Smoke Ring Sweeps Harmony Sweepstakes with Double Win
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.