonix provided the vocals for three songs on the official soundtrack for The Grinch:
- “Jingle Bells” – a classic Christmas song originally composed in 1857
- “Making Christmas”
- “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – a song originally composed for the 1966 animated TV special
Pentatonix sang updated a cappella covers of “Jingle Bells” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” These new versions incorporated Pentatonix’s signature style of reworking classics with complex vocal arrangements. For the original song “Making Christmas,” Pentatonix also provided the lead vocals.
Pentatonix’s style and success
Pentatonix is a 5-member a cappella group consisting of Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee. They gained popularity through their YouTube videos before winning NBC’s singing competition The Sing-Off in 2011.
Their style involves reworking pop songs and classics into contemporary a cappella arrangements. Pentatonix explores complex harmonies, vocal percussion, and basslines created solely through their voices. This inventive approach helped them stand out and attract fans when they started releasing covers on YouTube in 2011.
Since their win on The Sing-Off, Pentatonix has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. They have had two #1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, their YouTube channel has over 17 million subscribers and 4 billion views.
Pentatonix’s previous Christmas releases
In addition to their original songs and pop covers, Pentatonix has released several popular Christmas albums:
- That’s Christmas to Me (2014) – Won a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
- A Pentatonix Christmas (2016) – Reached #1 on Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart
- Christmas Is Here! (2018)
- The Best of Pentatonix Christmas (2019) – Reached #1 on Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart
Due to their extensive Christmas discography and flair for reinvigorating classics, Pentatonix was a natural choice to lend their vocals to the 2018 Grinch film. Their contributions allowed them to put their unique spin on some of the film’s most iconic songs.
Pentatonix’s versions of the Grinch songs
Here is some more detail on how Pentatonix approached the three songs they sang for The Grinch:
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
This song was originally written and composed by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss for the 1966 animated TV special. Pentatonix honored the song’s bass vocal melody and lyrics but added their signature harmonies and vocal percussion. The result is a fresh take on a holiday classic.
“Jingle Bells”
Pentatonix transformed this lighthearted Christmas song into an upbeat, rock-inspired a cappella anthem. Their version has a driving rhythm punctuated by vocal bass and percussion. They also included four-part harmonies and melodic countermelodies that showcase their vocal agility and range.
“Making Christmas”
This original song was written by Jack Antonoff and Ozomatli for the 2018 film. Pentatonix provides the lead vocals throughout, allowing listeners to hear their pure voices in harmony. It’s a joyful, upbeat tune that Pentatonix brings to life through their enthusiastic and melodic vocals.
Impact of Pentatonix’s contributions
Having Pentatonix contribute their vocals to The Grinch soundtrack helped attract fans of the group’s music to the film. Their unique covers of classic Grinch songs created buzz and drew attention when the track list was announced.
Pentatonix’s contributions also introduced their distinctive style to a new audience. People who may not have been familiar with Pentatonix’s interpretations of pop covers got to experience their creative arrangements through these Grinch songs.
The soundtrack, which also featured artists like Tyler, the Creator, was certified Gold by the RIAA. Pentatonix’s a cappella covers likely helped drive interest in the album thanks to the group’s popularity, especially around the holidays.
Overall, including new versions by Pentatonix allowed the music of The Grinch to feel fresh and updated. It blended the nostalgia of hearing familiar songs with the excitement of Pentatonix’s modern, inventive take on them. Their contributions complemented the new animated film and introduced classics to a new generation.
Other notable Christmas projects by Pentatonix
In addition to The Grinch soundtrack, some other noteworthy Christmas projects by Pentatonix include:
The Pentatonix Christmas Special (2013)
This TV special featured Pentatonix performing holiday favorites alongside guests like Kelly Clarkson. It helped showcase Pentatonix’s Christmas repertoire and led to their first full-length holiday album.
Mary, Did You Know? (2014)
Pentatonix’s version of this Christmas song went viral, becoming one of their most popular tracks with over 200 million YouTube views. Their arrangement highlights their technical skills and emotional expressiveness.
Making arrangements for movies, TV shows, and ad campaigns
Beyond The Grinch, Pentatonix has provided new arrangements of Christmas classics for films like Pitch Perfect 3, shows like The O.C., and commercials.
Annual Christmas tour
Pentatonix has performed Christmas shows annually since 2012. These tours allow them to fully immerse audiences in their diverse holiday repertoire.
Pentatonix has released several Christmas albums and songs, but providing vocals for The Grinch soundtrack stands out as a special opportunity. It allowed them to leave their mark on some of the most famous songs from a beloved holiday classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the a cappella group Pentatonix lent their vocal talents to the 2018 animated film The Grinch. They sang updated versions of classic songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Jingle Bells” in their signature style. Pentatonix also provided vocals for the original song “Making Christmas.”
Their contributions blended nostalgia with musical inventiveness to help introduce the songs to new audiences. Pentatonix’s participation aligned perfectly with their renown as creative arrangers and performers of Christmas music. Though they have many holiday projects, singing on The Grinch soundtrack holds special significance. It allowed Pentatonix to creatively interpret some of the most iconic holiday songs and help bring them to life in a new adaptation.
| Song | Original version release | Pentatonix version release |
|---|---|---|
| Jingle Bells | 1857 | 2018 (The Grinch Soundtrack) |
| Making Christmas | 2018 (The Grinch) | 2018 (The Grinch Soundtrack) |
| You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch | 1966 (TV special) | 2018 (The Grinch Soundtrack) |
This table provides details on when the original versions of the songs Pentatonix covered for The Grinch were released versus when the Pentatonix versions came out.
Pentatonix put their creative spin on the classics “Jingle Bells” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” which were over 150 and 50 years old respectively. Their covers modernized these songs and introduced them to new listeners in 2018. They also provided vocals on the original track “Making Christmas,” released alongside the film that same year.
This information helps illustrate how Pentatonix blended nostalgia and novelty through their contributions to The Grinch soundtrack. Covering timeless holiday favorites allowed them to showcase their arranging skills, while the new original song demonstrated their versatility as vocalists.
Pentatonix has forged a distinctive musical identity through their inventive a cappella covers of pop songs and Christmas classics. When they were recruited to lend their talents to The Grinch in 2018, they had the perfect opportunity to reimagine some of the film’s most iconic musical moments. Alongside a new original track, their contributions introduced the songs to new generations and helped update the film’s soundtrack. Pentatonix’s participation exemplified their artistry and unique style which modernizes and reinvigorates holiday traditions and favorites.
