Watch Pentatonix’s Symphonic ‘Star Wars’ Tribute at 2015 AMAs
Pentatonix performed a loving tribute to Star Wars and its legendary theme at the 2015 American Music Awards. Harrison Ford, the evening’s surprise guest, introduced the band while also paying homage to legendary composer John Williams and his most famous film scores.
Afterwards, Ford stepped up to the podium to introduce the five vocalists, who each wore various Star Wars-influenced costumes. The group was also backed by Williams’ full orchestra, with classic scenes from the beloved franchise playing behind the quintet. The a cappella group’s performance was preceded by a new clip from the forthcoming Star Wars film The Force Awakens. In the brief sequence, Finn (John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) are shown escaping enemy fire.
Pentatonix spoke with Rolling Stone last week to preview their cinematic tribute. “We just came out of rehearsal and it’s going to be epic,” beatboxer Kevin Olusola promised. “It was really a collaboration with the orchestra. We were ecstatic when they asked us if we would be willing to work with John Williams’ orchestra. Our background is in choral music, so this felt like a chance to revisit and re-study certain classical techniques.”
In October, Pentatonix released their fourth LP. The self-titled album was also the group’s first to contain predominantly original material.