Nick Lachey on The Sing-Off Season 3: "Their Passion Is Contagious — It Reminds You of the Excitement You Had When You First Stepped Into It"

On September 29, 2011, NBC Universal hosted a press call with The Sing-Off Season 3 host Nick Lachey. Season 3 had debuted September 19 with 16 competing groups — the largest field in the show's history. Premier Guide Media's Daedrian McNaughton was on the call.

Their passion is contagious. When you've been in the business a while sometimes you forget the passion and the excitement you had when you first stepped into it.

Daedrian McNaughton: How have you been enjoying your time on the show? And can you say that you have learned anything from your overall experience that you may be able to interpret in your own career?

Nick Lachey: Great question. Yes I love being a part of the show. It's such a fun show to be a part of and be around talented musicians every day and be a part of watching them grow and ultimately giving someone a chance to chase their dream and pursue their dream. It's a great process to be a part of. So I'm blessed that I'm able to be the host of The Sing-Off. And yes I think I learn something every day. I mean it's contagious to be around music and to be around great musicians. So certainly if nothing else I think their passion is contagious. And when you've been in the business a while sometimes you forget the passion and the excitement that you had when you first stepped into it. And it's refreshing to be around people who have that excitement and passion so that's certainly contagious.

Daedrian McNaughton: And one last question Nick — as far as your career, when can we expect something else from you?

Nick Lachey: I just went back in the studio about two, three weeks ago to start a new project. So hopefully the beginning of next year we'll have some new music from myself.

Sara Bareilles and the expanded Season 3 format

On Sara Bareilles joining the panel: "Sara has been such an absolute joy to be around, to work with. I think she's such a brilliant songwriter and musician in her own right and she brings such a wealth of knowledge to the panel. I think she's the absolute perfect fit for what The Sing-Off is and what The Sing-Off's all about." On the expanded 16-group field: "We were afforded the opportunity to have a longer season — 11 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. You see a real diversity this season — 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 acapella represented."

Acapella's cultural moment — and 98 Degrees' roots

On why acapella is having a pop culture moment: "I think it's in such an era of auto-tuning and effects and all this stuff. I think it's kind of come full circle to a point where people really appreciate that they're performing in its rawest sense. And that's really what acapella is — talent showcased with no effects, nowhere to hide. I think we've gotten past the stereotype of it just being doo-wop or barbershop and people now realize that acapella can be anything." On 98 Degrees' acapella origins: "I grew up singing acapella and sang in a barbershop quartet when I was in high school at Kings Island Amusement Park. And when 98 Degrees first formed we did all acapella — we'd go around town and sing for anyone. And that's actually how we got signed to Motown records. We walked into the President's office and sang an acapella medley for him. So I have a real appreciation for what it takes to pull off acapella and what it's meant to my career."

On the judges, the competition, and his role as host

On the judging panel: "I think our judging panel is the best on television. They all come from such accomplished careers but very different careers. Sean is the most accomplished R&B group ever. Sara as a solo artist is one of the best songwriters I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. And Ben has done the solo thing and the group thing. Everyone comes from a different place but it's a very successful and established place." On his role as host: "That's kind of the beauty of my role — I don't get a voice, I don't have to make those tough decisions. As I'm sitting backstage waiting for the judges' decision, sometimes when I ultimately see who's been sent home it's the same reaction as anyone watching at home. So they certainly have their criteria and their method and even I am not privy to that. I'm almost a spectator in that sense." On the show's appeal: "I think it's just people understand and appreciate and enjoy watching real talent. With acapella music there's just nowhere to hide. So you really get a feel for how talented these groups are." The Sing-Off Season 3 aired on NBC, premiering September 19, 2011.