Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pitch Perfect's 'Cups': How a Novelty Song Topped Charts
Pitch Perfect's 'Cups': How a Novelty Song Topped Charts
24 Feb
Summary
- Anna Kendrick's audition song was discovered via a viral video.
- The producers favored 'Cups' over the original planned song.
- 'Cups' became a Top-10 hit, reaching #6 on Billboard charts.
The unforgettable "Cups" performance by Anna Kendrick in the 2012 film Pitch Perfect originated from a viral video that inspired her audition. Kendrick, aiming to showcase her singing ability, incorporated a plastic cup rhythm, a skill she had recently learned. This impromptu routine captivated the film's producers, leading them to scrap the originally intended song, "I'm a Little Teapot."
The decision to feature "Cups" proved pivotal, transforming a simple audition piece into a cultural phenomenon. Kendrick herself was initially skeptical about its potential as a single, finding the idea "nuts." However, the remixed and extended version defied expectations.
Ultimately, "Cups" ascended the charts, peaking at #6 on Billboard, much to Kendrick's astonishment. The song's success led to a music video and its inclusion in subsequent Pitch Perfect installments and The Voice, underscoring its lasting impact on popular culture.
