Thought boybands were a thing of the past? Netflix’s new series, “Building The Band,” is bringing the phenomenon back in fashion. But sometimes, it’s not the talent show winners who go on to become instant icons: it’s the runners-up – think X Factor’s One Direction, or in Netflix’s new case, the brand new boyband known as Soulidified.
Despite losing out on the crown, group members Bradley, Shade, Landon, and Malik wowed an entire nation when they took to the pitch of an LA Rams game last December to serve a spotless, a cappella rendition of the US National Anthem, amassing more than 110,000 views to date! Music Man readers can watch the magic play out in the viral clip below…
Now, we’re sure you’ve heard “Star-Spangled Banner” sung a hundred times before, with phenomenal renditions delivered by the likes of Whitney Houston, Demi Lovato, Beyoncé, and more. But we doubt you’ve ever heard a version sound quite like this before!
From the get-go, the boys’ harmonies are instantly spellbinding as they tastefully twist the melody to match their soulful, R&B vibe, each bandmate glitzing the age-old tune with their own slice of perfection, changing the aura of the anthem completely.
Each phenomenal ad lib and vocal run only amps up the majestic nature of this performance, as Bradley, Shade, Landon, and Malik steal lines of their own, before harmonising like the ultimate team. It’s as if they’ve been singing together for decades, and it’s absolutely stunning to find out that this group was formed only a year ago!
Our UK readers might be a little puzzled about where the American group, Soulidified, came from. The boyband launched on Netflix’s “Building The Band” – a show which is best explained in the media company’s own words:
“On Building the Band, solo singers collided to form six new groups — each chasing one shot at stardom.
“In this first-of-its-kind music competition, 50 participants took part in blind auditions, listening to one another sing from their individual sound booths. From there, the performers who formed deep connections officially locked in six bands: 3Quency, SZN4, Soulidified, Midnight Til Morning, Sweet Seduction, and Siren Society.
“After moving into shared apartments, the groups put everything into vocal coaching, choreography, crafting a cohesive group image, and more in order to be the last ones singing.”
Soulidified might have failed to win the show’s grand $500,000 prize, but this National Anthem performance has been winning over new fans, left, right, and centre. As one top commenter on this YouTube clip wrote, “This may be one of the best renditions ever from a male vocal group,” another backed up the feeling, commenting, “We’re looking at the next biggest boyband!”
Soulidified may have been runners-up, but their viral anthem proves they’re a force to be reckoned with. Want to see the full performance and follow their rise?