AceShowbiz - Josh Groban is preparing to captivate audiences once again with the announcement of his upcoming album Cinematic, set for release on May 8 via Reprise Records. This highly anticipated project arrives just two days before his scheduled performance at the 2026 Oscars, heightening excitement around the release.

Cinematic marks the tenth studio album in Groban's distinguished career and his first new record in over five years. The album pays homage to timeless songs from classic films, featuring a carefully curated selection of 10 tracks produced by Greg Wells. Recording sessions took place across two major music hubs, Los Angeles and London, underscoring the international scope of the project.

This collection serves as a thematic continuation of Groban's 2015 album Stages, which focused on musical theater songs and earned him one of his three Grammy nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. With Cinematic, he delves into the rich emotional landscape of film music, blending nostalgia with his signature vocal style.

To announce the album, Groban released a stirring new interpretation of the Elton John and Tim Rice classic "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King. This track uniquely features the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, adding a powerful choral dimension to the beloved ballad.

The album also includes notable collaborations. Jennifer Hudson, who will join Groban as a special guest on his upcoming North American tour, lends her vocals to a rendition of "Unchained Melody," famously featured in the 1990 film Ghost. Additionally, Groban's father, Jack Groban, contributes a trumpet solo on "Moon River," the enchanting theme from the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Reflecting on the album’s concept, Groban shared, "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. 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." He added that recording the album felt like stepping into some of the most iconic moments in film history and hopes listeners feel transported in the same way whenever the music begins.

The tracklist showcases a strong Oscar presence: five of the songs originally won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, while two others were nominated but did not win. For example, "Unchained Melody" was nominated for the 1955 film Unchained but lost to "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing." Similarly, Phil Collins’ "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" was nominated but lost to Stevie Wonder’s "I Just Called to Say I Love You."

Three additional songs, although iconic in film, were ineligible for Oscars as they were not written specifically for the movies where they appeared. These include "Brucia La Terra," a Sicilian-language version of the Love Theme From The Godfather (also known as "Speak Softly, Love"); "As Time Goes By," the unforgettable tune from Casablanca; and "Stand By Me," which gained fame before its feature in Rob Reiner’s film of the same name.

Alongside the album news, Groban recently launched his GEMS World Tour, kicking off with a performance in Honolulu on February 7. The tour currently has seven remaining dates. From June 2 through July 3, the tour will continue across North America, featuring Jennifer Hudson as a special guest. Additionally, Groban is slated to return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this fall for his "GEMS The Las Vegas Residency" with shows on October 2, 3, 7, and 9.

Groban's Cinematic promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the power of film music, blending classic melodies with his distinctive voice to evoke the magic of cinema’s greatest moments.