(Benchmark International Arena, Tampa FL) When two of the most extraordinary voices in modern music share a stage, expectations soar — and Friday night’s stop of the Josh Groban: Gems Tour at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena delivered moments worthy of the anticipation. Blending soaring vocals with personal stories and genuine warmth, Josh Groban and special guest Jennifer Hudson transformed the evening into a celebration of the songs, memories, and relationships that have defined their journeys.
With only a handful of performances remaining before the 16-city tour concludes in early July, Groban and Hudson brought a show filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism.
Hudson opened with a commanding 45-minute set that served as both a showcase of her astonishing range and a reminder of the versatility that has made her one of the most celebrated performers of her generation. Drawing from different chapters of her career and paying tribute to the musical influences that shaped her, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner (quadruple threat EGOT!!) moved effortlessly between powerhouse moments and quieter passages that highlighted the remarkable control behind her voice.
What made the performance especially impressive was how natural it all seemed. Songs that demand enormous technical precision and emotional intensity appeared to come with ease. Hudson’s ability to shift from delicate phrasing to thunderous, church-inspired crescendos remains extraordinary, and throughout the set she demonstrated why comparisons to the great soul and gospel vocalists who came before her are so often made. Every note carried conviction, yet there was never a sense of excess; her vocals were powerful without sacrificing warmth or nuance.
The song selections themselves reflected the influences and milestones that have defined her career. Whether revisiting beloved favorites or embracing material rooted in soul, R&B and inspirational traditions, Hudson’s choices underscored the themes of perseverance, gratitude and joy that have long been central to her artistry. Audience members responded enthusiastically, often rising to their feet as she delivered one breathtaking vocal run after another. By the end of her set, she had transformed the arena into something resembling a revival, earning a reception worthy of one of music’s truly elite voices.
After a brief intermission, Josh Groban took the stage to a thunderous ovation and immediately settled into what felt less like a formal concert and more like an evening spent sharing stories with thousands of friends.
One of the things that stood out most was how often Groban emphasized connection. Whether moving to the B-stage to bring fans closer or speaking about his Find Your Light Foundation on the main stage, he repeatedly returned to the idea that music has the power to encourage and unite people.
Some of the evening’s most revealing moments came not from the songs themselves, but from the stories behind them. Introducing “The Wandering Kind (Prelude),” Groban reflected on sitting at the piano after difficult days growing up.
“The piano in the house -- I would write when I had a bad day at school, which was a lot,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t know at the time I was writing.” That kind of honesty became a theme throughout the night. Groban spoke often about uncertainty, gratitude, and how relationships have shaped both his life and career.
Among the highlights was a beautifully crafted Stephen Sondheim medley that paid tribute to one of Broadway’s greatest composers. Seamlessly weaving together selections associated with Sondheim’s unmatched catalog, Groban approached the material with both reverence and theatrical flair. The segment showcased not only his vocal versatility but also his deep affection for musical theater, an affection audiences have witnessed throughout his acclaimed stage work. Richly orchestrated and emotionally nuanced, the medley offered a reminder of Sondheim’s genius for storytelling and Groban’s ability to inhabit songs with sincerity and elegance.
And then there was the duet everyone will be talking about. When Jennifer Hudson returned to join him for “Unchained Melody,” it felt like a match made in musical heaven. Two of the finest vocalists of their generation stood side by side, their voices blending with remarkable chemistry and emotional depth. The arena fell silent before erupting into a standing ovation.
Family and friendship surfaced repeatedly in Groban’s stories. He fondly spoke about director Rob Reiner, shared memories of his father, Jack “Smoky Lips” Groban, and admitted that life lately seems to be moving a little too quickly. Those reflections gave the evening an emotional warmth that extended far beyond the music.
There were lighter moments, too. Revisiting Broadway memories brought plenty of humor, and Groban happily shared news of his recent engagement, revealing that he recently proposed at Disneyland.
“I love it there,” he smiled. “It’s my childhood and my adulthood.”
That joy carried through the rest of the evening. Backed by the Tampa Symphony Orchestra and Tampa Mass Choir, Groban paused to thank longtime band members, venue staff, and everyone who helped make the tour possible. His appreciation felt genuine, another reminder that humility remains one of his most appealing qualities.
Before performing “You Raise Me Up,” he recalled first hearing the song in a taxi in Dublin after enjoying a Guinness and immediately recognizing its beauty. Looking back, he acknowledged how profoundly that recording changed his life.
By the time the final notes faded, what lingered most wasn’t any single song but the spirit behind them. Hudson possesses a once-in-a-generation vocal power capable of shaking an arena, yet what makes her artistry so captivating is the grace and apparent ease with which she navigates music of extraordinary complexity. Groban, meanwhile, continues to distinguish himself not only through his remarkable voice and musicianship, but through his warmth, humility, and ability to make thousands of strangers feel included in his stories.
