The 2025 Harmony Sweepstakes National Finals came to a thrilling close with Smoke Ring taking home both the National Championship and the Audience Favorite award, marking a standout moment for the fast-rising New York–based quartet.

Formed in 2023, Smoke Ring has quickly become one of the most talked-about new groups in the barbershop and contemporary a cappella worlds. In just two years, they’ve made history as the first-ever mixed voice quartet to win the Barbershophttps://www.barbershop.org/ Harmony Society’s Mid-Atlantic District Championship, and later placed 9th in the world at their debut in the Society’s International Quartet Contest. Their signature blend of precision, warmth, and modern edge has cemented them as the highest-ranked mixed quartet in the world and now, the newest Harmony Sweepstakes champions.

Rounding out the night’s winners were Vocalight of Dayton, Ohio, who earned second place with their fresh, dynamic sound and modern take on a cappella performance. The newly reformed group, made up entirely of alumni from the renowned high school group Forte, continues to honor its roots while forging a new identity with tight harmonies and sleek pop sensibilities.

A tie for third place went to two powerhouse ensembles: the Bay Area’s Halfway to Midnight, a vibrant, mic’d-up collective known for their infectious mashups and decade-long run of high-energy performances; and Eugene, Oregon’s Verdant, a polished professional group whose lush, genre-blending arrangements and artistic storytelling have earned them acclaim across the Pacific Northwest.

This year’s Harmony Sweepstakes once again showcased the incredible diversity and creativity of the a cappella community—culminating in a night where a cappella excellence, vocal artistry, and community spirit took center stage.

Acaville is now live streaming this year’s Techapella A Cappella Showcase in San Francisco. The Showcase will take place October 19, 2025 at 3pm PST. To purchase your livestream tickets to either watch live or watch the recording, visit Acaville.org/techapella.

For years Techapella has been known as an a cappella concert series, showcasing the best a cappella the tech industry has to offer. Techapella’s flagship event, the Techapella Showcase, brings together a cappella groups from tech companies all over the Bay Area for a vibrant, non-competitive concert. The showcase celebrates community and collaboration as performers unite to deliver high-energy sets featuring pop hits, jazz, choral ballads, and nostalgic throwbacks.

To learn more about Techapella, check out our very own Leroy Hyson II’s interview with Techapella’s Executive Director, Lindsay Alford here:

Boston, MA — September 30, 2025 —The acclaimed all-female vocal band, Musae has unveiled a live a cappella rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s classic “Time After Time”, now streaming on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e4SDvELTj1w.

Musae, comprised of five internationally recognized vocalists, has long been known for their trailblazing work in contemporary a cappella. With a track record that includes appearances at international festivals, collaborations with leading artists, and recognition within the global a cappella community, Musae has established themselves as a powerhouse ensemble that continues to elevate and redefine vocal performance.

Their interpretation of “Time After Time” delivers a fresh, dynamic interpretation, intricate vocal textures, and an emotional depth that honors Lauper’s original while offering a fresh, modern perspective.

“This song is over forty years old, making it truly one of the songs we all keep going back to, time after time,” said Johanna Vinson of Musae. “We’re forever grateful for the opportunity to sing together. It can be hard to find the joy sometimes, but if you’re lost, you can look and you will find exactly what you need.”

The release underscores Musae’s commitment to celebrating the artistry of women in music and amplifying the possibilities of the human voice as both an instrument and a storytelling medium.

Watch Musae’s “Time After Time” here:
https://youtu.be/e4SDvELTj1w

About Musae
Musae is an all-female vocal collective whose members represent some of the most accomplished performers in contemporary a cappella. Since their founding, they have toured internationally, headlined festivals, and recorded groundbreaking music that pushes the boundaries of vocal artistry. Musae’s mission is to inspire, empower, and innovate within the vocal arts community, particularly as leaders and role models for women in music.

Mark your calendars—SoJam A Cappella Festival returns to the Raleigh-Durham area on Saturday, November 8, 2025! This year’s SoJam Lite features a full day of workshops, master classes, and networking, plus an evening Community Showcase where groups from near and far take the stage.

It’s the perfect chance to learn, perform, and connect with fellow a cappella fans—all with one All-Access Pass. Whether you’re a singer, student, or just love great vocal music, SoJam offers something for everyone.

Don’t miss CASA’s signature celebration of a cappella. Visit CASA.org/SoJam for tickets and details.

