0:00:02 > 0:00:05'The human voice stripped bare...'
0:00:05 > 0:00:08# Ooo-oo-oooo... #
0:00:08 > 0:00:09Hallelujah!
0:00:09 > 0:00:12'..I think there's nothing more beautiful.'
0:00:12 > 0:00:16# Standing in a crowded room and I can see your face... #
0:00:16 > 0:00:20'With no instruments or backing, this is singing a cappella style.'
0:00:20 > 0:00:23# Put your arms around me... #
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Everything is done - the harmonies, the melodies, the baselines,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29the drums - everything with the human voice.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31I find that incredibly exciting.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33'Up and down the country,
0:00:33 > 0:00:38'ordinary people are making extraordinary music.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40'with just their voices.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:45'Now, in a brand-new contest, I'll be helping the most promising
0:00:45 > 0:00:48'amateur singing groups become Britain's best.'
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Great!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53'Hundreds of gifted groups applied from across the UK,
0:00:53 > 0:00:58'each with their own unique sound, and I picked eight.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Yes, yes, yes.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04'They're pushed to achieve a cappella excellence.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Just be free!
0:01:07 > 0:01:08Come on, let's go.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10I worry that it's not setting the world on fire.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14I think you've got your comfort zone and we're well out of it right now.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18'Each week, these eight groups will compete to stay in the contest.'
0:01:20 > 0:01:23'Performing live at top venues across the country...'
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Nervous.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30'..they'll need to sing to impress a specially selected jury
0:01:30 > 0:01:32'of a cappella experts.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34'Their votes decide who stays...'
0:01:34 > 0:01:36I loved it.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Great rhythm, natural, freely produced singing...
0:01:39 > 0:01:40'..who goes...'
0:01:40 > 0:01:44I hated this. Absolutely hated it.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48'..and, ultimately, who will be crowned my overall winner.'
0:01:48 > 0:01:50One of the best things I've done in my life.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53If we went through, I would be speechless.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57That audience have been regally entertained.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02You see groups like this, excited and ready to go, it makes my blood pump.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04It's going to be so much fun.
0:02:09 > 0:02:10Greenwich, London.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13I'm kick-starting the contest
0:02:13 > 0:02:16at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20where the first four of my chosen groups are coming face-to-face.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23These are the groups whose auditions impressed me most
0:02:23 > 0:02:26from the southern half of the UK.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29We've got wonderful groups here,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32who are talented and hungry,
0:02:32 > 0:02:34and eager to succeed.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35It bodes well.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38There's Restless Symphony,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41pop music performance students from Southampton,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43who dream of making it big.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46I think this is the happiest moment of my life,
0:02:46 > 0:02:47and I'm not even joking.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50My heart is full of unicorns and sweets...
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I know, I'm not even joking!
0:02:53 > 0:02:54I am so happy. Oh, my gosh!
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Community choir Stratford East Singers are determined to prove
0:02:58 > 0:03:02that a group who welcomes all-comers can compete at the highest level.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05We're always just like, "Come and join us, come and have fun."
0:03:05 > 0:03:08One of the special things about us is that we're not all the same.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Another choir wouldn't have this variety of people.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Spinnaker Chorus are a tightknit sisterhood
0:03:14 > 0:03:17from the world of traditional female barbershop.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21What Spinnaker has got is friendliness within the chorus.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24When people come in the room, they're greeted with a smile,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26a piece of cake and a cup of tea,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29a shoulder to cry on, a cuddle if they need it.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Gospel Essence are a group with family at its heart,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36revolving around Rebecca and her younger siblings.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Rebecca's got a great voice,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41so it compliments my voice nicely.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43LAUGHTER
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Four groups might be arriving today,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48but only three will survive this heat.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51I can see in each group there are weaknesses to be tackled.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into that
0:03:53 > 0:03:55and telling them what's what.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Time to set them their first challenge.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Oh, sit down!
0:04:08 > 0:04:09Hello!
0:04:09 > 0:04:10Hello!
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Wow, you're high energy, aren't you?
0:04:12 > 0:04:13Yes!
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Good! You're going to need it!
0:04:17 > 0:04:21You've done very well to earn your place in this contest.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24But now, the battle to keep it begins.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26I'm giving you just three weeks
0:04:26 > 0:04:31to arrange and perfect a performance of a song of my choosing.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34You will come back and stand on this stage,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38where I am standing now, and perform to an audience of 300 people.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43At this stage of the contest, I have selected songs
0:04:43 > 0:04:46that will play to the groups' strengths,
0:04:46 > 0:04:47giving them a chance to shine.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Would you like to know what those songs are?- Yes!
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Spinnaker Chorus, hello.- Hello!
0:04:53 > 0:04:58I've chosen a song for you that is a classic pop barnstormer.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02It's got lots of possibilities for arranging parts,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05so each of you will have something to do.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08It's forceful and feisty, just like you.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14MUSIC: Simply the Best by Tina Turner
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- Have you done it before?- No.- Great!
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Spinnaker Chorus are outgoing and confident performers,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and this powerful song by Tina Turner should suit them down to the ground.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33The chorus are seasoned competitors on the amateur barbershop circuit.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Their annual conventions
0:05:37 > 0:05:40require them to look, as well as sound, the part.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Well, we go for things that are bright and glitzy,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46that are going to show up on the stage.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48When you're a Spinnaker-ette
0:05:48 > 0:05:52you find sequins and diamante in the most unexpected places.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56# You're simply the best... #
0:05:56 > 0:05:59You had a good reaction at the back there in the orange.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I love Tina Turner. I have done the odd Tina Turner impression.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Can I see your Tina Turner impression?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08APPLAUSE
0:06:08 > 0:06:10LAUGHTER
0:06:10 > 0:06:12# You're simply the best!
0:06:14 > 0:06:17# Better than all the rest
0:06:19 > 0:06:21# Better than anyone... #
0:06:21 > 0:06:22Oh, yeah!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25# Anyone I've ever been... #
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I think that's enough of that, thank you very much. Very good!
0:06:28 > 0:06:30APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:06:32 > 0:06:35So, Restless Symphony.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37THEY CHEER
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Hello.- Hello!
0:06:39 > 0:06:44I've chosen you a fantastic modern piece of bubble gum pop.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Let's have a listen to it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50MUSIC: What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
0:06:50 > 0:06:52# You're insecure
0:06:52 > 0:06:53# Don't know what for... #
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Restless Symphony are young, energetic,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and studying pop music performance, so they should have fun
0:06:59 > 0:07:02with One Direction's lively hit, What Makes You Beautiful.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04# You don't know
0:07:04 > 0:07:06# You don't know you're beautiful. #
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Very good!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I sense a mixed reaction there.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Taz, you must be a massive fan of One Direction.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17I love One Direction!
0:07:17 > 0:07:21I can't quite tell you how much I love One Direction.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23I'd love to hear.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Really focus on making this performance
0:07:25 > 0:07:28hugely entertaining, hugely fun.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Gospel Essence, I have chosen a song for you that I think
0:07:31 > 0:07:34is one of the great classics of modern pop,
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- and I should warn you, it's one of my all-time favourites.- No pressure!
