Josh Groban – Grand Casino Arena – St. Paul, MN – June 28th, 2026

Josh Groban with Jennifer Hudson – Grand Casino Arena – St. Paul, MN – June 28^th, 2026

Review and photos by Kate Klaus

On a night full of beautiful music, Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson proved that when you put two of the greatest vocalists of their generation on the same stage, the music and magic speak for themselves. Their stop at the Grand Casino Arena was a masterclass in musicianship, storytelling, and vocal excellence, delivering nearly three hours of unforgettable performances that balanced elegance with genuine warmth.

Jennifer Hudson opened the evening with a stunning set which showcased the incredible versatility that has defined her career, moving effortlessly from the soulful emotion of “Spotlight” to the powerhouse intensity of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” A breathtaking, a cappella rendition of “How Great Thou Art” silenced the arena before she paid tribute to Minnesota with an emotional cover of “Purple Rain.” Hudson’s voice remains one of the most commanding in music today, capable of soaring to astonishing heights while never losing its emotional authenticity and vulnerability.

When Josh Groban took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into something almost cinematic. Opening near the crowd on small stage with a single grand piano at the back of the floor, he captivated with “As Time Goes By,” he immediately established the evening’s nostalgic, timeless tone before moving to the main stage with his band, and leaning into fan favorites like “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up),” “Granted,” and “February Song.” Groban’s effortless blend of classical technique and pop accessibility continues to be his greatest strength, allowing every song to feel both intimate and grand regardless of the arena’s size.

One of Groban’s greatest gifts has always been his ability to connect with an audience through humor and storytelling, and that charm was on full display throughout the night. Early in the show, he noticed a sign from a fan asking her wish to sing “The Prayer” with him, which he granted by walking down into the crowd and dueting with her (and she had a beautiful voice as well!) for a touching moment.

The evening’s defining moment arrived when Jennifer Hudson returned to the stage to join Groban for “Unchained Melody.” Their voices complemented each other beautifully. Groban’s rich, resonant baritone provided the perfect foundation for Hudson’s soaring powerhouse vocals, creating harmonies that felt effortless rather than competitive. It was the collaboration everyone came hoping to hear, and it somehow exceeded expectations. The standing ovation that followed was one of the loudest of the evening.

Groban continued to showcase his remarkable versatility throughout the set, moving back from the main stage to the B stage for classics like “Moon River” and “Stand By Me” and then stunning interpretations of “Skyfall” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Every arrangement highlighted not only his extraordinary vocal control but also the exceptional musicianship of his orchestra and band, whose lush accompaniment elevated every performance.

Of course, no Josh Groban concert would be complete without “You Raise Me Up.” Thousands of voices joined him, transforming the arena into one massive choir before the evening concluded with a moving rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” sending fans home on an emotional high.

While both artists have built extraordinary careers individually, seeing them together revealed something special. There was obvious mutual admiration between them, and that chemistry elevated the concert beyond a typical co-headlining tour. Rather than feeling like two separate performances, the evening unfolded as a celebration of timeless songs, extraordinary voices, and the simple power of music.  Their stop at Grand Casino Arena was elegant, emotional, and vocally flawless, and gave the crowd a rare opportunity to witness two once-in-a-generation talents sharing one stage.