YellowJackets in top 8 on 'Sing-Off'

by Susan Mikula Campbell

Niagara-Wheatfield grad Michael Pittman and fellow members of the University of Rochester's YellowJackets are still singing and dancing their hearts out on NBC's "The Sing-Off."

On Monday's show, they survived the third elimination round making them one of eight remaining a cappella groups to return for the Oct. 24 show, which will feature hip-hop hits. They also are one of two remaining all-male groups in the competition.

Pittman is a 2009 N-W grad and a junior at the University of Rochester.

On Monday's show, The YellowJackets sang the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" as part of Guilty Pleasures Week. Members of the group switch off for solo bits in their songs and "Wannabe" included a solo for Pittman.

Judge Sara Bareilles commented that it was great to hear a solo by him.

Judge Ben Folds said The YellowJackets' performance "was really entertaining ... that's the main thing ... everyone in the room was smiling."

The shows were pre-taped last summer, but screenings are being held each week in a packed auditorium at the University of Rochester as students, parents and alumni root for the home team. "The support is amazing," Pittman said.

Pittman said more and more people are stopping him and other members on their way to classes to comment about the show.

Although members of The YellowJackets themselves are the only ones on campus to know how far they go in the competition, it's still exciting for them to relive each episode.

Pittman said he remembers thinking "I couldn't believe I was actually singing on a national show."

Click here to see more photos of The YellowJackets