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Let's have a listen.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46MUSIC: My Lovin' by En Vogue
0:07:50 > 0:07:51# No, you're never gonna get it... #
0:07:51 > 0:07:55A soulful track like My Lovin' by En Vogue
0:07:55 > 0:07:59is a perfect fit for a group that has its roots in gospel music.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- So, is everybody ready?- Yes.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Are you ready?- Yes.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Are you ready?- Yes!!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Gospel Essence is a family affair.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Big sis Rebecca and siblings Louis and Paulina form its core,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and the clan is about to get bigger.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18I'm 35 weeks pregnant
0:08:18 > 0:08:21and I'll be having my baby in about five weeks, five or six weeks.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23It could be earlier.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Depending on how far we get with the competition, it's like,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29OK, she's going to have a baby during the show, so...
0:08:29 > 0:08:31We hope that that is a problem we deal with,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34that we do get that far, and then we deal with that problem.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37How do you feel about it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40I was thinking to myself, how well does Gareth know us?
0:08:40 > 0:08:43And then you proved it with your song choice.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Listen, flattery will get you nowhere!
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Don't try that.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53So, our final group, the Stratford East Singers.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54CHEERING
0:08:57 > 0:09:00This is a British soul track with a little bit of a swing to it.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02It's also got a rap.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06LAUGHTER
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Shall we have a listen to it? Here it is.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12MUSIC: She Said by Plan B
0:09:12 > 0:09:17# She said I love you, baby, Oh-oh-oh oh oh... #
0:09:17 > 0:09:18With their open-door policy,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21this group has the widest range of singers.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24She Said by Plan B has a musical variety
0:09:24 > 0:09:26that should allow all of them to find a voice.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Double thumbs up?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I think it's a good reflection of us. It's fun, it's got soul,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35it's British as well, which is really good.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- We're going to have a lot of fun with it.- Good, very good.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. That is your challenge.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Those are your songs.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46I will be round to give you all advice and mentor you,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48so very good luck, and see you all soon.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:09:53 > 0:09:57The groups now have just three weeks before they'll be back in Greenwich
0:09:57 > 0:09:58to sing off against each other.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Do you know what I mean?- Yeah.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02That would be quite good.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05The song that we've been given, I think it's just us.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09How it's going to be arranged is another matter.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It's going to be heartbreaking for whoever goes home,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14and we don't want it to be us.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17How do you make a pop song with a full band
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- an a cappella arrangement, it's a challenge.- Bring it on.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Yes, exactly.- I think we need more than three weeks.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31I thought today was very exciting. I am absolutely thrilled.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33There's a kind of excitement and crackle about this bunch
0:10:33 > 0:10:36that I'm just overwhelmed by.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I think everyone is going to take it very seriously,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41but they're also going to have fun.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46The countdown to show day has begun,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50and all four groups are quick to get down to business.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54The contestants must devise their own arrangement...
0:10:54 > 0:10:56All right, girls. Let's get cracking.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Be inventive with their sound.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03And incorporate crowd-pleasing choreography.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06When you walk through the blah blah blah...
0:11:06 > 0:11:10It's a far cry from the genre's roots in medieval choral music.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14A cappella actually means "in the style of the chapel",
0:11:14 > 0:11:18which referred to music sung in church without instruments.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20# 100 times a day... #
0:11:20 > 0:11:24By the 20th century, it had taken a giant leap forward,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27emerging as the familiar barbershop style,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31associated with bowties, blazers and four-part harmonies.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37# Cos you make me feel like... #
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Today, a cappella has been reinvented as a fresh,
0:11:40 > 0:11:44exciting genre, still relying on nothing but the human voice.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51With an appeal that fills stadiums around the world.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54CHEERING
0:11:56 > 0:11:57Of all the groups,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Spinnaker Chorus have a style closest to traditional barbershop.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Part of their challenge will be to use these three weeks
0:12:05 > 0:12:08to bring their sound closer to contemporary a cappella.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13You've got to go in for a contest with a winning spirit, haven't you?
0:12:13 > 0:12:15That's hard when you see the competition.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18They all look so trendy and cool and young and hip.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Smooth skin.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Oh, smooth skin! I'm sitting there thinking, I feel so old.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26THEY LAUGH
0:12:26 > 0:12:28For the last 10 years,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32this Portsmouth sisterhood has bonded over cake and harmonies,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35headed up by musical director Jenny.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38It's not just a hobby now, it's a way of life.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43My best friends, we are so tight now, the girls in the chorus.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45We've been through so much together.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49We've been on journeys, we've been in competitions.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52You've got history, haven't you? Things to laugh about forever.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- Stop burping in her ear.- I wasn't!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Yes, you were!- I wasn't!
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I smelled it as well.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07But saucy humour is not all the group has to offer.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I had breast cancer two years ago,
0:13:09 > 0:13:14and I can't really put into words, they were just absolutely wonderful.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Every single one of them
0:13:16 > 0:13:20were prepared to come and do whatever they could to help.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24In my garden I've got the most beautiful rose
0:13:24 > 0:13:27in a pot that they bought for me.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Every time this rose blossoms, it sounds corny,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35but I just think of Spinnaker because it's just so beautiful.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39This is what we do. They're just a wonderful bunch of ladies.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It's a weekend, and I'm looking forward to seeing
0:13:44 > 0:13:48what they've done with the Tina Turner classic.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53I think Spinnaker Chorus are warm, and they seem to be really close.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55They've got a sense of fun. That's what I like.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58If they can get that across on stage,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I think that will be how they'll win through.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Hello!
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Hey!
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- Hello.- Wow!
0:14:10 > 0:14:11I've been up all night!
0:14:11 > 0:14:13LAUGHTER
0:14:13 > 0:14:16There we are.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Right, well, shall we crack on? I'd really like to hear it.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21# Simply the best
0:14:21 > 0:14:24# Dum dum dum dum
0:14:24 > 0:14:28# Better than all the rest
0:14:28 > 0:14:32# Better than anyone
0:14:32 > 0:14:35# Anyone I've ever met
0:14:35 > 0:14:36# Da na-na-na na
0:14:36 > 0:14:38# Simply the best. #
0:14:38 > 0:14:39Great!
0:14:41 > 0:14:44You've obviously worked your socks off. Well done.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48I worry that it's not setting the world on fire as yet.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52I wondered if we might try getting people to come and stand out,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55and only step in when you're adding something different, just as a game.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59As traditional barber shoppers, this group are not used to
0:14:59 > 0:15:04improvising, but innovation is an essential part of modern a cappella.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Let's just improvise, yeah?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08# Simply the best...
0:15:08 > 0:15:09# Do-do-do da da
0:15:09 > 0:15:11# Do-do-do da da
0:15:11 > 0:15:13# Do-do da da da
0:15:13 > 0:15:15# Do-do-do da da... #
0:15:15 > 0:15:16Just as an idea.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19# Oh-oh oh-oh oh! #
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- You know, some little improvisation type things.- Yeah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26# Do do-do do
0:15:26 > 0:15:28# Do do da da da... #
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Make it more playful.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34# Oooo, you're the best! #
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Whoa! OK, we've never done anything like that before!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- You've never done that?- No.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41You're all like this, "Na-a-ah!"
