The Sing-Off with Host Nick Lachey

I am a vocalist and a music teacher so when The Sing-Off first aired in December of 2009 I was instantly hooked and wished it was more than a 5 episode December fill-in. The Sing-Off had its 2nd season again in December of 2010. Now in 2011 The Sing-Off is back, as an 11 episode fall show with an expanded number of musical groups and a new femal judge. The first 2 episodes of the 2011 series have already aired and episode 3 airs tonight on NBC.

If you follow me on Twitter you’ve seen me comment on how I LOVE The Sing-Off because it showcases real vocal talent. It is impossible to be in a successful a cappella group and not be able to sing. There are no instruments or electronic devices to hide behind. Honestly, I turn off music whenever I hear more auto-tune than vocal talent-it just makes me sick. Another reason I love The Sing-Off is the judges. This season’s judging panel is made up of Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and Shawn Stockman. I don’t always agree with the judges but I love that the judging panel offers positive input and well-crafted constructive criticism. Their aim is to help the groups improve not to kill their hopes, dreams and self-esteem like some other vocal competition television shows.

Last week I had the opportunity to take part in a conference call with Nick Lachey, the host of The Sing-Off. Nick’s background in a cappella music makes him a great fit for The Sing-Off because he knows the genre and what kind of work and dedication it takes to excel. We asked Nick a myriad of questions and I’m going to share a few of them here.

If you weren’t the host would you rather be a judge or a competitor on The Sing-Off?  Boy you know what it’d be, I mean it’d obviously to be fun to be a contestant and then be a part of a group competing but, you know, at the same time I know how hard they have to work. I mean this competition is a lot of singing in a very short amount of time and the competition is really stiff. And I can’t imagine how much pressure, you know, those groups are under. But at the same time it’s neat to see the kind of family bond that they all share together. I mean they really do get a chance to bond together. And they really do pull for one another so it’s a neat dynamic.Oh gosh that’s a tough one. I guess I’d want to be a contestant.Judging’s not my thing.

I’m just wondering have you ever been really disappointed or maybe had a problem with any of the decisions the judges have made, like anybody that you really would’ve liked to have stay on the show or you believe should have been given another chance? Interesting question. I mean I think there is certainly situations where, you know, my opinion differed from what the judges ultimately decided.

But that’s, you know, that’s kind of the beauty of my role. I don’t get a voice that I don’t have to make those tough decisions. So, you know, but I think I’m probably not unlike anyone, you know, else watching at home who thinks oh man I can’t believe they went, you know, were sent home. I was expecting, you know, some other group. As I’m sitting backstage waiting for the judge’s decision, you know, sometimes when I ultimately, you know, see it and see who’s been sent home it’s, you know, it’s the same reaction.

So they certainly have their criteria and their, you know, their method if you well and even I am not privy to that. So it’s for me I’m almost a spectator in that sense.

Why do you think that The Sing-Off is so popular? You know what I think it’s just people understand and appreciate and enjoy watching real talent. And I think that The Sing-Off certainly, you know, maybe showcases that better than any other show. With acapella music there’s just nowhere to hide. So you really get a feel for how talented these groups are. And there’s, you know, just great performances. I think people gravitate to hearing great music and great music done well. And I think that we certainly do that on The Sing-Off so just appreciate everyone out there who supported the show and continues to watch it and continues to support what we’re doing.

I wanted to ask since all the judges music styles are very different how do you think that that adds to the show and their chemistry? Yes I think that’s a great point and it’s a great reason why our judging panel is in my opinion the best on television is they all come from such accomplished careers but very different careers.

You know, certainly Sean is the most accomplished R&B group ever. Sara as a solo artist, you know, who is I think one of the best songwriters I’ve ever
had the pleasure of meeting and an incredible performer. And then Ben who’s, you know, done the solo thing and the group thing. And everyone comes from a different place but it’s a very successful and established place. And I think that that’s why they bring so much knowledge and so much expertise to every comment they make.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into The Sing-Off and its host Nick Lachey. Are you a fan of The Sing-Off? Let me know your thoughts. If you’re watching this season-which group id your favorite and why? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.