Harmony unleashed: Top 10 a cappella performances that send shivers down your spine

Harmony unleashed: Top 10 a cappella performances that send shivers down your spine. I wouldn’t trade her for gold. Today we’re counting down our picks for the Times artists effortlessly commanding our attention and sending tingles down our spines, all through the sheer power of their vocals.

By Megan Sauer

Number 10: Teenage Dream (Glee)

Whether you’re a hardcore Glee fan or just stumble upon the occasional YouTube video, chances are you’ve hit replay on this performance. Season two introduced Blaine Anderson, played by Darren Chris, the frontman to rival a cappella group The Dalton Academy Warblers.

It’s not just one of Glee’s most memorable episodes but also boasts an unforgettable musical highlight: “Teenage Dream.” The arrangement, harmonies, and energy blend perfectly, hitting deep emotional cords that still reverberate today.

It’s a pivotal moment in Kurt’s story and transcends its scripted context, dominating charts and earning gold certification.

Number 9: The Longest Time (How I Met Your Mother)

Billy Joel’s doo-wop hit is a platinum-certified Bop, but we didn’t realize just how much it could move us until Ted, Barney, and the future versions of themselves covered it in the gut-wrenching Season 8 episode “The Time Travelers.”

For the longest time, the episode follows various time-hopping storylines, culminating in the heartbreaking revelation that Ted has actually been alone with his thoughts this whole time.

As if that wasn’t enough of a punch to the gut, he then tells his kids and the audience how he wishes he’d spent that evening: “I want this extra 45 days with you.

I want each one of them. If I can’t have them, I’ll take 45 seconds before your boyfriend shows up and punches me in the face.” The episode ends with Ted and his imaginary pals nailing a breathtaking and harmonious rendition of the Billy Joel classic, leaving us on a sentimental musical note.

What else could I do? I’m so inspired by you that hasn’t happened for the longest time.

Number 8: InSync Pays Tribute to the Bee Gees (45th Annual Grammy Awards)

Stripped down, InSync’s vocal talents could make hearts flutter. How can you mend a broken heart? They performed a Bee Gees medley in honor of the group’s Legend award, which they received about a month after the unexpected passing of their bandmate and brother, Maurice Gibb.

Despite the sad circumstances, they managed to turn the stage into a celebration of the BG’s achievements: “How Deep Is Your Love,” “How Deep Is Your Love.” I really need to learn their harmonies; they are flawless.

Highlighting how vocally in sync they are, it hits even harder when you remember that this was one of their last performances as a group—well, until their reunion.

Number 7: Finals (Pitch Perfect)

The late 2000s and early 2010s entertainment Biz arguably transformed acapella into a mainstream sensation. Not about the “we don’t need” – we just want to make the world.

Who among us doesn’t wish we were effortlessly talented enough for a spontaneous Riff-Off? The first – it’s going down to blacket; the homies got Abby collab creations bump like acne. No doubt, I put it down.

“Pitch Perfect” epitomizes the hype, perfectly seamlessly blending tradition with modern appeal. Nothing shows that better than the final number, where Becca, taking the lead, crafts a banging mashup that had many of us fighting the urge to dance along in movie theaters.

Will call it a testament to the magic of vocal group con conjure.

Sure, it might not be the most realistic depiction of the a cappella world, but it sends tingles down our spine, no matter how often we watch it.

Number 6: The Star-Spangled Banner (Beyoncé)

Remember when Beyoncé was accused of lip syncing the national anthem at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration? She later explained that she didn’t feel well-rehearsed and, without time for a soundcheck, opted to lip sync to avoid any performance glitches.

Anyway, she delivered the ultimate clap back with an impromptu a cappella performance at the Super Bowl 47 halftime show press conference that was still there. It was flawless and certainly enough to silence her critics.

Her vocal prowess, breath control, and ease with which she navigates this probably nerve-wracking situation are phenomenal. Queen Bee came to slay the bra.

She wrapped things up by coolly asking the reporters if they had any questions, sealing the moment with the ultimate mic drop.

Number 5: Lincoln Bridge (America’s Got Talent)

Lincoln Bridge, a quartet hailing from West Louisville, made their mark in Season 11 of the talent contest. They kicked off their journey with a showstopping “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” audition that captured our hearts instantly.

“Somewhere over the rain.” Each subsequent performance, including the unforgettable “Freebird” by Leonard Skinnard, left us absolutely speechless. Every note and lyric overflows with heart, soul, and passion, stirring something deep within us.

And this ver you cannot change. The group dreamed of breaking free from their challenging surroundings and changing the world through music.

This took on an even more profound meaning after the tragic loss of Jeremiah Buckner AKA Eko in a firearm-related incident. Lincoln Bridge will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Number 4: Gold A cappella (Once)

In 2011, the 2007 film “Once” underwent a Broadway transformation, delivering a soundtrack where virtually every song possesses the power to send shivers down your spine.

One of its most inspiring yet somewhat underrated moments unfolds in act two as The Ensemble masterfully delivers an a cappella rendition of “Gold.” I wouldn’t TR.” A beautiful non-acapella version serves as the Act One finale, but this one is on another level.

No instruments, just raw voices and emotions cranked up to 11.

Sunlight is like.” It’s hard not to be swept up in the atmosphere, sharing in the ensemble’s hope for their band’s success. By the final note, we needed a moment to soak up the sheer majesty of the performance.

Number 3: Run To You (Pentatonix)

PTX shot into the limelight by clinching the top spot in Season 3 of “The Sing-Off,” showcasing their a cappella prowess. Since then, their genre-spanning covers have consistently dazzled audiences, and the kingdom is yet the true gem in their repertoire.

Might just be the PTX original “Run To You.” We knew they were masters of harmonizing, but this is on a whole other level. To you , they move smoothly through the song’s shifting dynamics, showcasing their precision and versatility from the deep bass to the soaring highs.

The vocal interplay among the members adds layers to their magnetic arrangement. Set me free . The heart-stirring performances didn’t stop there; they even teamed up with Lindsey Stirling for a breathtaking cover of Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive.” W I’m radioactive, radioactive.

Number 2: Homeless (Paul Simon and LadySmith Black Mambazo)

In Paul Simon’s Grammy-winning yet controversial “Graceland,” the song “Homeless” really stands out as something special. It explores some of the struggles in South Africa during the ’80s, set to some beautiful Zulu music.

Paul Simon teamed up with LadySmith Black Mambazo to create this stirring piece that takes you on an emotional journey. The musical details influenced by Zulu traditions offer a unique listening experience. When everything clicks, it just really hits deep in the fields, leaving our chills with chills . Sing, sing.

The mix of different styles not only enhances the meaning of the lyrics but also turns “Homeless” into a captivating track that you would want to play on repeat.

Number 1: The Lion Sleeps Tonight (M. Spike Lee and Company)

Of course, we can’t possibly talk about this song without mentioning the original Zulu recording by Solomon Linda in 1939. Yet there’s an extraordinary quality to this LadySmith Black Mambazo and The Mint Julips rendition. They combined South African and Western music styles to create something truly magical.

The South African coral group’s authentic vibes add a rich cultural layer that really elevates the overall sound. This collaboration goes beyond just mixing musical influences; it shows how music can bring people together, no matter where they’re from.

It’s a beautiful reminder that music has the power to break down barriers, notably this song has been a favorite for countless interpretations and covers, solidifying its enduring impact.

Have you ever heard an a cappella performance that gives you chills?