Get ready, Los Angeles—a cappella’s biggest West Coast celebration is back! The Los Angeles A Cappella Festival, or LAAF, takes over El Segundo, California, February 13th – 15th, 2026.

Presented by CASA, LAAF brings together singers, fans, and vocal innovators for a weekend packed with workshops, performances, and community events. From inspiring education sessions to unforgettable concerts, it’s three days where voices shine and creativity takes center stage.

Whether you’re a performer or a fan, this is your chance to experience one of the nation’s premier a cappella gatherings.

Save the date, February 13th – 15th, 2026, and join the celebration in El Segundo.

For details, visit CASA.org.

2025 International Contests Results

DENVER, CO – July 5, 2025 – The barbershop world came alive last week as the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 International Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Fans from around the globe gathered to witness the world’s best barbershop quartets and choruses compete for the coveted gold medals and the results did not disappoint.

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2025 International Quartet Champions: Lemon Squeezy (SNOBS – Sweden)

Making history with style, Swedish quartet Lemon Squeezy soared to victory, earning theinternational gold medal and becoming only the third non-North American quartet to win the title.

• Final Score: 2,292 points (93.9)
• Standout Songs: “Popular (Parody)” and “All-American Prophet (Parody)”
• Their win highlights the growing global reach of barbershop and brings the title back to Scandinavia for the first time since Ringmasters in 2012.

Silver – Gimme Four (MAD – USA)

• Score: 2,249 points (93.5)
• Notable Songs: “What a Wonderful World,” “Five Minutes More”

Bronze – First Take (MAD – USA)

• Score: 2,221 points (92.5)
• Notable Songs: “At the Swing Cat’s Ball,” “A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwich, and You”

Full Effect (4th) and GQ (5th) rounded out the medalists.

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2025 International Chorus Champions: The Vocal Majority (SWD – Dallas)

The legendary Vocal Majority continued their unprecedented run by capturing their 14th international chorus championship with an electrifying and emotional performance. Their performance was a technical and musical masterclass, confirming their place as barbershop royalty.

• Final Score: 2,301 points (95.9)

Their performance was a technical and musical masterclass, confirming their place as barbershop royalty.

Silver – Music City Chorus (SHD – Nashville)

The 2022 Gold medalists returned to competition with another stellar and comedic performance to earn a little more hardware. For many, their rendition of “My Way” was the ballad of the contest.

• Final Score: 2,276 points (94.8)

Bronze – Pacific Connection (BHNZ – New Zealand)

Their podium finish reflects a rising barbershop scene in New Zealand.Their lively singing was matched by their enthusiastic and authentic dancing and stage presence that had the crowd on their feet.

• Final Score: 2,222 points (92.6)

Fog City Singers (4th) received their first ever international medal andSound of the Rockies (5th) took home field advantage to complete the medalist finishes..

Barbershop’s Next Generation is also thriving, with Radiant becoming the first non-male international champions in the NextGen Varsity Quartet contest. Radiant has had a stellar year, also capturing the 2024 Rising Star Championship and 2024 SAI Novice Quartet Award.

The Denver contests were a bold signal that this timeless genre is not only surviving—but innovating.

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A Global Celebration of Harmony

This year’s contests underscored the international evolution of the barbershop style, with powerhouse ensembles from Sweden, New Zealand, UK, Japan, Canada, and across the U.S. competing at the highest levels. The Pepsi Center buzzed with energy as fans, families, and fellow performers celebrated tight harmonies, creative arrangements, and heartfelt performances.

BHS will return to District level contests and International will return in July 2026 in St. Louis. 

Breaking News!

The Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) has announced Robert Rund as its new CEO and Executive Director, effective August 18, 2025. A seasoned leader with over 30 years in the arts world, Rund brings a powerful mix of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and musical passion.

A 50-year BHS member, Rund holds an MBA, is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Known for surpassing fundraising goals and driving mission-focused growth, he’s ready to lead BHS into its next chapter.

“With deep respect for our history and culture, Robert will help us move forward toward our mission and vision of Everyone in Harmony,” said BHS President Kevin Keller.

Rund succeeds Steve Denino, who served as Interim CEO since September 2023 and helped guide the Society through a critical transition.

“For me, harmony isn’t just what we sing — it’s what we build together,” Rund said.

With his leadership, BHS is poised for a bold, inclusive future in vocal music.