If you were anywhere near a screen in 2013, you probably remember the "Radioactive" cover. It wasn’t just another YouTube video; it was a cultural shift. When Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling teamed up to tackle Imagine Dragons' behemoth of a hit, they weren't just singing a pop song. They were proving that a-cappella and a dancing violinist could create something grittier, heavier, and more "apocalyptic" than a full rock band.
Honestly, it's been over a decade, and that video still pulls millions of views. Why? Because it wasn't just a cover. It was a collision of two internet titans who had everything to prove after being told "no" by the mainstream industry.
The Collaboration That Defined an Era
Let’s set the scene. In early 2013, Imagine Dragons’ "Radioactive" was inescapable. It was the ultimate "sleeper hit," eventually spending 87 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. It had that heavy, distorted bass and a primal energy. Most people would’ve just tried to replicate that with a drum kit and some synths.
But Pentatonix doesn't do instruments. And Lindsey Stirling? She basically invented her own genre of "dubstep violin."
When they dropped their version on March 12, 2013, it was a shock to the system. You’ve got Kevin Olusola doing "celloboxing"—literally beatboxing while shredding on a cello—which provided a rhythm section that felt more industrial than the original. Then you have the vocal layers from Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, and Avi Kaplan. The way Avi’s bass vocals vibrated through the "new age" hook? It was visceral.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Recording
There’s a common misconception that this was just a quick "jam session" for a video. In reality, the arrangement was a masterclass in vocal production. Ben Bram, the long-time PTX collaborator and engineer, worked on the track to ensure the vocal "dirt" matched the desert-wasteland aesthetic of the video.
They didn't just sing. They used their voices to mimic the mechanical, grinding sounds of the Imagine Dragons production.
- The Vocal Grit: If you listen closely, Scott and Mitch aren't singing with "clean" pop vocals. They're using vocal fry and a bit of grit to sell the post-apocalyptic vibe.
- The Violin as a Lead: Lindsey doesn't just play a solo; her violin acts as a second lead singer. It weaves in and out of the harmonies, sometimes doubling the vocal line and other times providing that iconic "Radioactive" hook.
- The Cello Layer: Kevin’s cello isn't just background noise. It’s the "sub-bass." Without that low-end resonance, the song would’ve felt thin.
It’s actually kinda wild to think that this cover won "Response of the Year" at the very first YouTube Music Awards in 2013. They beat out massive artists because the fans—the "Pentaholics" and the "Stirlingites"—were a literal army.
The Visuals: More Than Just a Desert
The music video, directed by FifGen Films, is legendary for its "dirt." Literally. The performers look like they’ve been wandering a wasteland for weeks. They’re in ratty clothing, covered in smudge marks, and surrounded by ruins.
There's a specific shot of Scott staring into the camera that people still talk about. It’s intense. The video was filmed in a desolate, sun-bleached location that perfectly matched the "ash and dust" lyrics. But it wasn't just about looking cool. At the time, Lindsey Stirling was still building her brand of high-energy, choreographed playing. Seeing her spin and dance while playing those aggressive staccato notes in the dirt was a huge part of the "wow" factor.
Why Radioactive Pentatonix Lindsey Stirling Matters Now
You might think a cover from 2013 is just nostalgia. But look at the numbers. As of early 2026, the video has well over 190 million views on Lindsey's channel alone. It’s one of those rare moments where the cover actually rivals the original in terms of artistic legacy.
It represents the peak of the "YouTube Creator" era. Both acts were essentially rejects from reality TV. Pentatonix won The Sing-Off only to be dropped by their label shortly after. Lindsey was told by Piers Morgan on America's Got Talent that she wasn't "good enough" to fill an arena.
This collaboration was their victory lap. It showed the industry that you didn't need a massive label budget to create a cinematic masterpiece. You just needed five voices, a violin, and a really good idea.
Real Talk: The Live Performance "Secrets"
If you've ever seen PTX live, you know they often perform this without Lindsey. How? Kevin usually handles the heavy lifting. He recreates the violin's energy on his cello. However, during some tours—like the Evergreen tour or their massive holiday shows—they’ve used video backdrops of Lindsey to keep her presence in the song.
Some fans on Reddit have pointed out that in later live versions, they occasionally use a backtrack for the violin or extra harmonies to make it sound "stadium-sized." Honestly, that’s just standard for a show that big, but the core of the song—the raw, human-powered energy—remains.
How to Appreciate the Technical Brilliance
If you want to really "hear" the song for the first time again, try these next steps:
- Use Good Headphones: Listen for Avi Kaplan’s bass line during the chorus. It’s not just a note; it’s a texture that holds the whole song together.
- Watch the "Making Of" Content: If you can find the old behind-the-scenes clips, watch how Kevin coordinates his breathing. Celloboxing is physically exhausting; he's doing a full cardio workout while playing.
- Compare the Mix: Listen to the original Imagine Dragons version and then the PTX/Lindsey version back-to-back. Notice how the cover replaces every electronic "beep" and "thump" with a human sound or a string pluck.
The Radioactive Pentatonix Lindsey Stirling collab is a masterclass in how to do a cover right. It didn't just copy the original; it translated it into a whole new language.
If you're a musician or a creator, the biggest takeaway here is simple: don't be afraid to mix genres that "don't belong" together. A-cappella and dubstep violin sounded like a disaster on paper. In reality, it became one of the most iconic moments in digital music history.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking for more of this specific energy, check out their other collaboration "Over the River" from the Evergreen album. It’s a bit more "holiday," but it has that same intricate layering that made their first meeting so special.