Episode 5 Pitch Battle

So far, four vocal groups have made it through to the live final

where they'll collaborate with their superstar judge

and battle it out to be crowned series champions - they are...

# I'm ready to face it all... #

# Hold back... #

# On the hill... #

# Gonna make it worth my while... #

# I got the eye of the tiger... #

The competition reaches fever pitch.

ALL SING VARIOUS NOTES

..as Joe Jonas is our superstar judge.

Eating cake by the ocean is very difficult.

There's so much charisma and so much personality

and someone keeps winking at me.

# Right, I should have known you were bad news... #

That was next-level.

And tensions run high with the last two places in the live final

at stake.

I can see great vocal potential here. Serious? Yeah.

There's a little Riff-Off developing here.

Who will win tonight's heat

and who deserves the wild card place?

It's really hard. Come on, let's make a decision.

I think it's a good choice. OK, on your head be it.

# Ba-ra-ra-bub-bub-ra-ra

# Da-ra-ra-bub-bub-ra-ra

# Ba-ba-ba-ra-ra

# Ooh

# Ba-ra-ra-bub-bub-ra-ra

# Da-ra-ra-bub-bub-ra-ra

# Ba-ba-ba-ra-ra. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums

# Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone

# So while you're here in my arms

# Let's make the most of the night

# Like we're gonna die young... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# All

# All I need is a beauty and a beat

# My life complete... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Turn the beat around

# Love to hear percussion

# Turn it upside down

# Love to hear percussion... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Boom boom boom Gotta get that

# Boom boom boom Gotta get that

# Boom boom boom Gotta get that

# That Boom boom boom

# That Boom boom boom... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Go, baby, go, baby, go

# Don't upset the rhythm, baby

# Go, baby, go, baby, go

# Don't upset the rhythm

# Go, baby, go, baby, go

# Don't upset the rhythm, baby

# Go, baby, go, baby, go

# Don't upset the rhythm... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Rhythm is gonna getcha, rhythm is gonna getcha

# Rhythm is gonna getcha

# Tonight... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Oh eh, oh eh

# Oh eh, oh eh

# Oh ey, ah, oh, ah

# Oh ey, ah, oh, ah

# Oh eh, oh eh

# Oh eh, oh eh

# Oh ey, ah, oh, ah

# Oh ey, ah, oh, ah... #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# I hear your heart beat... #

# Beauty and the beat... #

# Turn the beat around... #

# Boom boom boom Gotta get that... #

# Rhythm is gonna getcha, rhythm is gonna getcha... #

# Go, baby, go, baby, go

# Don't upset the rhythm. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Thank you so much to all of tonight's six amazing vocal groups,

and a big thanks to the musical genius

behind the Pitch Perfect movies -

our series musical director, Deke Sharon,

for that amazing rhythm mashup!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Thank you.

Now, Deke, I must ask you -

what can we expect tonight from our phalanxes of larynxes?

I can't follow that!

Can't follow that.

We have wall-to-wall fun tonight, Mel.

69 amazing singers.

You want Motown? Check. Pop? Check.

Rock? Check. Opera? Check.

Musical theatre? Check. Get ready to par-tay.

Fantastic!

So tonight six of Britain and Ireland's best vocal groups

will battle it out in a series of vocal challenges.

Only one group will make it through to the live final, where they'll be

in with a chance of taking home the amazing ?50,000 cash prize!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

But more important than that -

being crowned Champions of Pitch Battle 2017.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Deciding their fate is our very own triple threat, our judges.

She's the Brit Award-winning singer whose milkshake most

definitely brought all the boys to the yard - it's Kelis!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

He's the choir master, the twisted choir master.

It's Gareth Malone!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Terrifying. Hello!

CHEERING

Simmer down, simmer down.

He's sold over 17 million records worldwide,

so let's lose our minds and go ruddy crazy - it's Joe Jonas!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I am very excited to be judging on Pitch Battle.

# Talk to me, baby... #

Being in a choir when I was younger,

then working with my brothers for years and having to find ways to

have the balance melodically, also the harmonies...I can relate

to what they're going through, especially the younger groups.

# Every night it's the one thing on my mind... #

The diversity of genres tonight is unbelievable.

It's going to be really amazing to see talented individuals that

really take on the challenge.

# Cake by the ocean... #

It's this week's superstar guest judge - Joe Jonas!

CHEERING

Joe, so good to see you.

Good to see you. Now, little bone to pick with you.

Cake by the ocean. Mm.

Have you ever eaten a Battenberg on Bournemouth Beach?

Eating a cake by the ocean is very difficult.

The sand gets into the sponge. I wouldn't recommend it.

Wouldn't recommend it. I just wanted to clear that up.

The first one, what's it called? Battenberg. OK.

I have never seen it either. Pink and yellow squares

held together with marzipan in a sort of cross.

It's got a lovely rise on it. It's a very delicious cake.

This isn't the cake show.

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

Thank you so much, judges.

Right, it's time for battle one.

Our first two groups are about to perform their Showstopper

before going face-to-face in a thrilling Riff-Off.

CHEERING

Our judges here will decide which group packed the biggest vocal

punch and deserves to go through to the solo battles later on.

So let's meet tonight's two groups

gearing up for our first clash of choirs.

From Hertfordshire, it's Tring Park 16.

CHEERING

And from the West Midlands, it's Crescendo.

CHEERING

ALL: We're Tring Park 16.

A chamber choir from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

in Hertfordshire. Tring Park is a really mad and crazy place to be.

We're all sixth-form students so we're all 17 and 18 years old.

We've seen some incredibly successful and famous people walk in

and out of its doors - Lily James, Daisy Ridley, Ella Henderson -

and we all want to follow in their footsteps.

Tring Park was a bit of a magical place.