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I feel like there are no moments where someone goes, "Yeah"!
0:15:44 > 0:15:46You know? Or "Wooo"!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Or "Schwppp"!
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- It's a bit safe. - It's a bit safe, yeah.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53You need to throw caution to the wind and be fun.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- If you just feel, add it.- Feel it. If you feel it, add it.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00If you're not happy, there's nothing worse than someone going,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02"Yeah!"
0:16:02 > 0:16:03"Wooo!"
0:16:03 > 0:16:05"Feeling it!"
0:16:05 > 0:16:08If you feel like that's you, don't do it.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think we held back probably because of embarrassment,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15in case we made a fool of ourselves.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Boy, when someone's in front of you telling you to do it, you clam up!
0:16:19 > 0:16:21You've got your comfort zone - we're well out of it right now.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22Yeah.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26There aren't any rules. You can kind of do anything in a cappella.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29You can make noises, you can do beatboxing, you can...
0:16:29 > 0:16:31You could sing like a bird, it doesn't matter.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34You can do anything you like. They need to start feeling that.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37The chorus have taken their first steps
0:16:37 > 0:16:40towards breaking out of their barbershop straitjacket.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42It's a strictly regulated world,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46where even the wrong make-up can raise an eyebrow.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Is this an important part of your singing?- Yes.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- We've got to wear all the same. - Do you get marked on that?- Yes.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56This year at a convention we were pulled up on...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Not having enough eyebrows.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- In what sense? - There wasn't enough eyebrow showing,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02so this is what they pulled us up on.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04We have to do facial expressions big-time.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Bass singer Lesley doubles as the chorus make-up lady.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Now I'm going to give her some depth, you see.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- We take it into the back. - Oh, hang on a minute.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- We normally would...- Oh, God, she looks like a Dalek!
0:17:17 > 0:17:19You look fine, you look great...
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Oh!
0:17:22 > 0:17:25It was supposed to be eye shadow!
0:17:25 > 0:17:26I know.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30# Baby, there ain't no mountain high enough
0:17:30 > 0:17:33# Ain't no valley low enough
0:17:33 > 0:17:36# To keep me from getting to you, babe... #
0:17:36 > 0:17:40In Southampton, university group Restless Symphony
0:17:40 > 0:17:42are attracting quite a crowd.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45# Ain't no river wide enough
0:17:45 > 0:17:48# To keep me from getting to you, babe... #
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Hoping to become professional singers, most of the group
0:17:52 > 0:17:56study pop music performance at Southampton Solent University.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59under the watchful eye of their lecturer
0:17:59 > 0:18:01and musical director Esther.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03We teach them to be centre stage,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07all of them be solo artists in their own right and own that stage.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09At Esther's suggestion,
0:18:09 > 0:18:14they came together as an a cappella group four months ago.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17We're so used to performing on our own,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20to go from being centre stage to having to share a stage
0:18:20 > 0:18:22with five other people can be a challenge sometimes.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29A week into the contest, and it's time for me to see
0:18:29 > 0:18:31if the soloists are pulling in one direction.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I think Restless Symphony didn't have a great reaction to the song.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Not all of them loved it immediately, and One Direction...
0:18:39 > 0:18:42I mean, it's not to everyone's taste.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45It'll be interesting to see what they've done with it.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47We can make the song big in our own right,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50but I want it to be remembered as the group that have done
0:18:50 > 0:18:54a One Direction song, and made the song better than the original song.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56# Baby you, baby you... #
0:18:56 > 0:18:57Morning!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Hi, Gareth.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01How's it going?
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- Yeah, good.- Really good. - Shall we have a listen?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07# Bam bam-um, bam bam-um
0:19:07 > 0:19:09# You're insecure
0:19:09 > 0:19:12# Don't know what for
0:19:12 > 0:19:15# You're turning heads when you walk through the door
0:19:15 > 0:19:19# Baby you light up my world like nobody else
0:19:19 > 0:19:22# The way that you flick your hair gets me overwhelmed
0:19:22 > 0:19:26# The way you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell
0:19:26 > 0:19:29# You don't know,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31# You don't know you're beautiful... #
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- And then they are going to "wiki wiki wow" it there.- OK, good!
0:19:34 > 0:19:38My immediate thought is I like that beginning, that's really good.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I feel like everyone's got a different idea of what the beat is.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I'm looking round and everyone is going like this...
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Who is the solo in this?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Georgie, is everyone staring at you?- Yes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54OK, then no-one else is allowed to move, and let's all follow Georgie.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59# Lady, you light up my world... #
0:19:59 > 0:20:03'It's obvious everyone here wants to be a lead singer.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08'But to work as a group, they need to take their cues from each other.'
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Yes, that's good.- Lovely, yeah. - I mean it solves it and it's simpler.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16You have to work out who your running mate is, who am I with?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19You two should stand next to each other.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22You should be like this # Do do do, yeah. #
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Sorry. I invaded your personal space, I do apologise.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28If you're together and you're tight like that, it'll be much better.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31These are the things that are going to make you sound like a vocal
0:20:31 > 0:20:35a cappella group, rather than just six people singing harmony.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36It's a big challenge, it really is.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39There's six of them, they've not been singing together for that long.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42They don't know how each other's voices work at the moment.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44When you're doing the same thing as someone else in a vocal
0:20:44 > 0:20:47a cappella situation, you need to tune into them
0:20:47 > 0:20:51and that means eyeballing them and having fun together.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55We're doing this bit together - and that's totally lacking.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57There are all focused totally on themselves.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02Every now and again they look up as if to say, there's a group here.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05They really need to be a unit and they don't feel like that.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Taking a break from their busy rehearsal schedule,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Anita has popped home to Kent.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13She moved here from Nigeria
0:21:13 > 0:21:17when she was 16 to join her mum, Doris, who's a care worker.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Hello, OK, my darling, baby, come on in. Mwah! Come on.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Come on in, come on in. Are you all right?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Your hair! I like it.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32You look lovely. Come in.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- Mum, can you not do that? Are you going somewhere?- Somewhere?- Yeah.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I knew you were coming so I said I would look good for you.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'Doris doesn't share her daughter's passion for music,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'so when it came to choosing her university course,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49'Anita was a touch economical with the truth.'
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I just told her I was doing engineering,
0:21:51 > 0:21:56something technical, you know, so I can build bridges and stuff.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01But, no, she found out that it was music and she was like,
0:22:01 > 0:22:06"Are you sure about that? Is music going to put food on the table?"
0:22:06 > 0:22:11I had no choice really than to accept what she's happy with.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16I did my little bit of talking to her, encouraged her to see if
0:22:16 > 0:22:19she's going to do something else, but she chose what she wanted to do.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23There's nothing I can do about it. She's got that lovely voice.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Thank you.- You don't even know.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Wish I could say the same about you.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Wait till I tell you something about me,
0:22:31 > 0:22:32where did you get it from?!
0:22:32 > 0:22:35My mum is my number one fan.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39She's my biggest fan when it comes to my music. She...
