Current Pentatonix Lineup and Member Roles
The current Pentatonix lineup features five members who define the group's signature sound. Scott Hoying serves as a baritone lead vocalist and co-founder, shaping the group's harmonic direction. Mitch Grassi is the tenor lead vocalist known for his upper register and dynamic stage presence. Kirstin Maldonado functions as the mezzo-soprano lead vocalist, providing the group's melodic center and pop sensibility. Avi Kaplan handled bass vocals and vocal percussion until his departure in 2017, and was replaced by Matt Sallee, who now anchors the low end with precise bass lines and rhythmic vocal percussion. Kevin Olusola rounds out the group as the beatboxer and cellist, creating the percussive and instrumental textures that replace a full band setup. These roles are central to Pentatonix's identity as a modern acapella act Forbes.
Pentatonix was formed in Arlington, Texas, in 2011 and gained national attention after winning the third season of The Sing-Off on NBC in 2011. The group signed with Madison Gate Records, a label under Sony Music, and later moved to RCA Records, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment. Their debut EP, PTX, Volume 1, was released in 2012, followed by several chart-topping albums. The group has won three Grammy Awards, with wins in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Their YouTube channel has accumulated billions of views, making them one of the most-watched acapella acts on the platform SEC EDGAR filings for Sony Music Entertainment.
Past Members and Lineup Changes
Avi Kaplan was a founding member and the group's original bass vocalist from 2011 until 2017. During his tenure, he contributed to albums such as PTX, Vols. 1 & 2, That's Christmas to Me, and A Pentatonix Christmas. Kaplan's deep bass voice and comedic stage presence were defining elements of the group's early identity. He left Pentatonix in 2017 to pursue a solo career under the name Avi Kaplan, releasing folk and Americana music Forbes.
Matt Sallee joined Pentatonix in 2017 as the new bass vocalist, replacing Kaplan. Sallee brought a strong classical and contemporary vocal background, stabilizing the group's low-end sound on subsequent releases. His first major project with the group was the 2018 holiday album Christmas Is Here! and the accompanying tour. Sallee's vocal range and control allowed Pentatonix to maintain complex bass lines and tight harmonic arrangements in live performances and studio recordings Forbes.
Pentatonix Achievements and Industry Impact
Pentatonix has released multiple studio albums and EPs that have charted on the Billboard 200 and other major charts. Their album That's