In one room you could have ballet going on,

in the other you could have people playing the piano, saxophones.

You could say Tring Park was the Hogwarts of the performing arts.

Last year we were fortunate to take

part in BBC's Songs Of Praise Senior School Choir Of The Year,

which we eventually went on to win.

Entering this competition, it's really nice just to do

something different and sing more modern stuff that we listen to.

Do you think we're going to shock them, like, when we come on stage?

Mum will be shocked. Yeah.

People might expect a more classical sound but what we're bringing

to Pitch Battle is something quite fresh and exciting.

ALL: We're Crescendo!

Crescendo is a group of passionate musical theatre performers that love

to sing songs from the shows.

We're a diverse group. I'm a warehouse manager.

I work at a prison. I'm a hairdresser.

And I own a bacon factory. The best thing at rehearsal, for me,

is getting all of Sarah's bacon butties.

Come on, then, come and get your sandwiches.

It's amazing we get any rehearsing done!

ALL: # Be our guest... #

When we rehearse, we very rarely get the hall to ourselves.

There's usually people having a listen

and they seem to really enjoy it.

# Be our guest, be our guest... #

We know that we could be up against more professional groups but

between us we've got the passion to give anyone a run for their money.

CHEERING

APPLAUSE

First, and hoping to impress our judges

with their Showstopper, Believer,

it's our chamber choir, Tring Park 16.

# Hoo Hey, ha, hey!

# Hoo Hey, ha, hey!

# First things first I'mma say all the words inside my head

# I'm fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh

# Ooh

# The way that things have been, oh

# Ooh-ooh

# Second things second

# Don't you tell me what you think that I could be

# I'm the one at the sail, I'm the master of my sea, oh

# Ooh-oooh

# The master of my sea, oh

# Ooh-ooh

# I was broken from a young age

# Taking my sulking to the masses

# Writing my poems for the few

# That look to me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me

# Singing from heartache from the pain... #

I quite like this!

# Speaking my lesson from the brain

# Seeing the beauty through the

# Pain

# You made me a You made me a believer

# Believer

# Pain

# You made me a You made me a believer

# Believer

# Pain

# You made me a You made me a believer

# Believer

# Pain

# You made me a You made me a believer

# Believer Oh-oh-oh. #

CHEERING

Well, I'm a believer.

But before we hear from our judges, here is their competition.

Singing their Showstopper, a Motown medley,

it's our musical theatre group, Crescendo!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Ooh, yeah, baby

# Like a fool I went and stayed too long

# Now I'm wondering if your love's still strong

# Ooh, baby, here I am

# Signed, sealed, delivered I'm yours

# Waaah

# Then that time I went and said goodbye

# Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry

# Ooh

# Baby, I need your loving

# Got to have all your loving

# Baby, I need your loving

# Got to have all your loving

# Feel like you can't go on Can't go on

# Cos of all your hope is gone All your hope is gone

# And your life's filled with much confusion

# Because your happiness is just an illusion

# Happiness is just an illusion

# And your world around is crumblin' down

# Well, darling, reach out

# Reach out Reach out for me

# I'll be there

# With a love that will shelter you

# I'll be there

# With a love that will see you through

# Ooh, I'll be there

# Signed, sealed, delivered

# I'll be there. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

I love that.

I love that. Amazing.

That was good. I'm so happy.

What a cracking start that was!

Now, Tring 16, I know that your teacher is around, isn't she?

Mrs Norris? Hello! Aww!

How did you feel about their performance?

I thought they were absolutely amazing.

I thought they really, really nailed it and it gave me goose bumps

and made me really proud.

Aww!

She liked it, gang, well done.

Well done, all of you.

Now, I know that you're a prison manager.

Have you brought the cuffs with you tonight?

They're in the dressing room, yeah.

Who are you going to be cuffing tonight?

Haven't decided yet.

She's got her eye on Malone, I can see it.

Listen, a very, very good start on both sides.

Kelis, is there a frontrunner for you?

They're so different. I was actually really wowed by Tring Park 16.

You guys are very committed, it's very serious, I love it.

I kind of felt your angst a little bit

so I think, just for the Riff-Off,

take a deep breath, you got through the first part, it was fantastic.

And then for Crescendo, I feel like you have really great vocal control

and every time there was a soloist,

I felt like it wasn't over-singing, it was just exactly what we wanted.

I think my own note for you guys would be keep the rhythm.

These things have a nice swing to them so just be mindful of that.

But I loved the performance. Very excited to see both groups.

Lovely, Kelis.

Now, Gareth, did Crescendo sign, seal and deliver for you

and are you a believer in Tring Park 16?

I am. Honestly, if I'd been in something that cool and fun...

My school choir was not that cool.

I heard hints of the choral sound and I wanted more of that.

I thought if you're a chamber choir, let's hear some real choral music.

So I hope that in the Riff-Off, you've got something a little more,

you know, rich and sonorous.

And then we have Crescendo. Lots of vocal experience.

You've been working on that sound very hard.

You've come out here and done medleys.

It's tough because you have a very short space of time to win us over

and I can just be getting into a song and you change it up.

You've really gotta handle the energy right

and I thought you did that very well, so that's good.

Now that's the Motown thing - I want to see what else you've got.

Now, Joe, what advice would you give to the two groups

before they meet each other again the old Riff-Offery?

Just enjoy, settle.

Obviously there's a lot of nerves, being on that stage.

I think being out there by yourself is probably a very vulnerable thing

but you held your own.

And Crescendo... Damn, Daniel.

LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE

I will say the spotlight definitely wasn't on Daniel.

I mean, everyone had a moment where they showed their vocals

and that was pretty impressive. Good words, gang.

OK, only one group will go through to the solo battles later tonight,

the other is about to be knocked out of the competition.

Deciding their fate is the themed Riff-Off.