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- You can't make the show, can you? - I'm working.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44There's no-one to cover my shift.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I'll just say I'm very proud of her.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- To be honest.- Aw. Thank you.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55- Do you want to watch a video?- Yeah.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59In Cheltenham, Fizz is drumming up some support from her
0:22:59 > 0:23:01number one fan, little sister Lexie.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04SINGING
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- Look.- Wow!
0:23:06 > 0:23:11Whenever we have rehearsals, we often record ourselves singing
0:23:11 > 0:23:13and I always send the little clips, the sound bites
0:23:13 > 0:23:15and the small videos to Lexie.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18LEXIE SINGS ALONG
0:23:22 > 0:23:26They've always been an inseparable team and...
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Fizz always wants to share a room with her
0:23:29 > 0:23:32and I've said we've got room, do you want me to move her?
0:23:32 > 0:23:36And she always says no, I always want to be with her.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- Would you like a kiss? - Would I like a kiss?
0:23:40 > 0:23:41Yes. Go on, then.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Thank you.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47# Shosholoza... #
0:23:47 > 0:23:502012 was a great year for Stratford in east London.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52It was the year of the Olympics
0:23:52 > 0:23:55and the formation of Stratford East Singers.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58# Shoshaloza
0:23:58 > 0:24:00# Kulezo ntaba... #
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Anyone can join this community choir,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06which makes it the most diverse group in the contest.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09# Kulezo ntaba Stimela... #
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Just everyone is smiling, that got on or off,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13just like a big, big difference,
0:24:13 > 0:24:14and they sang beautifully.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The singers have busy working lives
0:24:18 > 0:24:22but manage to fit in rehearsing and the occasional trip to the pub.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27- What do you want then? - Kronenburg, please.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Aged 19 to 68, they range from retirees to a teacher,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33to hard-working single mums.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Our choir is not auditioned, everyone is literally welcome.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41I think if it had been an audition choir...
0:24:41 > 0:24:43I don't know if I'd've got in.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Exactly.- Would you have got in?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48So Abby is the baby and we've got mummy Antoinette.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Yeah.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- We're very enthusiastic and... - Ecclesiastic?
0:24:54 > 0:24:55That's the word!
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- You can get pills for that.- OK.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Knocking the group into shape is Byron's job.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06THEY SING
0:25:06 > 0:25:10When not leading the choir, he works as a community music teacher.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I think singing in general is just good for the soul.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16I feel like I've found my calling, if that makes sense.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18I grew up in south London.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21We lived on an estate so sometimes it could get quite rough
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and you were exposed to things at an early age that you wouldn't
0:25:24 > 0:25:26necessarily expect a child to see.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29# Everyone's got a price... #
0:25:29 > 0:25:31My mum always encouraged me
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and my brother would always encourage me to kind of continue
0:25:34 > 0:25:37with music and that kept me focused and stayed me on a good path.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39He can play instruments
0:25:39 > 0:25:44and also he can use his favourite instrument which is his voice.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46I don't know how he can hit the highest note,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49even I can't even do that myself.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Stratford East are a community choir. They're a family.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I'm interested to see whether that's an advantage because they're
0:25:58 > 0:26:00warm and lovely or whether it's a disadvantage
0:26:00 > 0:26:03because they're not musically good enough.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06THEY SING
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Hi!- Hello!
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Hello! CHEERING
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- How are you doing? - All right, how are you doing?
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I'm all right, more to the point, how are you?
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- How's the song coming along?- Good...
0:26:18 > 0:26:20LAUGHTER
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Ahhh! OK, let's go.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25# She said I love you boy I love you so
0:26:25 > 0:26:31# She said I love you boy, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
0:26:31 > 0:26:33# Oh... #
0:26:33 > 0:26:38THEY RAP
0:26:40 > 0:26:43# No, no-no-no, no-no-no
0:26:43 > 0:26:48# No, no-no-no. #
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Great! That's great, well done.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I was very excited by the rap.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- I think we got some balance issues, I couldn't hear a bloody word.- Yes.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00If you can't hear the soloist, you're too loud.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Because at the moment it feels like you're all just kind of going,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06# Oooooh, yeah. #
0:27:06 > 0:27:11Great, I love my singing. I come here after work and I-I let it out.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16There's a way to sing with energy and excitement that's quiet enough
0:27:16 > 0:27:19we can hear even Byron singing in his falsetto.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- # She said I love you boy, I love you so- Ooooh
0:27:22 > 0:27:28# She said I love you boy, oh oh oh
0:27:28 > 0:27:32# Ooooh. #
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Right. Immediately, when I went like that...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Something happened to your eyebrows. You all went...
0:27:39 > 0:27:41That pretty much fixed it straightaway.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44This is your area of weakness, if you can't hear him.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Either cut something or somebody is too loud.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50I think you're capable of it, but it'll just take a bit of work.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54There's something so honest and lovely and warm about hearing people
0:27:54 > 0:27:58sing for the sheer joy of it, that's what a community choir is to me.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00But here, there's a level of precision
0:28:00 > 0:28:03that we need to compete with the other choirs.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Just over ten miles away, Romford, Essex,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13is home to the soulful harmonies of Gospel Essence.
0:28:13 > 0:28:19# Lights will guide you home... #
0:28:19 > 0:28:24So I set the group up about five years ago to basically sing gospel
0:28:24 > 0:28:26music at weddings.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28I roped in the family, got Louis and Paulina involved.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- I can't sing that. - You can't sing at all.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36'There are eight years between siblings Rebecca, Louis
0:28:36 > 0:28:39and Paulina, who aren't without the occasional squabble.'
0:28:39 > 0:28:41That was too funny.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46What did you just do?! Did you just cut the cake for yourself? OK, cool.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- It's like a quarter of the cake! - It's a slice.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51At the beginning it was hard to find a balance
0:28:51 > 0:28:53because it's like, you can't tell me
0:28:53 > 0:28:55what to do in public as well as at home.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58# Let the madness in the music get to you... #
0:28:58 > 0:29:02The thing is I'd actually class my sisters as friends, if I'm honest,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I genuinely do get along with them.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06# Living off the wall Life ain't so bad at all
0:29:06 > 0:29:10# Living off the wall Live your life off the wall
0:29:10 > 0:29:11# Living off the wall. #
0:29:12 > 0:29:15To fulfil her vision for Gospel Essence,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Rebecca needed to look beyond the family home.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I met Lowell at a karaoke party and thought he'd be good for the bass.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I count myself very lucky that I'm together with this group of people.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29Only through music, you know!
0:29:29 > 0:29:33Then I did some backing singing and met Michelle.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- That's how she got involved.- Are you confident in your part, young man?
