Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson Make Hollywood Feel Like Broadway, Church and the Movies.

June 20th, 2026

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood basically turned into a vocal Olympics and yes, everyone somehow survived the high notes.

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

Jennifer Hudson opened the night at 8 p.m. with a 40-minute set that did not waste a single breath. She came out swinging with “Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls, written by Henry Krieger, Siedah Garrett and Will Jennings, then brought some serious old-school soul muscle with James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” From there, she took the crowd to church with Stuart K. Hine’s “How Great Thou Art,” added some emotional ache with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and gave a loving nod to The Beatles with “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight.”

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

Hudson also made room for her own material, including “Where You At” and “Invisible,” but the big “okay, everybody hold onto your chair” moment was “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls. At this point, the song is so connected to Hudson that calling it a cover almost feels illegal. She did not just sing it. She detonated it.

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

Josh Groban followed at 9:15 p.m. with a set that leaned into his current Cinematic era while still giving longtime fans the sweeping, heart-grabbing Groban moments they came for. His performance mixed classic film and pop favorites with his own signature songs, creating the kind of setlist that felt like a black-tie movie montage with a few goosebumps thrown in for free.

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

Among the covers, Groban performed Herman Hupfeld’s “As Time Goes By,” Frank Sinatra’s “The World We Knew,” Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s “Moon River,” Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” Adele’s “Skyfall,” Secret Garden’s “You Raise Me Up,” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Those classics were balanced by Groban originals like “You Are Loved,” “Granted,” “Mai,” “Awake,” “Alla luce del sole” and “Be Alright,” reminding everyone that he can move from cinematic nostalgia to full Groban grandeur without even loosening his tie.

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

The night’s crown jewel was the duet on “Unchained Melody,” originally made famous by The Righteous Brothers after first being recorded by Todd Duncan. Hudson joined Groban for a performance that felt less like a simple guest spot and more like two vocal superheroes deciding to share the same skyline. Groban brought the elegance and control. Hudson brought the fire and soul. Together, they turned the room into one giant goosebump.

Photo By Larry Marano © 2026

By the end, the pairing felt almost unfair. Hudson shook the building. Groban polished the rafters. And somewhere inside Hard Rock Live, a few microphones probably filed for worker’s comp.