AUDIENCE: Whoo!

So let us now reveal your theme.

AUDIENCE: Oooh...!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Well, the theme is Trouble.

If there is any trouble, Jodyne is here, very much

just ready to deal with any situation.

Good luck, guys, in the Riff-Off.

# I knew you were trouble when you walked in

# So shame on me now

# Flew me to places I'd never been

ALL: # Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

# Oh, oh, oh

# Trouble, trouble, trouble

# I knew you were trouble when you walked in

# Trouble Trouble, trouble

# I knew you were trouble when you walked in

# Trouble Trouble, trouble. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Trouble troublemaker, yeah, that's your middle name

# Whoa-ho-ho

# I know you're no good but you're stuck in my brain

# Whoa, whoa, whoa And I wanna know

ALL: # Why does it feel so good but hurt so bad?

# Whoa

# My mind keeps saying Run as fast as you can

# Troublemaker

# I say I'm done but, babe, you pull me back

# Whoa-oh-oh

# I swear you're giving me a heart attack

# Troublemaker. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# I'm on your side

# Oh, when times get rough

# And friends just can't be found

# Like a bridge over troubled water

# I will lay me down

# Like a bridge over troubled water Like a bridge over troubled water

# I will ease your mind. #

Very good! That was great.

# I never meant to cause you trouble

# I never meant to do you wrong

# Oh, no

# I see I see

BOTH: # A spider web and it's me in the middle

ALL: # Whoa-oh-oh-oh

# I never meant to cause you trouble

# Oh, no, I never meant to do you wrong. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Right, I should have known you were bad news

# From the bad boy demeanour and the tattoos

# Cos most guys only want one thing

# But I'm undecided, trying to figure out if that's you

# Either way, though, I think you're worth a test drive

# So much better than the next guy

# And a little trouble only makes for a good time

# So all the normal red flags be a good sign

ALL: # Don't you come here thinking about it

# Ain't that far

# Seem like trouble to me

# I can tell by the way that you lean

# And the way that you kiss your teeth

# And you turn up so flashy clean

# Smells like trouble to me. #

# When will somebody save me? When will somebody save me?

# I got trouble with my baby

# She got trouble with her baby

# Cos I know I know

# I do I do

# Too much Too much

# For you I got trouble with my baby

# Got trouble with my baby

# I can't go on like this

# Mama said there'd be days like this

# Now the whole world knows

# I got trouble with my baby

# Trouble with my baby

# Trouble with my baby

# Trouble with my baby

# Trouble with my baby. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, yeah! I think the judges are the ones who are in trouble right now.

That was pretty amazing watching two different generations of high-energy

performers bring it on both sides.

Tring had backflips and rap but it was when they pulled down to

those choral harmonies that I think they really threw that sucker punch.

And on the other hand we had sequins and wagging fingers

and all kinds of attitude.

What's it going to be - youthful exuberance?

Is it going to be seasoned polish?

It's in your hands, judges.

I love it when you say "sucker punch."

MIMICS HIM: Sucker punch.

Liam, that was extraordinary.

How do you sing like that and then produce a flick-flack?

A lot of work and practice.

Guys, that was absolutely brilliant.

Now, hello, Tom. Hello, how are you? Very good indeed.

Now, how was that for you? What do you make of this side?

They were coming at you, weren't they?

There was a lot of attitude there. Yeah, they were fantastic.

Absolutely brilliant. But hopefully us old people, you know, brought it.

Can I just say, I very much enjoyed the bit

when you gave "Damn, Daniel" a slap across the face!

Did you catch that bit, judges? She gave him a whack round the face.

No, could we see it again? I'm sorry, I missed it.

Gareth, there was, quite literally, double trouble going up here.

We really enjoyed it.

If I start with Crescendo, you just make excellent tone choices,

so when you need to be sinewy and thin,

you're doing these very thin "Ahh" in the background,

and then you brought it out to a lovely, rich "Ohh!"

It's quite sonorous.

I thought that was very stylish, so very well done.

Moving over to Tring Park 16.

Wow! Secret weapon - Matt, the rap, totally not expecting that.

That was great fun.

Listen, I have been waiting for a choir to sing in eight parts

and you did.

For 16-, 17-, 18-year-olds to sing like that,

I thought it was really lovely.

They weren't all perfectly executed but, boy, there was

a lot of variety, so very well done.

Kelis, what are your thoughts right now?

Well, you know, I really do think that Gareth kind of took all of

the words right out of my mouth - I think he's been reading my notes.

Crescendo, you guys are so spot-on.

You kind of put the heart at ease

and I really enjoy watching you,

I think you are a lot of fun to watch.

I was absolutely blown away with Tring Park 16.

You showed your versatility here, you nailed it.

Now, Joe, anyone troubling you up here?

So much trouble as well, yeah.

Tring Park, the energy level was through the roof.

You literally showed us every style of music,

which was really impressive.

Joe, with the vocals, I was really impressed.

With a name like that, I assumed you'd be...

LAUGHTER

Crescendo, obviously you deliver.

You guys also had some dance moves, too, which was really impressive.

Yeah, overall, it's really tough to say.

You both sounded so wonderful.

Aw, thanks, Joe. Thank you.

Now, a profiterole by the ocean is fine, Joe. That's fine.

Doughnut? Not sure. Profiterole, I'm good with.

So only one group can go through to tonight's solo battles.

Joe, which group would you like to see going through to

tonight's solo battles?

Tring Park.

Well done, guys.

Gareth, who do you think deserves a place in those solo battles?

I've got to say, this was a very difficult one.

Both of you were great. But I am going to go for...

..Tring Park 16.

Kelis, out of interest, who would you have chosen?

Obviously I absolutely loved Crescendo

but I ended up picking Tring Park 16 as well.

OK. Listen, we're going to be very, very sad

to say goodbye to you, Crescendo.

You've brought real vim, vigour and life to proceedings.

Thank you so, so much.

We've loved having you here but going though...is Tring Park 16!

CHEERING

But the question - who will be joining you?

It's time for battle two.

Let's meet our next groups ready to go head-to-head on Pitch Battle.

From London, it's Vocalities.

And from Dublin, it's The Ramparts.

We are... ALL: Vocalities!

We're a seven-piece group from all over Europe.

Norway! Lithuania! Portugal! Norway! Italy! Estonia! England!

We're coming together for Pitch Battle.

Got the support of our six countries and we really want to do them proud.

Kerli and I are best friends.

We started recording covers and putting them up on social media.

And we started inviting these guys over for guest solo spots.

And then we formed this super group, Vocalities.

We all miss our countries. That's what brought us together.

Hi!

But what we miss the most is the food.

Everyone brings dishes from their own countries.

I still need to make toad in the hole. Toad in a hole?

Girls, here's to a Showstopper!

We're The Ramparts, from Dublin, Ireland.

CHEERING

We were set up about two years ago and we've grown ever since.

We're a group of lads with a passion for singing barbershop harmony.

Sometimes we go busking on Grafton Street.

We sing trad Irish songs, folk songs, pop songs.

Any type of song!

With bands like U2, Thin Lizzy,

maybe we'll be the next big thing outta Ireland.

This is definitely the biggest thing we've ever done.

Going to give it everything.

And you know what? I think we might make it the whole way to the final.

CHEERING

APPLAUSE

Up first, with their Showstopper, the Adele classic Send My Love,

it's our all-female vocal group, Vocalities!

SHE MIMICS BEAT

# This was all you, none of it me

# You put your hands all over my body and told me

# Told me

# Ummm

# That was what you told me

# I'm giving you up

# I've forgiven it all

# You set me free

# Hey!

# Send my love to your new lover

# Treat her better

# We gotta let go of all of our ghosts

# We both know we ain't kids no more... #

Nice.

# If you're ready

# If you're ready, I am ready

# If you're ready I'm ready

# We both know we ain't kids no more

# I'm giving you up

# I've forgiven it all

# You set me free

# Hey!

# Send my love to your new lover If you're ready

# If you're ready Treat her better

# If you're ready Gotta let go

# We both know we ain't kids no more

# Send my love to your new lover If you're ready

# If you're ready Treat her better

# If you're ready Gotta let go

# We both know we ain't kids no more

# Ooh. #

OK. Yeah, very good!

Wow! I want to be in Vocalities.

Girl power!

But your competition are ready and raring to go.

Performing their Showstopper, Shape Of You,

it's our barbershop chorus - boy power! -

it's The Ramparts!

# Doot-do, a-root-do, a-root do

# The club isn't the best place to find a lover

# So the bar is where I go

# Me and my friends at the table doing shots

# Drinking fast and then we talk slow

# Come over and start up a conversation with just me

# And trust me I'll give it a chance now

# Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox

# And then we start to dance and now I'm singing like

# Girl, I want your love

# Your love was handmade for somebody like me

# Come on now, follow my lead

# I may be crazy, don't mind me

# Say, boy, let's not talk too much

# Grab on my waist and put that body on me

# Come on now, follow my lead

# Come on now, follow my lead

# I'm in love with the shape of you

# We push and pull like a magnet do

# Although my heart is falling, too

# I'm in love with your body

# And last night you were in my room

# And now my bedsheets smell like you

# Every day discovering something brand-new

# I'm in love with your body

# Oh-ah, oh-ah, oh-ah, oh-ah

# I'm in love with your body

# Oh-ah, oh-ah, oh-ah, oh-ah

# I'm in love with the shape of you

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on, be my baby

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on, be my baby Come on

# Come on

# I'm in love with the shape of you. #

Now, listen, this is rather amazing.

We've got the most incredible international group,

so, girls, I will say...

SHE SAYS HELLO IN VARIETY OF LANGUAGES

All right?

I might have missed one out, I'm sorry, Carina.

How do you say "hello" in Norway?

Hallo! Isn't that lovely?

Or hi!

So nice! Hallo! Hallo! Hallo!

Were you pleased with how that went? I was really happy, it was amazing.

It's so much fun to sing for you guys and...sing with you...

AUDIENCE: Aww!

LAUGHTER

Am I sensing a little bit of...? SHE CLICKS HER TONGUE

Well, not from me.

LAUGHTER

Not from you.

Not today, not tomorrow, not next week, not ever.

APPLAUSE

Was that too much? Not at all! Never too much, Adam.

Not from the Irish anyway.

I'm loving your... Is this a lucky earring?

It's not lucky, it was literally two euro.

And everyone keeps talking about it.

I tried to convince the lads to get them as well

but I don't think it's going to happen.

You've all got lovely, amazing, matching outfits.

I just feel like I'm part of a stag party.

LAUGHTER

CHEERING

Now, Gareth, it's a right royal battle of the sexes

going on up on stage.

Who are you siding with?

Talent on both sides, and very different.

We had a show

and then we had some really delicate moments from Vocalities.

I liked that you went from a lovely chord into a kind of drop,

that worked really well.

Lots of lovely voices, good blend, good sound. I want more.

APPLAUSE

Guys, geeks anonymous, it was fantastic.

It made me smile and that's really crucial. Little bits of harmony.

The harmony that you did do you pulled off, sounded really good.

It wasn't super difficult but it was well handled.

I think you've got trickier waters to navigate in the next stage

so I'll be intrigued to see if you can show me

a little more finesse, a little more depth.

Now, Joe, who needs to be showing you more?

They both showed off so much vocals.

