Pentatonix become first acapella group to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

By Michael Bedigan, Los Angeles Correspondent, PA

Grammy-winning singers Pentatonix have made history by becoming the first acapella group to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The US group thanked their fans at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday and reminded people that scepticism was “the first sign you are doing something groundbreaking”.

Pentatonix consists of five members – Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee.

The vocal quintet emerged in 2011 and has gone on to win three Grammy awards and were nominated for a Daytime Emmy, selling more than 10 million albums worldwide and performing in major US venues.

All five members spoke at the ceremony, starting with Hoying, who told fans to “lean in” to their bold ideas and dreams.

“When we were just starting out we learned quickly that five people that sing acapella on the internet, claiming they want to win Grammys, sell out arenas, have a star on the Walk of Fame, might be a tough route,” he said.

“But against all odds it happened, and we wouldn’t have achieved that or had the competency to pursue that without the passionate fans that remind us daily what we’re doing is having an impact.

“The reason I tell that story is to remind myself and hopefully inspire anyone watching feeling like they’re not talented enough, cool enough, special enough.

 

“For anyone that’s been told their ideas are too far-fetched, embarrassing, unrealistic – please know that that scepticism is the first sign you’re doing something groundbreaking.

“If you’re ever in a room full of people blankly staring at you, or really looking away as you’re talking about your ideas and dreams, then lean into it.

“This is a sign that you might just be in the beginning stages of making history.”

Maldonado paid tribute to her partner and newborn baby, saying she was “humbled” by the recognition.

“I’m so proud of what this group has accomplished together and individually, and in supporting each other’s diversity and dreams,” she said.

“I think that’s something that was very important to us to have this representation and I’m so honoured that in all 12 years we’ve become even more of a family.”

Grassi added: “I wake up grateful every single day because I get to make music for people that enjoy it.

“It’s truly a blessing. the immensity of the gratitude I feel cannot be accurately captured in words.”

Pentatonix have gained global recognition boasting back-to-back number one albums in the US, with Pentatonix and A Pentatonix Christmas – which also performed well around the world.

Their single Hallelujah also achieved international success as a platinum-certified single in Canada and gold-certified in Germany and Switzerland.

The group previously made history as the first acapella act to win best arrangement instrumental or acapella at the Grammy awards in both 2015 and 2016.

A year later they won their third Grammy for best country duo/ group performance for their duet with country superstar Dolly Parton on her hit song Jolene.

Awarded in the category of live performance, the Pentatonix star is the 2,748th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

It is located at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard.