Some shows will leave you with tingles. When world-famous singers Josh Groban and Kelly Clarkson performed a Broadway duet together, the result was nothing short of magical.
It all happened one evening at Josh Groban’s Stages Live event, which aired as a PBS special. The set list was filled with memorable musical theater songs, including a Phantom of the Opera classic.
Josh Groban has always loved Broadway. Then came the day when he realized his dream by releasing the album Stages, which featured a variety of musical hits from the big stage.
He explains on his website:
“I’ve always loved theater and musical theater.” “I’ve wanted to sing these songs since I was in high school.”
Josh covers “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera on his album. He needed a unique songstress to be his Christine for it. Kelly Clarkson was his choice, and she joined him for the duet.
When the Stages Live event was announced, fans were in for a spectacular treat, as they would be able to see their beloved Josh Cohen come to life. He stated to the audience during the performance:
“I knew that this duet had to be recorded in a very, very special way when we were making this record, and I was going to record this song.” And it had to be recorded with a unique singer.
He was, of course, referring to Kelly. Moments later, she walked out into the spotlight wearing a gorgeous black dress. She, too, enjoys Broadway, and it just so happens that The Phantom of the Opera was the first musical she ever saw.
“All I Ask of You” is a duet between personalities Raoul and Christine Daaé. Kelly did admit to the listeners that she had always wished to portray Christine. Because of Josh, she finally got her opportunity.
Josh finally lost his voice after a brief interlude of instrumentals. He sings, ”
“No more dark talk. Forget these wide-eyed fears.” Nothing can harm you now that I’m here. “My words will both warm and calm you.
It only takes a few lines for Josh to show what an amazing singer he is and why he has won so many hearts. Faces in the audience can be seen lighting up as they listen to him perform.
Then Kelly takes over, her voice filling the room with chills. It quickly becomes clear that she, too, has a talent for musical theater singing.
The duo’s chemistry shines through as they alternately sing “All I Ask of You.” When Josh and Kelly combine their voices, it reaches a whole new level of beauty. It’s the kind of sound that takes your breath away.
Their Broadway duet has captivated internet users. The YouTube video alone has received over five million views.
Josh told Billboard about singing “All I Ask of You” with Kelly for his album:
“It’s always the best thing when you can take a classic song that everyone knows and add a lovely surprise to it.” You give people something they didn’t expect. So I believe Kelly and I performing this song is one of those.