Sizing Up The Sing Off with Nick Lachey

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by Troy Rogers

The Sing-Off is back on NBC with former 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey serving as host in front of judges Ben Folds, Sean Stockman of Boyz II Men, newcomer Sara Bareilles, and a new season of a cappella acts. Given the current popularity of a cappella, Nick Lachey knows a thing or two about singing with a group after finding success with the all boy group of 98 Degrees. Interestingly, as we found out from Nick Lachey, there's a special bond that develops when singing as a member of a collective.

With The Sing-Off about to give fans the second part of radio hits and '60s songs on October 10 at 8pm on NBC, TheDeadbolt recently spent a few minutes with Nick Lachey to find out what he thinks of the new Sing-Off season, Sara Bareilles as a judge, and whether Nick Lachey misses singing with 98 Degrees.

THE DEADBOLT: So what do you think Sara brings to the table as a judge this season?

NICK LACHEY: Sara has been such an absolute joy to be to be around to work with. I think she's such a she's such a brilliant songwriter and musician in her own right and she brings such a wealth of knowledge to the panel. I said this before and I'll say it again, I think she's the absolute perfect fit for what The Sing-Off is and what The Sing-Off's all about. She's been just an absolute joy to have on the show.

THE DEADBOLT: What was behind the decision to expand the competition to 16 groups this season?

LACHEY: We were afforded the opportunity to have a longer season, eleven episodes this year, as opposed to the five that we had last year. So it just gave us an opportunity to expand the search and expand the audition process and ultimately have more groups compete, which I think is great. You see a real diversity this season between the groups, everything from high-schoolers to our first ever rapper on the show and the old Doo-Wop guys, North Shore. So you've got a real wide range of a capella represented. I think it's great that we're able to expand it.

THE DEADBOLT: Although you've had a solo career after 98 Degrees, do you ever yearn to be part of a group again after watching the a capella groups on The Sing-Off?

LACHEY: Sure, yes. It's a contagious show to be a part of. I think there's a camaraderie that comes with being in a group of any kind or a band. And certainly that was true for 98 Degrees. There was a real kind of special brotherly bond that we all shared. And yes, I miss that. It's fun to go through those experiences with other people and guys you care about. So yes, there's definitely something to be said for being a part of a group like that.