Over the past three-and-a-half years, Peter Hollens has used YouTube to display his substantial vocal talents. Now, Hollens' online celebrity is paying off in the form of a record deal. The Eugene, Oregon-based singer has signed with Sony Records Masterworks and will release his debut album on October 28th. Hollens, who is informally known as a one-man a cappella group, makes music videos where he takes popular songs and sings all the parts himself. His most popular video, a cover of the "Misty Mountains" track from The Hobbit, shows off his vocal range, his finely-tuned ear, and his editing skills. Sometimes, he brings in a friend to sing alongside him; in his most recent video, he teamed up with fellow a cappella vocalist Nick Pitera for a medley of several songs from the musical Wicked. Hollens' channel has racked up 750,000 subscribers and 63 million views, and those numbers caused Sony Music to take notice.
- 8/1/2014
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
By Aja Romano
"One-man medleys" — the phenomenon in which talented YouTubers record, edit, and sync their own voices singing in harmony — are innumerable on YouTube. But recently, one viral video and one perennially popular 15-year-old musical have combined to produce an irresistible combination.
That's right. It's a YouTube theatre crowded with one-person renditions of "Les Misérables," and we flock to it like students to a barricade.
Oh, YouTube, you know what we like.
Popular ever since its 1986 premiere in the West End, "Les Mis's" giant cast and string of powerhouse ballads and eminently singable ensemble numbers have proved a lethal combination for audiences ever since. Now, with the advent of the film, YouTube is rediscovering its love for revolution and counterpoint.
At 1.5 million views, the champion "Les Mis" medley-maker is undoubtedly Nick Pitera, whose song stylings have made him a YouTube sensation with over 300,000 subscribers.
Though his "Les Mis" medley,...
"One-man medleys" — the phenomenon in which talented YouTubers record, edit, and sync their own voices singing in harmony — are innumerable on YouTube. But recently, one viral video and one perennially popular 15-year-old musical have combined to produce an irresistible combination.
That's right. It's a YouTube theatre crowded with one-person renditions of "Les Misérables," and we flock to it like students to a barricade.
Oh, YouTube, you know what we like.
Popular ever since its 1986 premiere in the West End, "Les Mis's" giant cast and string of powerhouse ballads and eminently singable ensemble numbers have proved a lethal combination for audiences ever since. Now, with the advent of the film, YouTube is rediscovering its love for revolution and counterpoint.
At 1.5 million views, the champion "Les Mis" medley-maker is undoubtedly Nick Pitera, whose song stylings have made him a YouTube sensation with over 300,000 subscribers.
Though his "Les Mis" medley,...
- 1/31/2013
- Huffington Post
Though Les Miserables doesn't arrive in theaters for a couple more months, the anticipation is certainly growing. In a recent Fandango poll, the film, which is being directed by The King Speech's Tom Hooper, was selected as the movie expected to sweep the Oscars. Headlined by Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe, the film seems like a shoo-in for the musical Oscar categories at the very least. If it's been a while since you've heard the songs, Nick Pitera, who has previously done medley versions of Phantom of the Opera and Disney movies, among others, has taken on the challenge of performing a 10-song medley as various characters from the musical. Les Miserables is in theaters December 14. Follow along on...
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- 9/11/2012
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
"Les Miserables" has a dedicated, if not obsessive, following. But Nick Pitera takes this to a new level. The singer puts on a one-man performance of "Les Miserables" in a new video, channeling Fantine, Jean Valjean and the other characters to deliver a medley of songs from the show, including "I Dreamed a Dream," "Master of the House" and "One Day More." And does a pretty solid job of covering all that ground. Talk about range. Pitera -- who previously gave a similar treatment to "Phantom of the Opera" -- says in the...
- 8/31/2012
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Anaheim, Calif. -- A long line of teenagers has formed inside a cavernous convention center.
They're waiting to nab an autograph from Rebecca Black, the girl who achieved infamy with her nasally music video "Friday." Over in the lobby, folks are sticking out their smartphones to capture a photo of Yogi the Welsh corgi, a dog who accidentally set a kitchen on fire, while others have surrounded a seated Paul "Bear" Vasquez, the man who unabashedly gushed over the sight of a double rainbow.
It's the third annual VidCon, a gathering of online video creators, viral video stars and the people who click "like" on them. The circus atmosphere is the ultimate physical manifestation of activities usually reserved for the privacy of one's lap or hand.
The event outgrew its previous digs at a Los Angeles hotel and has moved south to a convention center in the land of Disney's Magic Kingdom,...
They're waiting to nab an autograph from Rebecca Black, the girl who achieved infamy with her nasally music video "Friday." Over in the lobby, folks are sticking out their smartphones to capture a photo of Yogi the Welsh corgi, a dog who accidentally set a kitchen on fire, while others have surrounded a seated Paul "Bear" Vasquez, the man who unabashedly gushed over the sight of a double rainbow.
It's the third annual VidCon, a gathering of online video creators, viral video stars and the people who click "like" on them. The circus atmosphere is the ultimate physical manifestation of activities usually reserved for the privacy of one's lap or hand.
