LIVE REVIEW: Josh Groban proved himself to be a 'Gem' in Brisbane

2026 marks a decade since the beloved award-winning performer Josh Groban last played in Australia on his Stages World Tour, and Brisbane had been waiting patiently for his return. With a sold-out night at QPAC’s Concert Hall and a packed-out second show, long-time fans were buzzing in anticipation of the Gems World Tour and a chance to hear Groban’s classic originals and iconic covers.

The latter night of his QPAC performances began with the ever iconic “You Are Loved”, initially as a full band performance before Groban’s inner theatre kid made an appearance with a dramatic entrance through the side stage doors, in time to sing the opening line to his adoring audience.

With a smile, Groban confessed his love for Brisbane with a proclamation that he could see himself living here, as he regaled the crowd with his city adventures of visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctury and purchasing baseball cards. His childlike wonder at his Brisbane stay was then funnelled into a cover of “Pure Imagination”.

Though many were fully captivated by the orchestral arrangement and live performance on stage, the night was elevated by captivating lighting that brought the QPAC Concert Hall to life. With rainbow arrays and cool-colour toned patterns illuminating the crowd and the stage, the concert became a full experience. The light display during “Pure Imagination” evoked imagery of Wonka’s whimsical chocolate factory, transporting audiences back to their youth.

Groban moved to the piano for an emotional cover of “February Song”, sharing that he had initially crafted the melody in his youth after a "particularly bad day". A cover of Robbie Williams’ “Angels” came next before, a Spanish Celine Dion rendition with “Aléjate”.  

Though this tour was in celebration of the recent Gems release, Groban spent the night teasing his upcoming album of songs from film, performing his Francis Ford Coppola approved Sicilian cover of “Speak Softly, Love” from The Godfather, titled “Brucia la Terra”, and Adele’s “Skyfall” as a teaser.

A surprise guest came as Tarryn Stokes, winner of The Voice Australia 2023, entered the stage with a performance of her winning song “Nobody”, before Groban joined her onstage for a truly haunting duet of “All I Ask Of You” from Phantom of the Opera.

A delightful surprise came with the announcement that both the accompanying choir and orchestral band were composed of Brisbane locals, displaying Groban’s commitment to uplifting and supporting local talent, similarly to the lifechanging way he shared that his music teachers in school supported him. A teary-eyed standing ovation came at the end of an audience singalong to “You Raise Me Up”, before the encore began with a hopeful performance of “Be Alright”. 

There are very few spaces where you can unplug from the chaos and hurt of the modern world, and Groban took many a moment to take in the solace of a room full of people connecting over music, showtunes, and the arts. He thanked the audience for their time and support, before officially closing the night with “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.

A promise to return to Australia soon echoed in everyone's minds, as a chorus of concertgoers raved about their favourite moments of the night upon exiting the venue and greeting the rainy streets of South Brisbane.