Together, they created an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and genuine emotion. Their voices are extraordinary, but perhaps even more impressive is the sincerity with which they share them.
With only a handful of performances remaining before the 16-city tour concludes in early July, Groban and Hudson brought a show filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism.
Hudson opened with a commanding 45-minute set that served as both a showcase of her astonishing range and a reminder of the versatility that has made her one of the most celebrated performers of her generation. Drawing from different chapters of her career and paying tribute to the musical influences that shaped her, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner (quadruple threat EGOT!!) moved effortlessly between powerhouse moments and quieter passages that highlighted the remarkable control behind her voice.
What made the performance especially impressive was how natural it all seemed. Songs that demand enormous technical precision and emotional intensity appeared to come with ease. Hudson’s ability to shift from delicate phrasing to thunderous, church-inspired crescendos remains extraordinary, and throughout the set she demonstrated why comparisons to the great soul and gospel vocalists who came before her are so often made. Every note carried conviction, yet there was never a sense of excess; her vocals were powerful without sacrificing warmth or nuance.
The song selections themselves reflected the influences and milestones that have defined her career. Whether revisiting beloved favorites or embracing material rooted in soul, R&B and inspirational traditions, Hudson’s choices underscored the themes of perseverance, gratitude and joy that have long been central to her artistry. Audience members responded enthusiastically, often rising to their feet as she delivered one breathtaking vocal run after another. By the end of her set, she had transformed the arena into something resembling a revival, earning a reception worthy of one of music’s truly elite voices.
After a brief intermission, Josh Groban took the stage to a thunderous ovation and immediately settled into what felt less like a formal concert and more like an evening spent sharing stories with thousands of friends.
One of the things that stood out most was how often Groban emphasized connection. Whether moving to the B-stage to bring fans closer or speaking about his Find Your Light Foundation on the main stage, he repeatedly returned to the idea that music has the power to encourage and unite people.
Some of the evening’s most revealing moments came not from the songs themselves, but from the stories behind them. Introducing “The Wandering Kind (Prelude),” Groban reflected on sitting at the piano after difficult days growing up.
“The piano in the house -- I would write when I had a bad day at school, which was a lot,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t know at the time I was writing.” That kind of honesty became a theme throughout the night. Groban spoke often about uncertainty, gratitude, and how relationships have shaped both his life and career.
Among the highlights was a beautifully crafted Stephen Sondheim medley that paid tribute to one of Broadway’s greatest composers. Seamlessly weaving together selections associated with Sondheim’s unmatched catalog, Groban approached the material with both reverence and theatrical flair. The segment showcased not only his vocal versatility but also his deep affection for musical theater, an affection audiences have witnessed throughout his acclaimed stage work. Richly orchestrated and emotionally nuanced, the medley offered a reminder of Sondheim’s genius for storytelling and Groban’s ability to inhabit songs with sincerity and elegance.
And then there was the duet everyone will be talking about. When Jennifer Hudson returned to join him for “Unchained Melody,” it felt like a match made in musical heaven. Two of the finest vocalists of their generation stood side by side, their voices blending with remarkable chemistry and emotional depth. The arena fell silent before erupting into a standing ovation.
Family and friendship surfaced repeatedly in Groban’s stories. He fondly spoke about director Rob Reiner, shared memories of his father, Jack “Smoky Lips” Groban, and admitted that life lately seems to be moving a little too quickly. Those reflections gave the evening an emotional warmth that extended far beyond the music.
There were lighter moments, too. Revisiting Broadway memories brought plenty of humor, and Groban happily shared news of his recent engagement, revealing that he recently proposed at Disneyland.
“I love it there,” he smiled. “It’s my childhood and my adulthood.”
That joy carried through the rest of the evening. Backed by the Tampa Symphony Orchestra and Tampa Mass Choir, Groban paused to thank longtime band members, venue staff, and everyone who helped make the tour possible. His appreciation felt genuine, another reminder that humility remains one of his most appealing qualities.
Before performing “You Raise Me Up,” he recalled first hearing the song in a taxi in Dublin after enjoying a Guinness and immediately recognizing its beauty. Looking back, he acknowledged how profoundly that recording changed his life.
By the time the final notes faded, what lingered most wasn’t any single song but the spirit behind them. Hudson possesses a once-in-a-generation vocal power capable of shaking an arena, yet what makes her artistry so captivating is the grace and apparent ease with which she navigates music of extraordinary complexity. Groban, meanwhile, continues to distinguish himself not only through his remarkable voice and musicianship, but through his warmth, humility, and ability to make thousands of strangers feel included in his stories.
Together, they created an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and genuine emotion. Their voices are extraordinary, but perhaps even more impressive is the sincerity with which they share them.
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