I would say, you know, there's about 100 men up there, I don't know

how much more vocals you can show but I was really impressed.

It was simple but also complex on its own

and you guys really showed off what you can do.

And then for the ladies, your vocals were beautiful and delicate

and you all worked so well together

and being from all over the world it's really impressive

that you can do this in such unison, so I was really impressed.

So the girls with Adele, the guys with Ed Sheeran.

It's like the Brit Awards, isn't it?

Talking of Brit Award winners, Kelis,

is there a clear winner for you at the moment?

Well, thank you. First of all, you guys are so much fun.

There's so much charisma and so much personality

and someone keeps winking at me, I swear. Who's winking at Kelis?

Was it you?

LAUGHTER

You ladies, you guys have some amazing harmonies.

There was some moments that were so lush.

But pull back a little bit because your tone is great,

I just think that you're an alto, so you're in there and then

you've got these very, like, soft and beautiful, ethereal voices.

And so I just wanna hear that blend a little bit more.

But...so good. You guys killed it, it was great. Thank you, judges.

One of these groups is about to be knocked out of the competition.

One of these groups is about to be knocked out of the competition.

AUDIENCE: Whoo!

Theme, oh, Theme Machine, I'm looking for a Theme Machine

to reveal...

It's too long, isn't it? Let's just reveal the theme.

AUDIENCE: Ooh...!

CHEERING

Weddings.

Pull out the stopper, let's have a whopper,

but get me to the church on...

Is that not going to feature, is it? No, that won't feature.

Let's hope the judges say "I do" after this Riff-Off.

I'm just going to have a think about what I've done, singing that song.

Good luck in the Riff-Off, everybody. Good luck!

# All the single ladies, all the single ladies

# All the single ladies Now put your hands up

# Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

# Oh-oh-oh

# If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# Don't be mad if you see that he want it

# If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# Don't be mad if you see that he want it

# Cos if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it

# Whoa-oh-oh. #

# Dum-dum-dum-dum, dum-dum-dum-dum

# It's a beautiful night

# We're looking for something dumb to do

# Hey, baby

# I think I wanna marry you

# I think I wanna marry you... #

HE LAUGHS

# Is it the look in your eyes

# Or is it this dancing juice?

# Who cares, baby

# I think I wanna marry you

# Dum-dum-dum-dum, dum-dum-dum-dum. #

Oh, that is so cute!

# I need a ring B-b-buy me a ring

# You gotta know how to treat me like a lady

# Even when I'm acting crazy... #

They're winning in their song. I know. Come on, ladies.

# Dear future husband

# If you wanna get this special lovin'

# Tell me I'm beautiful each and every night

# Whoa

# Future husband

# Better love me right. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Going to the chapel and we're

# Gonna to get married

# Going to the chapel of love

# Going to the chapel

# Of love

# Shooby-do-wah-ba-ra. #

# It's true

# I do, I do, I do, I do, I do

# So love me or leave me

# Make your choice but believe me

# I love you I do

# I do, I do, I do, I do, I do

# I do, I do. #

Almost. Almost.

# You made a promise

# That we'd never part

# Then you turn around

# And you broke Broke

# My heart

# Now you're standing there

# Saying I do

# Holding hands with somebody new

# Should've been me

# Oh-oh-oh-ohhhh

# Should have been me

# Oh-oh, should've been me

# Should've been me Should

# Should've been me

# Should've, should've

# Oh-oh-oh, it should've been me. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Oh, yeah! That was next-level.

On one side, the single ladies stacked up their vocal harmonies,

threw a bunch of sass in there.

On the other side, we had a whole bunch of cheeky guys

who went deep with group vocals and over-the-top choreography.

And did you notice, Mel, that together they told a story?

It started with single ladies and then we had a proposal,

going to the chapel, I do, and then in the end it should have been me.

Something pretty incredible they made together and I get

the sense that's not the last thing they're going to making together.

Now, girls, listen,

up against quite a few testosterone, bowtie-clad lads.

How did it feel? Was it a tough competition?

We had so much fun with this battle but...girls have to win.

CHEERING

They're laying down the gauntlet.

Now, listen, that is a beautiful, rich voice. How low can you go?

DEEP VOICE: # Well, I can go pretty low. #

That's impressive. That's impressive.

Now, Joe, which of the two groups will always be a bridesmaid

and who's going to be the bride tonight, do you think?

This was actually pretty tough to call.

It became dance-off at one point. Yes!

But the gentlemen, the charisma is at a high level.

Is it Sean?

Sean, I was really impressed, that voice came out of nowhere.

And what about Vocalities?

They had some secret dance moves in their pockets, too, I saw.

But the song choices were really strong as well.

Kelis? It was really entertaining to watch.

I mean, Vocalities, I think you guys have some gorgeous harmonies

and some really beautiful vocal aerobatics you were doing.

There were so many harmonies

that I think you guys really pulled them off very nicely.

It's going to be tricky, I can sense.

Gareth, our very own father of the bride,

who would you like to see live happily ever after?

I'm going to start with Vocalities. Well done.

I really admired some of your harmonies.

I admired your vocal energy.

I felt like the dance moves were maybe something new for you?

Yeah, and that's difficult because you are up against a group of lads

who've just, I mean, you know, their sense of shame has just gone.

And they're just going for it!

They agree!

And I love that. I absolutely loved that.

But that makes it very difficult for you because even

when you were singing your socks off and you were singing beautifully,

my eye was going to you

because you were just popping off the stage in terms of energy,

and I think as a performer, you've always got to be

upping your game, adding, adding.

If you see someone giving you more, you've gotta give them more.

That's a tough lesson to learn.

If I come to you, Ramparts, it was party time.

It was a Ram-party!

CHEERING

It was. The harmony was so much better in that.

I thought the Going To The Chapel, that really worked for you,

that's absolutely your genre.

