Pentatonix Concert Recap

By Domi Watkins

As fans waited in anticipation for Pentatonix on Saturday, October 29, they were able to witness the beautiful chemistry between husband and wife Michael and Carissa Alvarado from Us the Duo who opened for them. Their cover of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and 2015 Top Hits in 3.5 Minutes moved my heart and I found myself excitedly singing along. Us the Duo captivated the audience with heartwarming performances of original songs “No Matter Where You Are,” and “(Stop) Just Love.” This was just the hype needed to excite everyone in the State Farm Center.

Pentatonix put on an incredible performance of their World Tour on Saturday night, one that delighted Illinois fans and presented total mastery of acapella. With marvelous covers of Kiiara’s “Gold,” Meghan Trainor’s “No,” and even a special combined performance of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” with Us the Duo, the arena quickly became an infinite echo of exuberant cheers and screams from the audience.

Pentatonix enthused the crowd with their Evolution of Michael Jackson and Kevin “K.O.” Olusola showed off his amazing celloboxing skills in a solo performance that left several mouths agape, including my own. Pentatonix threaded popular original songs into the setlist as well, including a vibrant performance of “Sing” and a soothing round of “Can’t Sleep Love.” They even invited members of the audience to sing with them on stage to their original song, “Misbehavin’.”

This was definitely a night to shout in jubilance and it felt very fitting for the group to perform “New Year’s Day” after the audience applauded for an encore, celebrating the moments that have happened and are yet to come.