Ben Folds

Turns out he's stayed in the business and has been really successful--he mixed the last Coldplay album, Colbie Caillat, Ben Folds, and a lot of other pop artists.

Mike Ragogna: From Graceland To A Galaxy To Further Explorations: Chatting With Jeff Lorber And Eddie Gomez, Plus Paul Simon's Classic Turns 25 Mike Ragogna 2012

Yes, Virginia, before he was a judge on "The Sing Off," Ben Folds was already one of the most gifted, quirky and interesting piano men in rock history, and if you think he just plays a musical genius on TV, "The Best Imitation of Myself" is an excellent way to educate yourselves.

David Wild: Get Boxed In: A Few Last Minute Musical Gift Suggestions David Wild 2011

Today, if you're a huge fan of Taylor Swift or Ben Folds, chances are you could get on your phone and interact with them that second, which is kind of crazy to me.

Mike Ragogna: Machine Gun Preacher: Conversations with Chris Cornell Plus Jon McLaughlin, and Stephen Kellogg Exclusives Mike Ragogna 2011

Turns out he's stayed in the business and has been really successful--he mixed the last Coldplay album, Colbie Caillat, Ben Folds, and a lot of other pop artists.

Mike Ragogna: From Graceland To A Galaxy To Further Explorations: Chatting With Jeff Lorber And Eddie Gomez, Plus Paul Simon's Classic Turns 25 Mike Ragogna 2012

Today, if you're a huge fan of Taylor Swift or Ben Folds, chances are you could get on your phone and interact with them that second, which is kind of crazy to me.

Mike Ragogna: Machine Gun Preacher: Conversations with Chris Cornell Plus Jon McLaughlin, and Stephen Kellogg Exclusives Mike Ragogna 2011

Ben Folds is, for instance, one of my idols along with Elton John and Billy Joel.

Mike Ragogna: Machine Gun Preacher: Conversations with Chris Cornell Plus Jon McLaughlin, and Stephen Kellogg Exclusives Mike Ragogna 2011

They chose "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf as their final performance and collaborated with judge Ben Folds on his classic chart-topper "Not the Same."

Who Won The Sing-Off? 2011

Also, fellow judges Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman were a huge draw for me.

New Sing-Off Judge Sara Bareilles Returns to Her A Cappella Roots: "It Was a Really Good Fit" 2011

Ben Folds is, for instance, one of my idols along with Elton John and Billy Joel.

Mike Ragogna: Machine Gun Preacher: Conversations with Chris Cornell Plus Jon McLaughlin, and Stephen Kellogg Exclusives Mike Ragogna 2011

New judge Sara Bareilles, who joins Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman this season, replacing Nicole Scherzinger, says she's an "a capella nerd" and described her judging style as "really honest and really fair."

A Bigger Sing-Off This Fall: More Episodes! More Groups! More Musical Genres! 2011