The other day a new video went viral for all of the right reasons. The AcaBelles of Florida State University performed an a cappella version of Lorde’s hit song Royals and absolutely crushed it. But these ladies are not alone, and YouTube has the videos to prove it. There’s nothing like a good cover song, so for those of us who never really got into the Fox series (or did, and then got out of it), here are eight amazing choral performances of pop songs that aren’t from Glee. (Note this list restricts itself to larger choir groups—you could easily waste an afternoon on YouTube touring all the covers of pop songs by great, smaller groups.)
8. Scala & Kolacny Brothers – “Creep” (Radiohead)
This version of Creep became hugely popular when it was featured in the trailer for the 2010 movie The Social Network. After this haunting rendition of the song was released, the Belgian girl’s choir (conducted by Stijn Kolacny and arranged and accompanied by Steven Kolacny on the piano) was attributed with bringing rock ’n’ roll choir music to the masses.
7. The Red Army Choir – “Skyfall” (Adele)
You know you’ve got a hit on your hands when the official choir for the Russian armed forces is covering it. While nothing can compare to the force that is Adele’s voice, you have to give it up to the guy bold enough to take on the lead vocals (and to the guy doing the bass line at the 2:55 mark).
6. The Netherlands Radio Choir – “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Gotye feat. Kimbra)
The Dutch choir took on the Grammy Award-winning song, in an attempt to get some much needed funding. One of the few unisex choirs on this list, they did Gotye and Kimbra proud—especially with those beautiful opening chords.
5. Chinese Elderly Choir – “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga)
Somehow this very strange performance is right on par for a Lady Gaga cover. Nobody seems to know the name of this choir, but the video went viral after this elderly choir appeared on China’s Hunan TV. One viewing of this, and you’ll never hear the song in the same way again. Ever.