The event outgrew its previous digs at a Los Angeles hotel and has moved south to a convention center in the land of Disney's Magic Kingdom,...
- 6/30/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Teefury has once again delivered with a killer pop culture mash-up with today's shirt, Planet of the Snapes. We can only imagine what an entire planet of Alan Rickman would be like. (Hint: awesome)
Also, find out what the Rock is cooking "Pain and Gain" and see whether the girl from "The Ring" has an arm on her in today's Dailies!
» Nick Pitera rose to internet fame by performing one-man version of Disney classic. Now, he's moved onto "Newsies." [Vulture]
» Here's a video of the girl from "The Ring" throwing out the first pitch at a Japanese baseball game, because baseball wasn't terrifying enough already. [Twitch]
» If you're lucky enough to be a New Yorker, the Lincoln Center is putting on a full Ridley Scott retrospective in honor of "Prometheus." [Film Society Lincoln Center]
» This new still from "Pain and Gain" with Dwayne Johnson might explain where the "pain" comes from. [Screen Crush]
» Chloe Moretz is all grown...
Also, find out what the Rock is cooking "Pain and Gain" and see whether the girl from "The Ring" has an arm on her in today's Dailies!
» Nick Pitera rose to internet fame by performing one-man version of Disney classic. Now, he's moved onto "Newsies." [Vulture]
» Here's a video of the girl from "The Ring" throwing out the first pitch at a Japanese baseball game, because baseball wasn't terrifying enough already. [Twitch]
» If you're lucky enough to be a New Yorker, the Lincoln Center is putting on a full Ridley Scott retrospective in honor of "Prometheus." [Film Society Lincoln Center]
» This new still from "Pain and Gain" with Dwayne Johnson might explain where the "pain" comes from. [Screen Crush]
» Chloe Moretz is all grown...
- 4/26/2012
- by Kevin P. Sullivan
- MTV Movies Blog
Nick Pitera is known in the world of viral videos for his ridiculous vocal range and covers of wildly popular artists and songs like Whitney Houston, Phil Collins and Justin Beiber. More appropriately, the Pixar animator is also known for his more theatrical covers like "A Whole New World" from Disney's "Aladdin."
His most recent contribution, "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley," pays tribute to Disney's Broadway musical "Newsies." This guy's talent is astonishing and "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley" is yet another example of it. The timely release covers songs from the musical in a tiled screen with ten Piteras contributing to a different vocal role.
Watch Pitera's "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley":...
His most recent contribution, "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley," pays tribute to Disney's Broadway musical "Newsies." This guy's talent is astonishing and "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley" is yet another example of it. The timely release covers songs from the musical in a tiled screen with ten Piteras contributing to a different vocal role.
Watch Pitera's "One Man Newsies: Disney's Newsies Broadway Medley":...
- 4/26/2012
- by Amber Genuske
- Huffington Post
No, sadly there isn't a forgotten 1978 made-for-tv Avengers movie. There is however, a rather amusing fan-made simulation of what exactly Earth's mightiest heroes would have looked like fighting in the time of, Kiss, kaiju monster battles and zero CGI. [via Neatorama] If you recognize the name Nick Pitera, it's probably not because he's a Pixar animator. Oh, he is one, but he's best known on the Internet for his amazing One Man Disney Movie video wherein he covers iconic songs from the Mouse House. Well, now he's back with another Disney tribute, only this is for a film that's a little less iconic (Newsies), but no less amazing: And finally, we have an ad that, if you're a mother or have a special appreciation for them, is basically like...
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- 4/25/2012
- by Peter Hall
- Movies.com
Nick Pitera and I have something in common. Whereas I can perform nearly every single part of Les Miserables with a startling accuracy (my Marius is truly the best; my Fantine will make your eyes water), Nick is able to perform nearly every part of the other longest running musical ever not featuring pets in the title, Phantom Of The Opera. Nick filmed himself singing the main parts — Raoul, Christine, and, of course, Phantom — and combined all three tracks to create a one-man Phantom band. And he is, to put it simply… Amazing He also might not have any testicles, but again, he’s a gift, and we should treat him as such. Major thanks to him for convincing me to get this one woman Les Miserables show on the road. (via Buzzfeed)...
- 1/31/2012
- by Michelle Collins
- BestWeekEver
Pixar modeling artist Nick Pitera has made a fun little video called One man Disney Show in which he sings a musical medley as every Disney character ever made. Here's a note from the creator,
Music from Disney films has made a huge impact on me, and has been the source of inspiration for many years. Since I was 5 I have dreamt of voicing a character myself, and this is me doing my best to pay homage to a few of my favorites. I had so much fun making this video and I hope you enjoy it!
This is both cool and a little disturbing. I hope you enjoy the video below!
Thanks to Gt reader Billy F for the tip!
Music from Disney films has made a huge impact on me, and has been the source of inspiration for many years. Since I was 5 I have dreamt of voicing a character myself, and this is me doing my best to pay homage to a few of my favorites. I had so much fun making this video and I hope you enjoy it!
