Josh Groban & Jennifer Hudson
June 2, 2026
Place Bell, Laval, QC
It’s not often that a concert delivers excellence from start to finish, but on June 2 at Place Bell in Laval, Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson created an evening that felt nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first note to the final encore, it was clear: we absolutely loved it.
Jennifer Hudson Sets the Bar Sky-High
From the moment Jennifer Hudson stepped on stage, she was shining bright—lit up by a radiant smile and powered by a voice that instantly captivated the audience. There was a palpable sense that we were witnessing something special. Seeing an artist of her caliber as an opening act felt like a rare gift, and she more than delivered, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Hudson guided the crowd through more than a dozen songs, weaving a dynamic set full of surprises. She paid tribute to an eclectic range of artists—touching on Iggy Azalea, Henry Krieger, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen, Carole King, and even The Beatles. Each cover felt personal, as if she were breathing new life into timeless classics.
Her performances of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “Hallelujah”—which she revealed as her favorite—and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” were nothing short of breathtaking. The emotional depth in her voice was undeniable; raw, powerful, and deeply moving.
And then came what many had been waiting for: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. It was spectacular. A true showstopper. She didn’t just sing it—she commanded it. By the end, the crowd was in awe. Simply put: wow, this woman cansing.
Josh Groban Rises to the Occasion—and Beyond
Following such a commanding opening would be a challenge for anyone, but Josh Groban met that challenge and exceeded it with ease. Delivering a 17-song set filled with vocal brilliance, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, he proved exactly why he’s such a beloved performer.
He began in a unique and intimate way—appearing from the back of the room, making his way to a B-stage where he performed “As Time Goes By” beside a piano. He then took a charming waltz down the aisle to the main stage, instantly connecting with the audience.
Groban shared personal stories throughout the night, including a touching tribute to his music teacher, emphasizing how vital mentors are in shaping artists. He also charmed the crowd with his self-deprecating humor, describing himself as an introvert who’d rather be at home in pajamas playing Nintendo Switch.
Vocally, he was flawless. Songs like “Granted” showcased his range and precision, while quieter moments allowed his storytelling to shine.
One of the most unforgettable highlights came midway through the show. Groban spoke about recording one of his favorite songs with “one of the greatest singers,” before launching into “Unchained Melody.” To the crowd’s delight, Jennifer Hudson returned to the stage, and together they performed the duet live for the very first time. It was breathtaking—two powerhouse voices blending in perfect harmony.
A Spectacle of Music and Emotion
The production itself was spectacular: a full band, a choir, immersive visuals, and a stage design that reinforced one clear message—you were here to have a great time. And we absolutely did.
Groban’s setlist felt like a celebration of music across generations. We found ourselves singing along to classics from Frank Sinatra, The Everly Brothers, Ben E. King, Richard Marx, Elton John, Adele, and Simon & Garfunkel.
His rendition of “Stand by Me” gave us chills, while “Moon River” brought one of the night’s most touching moments. Groban shared a story about recording the song with his father, Jack Groban, on trumpet. Though his father couldn’t be there in person, he appeared on screen during the performance. Watching Josh look up with such visible love and pride was incredibly moving.
Another personal highlight was “Awake,” which he dedicated to his close-knit family, adding yet another emotional layer to the evening. He even delighted fans with a reminder of his early acting days on Ally McBeal, proving his natural ease on stage.
A Trio of Standout Performances
For us, the peak of the night came with a trio of back-to-back performances that were simply unforgettable:
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Delivered with elegance and authority, it transported us straight to the Pride Lands.
- “Skyfall” – Dark, dramatic, and cinematic, it felt like stepping into a James Bond film.
- “You Raise Me Up” – The emotional climax of the night, leaving the entire audience visibly moved.
A Perfect Ending
Groban closed the evening with a two-song encore: “Be Alright” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” It was the perfect conclusion—uplifting, powerful, and deeply satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a concert—it was an experience. Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban delivered an evening filled with world-class vocals, heartfelt moments, and pure musical joy. From the opening note to the final bow, everything came together seamlessly.
An incredible night of music from two exceptional artists and their outstanding supporting cast.
Just amazing.