Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson Deliver an Unforgettable Evening in Columbus

Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

"Two Legendary Voices, One Unforgettable Evening"

It's a bold promise for a tour tagline, but on June 24 in Columbus, Ohio, Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson delivered exactly that.

Before Josh Groban ever stepped on stage, Jennifer Hudson reminded Columbus why she is one of only 28 EGOT [Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony] winners in history. Her opening set was packed with powerhouse vocals that effortlessly filled the Schottenstein Center, earning thunderous applause after nearly every song. Every note felt effortless, yet incredibly powerful, leaving the audience in awe before the headlining performance even began.

Hudson proved to be the perfect artist to join Groban on this tour. Her blend of soul, theatricality, and vocal excellence set the tone for an evening centered around artistry and musicianship. Her commanding stage presence immediately captivated the audience and built anticipation for what would become one of my favorite concerts of the year.

When Groban took the stage, he was greeted by thunderous applause from the Columbus crowd. Throughout the evening, he shared stories that made the arena feel surprisingly intimate, including one about his family's connection to Columbus. Groban revealed that his father is originally from the city and, although he wasn't able to attend the show, Groban made sure to send plenty of love to Columbus in his honor.

One of the first things that stood out about the performance was the orchestra surrounding him. There is something special about hearing a full orchestra accompany a live concert, and throughout the night it elevated every song to another level. The arrangements added richness and depth while the lighting design brilliantly highlighted not only Groban but also the musicians sharing the stage with him. Together, they created an experience that felt both grand and intimate.

The evening also carried a meaningful charitable component. Groban shared that one dollar from every ticket sold would benefit his Find Your Light Foundation, which supports arts education initiatives across the United States. The message paired perfectly with one of the night's most heartfelt moments, when Groban took time to recognize and thank Columbus arts educators. Speaking about the impact teachers have on future generations of artists, he expressed gratitude for those who inspire creativity and help young people discover their passions.

Twenty-five years into his career, Groban's voice remains nothing short of remarkable. If anything, it has only grown richer with time.

Rich, powerful, and effortlessly controlled, he sounded every bit as strong as he did when audiences first fell in love with his music decades ago. Throughout the nearly two-hour performance, Groban showcased a vocal consistency that few artists can maintain over such a long career. Each song felt polished without ever losing its emotional core.

One of the night's standout moments came during "Granted." While it was not a song that I was very familiar with, it quickly became one of the standout performances of the evening. The combination of Groban's soaring vocals, the orchestra's beautiful arrangement, and the emotion behind the lyrics made it impossible to look away. It was the kind of performance that sends you back to an artist's catalog the moment you leave the venue, and for me, "Granted" was immediately added to my Apple Music favorites before I even made it home.

Groban's musicianship was just as captivating as his vocals. Before sitting down at the piano, he reflected on what the instrument has meant throughout his life, telling the audience, "I knew that it was therapy for me." It was a simple but powerful statement that gave even more meaning to the breathtaking piano solo that followed. While audiences often celebrate Groban for his incredible voice, moments like these serve as a reminder that he is an exceptional musician as well.

As impressive as the music was, Groban's personality may have been equally captivating.

Between songs, he effortlessly kept the audience laughing through stories, observations, and self-deprecating humor. At one point, while discussing the stage effects, he jokingly commented on the amount of fog rolling across the stage.

"Don't worry, it's just asbestos."

The joke landed perfectly and was one of many moments that demonstrated his natural comedic timing.

One of the night's biggest highlights arrived early in Groban's set when Jennifer Hudson returned to the stage for a breathtaking duet of "Unchained Melody." Hearing two of today's greatest vocalists share the spotlight was nothing short of extraordinary. Their voices blended beautifully, creating a performance that left the audience in awe and served as one of the defining moments of the entire evening.

Another memorable moment came while discussing love and his recent engagement. After asking if anyone in the audience was engaged, one fan caught his attention with the story of her own proposal. The fan shared that she had gotten engaged in her basement.

Groban paused before asking the question everyone in the arena was thinking.

"Was it like a romantic basement?"

The crowd erupted with laughter.

A few moments later, Groban followed up saying "I’m gonna dedicate this one to you, your fiancé, and your basement" before going into "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." The playful moment perfectly showcased his quick wit before seamlessly transitioning into one of the evening's most heartfelt performances, made even more special with the addition of a choir.

Groban also took time to honor the legendary Stephen Sondheim with a moving medley of "Children Will Listen" [Into the Woods] and "Not While I'm Around" [Sweeney Todd]. Having starred in Sweeney Todd on Broadway from 2023 to 2024, Groban shared that he has always loved performing "Not While I'm Around" on tour because it was one of the few songs from the musical that he never had the opportunity to sing during his run. The intimate piano-and-vocal performance became one of the evening's most emotional moments, highlighting the Broadway roots that continue to shape his artistry.

Another touching moment arrived when Groban shared the story behind his recording of "Moon River." He explained that his father performs trumpet on the track and joked about giving him just two weeks to learn the arrangement. Groban recalled calling home regularly to check on his progress, drawing laughs from the audience while simultaneously revealing the deep affection he has for his family. The accompanying video of his father performing the trumpet part added another emotional layer to an already heartfelt performance.

Perhaps one of the most refreshing aspects of the evening was what wasn't happening.

In an era where concertgoers often experience entire performances through their phone screens, very few devices could be seen throughout the night. Instead, fans remained fully present, soaking in every note, every story, and every laugh. With most attendees seated and completely captivated by the performance, the atmosphere felt less like a typical arena concert and more like a shared musical experience.

For nearly two hours, Josh Groban reminded Columbus why he has remained one of music's most respected performers for the past 25 years. Between his phenomenal vocals, heartfelt storytelling, genuine humor, and the stunning accompaniment of a full orchestra, every moment of the evening felt thoughtfully crafted. Combined with Jennifer Hudson's incredible opening set and unforgettable duet, the concert became far more than a showcase of remarkable voices. It was a celebration of music's ability to connect people through joy, laughter, and emotion.

With plenty of tour dates still remaining ahead for Groban across North America, fans can access all show and ticket information at https://www.joshgroban.com/.

JOSH GROBAN

JENNIFER HUDSON