At first, I read the news that The Sing Off was cancelled and didn’t think much of it. TV shows come and go these days like Congressmen, Styles of Jeans, and Pop Stars. Then I got to thinking… I was on that show with amazing musicians, and more importantly, amazing people as the contestants. Then it started to sink in and the reality (no pun intended) of the situation started to hit home.
I had to step back from being on The Sing Off and the opportunity given to Urban Method by the shows executive producers, Sam, Debbie, Josh and Joel. I realized that the show was so much more to me than the excitement and success of Urban Method and being on national TV.
Here’s where I get emotional… (just a warning)
As soon as the show aired, I found that the show had an immense effect on young people all over the country. I travel quite a bit mixing a cappella shows for Take 6 and every time I would walk into a concert hall, a young person would call out to me, “Tony from Urban Method”! In talking to each and every one, I found that they were inspired by the show in so many ways. By the competition. By the characters in each group. By the personal stories told on the show. By the music, being so raw and from the heart. By the diversity of the groups and individual members. By the family friendly language and content. By the hard work that it took to do each episode. And by the talent that would come across their television every Monday night for 2 hours. (Now I’m totally choked up) 
Not only were they inspired by our performances, I was inspired by their obvious new drive toward music and life. I think the contestants were pushed to succeed as a group, conquer fears, and work hard to a goal, and that came across loud and clear to everyone watching the show. We made it through each week with pure passion for music and life. Now to meet these children and young adults that looked up to us, makes me realize that the show is much more than what it seems to the NBC Executives that pulled the plug. I bet if they look back at television shows that were legendary, they would find that most of them started off with lower ratings. But the best shows of all time became legendary because they showed heart (I’m reminded of *M*A*S*H* here). The Sing Off showed heart and I see it every time I talk to a student, or child, or fan about it. They have passion for the show that goes beyond the ratings. It affected people to change.
The Sing Off wasn’t just a reality show that showcased talent, it inspired people to chase their dreams no matter who they are and where they are from. That’s what good entertainment and good TV should be. I know the Executive Producers of the show would agree, it was incredibly inspiring. I’m sure they wanted the show renewed. NBC Execs did not. My hope is that the show will be bought out by a new network and land on your TV again soon.
Make sure to go and sign the petition to show your support of television like The Sing Off. Also, read with the judges have to say. 
As I tell the students at the schools I’ve visited…
“If you have a dream in life, chase it because you love it and never stop. Your dream will soon become your reality and your future!”
Tony Huerta
Urban Method and Sonic Audio
