1. INTRODUCTION
“Pray” is a powerful solo release by Scott Hoying, dropped in May 2025. Co-written and produced with Toby Gad (known for hits like Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy” and John Legend’s “All of Me”), the song blends gospel-infused pop with deeply personal lyrics. Though not a chart-topping single, “Pray” has resonated widely across LGBTQ+ communities and progressive faith circles, praised for its emotional honesty and satirical edge.
Hoying, best known as a member of Pentatonix, uses “Pray” to confront the trauma of conversion therapy, which he experienced as a child. The song is a cheeky yet heartfelt rejection of the idea that one can—or should—“pray the gay away”2.
2. HISTORY OF THE ARTIST
Scott Hoying rose to fame as the baritone of Pentatonix, the Grammy-winning a cappella group that won NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011. Beyond Pentatonix, Hoying has explored solo projects and collaborations, including the duo Superfruit with bandmate Mitch Grassi.
“Pray” marks a turning point in Hoying’s solo career, showcasing his evolution from vocal powerhouse to lyric-driven storyteller. It’s a deeply personal track that reflects his journey toward self-acceptance and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth.
3. ON THE VIDEOCLIP
The official music video for “Pray” was directed and choreographed by Lindsey Blaufarb and Craig Hollamon, known for their work with artists like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Produced by Cult Classic, the video features a vibrant cast of dancers and bold visual storytelling.
Key credits include:
- Director of Photography: Mario Contini
- Editor: Mary Catherine Finney & Scott Hoying
- Dancers: Tajzon James, Julio Marcelino, Gracie Stewart, Sheopatra, and more
- Choreography: A mix of expressive movement and theatrical flair, echoing the song’s emotional arc
The video juxtaposes satirical religious imagery with scenes of liberation and joy, amplifying the song’s message of defiance and self-love.
4. TALK NERDY TO ME
Musically, “Pray” is a gospel-pop fusion with rich harmonic layers and rhythmic complexity:
- Key: E♭ Major with modal shifts
- Tempo: Moderate, around 90 BPM
- Structure: Verse–Pre-Chorus–Chorus–Bridge–Outro
- Chord Progression: Includes gospel-style secondary dominants and chromatic voice leading
- Vocals: Hoying’s dynamic range and emotional delivery shine, especially in the pre-chorus and outro
The song’s use of call-and-response phrasing, layered harmonies, and lyrical irony creates a compelling musical narrative that’s both satirical and sincere.
5. MORE FROM SCOTT HOYING
If “Pray” moved you, here are more tracks from Scott Hoying’s solo catalog:
| 🎵 Song Title | 💽 Album/Single | 🔗 YouTube Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mars | Mars – Single (2022) | Watch here |
| Parallel | Parallel (2023) | Watch here |
| Come Alive | Come Alive – Single (2024) | Watch here |
| Sensitive (feat. for Meghan Trainor) | Takin’ It Back (2022) | Watch here |
| Made You Look (A Cappella) | Collab with Sri, Elyse Myers & Chris Olsen | Watch here |
