Josh Groban Announces 'Cinematic' Album Ahead of Oscars Performance

Two days before his scheduled performance at the 2026 Oscars, Josh Groban has announced his new album, Cinematic, slated for release on May 8 via Reprise Records. This album, produced by Greg Wells and recorded in Los Angeles and London, is a tribute to iconic music from the movies.

Cinematic marks Groban's 10th studio album and his first in over five years. It serves as a companion to his 2015 album, Stages, which featured songs from Broadway musicals. Stages earned Groban a Grammy nomination for best traditional pop vocal album, one of three he has received in that category.

To celebrate the announcement, Josh Groban has shared his rendition of the Elton John/Tim Rice ballad "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King, featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

Two other tracks on Cinematic include special guests. Jennifer Hudson, who will join Groban on his upcoming North American tour, is featured on "Unchained Melody," known from the 1990 film Ghost. Additionally, Groban’s father, Jack Groban, contributes a trumpet solo on “Moon River,” the classic ballad from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

"There’s something incredibly powerful about the way a song or score can elevate a story and stay with you long after the credits roll," Groban said in a statement. "With Cinematic, I wanted to honor that feeling — the nostalgia, the drama, the romance — while bringing my own voice and perspective to these timeless songs. Recording this album felt like stepping into some of the most iconic moments in film history, and I hope listeners are transported the same way I have always been when the lights go down and the music begins."

Five of the ten tracks on Cinematic previously won Oscars for best original song, while two others were nominated. "Unchained Melody" was nominated when it was written for the 1955 film Unchained. Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” was also nominated but lost to Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”

The remaining three songs on the album were not eligible for Oscars as they weren't originally written for the films in which they appeared. These include “Brucia La Terra,” a Sicilian-language version of “Love Theme From The Godfather”; “As Time Goes By,” known for its inclusion in Casablanca; and “Stand By Me,” a hit song featured in the film of the same name.

On Feb. 7, Groban commenced his GEMS World Tour in Honolulu. The tour will continue through North America from June 2 to July 3 with Jennifer Hudson. Groban will also return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this fall for “GEMS The Las Vegas Residency” (Oct. 2, 3, 7 and 9).

See Groban’s Cinematic announcement and tracklist below:

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