acoUstiKats showcase vocal abilities, advance to next round on NBC’s ‘The Sing-Off’

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By Kyle Arensdorf

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It was party anthem night Wednesday on NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” but the acoUstiKats’ party was crashed by the judges after their performance of “Hey Ya” by Outkast.

The follow-up was a No. 1 song on the Billboard’s Hot 100 a decade ago.

“Who knows how to party better than college guys, especially the acoUstiKats,” a member of the group said as they got set to perform the 2003 hit.

The acoUstiKats’ performance Wednesday was better than Monday’s performance, gaining recognition through their vocal abilities.

However, the judges did not share my opinion, as “Hey Ya” landed the acoUstiKats in the bottom two because of their “wavering tempo and unsteady beat,” according to the judges.

“I know that there were some technical things that we could have done better, but I stand so strongly behind these guys,” acoUstiKats’ Ron Wilbur said.

The acoUstiKats faced the group Calle Sol in the ultimate sing-off and were equipped for battle with Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger.”

Calle Sol was overpowered by the vocals of acoUstiKats and seemed to know that they were in trouble, as tears gathered in their eyes before the verdict was read.

Judge Jewel revealed that they were going to save acoUstiKats, leaving Calle Sol on the outside looking in.

I had to agree with the judges’ decision, and while I thought that groups such as Element and Vocal Rush were out-performed by Calle Sol, it wasn’t the worst decision that they could have made.

Judge-favorite Home Free had the best performance of the night with their spin on “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts.

They turned the rock and roll/country hit into their special brand of country and brought it directly into their wheelhouse, which is what you have to do to win competitions like this.

The Sing-Off will resume at 8 p.m. on Thursday as the eight remaining finalists will take on “chart-topper’s that span the decade.”