It really is one of the more memorable television moments of the last 25 years. Ally McBeal, a legal drama that aired on Fox, was already very well-known as a show that incorporated music into its fabric, even giving bit roles to superstars like Barry Manilow, Al Green, Elton John, Sting and Mariah Carey. But it was an unknown singer (at the time) that had the biggest impact on viewers. An unassuming-looking Josh Groban appeared on the 2001 season finale as Malcolm Wyatt, and the second he opened his mouth to sing “You’re Still You,” the show’s legacy—and Groban’s fate—changed forever.
Fast-forward to now, and that singular voice has resulted in four multiplatinum albums and more than 25 million records sold worldwide. Not bad for a performer who originally wanted to be an actor.
As massive an impact as Groban’s Ally McBeal appearance would have, that wouldn’t have happened were it not for a song called “The Prayer.” Written for the movie Quest for Camelot by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Renis and Alberto Testa, the song was to have been rehearsed by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli for the 1999 Grammy Awards, but because of how it was structured, Bocelli was unable to rehearse with Dion. Foster, who knew Groban through a mutual friend, asked him to stand in for Bocelli during rehearsals. Rosie O’Donnell, who hosted the Grammys that year, was so impressed by what she heard that she invited him on her talk show, which later led to the Ally McBeal career-altering appearance.
Groban has since collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, from Sarah Brightman, Lara Fabian and Barbra Streisand to Charlotte Church, Imogen Heap and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He’s performed on Broadway, including in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Along the way, he’s released best-selling albums, from his self-titled debut in 2001 and Closer in 2003 to Awake in 2007 and Illuminations in 2010. Along the way, he’s covered a number of musical bases, from adult contemporary and gospel to classical and operatic pop.
And he didn’t abandon his acting career, appearing in shows like Glee and The Office (playing Andy Bernard’s brother in two episodes) and movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love and Muppets Most Wanted.
Audiences attending his series of exclusive Gems shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace are no doubt excited to hear Groban standards like “You Raise Me Up,” “Believe,” “Remember,” “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up),” “Hidden Away” and so many more, all delivered in that mellifluous tone that’s led him to so many Grammy, Emmy and Tony nominations. And who knows? Given the special guests he’s brought on stage on tours past, it’s entirely likely he might have a special guest—or two—in the wings to make the night even more exciting.
Caesars Palace. 8 p.m. May 9-10, starting at $65 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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