Josh Groban interprets classic cinema songs: When you have the chance to sing these songs, you feel like youre part of the movie

Every day, a personality joins Elodie Suigo’s world. On Friday, May 8, 2026, the American author, composer, and performer, Josh Groban. His new album, “Cinematic,” is out today.

Published on 08/05/2026 at 10:21

Reading time: 4min

Josh Groban is a unique voice in the global music scene, with a recognizable tenor voice, capable of crossing genres effortlessly from classical to pop, Broadway, and cinema. He is a complete artist, singer, author, composer, actor, and philanthropist. Nominations at the Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, and multiple Grammy Awards reflect a rich career and international recognition. In total, he has sold around 35 million albums, and on May 8, 2026, his latest album, named “Cinematic,” is released. A highly anticipated project, conceived as a tribute to the big screen, to the seventh art, and to those songs that have accompanied our lives.

franceinfo: What made you want to dedicate an entire album to this universe?

Josh Groban: I’ve wanted to do it for a long time, an idea that has been in my head for practically my entire career. Since I was young, my parents used to take me to the cinema, and I was deeply moved by the music of those films. Those songs are so timeless, so I was thrilled to sing them, and I can’t wait to continue.

When we listen to all the great composers or watch a film, the music becomes a character. Have you ever felt like an actor in your interpretation?

When you have the chance to sing these songs, the style really transports you. You feel like you’re part of the film when you’re in the studio with the orchestra, singing a song like “As Time Goes By” or the theme from “The Godfather.” When I close my eyes and sing these melodies, I can see myself inside the film. That’s the beauty of this music for me.

We can feel the wonder you’ve always had since you were little. You sang in public for the first time at seven during a school event. What memories do you hold from that moment?

I was someone who had a deep love for music and singing, but I was very shy. I used to close the door of my room and sing alone. So I always say it’s important to pay tribute to our teachers because it was a teacher who saw that I had talent but also that I would never raise my hand to be in the spotlight. So he took me into the choir and told me, “I’m going to give you an assignment.” The assignment was to sing a solo piece, and that moment changed my life. I stood a little taller, and the other kids who used to tease me suddenly said, “Dude, that was actually pretty good.”

When we hear your voice, it’s like an extension, like a best friend speaking to us. Are you aware that your voice accompanies us and becomes part of our lives?

If I can give even a little of what the audience gives me, I’ll be very happy. I need that connection as much; it’s truly mutual. Being able to express myself through singing and songwriting has changed and saved my life. So, if that connection is there, it’s two-way. If they tell me that my singing has helped them, I can’t be happier than in those moments.

What is your favorite song on this album?

There are songs that are so much fun to sing, like “Skyfall” or “The Godfather.” It’s so powerful to sing “Stand by Me,” but I believe “Moon River” is my favorite with my father. It’s not just my favorite song on this album; I think it’s my favorite song of my whole life. It was so personal, a moment I will never forget. Plus, my father plays the trumpet on this song, and his favorite trumpeter was Louis Armstrong. We were in a studio in Los Angeles, at Sunset, where Louis Armstrong used to record, and I told my father that we also have Louis Armstrong’s stool, where he would sit to record. So we set up the stool for my father, brought an old microphone, my mother was there along with my brother, and my two-year-old nephew. We were there, watching my father return to an instrument he loved so much when he was young; I can’t tell you how emotional it was for me. It’s truly a song that will always remain unique in my life. I am proud of it, and it is my life’s mission to make my parents proud.