Very good, but two very, very different performances.

OK, thank you so much, judges.

I'm afraid there is only one place left in the next round.

Gareth, which group would you like to see going through

to the solo battles?

It's not all about tone, it's about performance as well.

For me, The Ramparts had that.

Joe, who would you like to send through to those solo battles?

Have to go with Ramparts on this one, yeah.

Kelis, who would you have gone for? It's a Ramparts party.

Listen, Vocalities, it's been so lovely having you here.

Don't give up what you do because you do it brilliantly.

Wouldn't you agree, everybody?

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Such a great Riff-Off, guys, thank you so much.

There is only place left in the solo battles.

Let's meet tonight's final two choral contenders.

It's the Oxford Alternotives!

And from London, it's Vox-Xover!

We are...

The Oxford Alternotives.

We're from the University of Oxford.

We are a mixed a cappella group,

with people from colleges all over the University.

We think it's the oldest student a cappella group in the UK.

We are its current crop.

# Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother

# You're stayin' alive... #

We are a group of really different personalities and characters.

JP is Blues cricket.

Hiba's our cool dancer.

G-Lo, she is one of the best cellists in the University.

And Bryce... He's liftable.

We can lift him up and throw him around.

We've been working on this performance for months,

and now we're just ready to get out there,

wow everyone and beat the other group.

We are Vox-Xover.

And we are five professional opera singers from London.

We've been on tour through Europe,

been in Phantom Of The Opera and Les Miserables.

We like to add a little bit of rock edge to everything that we do.

# Thunderbolt and lightning... #

We were originally a four-piece. Nadia came along as a guest singer,

and we thought five voices together sounded epic,

so she stuck around.

Especially with Michael.

Nadia and I got engaged, and since then, it's been incredibly busy,

planning for our big day this summer.

But also rehearsing for Pitch Battle.

When we perform, we are quite used to some pretty epic staging

in large spaces.

But when we rehearse, it's just at Nadia and Michael's flat.

# Many, many... #

Yeah, we just get together like friends and have a sing.

Despite there only being five of us, we make a big sound together.

Hopefully we can give the other groups a run for their money.

When it comes to our Showstopper,

we're going to "rocket".

Up first, and performing a Rihanna medley,

it's our a cappella group, the Oxford Alternotives.

APPLAUSE

# La-la-la, la-la-la La-la-la-la-la oh

# Doo-doo-doo-wow

# I'm obsessive when just one thought of you comes up

# And I'm aggressive just one thought of close enough

# You got me stressing, incessantly pressing the issue

# Cos every moment gone you know I miss you

# SOS Somebody, help me, yeah... #

APPLAUSE

# Y-O-U are making this hard

# You got me tossin' and turnin' and can't sleep at night

# Boy, you know you got me feeling open

# And boy, your love's enough with words unspoken

# I said boy I'm telling you, you got me open

# I don't know what to do

# I'm going crazy

# Oo-oh... # APPLAUSE

# Find light in the beautiful sea I choose to be happy

# You and I, you and I

# We're like diamonds in the sky

# At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays

# I saw the life inside your eyes

# We found love in a hopeless place

# We found love in a hopeless place

# We found love in a hopeless place

# But I've got to let it go. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Aw, you've got to love a medley. Powerful stuff.

But up next, something completely different.

Performing their Showstopper, Barcelona,

it's our classical group Vox-Xover.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

MUSIC PLAYS

# I had this perfect dream

# Un sueno me envolvio

# This dream was me and you

# Tal vez estas aqui

# I want all the world to see

# Un instinto me guiaba

# A miracle sensation My guide and inspiration

# Now my dream is slowly coming true

# Barcelona Such a beautiful horizon

# Barcelona Like a jewel in the sun

# Por ti sere gaviota de tu bella mar

# Barcelona Suenan las campanas

# Barcelona Abre tus puertas al mundo

# If God is willing If God is willing

# If God is willing Friends until the end

# Viva-a-a-a

# A-a-a-a-a-a-ah... #

Yes! Yes!

# Barcelona! #

Yeah!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Now, Rosie, there were so many layers in that.

It was... It was very much like an opera cake,

which again, Joe, I wouldn't eat by the ocean.

How many parts were in that? 14. 14 parts, Gareth!

14 layering parts.

Now, Rosie, I must ask you,

why do you think you should stay in this competition?

Well...

We just literally love singing together and having fun together

and we're basically like a family,

because we don't love each other all the time, but for the most part,

we just have a really great time, so we want to keep doing that.

Oh, that's very lovely.

Now, talking of beautiful things and relationships,

Nadia, I believe you are engaged

to this lovely man next to you, Michael.

Yes, I am.

Congratulations. APPLAUSE

Michael, congrats. How is the wedding planning going?

Have you sorted out the hors d'oeuvres,

the invitations, all that kind of stuff?

Yes, the amuse-bouches are on the way.

HE LAUGHS There will be a big cake.

Ooh, what sort?

Cheese...cake.

Cheesecake by the ocean is fine, Joe.

It's fine. It's OK, I approve.

Because you have a nice solid layer at the bottom,

which kind of decrumbs the whole thing, so that works.

LAUGHTER Did you...

Did you propose to Nadia with song?

I didn't, no, I crumbled under the pressure, I'm afraid. Aw!

No, I was a whimpering mess, and thankfully,

she worked out what I was trying to say and accepted.

APPLAUSE Lovely!

Kelis. Yes.

A cappella versus opera. Only on this show.

Seriously!

I feel like I was dressed appropriately

to come and watch you sing and perform somewhere.

And I absolutely loved every second of it.

So, well done there.

I think for Oxford Alternotives,

there were some really interesting choices there, so that was exciting.

I do want to say, and commend you guys on a cappella.

