Pentatonix Discuss 'Christmas in the City' Album & Surprise of a New Frank Sinatra Vocal: 'His Voice Has Blessed Us'

"This project has been our most heartfelt endeavor yet," says Kirstin Maldonado of Pentatonix. "Were incredibly proud of what weve created." The quintet began planning the album earlier this year, drawing inspiration from the festive atmosphere of New York City during the holidays. The album features a mix of original songs alongside beloved Christmas classics.

Billboard Milestones and Collaborations

Christmas in the City marks Pentatonix's 11th Top 10 entry on Billboards Top Holiday Albums chart. The album includes a special collaboration with the legendary Frank Sinatra, featuring a previously unreleased vocal track of the classic Ive Got My Love to Keep Me Warm. This track recently climbed from No. 12 to No. 9 on Billboards Adult Contemporary airplay chart, giving Pentatonix their eighth top 10 and Sinatra his 21st, his first since 1980.

JoJo also appears on the album, lending her vocals to one of the new originals, "Snowing in Paris." Maldonado praises her talent, saying, "Shes so gifted and kind, and her voice on this track is phenomenal." Matt Sallee adds, "Hearing her sing is truly a speechless moment."

Album Concept and Sound

The idea for Christmas in the City originated when Scott Hoying discovered a holiday ornament at a New York market. This inspired the title track, which eventually shaped the rest of the album. Sallee notes that while the album was sparked by the spirit of New York, the group aims to spread holiday joy to audiences in every city through their music and tour.

The album pays homage to classic Christmas records from the 1940s and 1950s, featuring live instrumentation alongside Pentatonixs signature harmonies. More than half of the tracks are original compositions, with contributions from all five members: Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee.

Tour Information

Pentatonix continues their tradition of holiday touring with the Christmas in the City Tour, which began on November 8 and will conclude on December 22 in Fort Worth, Texas. Next year, the group will take their tour to the U.K. and Europe, starting April 7 in Budapest and ending May 3 in Stockholm.

Sallee reflects on the annual tradition, saying, "We see fans year after year, and its an honor to become part of families holiday traditions. Its a humbling experience to bring people together through our music."

Podcast and Additional Music News

On the latest Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Maldonado and Sallee discuss the new album, holiday music, and their tour. The podcast also covers current chart news, including Stray Kids new No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the Wicked: For Good soundtrack, and a legendary rock band returning to the top 10 after over a decade. Hosts Katie Atkinson and Keith Caulfield offer weekly insights on pop charts, music trends, and interviews with artists.

Author: Sophia Brooks