The first week of March in Adelaide has seen a deluge of international acts grace Adelaide and what a treat to have Josh Groban round out the stars.
It has been thirteen years since Groban last performed in Adelaide and the exquisitely restored Thebarton Theatre was a perfect venue to host him. His voice, which has always been remarkable, has matured with a richness and velvet-like depth. Groban’s tone is surer and every note resonates splendidly. As he said himself, the emotional weight of years of life experience gives the grander songs a gravitas shaped by time.
From the opening notes of You Are Loved, Groban’s clarity and warmth filled Thebby with ease. His connection with the audience was genuine and easy. His humour, his openness, and his clear enjoyment of performing created a relaxed yet technically-strong atmosphere. Moving easily between humour and candidness, Groban was generous with his praise and respect for the musicians, teachers, and mentors who shaped him. His tribute to his childhood piano teacher before Granted was heartfelt, and his acknowledgment of educators everywhere drew warm applause. From this educator, a heartfelt thanks for the shoutout.
Pure Imagination created one of the most affecting moments of the night. Tears and hugs between audience members so early in the evening were unexpected but shaped the emotional tone for the rest of the night. The lighting for most songs was both soft and colourful, inviting us at times to simply close our eyes and soak up the richness of the music. The on stage orchestra, made up of Adelaide locals together with Groban’s touring band, clearly enjoyed the parts they got to play in arrangements that were clever and showcased their musical prowess.
The purity of Groban’s vibrato and the stillness in the rests were striking, and audible sighs from audience members were at times heard between notes. A pair of waltzes with Groban at the piano showed off his songwriting skills. One was written when he was twelve and the other as an adult. The first had an almost fugue like quality, a glimpse into the musical instincts of a young composer. The second, February Song, carried the weight of someone who has found his way again after being lost. Seeing Groban perform it seated at the piano was a highlight for me.
The mood shifted when Groban launched into a soulful cover of Robbie Williams’ Angels, complete with a spicy story about receiving roses from Robbie himself. Moving seamlessly back into classical crossover repertoire, Groban reminded the audience of the versatility that has defined his career. Two songs from his Ally McBeal era were appreciated by long time fans and it was clear how differently these pieces land now that he is older. The emotional resonance sits more easily and the storytelling in the lyrics and dynamics is more assured.
A special moment came when 2023 The Voice winner Tarryn Stokes joined him on stage. She performed her song Nobody before the two shared a well-balanced duet of Both Sides Now.
Not long after, Groban facilitated the live engagement of a couple in the front row that was possibly pre empted in the meet and greets pre show. Groban also offered a preview of his upcoming album of great film songs. Brucia la Terra, sung in Sicilian, featured a stunning opening violin solo from Adelaide’s own Holly. Skyfall was then delivered with dramatic force, the lighting expanding the stage into something befitting the cinematic grandeur of the song. Groban was joined on stage during various songs by Adelaide’s Soul Factor singers, who clearly enjoyed sharing the limelight with such a consummate musician, particularly when singing over his shoulder as he sat at the piano.
A resounding singalong to one of Groban’s most famous hits, You Raise Me Up, began with another tender solo from Holly on the violin, followed by everyone on stage and in the audience joining in this anthem.
Thebarton Theatre itself played a meaningful role in the night. This was my first time back since its reopening in October 2025 and the improvements are appreciated. The refreshed foyer and larger open spaces, together with the careful restoration, respect the historic beauty while adding much needed accessibility to the venue.
After Be Alright, the final encore brought a moment of reflection. Groban spoke about the importance of the arts in a divided world and reminded us why music matters. He returned to the piano for Bridge Over Troubled Water, singing with such conviction that it felt as though he was singing it just for each one of us. Overall, the night’s performance was built on exceptional vocals, thoughtful musicianship, and a generosity of spirit. Josh Groban’s return delivered a night to remember. As my friend said afterwards, we felt broken open and vulnerable, then beautifully healed thanks to Groban’s artistry, all within the course of a few hours.
Live Review By Kim Burley