Linc 182 Makes History at Harmony Sweepstakes, Claiming Its First National Championship!
Over the past week, The Harmony Sweepstakes National Championship delivered an unforgettable night of a cappella talent, show-stopping performances, and exciting competition as Linc 182, the Chicago regional champions, claimed their first-ever national championship title! Hosted in San Rafael, California, this year’s competition brought together some of the country’s finest vocal groups, including The Seventh Variety, Coda Conduct, and 5280 A Cappella. After an incredible night of performances, Linc 182 emerged victorious, securing a milestone achievement for the group and adding a historic chapter to its story.
The Seventh Variety earned second place, while Coda Conduct and 5280 A Cappella tied for third. The evening also brought special recognition for two standout performances: 5280 A Cappella took home Best Original Arrangement for its original rendition of “Happy Together,” while Coda Conduct earned the Audience Favorite award! For Linc 182, this victory carries an especially meaningful connection. The “Linc” in the group’s name honors Lincoln Beutel, the son of the group’s Music Director, Tim Beutel, making the national championship win all the more special. Congratulations to Linc 182 on this incredible achievement, and to every group that took the stage and contributed to such a remarkable competition!
Although The Bookmarks were unable to attend due to a last-minute change in plans, their presence was certainly missed. The evening also featured guest performances from Smoke Ring, the 2025 National Champions, and Outta The Vox, both of whom delivered wonderful performances and helped make the event a memorable celebration of a cappella music. The excitement extended beyond the championship stage, too. Acaville Radio had the pleasure of sitting down with many of the competing groups for a special Harmony Sweepstakes edition of #TheSpotlight. These conversations offered a closer look at the artists behind the music, with featured performances and interviews set to bring the energy of the competition to Acaville Radio listeners. A huge thank-you to all the groups who took the time to connect with us, share their music, and be part of this special feature. And once again, congratulations to all the competitors for an outstanding night of vocal artistry, community, and a cappella excellence!