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- Yeah.- You got it locked down? You've got some dirty notes in there.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Quite a few dirty notes actually.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48It's such an expression of who I am to sing. It's a joy.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Hello. We're in a competition! A little competition.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04What I'd really like to see from Gospel Essence is something
0:30:04 > 0:30:08energetic. They've got such a cracking song, a sassy song.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12There's so much going on, # Do dah do dah - deep! #
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It's just one of those that's all over the place.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20OK, I'm excited. I'm looking forward to this. Hit me.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25# What makes you think that you can walk back into her life
0:30:25 > 0:30:30# Without a good fight
0:30:30 > 0:30:36# I just sit back and watch you make a fool of yourself
0:30:36 > 0:30:42# You're just wasting your time
0:30:42 > 0:30:47# No, you're never gonna to get it, mmmm bop! #
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Immediate thoughts.- Yep?- Good. I wanted to be in it.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Hats off to your rhythm section, I've got to say that's the boring part.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59There's two ways to do that, there's # dum dum dum # -
0:30:59 > 0:31:01"Why didn't I get a better part?"
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Or there's what you did, which is to take care of it
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and constantly checking out, am I in the groove?
0:31:06 > 0:31:10What I am most concerned about with you is the performance aspects.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13For a gospel group you're incredibly static at the moment, aren't you?
0:31:13 > 0:31:17I don't want you looking like a group of accountants
0:31:17 > 0:31:18and bank managers on stage,
0:31:18 > 0:31:23just really diligently counting all the crotchets and quavers.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Why don't we set up a catwalk. Get some chairs. All right.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30You're going to come out from behind the curtain, you're going
0:31:30 > 0:31:34to strike a pose right here and then you're going to do the walk.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36# You're never gonna get it. #
0:31:36 > 0:31:40In whatever fashion you feel, you know, in the vibe of the song and
0:31:40 > 0:31:43then you're going to do a little pose,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46and then go back in the same manner.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47OK?
0:31:47 > 0:31:49# Aaaah
0:31:49 > 0:31:51# No, you're never gonna get it... #
0:31:51 > 0:31:53How are you doing?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55# No, you're never gonna get it... #
0:31:55 > 0:31:56Have a bit more fun!
0:31:56 > 0:31:59# Had your chance to make a change... #
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Take charge. That's it.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06SINGING CONTINUES
0:32:11 > 0:32:17If ever a group of people needed to go clubbing or dancing, it's you.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19I'm not getting crackle from you yet. You know?
0:32:19 > 0:32:26You don't bound in going like, yeah, we're here, we're sexy! I want that.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29I want to feel like that...energy.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Gospel singing and being sexy don't normally come together
0:32:33 > 0:32:37so it's something that we're going to have to bring together.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- In a nice tasteful way.- I didn't want to be too sexy.- Yeah, yeah.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- I didn't want to scare everyone. - No, I'm sure...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46I'm confident we're going to bring the thunder.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47I'm really excited about this group
0:32:47 > 0:32:51because I feel they're actually contenders in the contest.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53IF they can master this element of performance.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58It's now just one week until the groups return to Greenwich to
0:32:58 > 0:33:04compete in front of a live audience and a specially selected jury.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08In seven days these seven jurists will decide which group will
0:33:08 > 0:33:10leave the contest.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15Their expertise is drawn from a range of musical backgrounds.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18# Shakira, Shakira... #
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Representing University A Cappella is Joel Fishel from acclaimed
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Oxford group, Out Of The Blue.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27A cappella isn't easy.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30If you're in the middle of a harmony part, you can't go out of tune.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32As soon as that happens, you're busted
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and it collapses the whole performance.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36From the world of gospel,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39award-winning choir director Karen Gibson.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43I want to see a level of rhythmic dexterity, something that
0:33:43 > 0:33:46shows me that actually these groups, they're musicians,
0:33:46 > 0:33:47and know what they're doing.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52Adding in barbershop, a vocal expert, a performance coach,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56a beatboxer and a leading music producer, ensures this jury
0:33:56 > 0:34:00will represent and scrutinise the full range of disciplines within
0:34:00 > 0:34:02modern a cappella.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07With just a few days left before they face the jury,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09the groups are cramming in rehearsals.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14# Never gonna get my loving Mmmm bap. #
0:34:14 > 0:34:18THEY RAP
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Trying to organise more and more rehearsals, I think
0:34:21 > 0:34:24pretty much every other day we want to be rehearsing
0:34:24 > 0:34:26to make sure that we do the song justice.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33I feel privileged I get a chance to perform to the nation, you know.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34That's a big deal.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37I'm proud of what we've come up with,
0:34:37 > 0:34:39I'm hoping we just turn up and blow everyone away.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40That would be amazing.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46In Portsmouth, Spinnaker Chorus are embracing my advice to improvise.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49We're going to try some vocal percussion, erm,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52it's not something that we normally do.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55So be prepared to be amazed.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57I really love percussion.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00It's got to be something that I can do that doesn't involve...
0:35:00 > 0:35:02IMITATES PERCUSSION
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Stuff like that, you know.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Has anyone thought of any, like, beatboxing, rhythms
0:35:06 > 0:35:10or anything like that that we can put in to maybe add to the
0:35:10 > 0:35:12ding-dong part.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Tsh-tsh, that's your lot!
0:35:14 > 0:35:16LAUGHTER
0:35:16 > 0:35:17- She's got some!- Oh!
0:35:17 > 0:35:18SHE BEATBOXES
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Yeah, I like that!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Can we chuck that in...
0:35:22 > 0:35:23LAUGHTER
0:35:23 > 0:35:26It's like letting your hair down, really.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29We've never had that chance to go and experiment before.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Vocal creativity is important in this contest but the groups will
0:35:33 > 0:35:36need other tricks up their sleeve to create a memorable performance.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38How are you?
0:35:38 > 0:35:39I want that evening,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42when you're all in front of those 300 members of the audience,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46I want it to work and I want you to put on something entertaining
0:35:46 > 0:35:49but I also want you to represent yourself, as well.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52How are you making it feel like Spinnaker Chorus?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54We're women, so clothes are important to us, we are women.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Clothes are important to me too but...OK, granted.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01Gillian is our wardrobe mistress and she's put together a brief of us,
0:36:01 > 0:36:03ideas, what she wants us to wear.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Look at this, it's with bullet points and everything.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Oh, yeah!
0:36:07 > 0:36:09So, we're going white lace.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Blue denim jeans with lace diamante embellishments?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14LAUGHTER
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Now, this is the detail I'm...I would second.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19You should choose jeans which are comfortable and fit you well.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21No muffin tops!
0:36:21 > 0:36:22LAUGHTER
0:36:22 > 0:36:24I've got plenty of muffin top!
0:36:24 > 0:36:27God, she doesn't pull any punches, does she?
0:36:27 > 0:36:29I know many ladies are self-conscious
0:36:29 > 0:36:31about their bingo wings.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32LAUGHTER
0:36:32 > 0:36:34But please don't be offended
0:36:34 > 0:36:36if someone suggests you should cover them up.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37LAUGHTER
0:36:37 > 0:36:40I mean, I've worked with a lot of groups and the question is always,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43very early on, before we've even learnt the music,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- what are we wearing?- Yeah. - But this takes the biscuit.
0:36:50 > 0:36:56The feedback that Gareth Malone OBE gave us last time, cheeky sausage,
0:36:56 > 0:37:00was that we all look like a bunch of bankers and accountants.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03With my criticism ringing in their ears,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06the pressure is on for Gospel Essence.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Rebecca has delegated the job of choreography to Paulina.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Just start in a straight line, get into your placement and sing.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Let me see you all from here again?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16It's just embarrassing!
