Two BYU groups stay in the running in 'The Sing-Off'

LOS ANGELES — Once again, two groups with ties to Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wowed the judges and advanced to another round of competition on NBC's "The Sing-Off" reality show.

Vocal Point, dressed in bright red jackets and dancing hard in red tennis shoes, performed "Footloose" as its "guilty pleasure" song for judges Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and Shawn Stockman, convincing the judges that it can do classic rock ’n’ roll without missing a beat.

Ben Murphy finally rejoined the group after missing two performances because of his father's serious illness and funeral.

The judges and the other eight members of Vocal Point said it was great to have him back, that it added another dimension to the already multi-faceted group.

"That's some of the first rock ’n’ roll I've heard from the a cappella groups," Folds said, complimenting Murphy on his baritone along with the bass singers, the falsetto part and the belting of the lyrics throughout.

"Kenny Loggins would love that," Bareilles said. "It was just grooving."

Stockman said it was just so much fun to watch Vocal Point. "I enjoyed it. Great job!" he said.

Delilah, the female a cappella group that includes two of the members of BYU's Noteworthy ensemble (Laina Walker and lead vocalist Amy Whitcomb) from the show's first season, won points with the judges with "What a Feeling" from "Flashdance."

Stockman said the group is a testament to never giving up.

Next week, all eight groups will return for another round that will be a hip-hop battle of songs.

The groups eliminated were the Deltones from the University of Delaware and the North Shore men's group from Boston.

Still in the running are Urban Method from Denver, Pentatonix from Arlington, Texas, the Dartmouth Aires, the Yellow Jackets from the University of Rochester, The Collective from Nashville and Afro-Blue from Howard University. The winner will receive $200,000 and a Sony recording contract.

Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with 30 years experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.

Email: haddoc@desnews.com