It is really hard, and there were so many moving parts.

There were moments where I was a little bit nervous pitch-wise.

I want to see you guys really pull together.

Because these guys are on your tail.

It's going to be very interesting.

Now, Joe, what are you going to be looking for

when they come to the Riff-Off?

I'd say for Vox-Xover, first of all, so impressed.

Your vocal range is insane.

Coming out the gate, belting.

And also, the only lady to hold

so strongly in a group is really impressive.

So, amazing. But I guess what I'm looking for next is how,

coming from the operatic world, what you'll do with different styles

of music, and how you'll balance the two.

And what about the Oxford Alternotives?

I think that last song, it got a little pitchy here and there,

but finding kind of your comfort zone and settling in,

so that way for this next song, you guys really just ease into it,

you know, find your zone.

Gareth, as we've said,

stylistically, two very, very different groups.

Two very, VERY different performances.

If I start with you, Vox-Xover,

if I'm honest, I struggle slightly with this kind of crossover style,

it's a difficult one to pull off.

But I can see great vocal potential here.

Vocal POTENTIAL? Serious?

Yeah, it's just not...my jam. Seriously.

AUDIENCE: Oo-oo-oh!

There's a little Riff-Off developing here at the judges' desk!

Kelis, you loved it. And it's fine that she loved it.

I'm a sceptic, I'm afraid to say.

We can get you a cream for that, Gareth. Thank you.

LAUGHTER

Yeah, please.

Oxford Alternotives.

I'm afraid I've got your score here.

Just being a little bit nerdy, some of your harmonies that you were

trying to pull off, in the arrangement,

I would say keep it simple.

Doing these complicated chords, it's like building a house.

You've got to have the foundations there.

You can't just build a penthouse flat

and have nothing underneath it.

And I thought at times, your upper notes were just a bit exposed

and there was no foundation to the chords.

So I think in the Riff-Off, you've got to work hard,

cos you are up against people who are vocally incredibly assured.

Vocal potential! Vocal potential, that's right.

No, I mean, come on. Great voices. I don't wish to be unfair.

That's it from Nerds Corner.

I doubt that! Yeah, I doubt that! I doubt that!

I'll just go back to my score.

One group is about to be knocked out of the competition.

The other will face Tring Park 16 in tonight's solo battles.

Deciding their fate is the dramatic Riff-Off.

AUDIENCE: Ooh!

# Sweet themes are made of this... #

Anyway, let's reveal the theme.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Lonely.

Time to find out who's going to be lonely at the top

and who will be going home alone.

Good luck.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

MUSIC: Rock And Roll

# It's been a long time since we rock and rolled

# Oh, yeah, rock and roll

# It's been a long time since we did The Stroll

# Oh, yeah, we did The Stroll

# It's been a long time Been a long time, been a long

# Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely Lonely time

# It's been a long time Oh, yeah, oh, yeah

# Whoa-oh-oh!

# Oh, yeah, ooh-ooh, yeah

# It's been a long time Been a long time, been a long

# Lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely Lonely time

# Yeah! #

APPLAUSE

# Only the lonely Dum, dum-dum, dum-dy, doo-wah

# Know this feeling ain't right Dum, dum-dum, dum-dy, doo-wah

# Maybe tomorrow Ba-ba, ba-ba

# A new romance Ba-ba, ba-ba

# No more sorrow Ba-ba, ba-ba

# But that's a chance Ba-ba, ba-ba

# You gotta take

# Because only the lonely know the heartbreaks

# Only the lonely

# Lonely. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Are you lonesome tonight?

# Do you miss me tonight?

# Are you sorry we drifted apart?

# Drifted apart

# Tell me, dear

# Are you lonesome tonight?

# I'm lonely. #

I liked that. A nice surprise.

# Well, someone told me yesterday

# Yester-day

# That when you throw your love away

# Throw your love away

# You act as if you just don't care

# You look as if you're going somewhere

# So lonely, so lonely

# So lonely.

# Time for it all! #

# All by myself

# Oh, oh-oh

# I don't wanna be

# All by myself

# Any more!

# More

# Oh, no!

# All by myself

# Oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh! #

# I love him

# But every day I'm learning

# All my life

# I've only been pretending

# Pretending... Without me

# His world will go on turning

# A world that's full of happiness That I have never known

# I love him

# But only on my own

# So lonely... My own! #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

This was a fascinating battle because it was an uphill climb

for both of these groups.

Our a cappella group had to perform with instruments

and our opera group had to, basically, perform with a rock band

and both groups did very, very well.

Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, Les Mis.

The Riff-Off's like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you're going to get.

APPLAUSE

Well done, everyone concerned in the Riff-Off. Little Imogen,

I have got some... You dropped your little tissue.

I was very emotional in the last song. Have you recovered?

Just about. Just about, Mel, thank you. Thank you.

How was that for you guys? It is such a wonderful experience

to do this on the stage and to share this experience.

We have so many unique personalities

and everyone brings something to the group. Lovely.

Thank you so much, guys. Great Riff-Off work.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Woody.

How was the Riff`Off for you? Bit of a challenge for us,

given our background and things,

but I think we pulled it out the bag.

We have got a lot of tricks up our sleeve, a lot in the locker

that we can, hopefully, continue to show the audience

here and at home.

I'm not sure I want to see inside your locker, Woody.

I'm not sure. What sort of things have you got in your locker?

Cake? Always good. Talk to Joe Jonas about that.

Croquembouche by the ocean, absolutely fine, Joe.

Absolutely fine.

Well done, everybody. That was a cracking Riff-Off,

I have to say. Kelis, if you could, which lonely hearts club band

would you be joining tonight?

I think for me, Imogen, you sound fantastic. Your tone is amazing.

I love it. It's so easy. It came...

and you stood and, kind of, took your stance and it came out.

