A humble school stairwell at Arizona State University (ASU) became the stage for a global viral sensation when a group of non-music-major students, known as the Devil Clefs, released their breathtaking a cappella medley of Billie Eilish hits. The raw talent and harmonious precision captured the world’s attention, leading to a video that has amassed over 17 million views on YouTube, setting a high bar for collegiate a cappella covers.
The Devil Clefs, a 17-member choir, demonstrated how passion can transcend professional training, turning pop anthems into polished choral masterpieces.
📈 The Viral Stairwell Success
The viral clip features the choir performing two of Billie Eilish’s tracks in a seamless, high-production a cappella arrangement. The group strategically utilized the natural reverb of the stairwell, which amplified their sound, giving the performance an “angelic, church-like quality.”
- “idontwannabeyouanymore”: The medley begins with a soul-stirring cover of Eilish’s early ballad. The students’ voices blend in near-perfect harmony, with finger clicks providing a crisp, organic percussive beat.
- “When the Party’s Over”: The transition into the second track, “When the Party’s Over,” is where the arrangement truly cemented its status as a “complete choral masterpiece.” The group delivers a polished performance, expertly executing every swell and ethereal nuance of the track, often compared to the professional standards of groups like Pentatonix.
The Record-Breaking Data:
| Metric | Result | Significance |
| YouTube Views | Over 17 Million | Ranks among the most-watched collegiate a cappella videos globally. |
| Viral Growth | 5 Years of Momentum | The group has continued to build its online presence, amassing over 3 million likes on TikTok post-viral hit. |
| Noteworthy Endorsement | Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying | The video was publicly endorsed by Scott Hoying of the five-time Grammy-winning group Pentatonix, who praised the sound as “literal heaven to my ears” on social media. |
✍️ The Student Behind the Masterpiece
The intricate arrangements, which allowed the non-music-major students to rival top acts, were the work of a single choir member: Milena Santiago.
The arrangements highlight the ensemble’s ability to take the minimalist, complex, and emotionally layered pop songs of Billie Eilish and transform them into a fully realized choral work. As group president Alexa Siegler shared in media interviews, the group thrives on the sheer joy of singing together, proving that formal training is secondary to dedication and raw talent.
The Devil Clefs have since built on this success, regularly sharing original stairwell a cappella pieces and high-quality covers of artists ranging from Blink-182 and Lizzo to Harry Styles and Whitney Houston, consistently shattering stereotypes about choir music and defining a new standard for university vocal ensembles.