Current Pentatonix Lineup
Pentatonix currently consists of five members: Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Laura Wright, and Matt Sallee. This five-person formation has been stable since early 2017, when Laura Wright joined as a permanent member and the group transitioned from a quartet to a quintet. Understanding the sequence of member changes helps explain how the group’s vocal blend and signature sound evolved to what is heard today.
Original Lineup and Early Changes (2012–2014)
When Pentatonix formed in 2012 after winning the third season of The Sing-Off, the core members were Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, and Avi Kaplan. The group’s breakout covers and rapid growth were driven by this four-person configuration. In late 2013, Avi Kaplan departed, and in 2014 he was replaced by Kevin Olusola, expanding the group to a five-member setup that introduced beatboxing and additional vocal range.
- Scott Hoying — baritone; founding member, musical anchor
- Mitch Grassi — tenor; founding member, high vocal anchor
- Kirstin Maldonado — alto; founding member, mid vocal anchor
- Avi Kaplan — bass; original member, departed 2013
- Kevin Olusola — beatbox/tenor; joined 2014
Why Kevin Olusola’s Joining Mattered
Kevin Olusola’s addition marked a turning point, enabling Pentatonix to create more intricate arrangements that leaned on vocal percussion. His presence coincided with major wins, including an a cappella arrangement of “Daft Punk” that gained millions of views and helped define the group’s innovative approach to pop covers.
Transition to a Quintet and Formation Steady (2015–2017)
From 2015 onward, Pentatonix operated as a five-member act, releasing albums and high-profile collaborations that solidified their mainstream presence. In 2016, the group competed on The Best Christmas Eve Ever special, and in 2017 they released the landmark Christmas album The Best of Pentatonix Christmas. In early 2017, as the group’s touring and recording schedules intensified, Kevin Olusola shifted toward production and songwriting, and Laura Wright joined as a full-time member, cementing the quintet lineup that remains today.
| Member | Role | Joined | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Hoying | Baritone | 2012 | Founding member |
| Mitch Grassi | Tenor | 2012 | Founding member |
| Kirstin Maldonado | Alto | 2012 | Founding member |
| Kevin Olusola | Beatbox/Tenor | 2014 | Replaced Avi Kaplan |
| Laura Wright | Alto/Beatbox | 2017 | Stabilized current quintet |
| Matt Sallee | Bass | 2018 | Replaced Kevin Olusola as primary bass |
2018 to Present: Matt Sallee Joins and Lineup Stability
In 2018, Matt Sallee joined Pentatonix as the permanent bass voice, allowing Kevin Olusola to focus more on producing, songwriting, and occasional live beatbox features. This adjustment preserved the group’s vocal power while aligning with evolving tour production and recording needs. Since then, the lineup has remained consistent, enabling deeper repertoire experimentation, original songwriting, and large-scale touring.
- Matt Sallee brought a rich bass tone that complemented the high voices of Grassi and Maldonado.
- Kevin Olusola continued contributing vocally in live shows and on select tracks while taking on expanded creative roles behind the scenes.
- The current configuration supports flexible staging, from a cappella arrangements to pop-rock band integrations.
Summary of Member Timeline
The shift from a four-member group to a five-member act, and later adjusting roles within that five-member framework, reflects Pentatonix’s commitment to evolving their sound while maintaining core vocal identities. The timeline below highlights key transitions that shaped the present-day roster.
| Date or Period | Event | Impact on Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 (The Sing-Off Season 3) | Group forms as a quartet | Original four establish core sound |
| Late 2013 | Avi Kaplan departs | Bass vacancy prompts reconsideration of lineup |
| 2014 | Kevin Olusola joins | Introduces beatbox, expands arrangements to five parts |
| 2017 | Laura Wright joins; Kevin Olusola shifts to production | |
| 2018 | Matt Sallee joins as bass | Formalizes current five-member roster |
| 2018–present | Stable lineup | Consistent touring, recording, and creative output |
What This Means for Fans and Researchers
For long-time listeners, the changes in Pentatonix reflect an adaptable musical team that refined its strengths over time. Newer fans may recognize the current quintet as the definitive Pentatonix, unaware of the earlier quartet phase or the instrumental shift brought by Olusola and later Wright. Understanding these transitions provides context for the group’s diverse discography and their ability to move fluidly between a cappella purity and amplified arrangement without losing their distinctive cohesion.
Key Takeaways
- Pentatonix began as a four-member group in 2012 and became a five-member act by 2014.
- Avi Kaplan was the original bass; Kevin Olusola replaced him and added beatbox.
- Laura Wright joined in 2017, stabilizing the alto presence and allowing more vocal layering.
- Matt Sallee became the permanent bass in 2018, completing the current roster.
- The current five-member lineup has remained consistent since 2018, supporting extensive touring and original music.