THEIR vocal gymnastics and radical reimagining of popular songs have wowed the public – and the UK’s most famous choirmaster.
And tonight Choral Stimulation, Glasgow University’s a cappella group, will battle it out to be crowned winner of the hit BBC show The Naked Choir.
The 10-member student group has beaten off stiff competition from a cappella groups from around Britain to reach the final of the show, which is hosted by celebrity choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Last week, viewers watched as the group, led by Tony McHugh from Northern Ireland, struggled to come together to rehearse and come up with a video concept for their song, a version of Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand.
They eventually settled on an idea where paint was thrown over the group as they sang the number one song. The video split the judges – but the vocal arrangement was strong enough to put the group through to the final.
Tonight they will face East London community group the Stratford Singers and favourites Sons of Pitches, an all-male group.
Choral Stimulation’s songs in previous rounds of the show, which included a version of Nothing Compares 2 U, a number one hit for Sinead O'Connor, and a raucous interpretation of the Robert Palmer classic Addicted to Love, have wowed the judges.
Mr Malone said he loved working with the group.
“They worked so hard in the contest and some of their arrangements were the highlights of the series," he said.
“In particular, Caitlyn Sinclair's solo on Nothing Compares 2 U was utterly beautiful and emotionally shattering.
“Watch out for their final performance - it's really terrific.”
According to the group – who are sworn to secrecy over tonight’s result – they feel like winners no matter what and plan to continue singing.
Ben Langridge joined Choral Stimulation in 2009 when he came to the university to study history. Six years and a masters’ degree later, he is still singing.
“Last week was such a tough week for us,” he said. “But we have such a good team spirit and we are such good pals – that’s the most important thing.
“We like to take a song that people know really well and change it completely – when people love what we’ve done it’s the best feeling in the world. Singing with a group is such a joyful thing.”
The final of The Naked Choir is on BBC 2 tonight at 9pm.
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