Although classically trained, Groban's eclectic taste found him investigating a wide array of styles from opera, bluegrass, and folk to his own original melodic pop compositions. After emerging in 1999 as a stand-in for opera star at a series of events, he found wide acclaim and commercial success with albums like his self-titled 2001 debut and 2003's multi-platinum-selling Closer. He also scored hits like 2001's 'To Where You Are,' which spent two weeks atop Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. Similarly, his cover of 's 'You Raise Me Up' spent six weeks at number one on the adult contemporary chart in 2004, and his single 'Believe,' from the Polar Express soundtrack, spent five weeks on the same chart. His popularity opened other avenues, including acting roles on TV's Ally McBeal and in films like 2011's Crazy, Stupid, Love and 2014's Muppets Most Wanted. Despite his diverse skill set, music remains his anchor, and recordings like 2007's holiday album Noel and 2015's Broadway-themed Stages have kept him at the top of the charts. Born in Los Angeles in 1981, Groban began singing in seventh grade, but put music aside for a few years until he enrolled at the Interlochen Arts Program.
In late 1998, he hooked up with a friend of his vocal coach, producer/writer/arranger. Groban worked for as a rehearsal singer on a series of high-profile events, including the California gubernatorial inauguration of Grey Davis and the Grammy Awards (at which he rehearsed 's 'The Prayer' with in place of ). He was accepted into the theater department of Carnegie Mellon University, but put his education on hold when he was offered a recording contract at through 's imprint.
He made his recording debut singing 'For Always' with on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence and appeared in the 2001 season finale of the television series Ally McBeal. His debut album, Josh Groban, was released in November 2001. Over the next year, Groban became a star. His album went double platinum, and he had his own PBS special in November 2002. A month later, he performed 'To Where You Are' and 'The Prayer' at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, and joined, and others for a holiday performance at the Vatican in Rome.
Josh Groban Hallelujah Album
In November 2003, Groban issued his second album, Closer. Two months later, he earned his first number one record when Closer skyrocketed from number 11 to the top spot on the Billboard album charts. It continued charting and selling well, eventually earning a quintuple-platinum certification - making it the best-selling classical album of the decade. Three years later, in 2006, Groban released his third studio album, Awake, featuring guest appearances by the vocal group and jazz pianist.
Hallelujah Sung By Josh Groban
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The album nearly equaled its predecessor, earning a double-platinum certification. The holiday-themed Noel appeared in 2007, with Awake Live following in 2008.