Welsh choir get through to final of TV contest
WELSH close harmony group Sgarmes and a chamber choir comprised of performing arts students are the last two acts to reach the final of new BBC singing talent show Pitch Battle.
Tring Park 16, from Tring Park School For The Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, were the winners of last night’s penultimate show after beating all-male Irish group The Ramparts.
After four other choirs were eliminated in a series of rounds, the remaining two groups took it in turns to perform guest judge Joe Jonas’ Kissing Strangers before the DNCE member joined Tring Park 16, indicating they had won the sing-off.
On choosing the winner, Jonas said: “The whole night they really proved themselves.
“Both groups were great but Tring Park 16 really showed the judges and myself they were the winner tonight.”
They will return to the studio next week for the grand final alongside wildcard entry Sgarmes and the four other episode winners.
Sgarmes, from Aberystwyth, had previously lost out to a capella group All The King’s Men and will perform alongside Jermaine Jackson in the final.
Ahead of the first of three rounds, in an introductory clip, one singer from the group said: “We sing a variety of styles and try not to take ourselves too seriously.”
Another one of the choir’s vocalists added: “We are really privileged to be flying the flag for Wales.”
Writing on Facebook before they were confirmed as finalists, the group wrote: “We can’t believe we have to wait until the penultimate Pitch Battle episode!
“And if that’s not enough, Mel Giedroyc announced yesterday on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show that Jermaine Jackson and Rita Ora will be joining the judges for the final!
“We would LOVE to be chosen for the wildcard and hearing these amazing names makes it all even more exciting!
“Fingers (and toes!) crossed for a result in our favour!”
Here is the full list of next week’s finalists and their respective performers:
Leeds Contemporary Singers with Will Young Scot Soul with Chaka Khan All The King’s Men with Bebe Rexha
Portsmouth University Gospel Choir with Seal Tring Park 16 with Nick Jonas Sgarmes with Jermaine Jackson Pitch Battle returns to BBC One next Saturday at 7.25pm for the live grand final.