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Do it again, do it again. This is wasting time!
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I'm just getting frustrated because it's on Saturday,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24we don't have a lot of time and it's taken us,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27like, an hour just to get the beginning part right.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31It's OK, just breathe. Do you want a cuddle?
0:37:31 > 0:37:32- No.- Are you sure?
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- You do need one.- I do.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38To ramp up their on-stage charisma,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42musical director Rebecca has employed a novel tactic.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45She said, take on a character,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47so during the performance,
0:37:47 > 0:37:48I am Snake Eyes.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51He is a bad man, from the wrong side of the tracks,
0:37:51 > 0:37:55who believes that he will always get it.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57The ladies claim that you're never going to get it, well,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00obviously, at one point, you did get it...
0:38:00 > 0:38:02LAUGHTER
0:38:02 > 0:38:05So, there's a lot of arrogance on our side.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Yeah!
0:38:07 > 0:38:10From Romford to Stratford...
0:38:10 > 0:38:13it's all work and no play for the Stratford East Singers.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17They've been focusing on dynamics or volume, after I asked them to stop
0:38:17 > 0:38:20drowning out their soloists.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Yeah, that's good. That's a nice start.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Yeah, it's really hard to hold them back and not sing as loud as they
0:38:25 > 0:38:26want to sing.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30To nail it, they've been rehearsing every available minute.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33No breath, no breath, no breath, no breath.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Oh, the pressure's on, the heat is on, everything's on.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39We just have to believe in ourselves, be positive
0:38:39 > 0:38:41and actually practice, practice, practice.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Right, let's go from the top one more time
0:38:44 > 0:38:46and then we'll have a little bit of a break.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50CHOIR SINGS AN INTRO
0:38:50 > 0:38:52I am feeling knackered but excited!
0:38:52 > 0:38:56I can't wait to take a nap and a bath, with some extra salts.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06HE SHUDDERS
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Erm, good. Look, here's where I'm at with this. I feel like, A, you're
0:39:10 > 0:39:13really tired, you just look it.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17You look tired, you sound tired. So, I just heartily recommend, don't
0:39:17 > 0:39:20rehearse any more tomorrow. You don't need it - it's not going to get
0:39:20 > 0:39:22any better with more practice.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24It's show time!
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Well done, see you there, thank you.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28APPLAUSE
0:39:28 > 0:39:30They worked too hard. Stratford East just overdid it.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33These guys are definitely the vocal underdogs,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35they're a little bit rough around the edges
0:39:35 > 0:39:37but they do have this spirit that could carry them through.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I think, I'll only know on the day.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40We need an audience.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49The all-important performance day has arrived.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51The four groups are back in London
0:39:51 > 0:39:54but only three will be staying in the contest.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Before the night is over, one group will be sent home.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02This is so close, it's so close, each group has got something
0:40:02 > 0:40:05totally different, totally unique but they're all good
0:40:05 > 0:40:07and it really will come down to taste.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10You want to see my feet? Look, I put fake tan on my feet,
0:40:10 > 0:40:12cos it's the only bit of my skin on that's on show.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17Look how brown they've come out! They don't normally turn that brown!
0:40:17 > 0:40:20You've just got to go for it now. We've learnt what we can learn,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22I think, just enjoy it now and do our best.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I just want my waters to break but not right now!
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Soon.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28As soon as you walk on that stage, it's like,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30"This is the time of my life!"
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- Stratford East!- Singers! - Stratford East!- Singers!
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- One, two, three!- Woooh!
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I can't call this, I honestly have no idea who's going to go out
0:40:38 > 0:40:41because each one is special, each one has something.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45The stage is set
0:40:45 > 0:40:48and soon these 300 seats will be filled.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52As well as an audience,
0:40:52 > 0:40:56friends and family have arrived from around the country.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00- Bonjour!- Cuddle, cuddle!
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- I like your lipstick! - Thank you, do you want some?- Ahhh!
0:41:07 > 0:41:11We're already super proud of all of you!
0:41:11 > 0:41:12- Good luck!- Thank you.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Lexi's visit brings home the fact that not everyone's
0:41:19 > 0:41:21family can be here for the big day.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25I'm so proud of them and I'm not even their mum.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Your family's so proud, you do yourselves so proud.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Mummy Essence.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I'm proud of all of them, especially Rebecca..
0:41:39 > 0:41:43because she started all this by herself.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Be confident, show them what you can do. Good luck!
0:41:49 > 0:41:53As people prepare to take their seats, the jury arrive.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58Above all else, they want to be entertained, but pitch, timing,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01tuning and blend will all be scrutinised.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02If you have one voice that's
0:42:02 > 0:42:04of a different colour or texture,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06a bit like the light bulb in the
0:42:06 > 0:42:07Blackpool illuminations,
0:42:07 > 0:42:08if there's one out,
0:42:08 > 0:42:09that's the one you look at.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11The jury will also appraise how
0:42:11 > 0:42:14groups look in terms of presence, staging and choreography.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17A strong choreographic performance is critical now,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20modern audiences expect that.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21We've all seen things like Glee
0:42:21 > 0:42:23and Pitch Perfect on the screen,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25so that's what we want to see in performance.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32With the jury in their seats, it's show time!
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Extremely nervous, extremely nervous!
0:42:43 > 0:42:44SHE GASPS
0:42:44 > 0:42:48No bankers and accountants here, darling! Can you see?
0:42:48 > 0:42:49You can see!
0:42:53 > 0:42:55A little bit nervous now.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58It's feeling very real at this point.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Hello, London! Hello!
0:43:05 > 0:43:08APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Hello, thank you very much!
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, members of the audience,
0:43:17 > 0:43:22friends and family, I'm sure you are itching to get on with it.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25This is Restless Symphony!
0:43:25 > 0:43:27APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:29 > 0:43:31I think this is going to be great!
0:43:37 > 0:43:41# Baby, you light up my world
0:43:44 > 0:43:48# Like nobody else
0:43:50 > 0:43:54# The way that you flip your hair
0:43:56 > 0:44:01# Gets me overwhelmed
0:44:03 > 0:44:07# But when you smile at the ground
0:44:07 > 0:44:12# It ain't hard to tell
0:44:13 > 0:44:15# You don't know
0:44:17 > 0:44:21# You're beautiful
0:44:21 > 0:44:25# Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, chicka-cheek-ah
0:44:25 > 0:44:28# Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da
0:44:28 > 0:44:31# You're insecure, don't know what for
0:44:31 > 0:44:35# You're turning heads when you walk through the door
0:44:35 > 0:44:38# Don't need make-up to cover up
0:44:38 > 0:44:42# Being the way that you are is enough, enough
0:44:42 > 0:44:45# Everyone else in the room can see it
0:44:45 > 0:44:49# Everyone else but you
0:44:49 > 0:44:52# Baby, you light up my world like nobody else
0:44:52 > 0:44:55# The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed
0:44:55 > 0:45:00# And when you smile at the ground, it ain't hard to tell
0:45:00 > 0:45:04# You don't know that's what makes you beautiful
0:45:08 > 0:45:11# Oh, come on, you got it wrong
0:45:11 > 0:45:15# To prove it right I'll put it in a song
0:45:15 > 0:45:17# Hey! Na-na-na-na-na-na
0:45:17 > 0:45:19# You're beautiful
0:45:19 > 0:45:20# Na-na-na-na-na-na
0:45:20 > 0:45:22# That's what makes you beautiful
0:45:22 > 0:45:25# Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
0:45:25 > 0:45:28# Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
0:45:28 > 0:45:31# Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na...#
0:45:31 > 0:45:33There go the audience. It worked.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36# That's what makes you beautiful! #
0:45:37 > 0:45:40APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:45:45 > 0:45:47They commanded the stage at the end!