This is both cool and a little disturbing. I hope you enjoy the video below!
Thanks to Gt reader Billy F for the tip!
- 3/23/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
[1] Pixar modeling artist Nick Pitera (who you might remember from the popular Whole New World duet video [2] which went viral in 2007) returns with a "One Man Disney Movie", in which Nick sings a musical medley as every Disney character ever. Watch it now embedded after the jump. [1] http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/ZZ02912A69.jpg [2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9-CS2v8wcc...
- 3/23/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Everyone who's had the pleasure of watching a Pixar film over the past two decades has wondered the same thing: is there anything these guys can't do? And now, thanks to a new viral video, we know the answer: No. There isn't.
That's because Pixar animator Nick Pitera has decided to prove once and for all that if you can dream it, you can do it -- and Pitera has long dreamed of creating and starring in his own Disney film. So now he's done just that, filming a new clip that features Pitera singing and acting out every role in a mini-Disney epic -- including not just the hero and sidekick, but the villain and even the princess too.
Who needs animation when you've got talent like this?
Pitera, of course, is no stranger to being a viral sensation; back in 2007 he blew away the itnernet with a video...
That's because Pixar animator Nick Pitera has decided to prove once and for all that if you can dream it, you can do it -- and Pitera has long dreamed of creating and starring in his own Disney film. So now he's done just that, filming a new clip that features Pitera singing and acting out every role in a mini-Disney epic -- including not just the hero and sidekick, but the villain and even the princess too.
Who needs animation when you've got talent like this?
Pitera, of course, is no stranger to being a viral sensation; back in 2007 he blew away the itnernet with a video...
- 3/22/2011
- by Scott Harris
- NextMovie
You might notice that we do a large amount of these Cool Videos posts, and I've done a number of them myself. That means I've seen a ton of movie related shorts over the years, but I'm going to count this one as one of my favorites. Nick Pitera is a Pixar employee, but also a fantastic singer. But his talent has so much range, he's able to sing well in a multitude of different styles, and in this video he takes on the roles of the heroine, hero, supporting characters, villain and chorus, and...
- 3/22/2011
- by Paul Tassi
- JoBlo.com
Filed under: Movie News, Video, Cinematical
Ever make fan videos of yourself lip-synching some popular tunes? If you did, you probably never took it to this level. Pixar employee Nick Pitera has been recording himself singing pop music and Disney songs for years on YouTube. Now he's collected clips from a number of popular Disney songs to create an epic video medley -- 'One Man Disney Movie.' He filmed six versions of himself singing through the medley as six key people -- the heroine, the hero, the sidekick, the villain and two people from the chorus.
Then, taking a cue from 'The Brady Bunch,' he split-screened them all together into one video, where each segment not only plays their part, but occasionally interacts with the rest. What's truly awesome is that this isn't the result of a bunch of quick-cut editing. Each frame plays out as one long piece,...
Ever make fan videos of yourself lip-synching some popular tunes? If you did, you probably never took it to this level. Pixar employee Nick Pitera has been recording himself singing pop music and Disney songs for years on YouTube. Now he's collected clips from a number of popular Disney songs to create an epic video medley -- 'One Man Disney Movie.' He filmed six versions of himself singing through the medley as six key people -- the heroine, the hero, the sidekick, the villain and two people from the chorus.
Then, taking a cue from 'The Brady Bunch,' he split-screened them all together into one video, where each segment not only plays their part, but occasionally interacts with the rest. What's truly awesome is that this isn't the result of a bunch of quick-cut editing. Each frame plays out as one long piece,...
- 3/22/2011
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Moviefone
Filed under: Movie News, Video, Cinematical
Ever make fan videos of yourself lip-synching some popular tunes? If you did, you probably never took it to this level. Pixar employee Nick Pitera has been recording himself singing pop music and Disney songs for years on YouTube. Now he's collected clips from a number of popular Disney songs to create an epic video medley -- 'One Man Disney Movie.' He filmed six versions of himself singing through the medley as six key people -- the heroine, the hero, the sidekick, the villain and two people from the chorus.
Then, taking a cue from 'The Brady Bunch,' he split-screened them all together into one video, where each segment not only plays their part, but occasionally interacts with the rest. What's truly awesome is that this isn't the result of a bunch of quick-cut editing. Each frame plays out as one long piece,...
Ever make fan videos of yourself lip-synching some popular tunes? If you did, you probably never took it to this level. Pixar employee Nick Pitera has been recording himself singing pop music and Disney songs for years on YouTube. Now he's collected clips from a number of popular Disney songs to create an epic video medley -- 'One Man Disney Movie.' He filmed six versions of himself singing through the medley as six key people -- the heroine, the hero, the sidekick, the villain and two people from the chorus.
Then, taking a cue from 'The Brady Bunch,' he split-screened them all together into one video, where each segment not only plays their part, but occasionally interacts with the rest. What's truly awesome is that this isn't the result of a bunch of quick-cut editing. Each frame plays out as one long piece,...
- 3/22/2011
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
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