It was great. That was a wonderful moment.

There were some great harmony moments in there, as well, that I really liked.

And the blend was really good.

Vox-Xover, so good to watch. So exciting.

There were some pitch moments that I think you gentlemen had,

but it didn't faze you, Nadia, so well done.

It's tough. You guys delivered, so we'll see.

Thanks, Kelis.

Gareth, you said that you were a bit of a sceptic about Vox-Xover.

Have they changed your opinion?

I thought that was much more the thing, for me.

I liked your music theatre sound.

That was really exciting, but when you are doing the vibrato

on those close harmony moments, you need to adapt your style.

You have got one poor soprano there all the way up in the heights.

No alto to fill the gap in-between

and you guys - # Oh-oh-oh-oh! # - down the bottom.

Very hard to tune in. It didn't sound exactly like that, though.

When I do, # Oh-oh-oh-oh!? No. You didn't sound like that, though.

That was a cruel exaggeration, but just watch that.

You have got to support your soprano,

who is out there very exposed.

And well done. That was vocal acrobatics up there.

Turning to the Oxford Alternotives,

when you do a style, like Rock And Roll,

and then you change to Elvis Presley,

you have to adapt your sound,

you have to adapt your vocal set-up to that completely

and you have got to commit to that.

I felt, at times, you just dipped your toe in the water.

That is a great first step, but I want all-in.

Done. I've finished. OK. Good.

LAUGHTER

Relax. Take it easy. Take a deep breath.

Joe. Dear Joe.

Who put up the best fight?

You guys really impressed me yet again, but you coming out with

Led Zeppelin is a daring move. Then finishing with Celine Dion,

I was so, kind of, shocked and impressed how you guys came together

that last minute and really showed off your talent.

So, I have to say it's kind of up in the air for me right now.

Only one of these groups can go through to tonight's solo battles.

Kelis, which group would you like to put through

to tonight's solo battles?

Vox-Xover!

Vox-Xover from Kelis.

Joe, which group do you think

deserves a place in those solo battles?

I have to go with Vox-Xover.

Vox-Xover.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Gareth, out of interest, who would you have gone for?

I was won over. I would have gone with Vox-Xover.

Yeah, we turned him! Wow.

Now, Alternotives, well done.

You were absolutely excellent and all of us absolutely loved you.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

The groups through to the solo battles are Tring Park 16...

You, literally, showed us every style of music,

which was really impressive.

We knew we had to pull it out the bag.

..Vox-Xover...

I was won over. I liked your music theatre sound.

That was really exciting.

Brilliant!

..and The Ramparts.

There is so much charisma and so much personality.

And someone keeps winking at me, I swear!

# The unreachable....star! #

APPLAUSE

It's time for the solo battles.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Up first, let's find out who Tring Park 16 have chosen

to put under the spotlight as their soloist.

Caitlin is our soloist in our Solo Battle.

We chose Caitlin cos she has just got the most incredible voice.

It is so unique.

I grew up in a really musical family.

My mum is a concert pianist,

my dad is a drummer and my sister is the singer-songwriter, Birdy.

Birdy is a massive inspiration,

as well as a sister and a best friend.

She always tells me to just go for it, to just express myself.

I suffer from muscle strain disorder,

which puts a lot of tension on my throat.

When my muscle strain gets at its worst,

I physically can't sing.

Sometimes, I can't even speak, it gets so bad.

Coming here is a massive challenge for me.

In your voice, there is just a little bit of rasp that cheats in.

I'm terrified about my voice. I don't know how it's going to go

when I get out there.

I'm just going to give it my all.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now

# Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same

# When our friends talk about you

# All it does is just tear me down... #

Oh, God, yeah.

# Cos my heart breaks a little

# When I hear your name

# Although it hurts

# You'll be the first to say that you were wrong

# Oh, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, whoa

# Oh, I know you're probably much too late

# To try and apologise for your mistakes

# But I just want you to know

# I hope he buys me flowers

# I hope he holds my hand

# Give me all his hours

# When he has the chance

# He'll take me to every party

# Do you remember how much I loved to dance?

# Do all the things you should have done

# When you were my man

# He'll do all the things you should have done

# When you were my man. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

What a voice. Gorgeous. Well done.

Feeling the pressure next, it's Vox-Xover,

whose soloist has been busy putting in Pitch Battle rehearsals

with the planning of a wedding.

For our solo, we needed a voice that has drama and intensity.

For that reason, we've chosen Nadia.

I started singing when I was 12 years old and I trained classically

back home in Sweden.

Michael and I met singing together,

as cheesy as it sounds, it was love at first sight!

He proposed in Rome. I thought I was going off to do concerts

and work with him.

I wasn't expecting it, at all.

Michael is absolutely everything to me. He is just my best friend.

Every time I see Nadia perform, I am unbelievably proud

and I know that, when she is singing the solo, that will be

the proudest moment so far.

With the boys and my husband behind me,

I've got all the support I need.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

# How can you see into my eyes

# Like open doors?

# Leading you down into my core

# Where I've become so numb

# Wake me up inside

# Call my name and save me from the dark

# Frozen inside without your touch

# Without your love, darling

# Only you

# Are the life among the dead

# Ah, ah-ah

# Ah, ah-ah

# Ah, ah-ah

# Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah

# Wake me up inside

# Wake me up inside

# Call my name and save me

# From the dark

# Bid my blood to run

# Before I come undone

# Save me from the nothing I've become

# Bring me to life. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Wow. That was great. That was fantastic.

Our final group are The Ramparts,

who've chosen their youngest member

to lead them in their Solo Battle.

For the solo battle, we have decided to give it to the youngest member

of The Ramparts, which is Ruairi Nicol.

CHEERING

I go to Belvedere College Secondary School in inner-city Dublin.