0:45:47 > 0:45:50Just at the end, I felt like they really won it!
0:45:50 > 0:45:52If they could have had that energy at the beginning,
0:45:52 > 0:45:54it would have been amazing!
0:45:54 > 0:45:57That was the best feeling in the world! Oh, my God!
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Next up, Spinnaker Chorus.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03# Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum
0:46:03 > 0:46:08# Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum, dum-dum, dum-dum
0:46:08 > 0:46:11# I call you when I need you My heart's on fire
0:46:13 > 0:46:15# Dum-dum, dum-dum
0:46:17 > 0:46:19# Come to me, come to me
0:46:19 > 0:46:21# Wild and wired
0:46:21 > 0:46:24# Dum-dum, dum-dum
0:46:24 > 0:46:27# Ooh, you come to me
0:46:27 > 0:46:30# Give me everything I need
0:46:31 > 0:46:34# Oooh-ahh
0:46:34 > 0:46:38# In your heart I see the start of every night and every day
0:46:38 > 0:46:41# Oh, baby
0:46:41 > 0:46:46# In your eyes I get lost I get washed away
0:46:48 > 0:46:49# Ba-ba, ba-ba
0:46:49 > 0:46:53# Ooh, just as long as I'm here in your arms
0:46:53 > 0:46:55# I could be in no better place
0:46:57 > 0:46:59# Ba-ba-ba, simply the best
0:46:59 > 0:47:01# Bam-bam-bam-ba
0:47:01 > 0:47:04# Better than all the rest
0:47:04 > 0:47:06# Bam-bam-bam-ba
0:47:06 > 0:47:08# Better than anyone
0:47:08 > 0:47:10# Bam-bam-bam-ba
0:47:10 > 0:47:13# Anyone I've ever met
0:47:15 > 0:47:19# Each time you leave me I start losing control
0:47:19 > 0:47:23# Walking away with my heart and my soul
0:47:23 > 0:47:26# I can feel you even when I'm alone
0:47:27 > 0:47:31# Oh, baby, don't let go
0:47:31 > 0:47:35# Ding-ding-ding-ding
0:47:35 > 0:47:37# Na-na-na-ah
0:47:37 > 0:47:43# Na-na-na-ah
0:47:43 > 0:47:46# Wow, wow, yeah
0:47:46 > 0:47:47# You're the best! #
0:47:47 > 0:47:49APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:47:51 > 0:47:54I think they won the audience over. They got them clapping but there was
0:47:54 > 0:47:57a dodgy moment there, when they started clapping, I thought
0:47:57 > 0:48:00that could really throw the timing off...not bad.
0:48:02 > 0:48:03Weren't they wonderful?!
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Now to our next group,
0:48:05 > 0:48:10performing a unique take on one of my favourite ever tracks,
0:48:10 > 0:48:13this is Gospel Essence!
0:48:14 > 0:48:17APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:48:22 > 0:48:25# Never gonna get, never gonna get it
0:48:25 > 0:48:28# Never gonna get my loving
0:48:28 > 0:48:30# Hmmmmm-bap
0:48:32 > 0:48:34# Bap-bap-bap
0:48:34 > 0:48:37# I remember how it used to be
0:48:37 > 0:48:42# You were never were this nice You can't fool me
0:48:43 > 0:48:47# Now you're talking like you made a change
0:48:48 > 0:48:53# The more you talk the more things sound the same
0:48:53 > 0:48:56# What makes you think you can just walk back into my life
0:48:58 > 0:49:01# Without a good fight
0:49:03 > 0:49:08# I just sit back and watch you make a fool of yourself
0:49:09 > 0:49:12# You're just wasting your time
0:49:15 > 0:49:16# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:16 > 0:49:18# Not this time
0:49:18 > 0:49:19# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:19 > 0:49:21# My loving
0:49:21 > 0:49:22# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:22 > 0:49:24# Had your chance to make a change
0:49:24 > 0:49:26# Mmmmm-ba
0:49:26 > 0:49:30# Now you promise me the moon and stars
0:49:30 > 0:49:32# Moon and the stars
0:49:32 > 0:49:35# Save your breath, you won't get very far
0:49:37 > 0:49:41# And maybe next time you'll give your woman a little respect
0:49:41 > 0:49:45# Then you won't be hearing her say
0:49:47 > 0:49:50# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:50 > 0:49:52# Not this time
0:49:52 > 0:49:53# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:53 > 0:49:55# My loving, yeah
0:49:55 > 0:49:56# No, you're never gonna get it
0:49:56 > 0:49:59# Had your chance to make a change
0:49:59 > 0:50:01# Mmmmmm-bap! #
0:50:01 > 0:50:04And now it's time for a breakdown.
0:50:04 > 0:50:05# Never gonna get it
0:50:05 > 0:50:07# Never gonna get it never gonna get it...#
0:50:07 > 0:50:08Slight wobble.
0:50:08 > 0:50:10# Never gonna get it Never gonna get it
0:50:10 > 0:50:14# Never gonna get it Wow-wow-wow
0:50:14 > 0:50:16# Never gonna get it Never gonna get it
0:50:16 > 0:50:19# Never gonna get it Never gonna get it
0:50:19 > 0:50:21# Never gonna get it Never gonna get it
0:50:21 > 0:50:24# Never gonna get it Never get it! #
0:50:27 > 0:50:29APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:50:32 > 0:50:35I don't know if it was on fire but it was polished.
0:50:41 > 0:50:42Would you Adam and Eve it?
0:50:42 > 0:50:46This is the final group for this evening. Ladies and gentlemen,
0:50:46 > 0:50:49I give you The Stratford East Singers!
0:50:49 > 0:50:51- APPLAUSE AND CHEERING - Hold tight!
0:50:53 > 0:50:54Who knows?!
