Groban Charms St. Paul: Hudson Duets Shine

Josh Groban delivered a delightful and charming performance to an audience of over 7,000 at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The concert replicated the success of his November 2018 show, featuring a world-class band, an 18-piece string section, and a 15-member choir.

Opening the evening was "American Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson, who showcased her powerful voice with a potent set. Her performance included dramatic renditions of James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" and Prince's "Purple Rain," as well as an a cappella performance of "How Great Thou Art."

Groban's setlist featured songs from his latest album, "Cinematic," which includes covers of film soundtracks. A clear highlight was his duet with Hudson on "Unchained Melody," a song originally from a 1955 film. Other notable performances included Adele's "Skyfall" and a Sondheim medley.

While classics like "Stand by Me" and "Moon River" were performed, they did not offer new interpretations. However, Groban's affable and uncontroversial stage presence, coupled with strong musical collaborations, made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.