What Happened To Avi In Pentatonix: The Untold Story Of His Departure

Fans of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix were left stunned and heartbroken when Avi Kaplan, the group’s beloved bass vocalist, announced his departure in 2017. Known for his deep, resonant voice and magnetic stage presence, Avi was a cornerstone of the group's unique sound. His exit raised countless questions, leaving fans wondering about the reasons behind his decision and how it would impact the group moving forward. Since then, Avi’s journey has taken him down new and exciting paths, but what exactly happened that led to this monumental change?

In this article, we’ll delve into Avi Kaplan’s time with Pentatonix, the reasons behind his departure, and what he’s been up to since leaving the group. From his early days as a musician to his rise to fame with Pentatonix, and finally to his solo career under the name Avriel & the Sequoias, we’ll explore the story of a talented artist who chose to follow his heart. Along the way, we’ll also address some of the most frequently asked questions about Avi’s journey.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what happened to Avi in Pentatonix,” you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at his life, career, and the legacy he’s building outside of the group that made him a household name.

Table of Contents

• Avi Kaplan Biography
• How Did Avi Join Pentatonix?
• What Made Pentatonix So Successful?
• Why Did Avi Leave Pentatonix?
• How Did Fans React to Avi’s Departure?
• A Closer Look at Avi’s Solo Career
• How Has Pentatonix Evolved Since Avi’s Departure?
• What Is Avi Doing Now?
• Avi Kaplan’s Personal Life and Interests
• How Does Avi Feel About Leaving Pentatonix?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Avi Kaplan Biography

Avriel Benjamin Kaplan, lovingly known as Avi Kaplan, was born on April 17, 1989, in Visalia, California, USA. Growing up in a small town surrounded by nature, Avi developed a love for music and the outdoors at a young age. His journey to fame wasn’t a straightforward one, but his passion for singing and his deep, soulful voice eventually propelled him into the limelight.

Full Name	Avriel Benjamin Kaplan
Date of Birth	April 17, 1989
Place of Birth	Visalia, California, USA
Profession	Musician, Singer, Songwriter
Genres	A cappella, Folk, Pop
Active Years	2009–Present

Avi was raised in a Jewish family and often cites his heritage as a significant influence on his music. He studied music extensively and honed his craft as a bass vocalist, becoming particularly skilled in choral and a cappella singing. Before joining Pentatonix, he was already well-known in the a cappella community for his incredible vocal range and powerful bass notes.

How Did Avi Join Pentatonix?

Pentatonix was originally formed by Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, and Scott Hoying, three high school friends from Arlington, Texas. The group wanted to compete in NBC's "The Sing-Off," a reality TV competition for a cappella groups. However, they needed a bass singer and a beatboxer to complete their lineup.

Avi Kaplan was recruited for his exceptional bass voice, and Kevin Olusola, who became the group’s beatboxer, joined soon after. Together, the five members created a dynamic and unique sound that set them apart from other a cappella groups. They went on to win the third season of "The Sing-Off" in 2011, launching their career into the stratosphere.

What Made Pentatonix So Successful?

Pentatonix’s success can be attributed to several factors:

• Innovative Arrangements: Their ability to reimagine popular songs in a cappella format captivated audiences worldwide.
• Talented Members: Each member brought a unique skill set, from Avi’s deep bass to Mitch’s soaring tenor.
• Social Media Presence: The group leveraged platforms like YouTube to reach millions of fans.

Pentatonix quickly became a global phenomenon, winning Grammy Awards and amassing billions of views on their videos. Avi’s contributions as a bass vocalist were instrumental in shaping their signature sound.

Why Did Avi Leave Pentatonix?

The question on everyone’s mind is: what happened to Avi in Pentatonix? In May 2017, Avi announced his departure from the group in an emotional video shared on social media. He cited the demands of touring and the need for a slower pace of life as his reasons for leaving. Avi explained that while he loved performing with Pentatonix, the rigorous schedule had taken a toll on his mental health and well-being.

He also expressed a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue a solo career that reflected his personal musical interests. Avi’s decision was met with an outpouring of support from fans, who admired his courage and honesty.

How Did Fans React to Avi’s Departure?

Fans were understandably heartbroken by Avi’s departure, but many respected his decision and wished him well. Social media was flooded with messages of love and gratitude, with fans sharing their favorite memories of Avi’s time with Pentatonix. The group itself supported Avi’s choice, emphasizing that they would remain close friends.

A Closer Look at Avi’s Solo Career

Since leaving Pentatonix, Avi Kaplan has reinvented himself as a solo artist under the name Avriel & the Sequoias. His music leans heavily into folk and acoustic genres, showcasing a more introspective and personal side of his artistry. Avi’s solo work has been well-received, with fans praising his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.

How Has Pentatonix Evolved Since Avi’s Departure?

After Avi’s departure, Pentatonix introduced Matt Sallee as their new bass vocalist. While some fans were initially skeptical, Matt quickly won them over with his talent and charisma. The group has continued to thrive, releasing new albums and embarking on successful tours.

What Is Avi Doing Now?

Today, Avi Kaplan is focused on his solo career and continues to create music that resonates with his fans. He also remains an advocate for mental health, often speaking openly about the importance of self-care and balance in life.

Avi Kaplan’s Personal Life and Interests

Outside of music, Avi enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. He’s also passionate about environmental conservation and often incorporates these themes into his work.

How Does Avi Feel About Leaving Pentatonix?

In interviews, Avi has expressed gratitude for his time with Pentatonix but maintains that leaving was the right decision for him. He remains close with his former bandmates and continues to support their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Avi Kaplan leave Pentatonix?

Avi left Pentatonix due to the demanding schedule and his desire for a slower-paced life, as well as to focus on his solo career.

2. What is Avi Kaplan doing now?

He is pursuing a solo career under the name Avriel & the Sequoias, creating folk and acoustic music.

3. Does Avi Kaplan still talk to Pentatonix?

Yes, Avi remains close with his former bandmates and supports their work.

4. Who replaced Avi Kaplan in Pentatonix?

Matt Sallee replaced Avi as the bass vocalist for Pentatonix.

5. What genre of music does Avi Kaplan make now?

Avi’s solo music leans towards folk and acoustic genres.

6. How do fans feel about Avi leaving Pentatonix?

While fans were initially heartbroken, they have shown immense support for Avi’s solo career.

Conclusion

Avi Kaplan’s departure from Pentatonix marked the end of an era but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his life. His decision to prioritize his well-being and explore his own musical path has only deepened the admiration that fans have for him. Whether through his work with Pentatonix or his solo projects, Avi continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.