0:50:57 > 0:50:58# She said I love you boy
0:50:58 > 0:51:00# I love you boy
0:51:00 > 0:51:06# She said I love you so oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
0:51:09 > 0:51:12# She said I love you boy I love you so
0:51:12 > 0:51:16# She said I love you baby oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
0:51:18 > 0:51:21# Oh-oh-oh
0:51:21 > 0:51:24# She said I love you more than words can say
0:51:24 > 0:51:29# She said I love you baby-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
0:51:33 > 0:51:35# Ah
0:51:35 > 0:51:39# She said boy I loved you from the start
0:51:39 > 0:51:41# When I first heard love go down
0:51:41 > 0:51:44# Something started burning in my heart
0:51:44 > 0:51:46# Dee-da-da-da
0:51:46 > 0:51:48# I said stop this crazy talk
0:51:48 > 0:51:50# Dee-da-da-da
0:51:50 > 0:51:53# And leave right now and close the door
0:51:53 > 0:51:55# Dee-da-da-da
0:51:58 > 0:52:01# She said I love you boy I love you so
0:52:01 > 0:52:04# She said I love you baby oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...#
0:52:08 > 0:52:09THEY RAP
0:52:09 > 0:52:12# So now up in the courts pleading my case from the witness box
0:52:12 > 0:52:15# Telling the judge and jury the same thing that I said to the cops
0:52:15 > 0:52:18# On the day that I got arrested I'm innocent I protested
0:52:18 > 0:52:20# She just feels rejected
0:52:20 > 0:52:22# Had her heart broken by someone she's obsessed with
0:52:22 > 0:52:25# The jury don't look like their buying it and making me nervous
0:52:25 > 0:52:26# And I'm screw faced like I'm trying it
0:52:26 > 0:52:28# Their eyes fixed on me like a murderer's
0:52:28 > 0:52:30# They wanna lock me up and throw away the key
0:52:30 > 0:52:33# They wanna send me down even after I told them she
0:52:33 > 0:52:35# She said I love you boy I love you so
0:52:35 > 0:52:38# She said I love you oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
0:52:38 > 0:52:41# Bam-bam-bam Bam-bam-bam
0:52:44 > 0:52:46# She said I love you more than words can say
0:52:46 > 0:52:49# She said I love you baby-ay-ay-ay
0:52:49 > 0:52:54# Bam-bam-bam Bam-bam-bam
0:52:54 > 0:52:57# No no-no-no
0:52:57 > 0:52:59# No-no-no No-no-no
0:52:59 > 0:53:03# No-o-o-o-o! #
0:53:06 > 0:53:10APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Not perfect, it came apart at times but that's pretty strong stuff.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18It had an energy!
0:53:22 > 0:53:26The fate of the groups is now firmly in the hands of the jury.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29Spinnaker Chorus. I thought they just had a great performance style.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32They were loving it from the first second of what they were doing.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34I do think that they played it a little safe.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37I'd like to hear them step outside their comfort zone a little bit.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40Great harmonies. I thought it was very well blended together.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43I don't think we could have done any better
0:53:43 > 0:53:47and I'm really, really proud of the girls.
0:53:47 > 0:53:48Gospel Essence.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52I loved it, great rhythm, natural, freely produced singing.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56The soloist, she had a great voice but she didn't have much charisma,
0:53:56 > 0:53:57I wanted her to engage me.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59It is crunch time.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02We're either going to be having even more challenges ahead of us
0:54:02 > 0:54:06or we're going home and I think we want the challenges, so...
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Restless Symphony.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11A wonderful effort from a more inexperienced group.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13I do think that there were some tuning issues
0:54:13 > 0:54:14throughout their performance.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18That may have been due to some nerves that I was seeing on stage.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21We just did our best and I hope they're going to see this.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24Stratford East Singers.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27I thought their lead soloist was very good,
0:54:27 > 0:54:30although the choir, because there's quite a number of them,
0:54:30 > 0:54:34I think there's 15 in all, overwhelmed him a bit.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37The rapping was great but I think it was too fast.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40I felt they've got a musical voice of their own
0:54:40 > 0:54:42and they've got something they want to say.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44I think if we went through, I would be speechless!
0:54:44 > 0:54:47I would be speechless and I think I'd have to buy everyone a drink
0:54:47 > 0:54:49and break the bank!
0:54:49 > 0:54:51OK, jurors, it's decision time!
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Ladies and gentlemen, members of the jury, welcome back.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03The results are here.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07I want to point out that these results are in no particular order.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10The first group to make it through...
0:55:19 > 0:55:20Gospel Essence.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22CHEERING
0:55:27 > 0:55:30Congratulations to Gospel Essence, everyone!
0:55:33 > 0:55:35The next group staying in the contest is...
0:55:42 > 0:55:44Stratford East Singers.
0:55:44 > 0:55:45CHEERING
0:55:50 > 0:55:52Congratulations, the Stratford East Singers!
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Very well done, everyone!
0:55:55 > 0:55:57Boom!
0:55:57 > 0:56:00THEY SCREAM
0:56:00 > 0:56:04That leaves Restless Symphony and Spinnaker Chorus.
0:56:04 > 0:56:08The jury thought this was an incredibly tough decision.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11They felt that the group that should stay in the contest is...
0:56:21 > 0:56:22Restless Symphony.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24CHEERING
0:56:28 > 0:56:31That means, Spinnaker Chorus,
0:56:31 > 0:56:33I am so sorry but we have to say goodbye to you.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37Restless Symphony, you may leave the stage, thank you very much.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43CHEERING AND SCREAMING
0:56:46 > 0:56:49And one final round of applause, please, for the Spinnaker Chorus!
0:56:49 > 0:56:51Thank you so much!
0:56:51 > 0:56:53APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:56:53 > 0:56:56You may now leave the stage.
0:56:56 > 0:56:57Help!
0:57:01 > 0:57:03We got through! So excited!
0:57:03 > 0:57:07So exciting, I don't really have words, apart from just yay!
0:57:07 > 0:57:10We're just crazy excited, we're over the moon!
0:57:10 > 0:57:12We can't believe we got through!
0:57:12 > 0:57:15Mum, we got through!
0:57:16 > 0:57:18LAUGHTER
0:57:18 > 0:57:22Immensely proud of the girls and I'm pleased for the other choruses,
0:57:22 > 0:57:24they were obviously over the moon.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27We're just so chuffed to...I'm going to cry, sorry.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30Don't cry, cos we'll all go.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34Are you all right?
0:57:34 > 0:57:35No!
0:57:35 > 0:57:38Aww, aww, I'm sorry.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40Jenny, are you all right?
0:57:40 > 0:57:42Yeah, I'm all right.
0:57:42 > 0:57:47I am really disappointed for you and I did think you did really well.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50You know, perhaps you didn't totally let your hair down
0:57:50 > 0:57:53and shake off that barbershop thing, I don't know but you know what?
0:57:53 > 0:57:56There was some lovely tuning, there were some great harmonies.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58I think you can go home proud of what you did.
0:58:00 > 0:58:04What happens on a stage, it's about bravery and taking risks
0:58:04 > 0:58:07and if you don't do that you're playing it safe
0:58:07 > 0:58:10and unfortunately that's what did it for Spinnaker.
0:58:12 > 0:58:15'Next time, I head north for my second regional heat...'
0:58:15 > 0:58:17Hello and welcome!
0:58:17 > 0:58:21'..where four new groups begin their battle to stay in the contest.'
0:58:21 > 0:58:23I think we have put a lot of work in
0:58:23 > 0:58:27but I think we've probably got quite a lot more to do.
0:58:27 > 0:58:28It's mental!
0:58:28 > 0:58:34I think they might have just wrecked something really good.
0:58:34 > 0:58:36It doesn't look like you know it.
0:58:38 > 0:58:40HE SIGHS