When it comes to the perfect combination of powerful voices, it’s hard to top the incredible duet of Celine Dion and Josh Groban performing “The Prayer.” Many might assume that this collaboration was orchestrated by their management or record labels, but they would be mistaken.
During a rehearsal for the Grammys, Celine Dion was originally supposed to sing “The Prayer” with Andrea Bocelli, the renowned Italian tenor. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Andrea couldn’t make it. The stage hands then informed Celine that they had found a 17-year-old replacement who could sing Andrea’s parts. This news left Celine feeling both nervous and intrigued, as finding someone who could match Andrea Bocelli’s talent is no easy feat.
As Celine recalled, “This kid comes on stage, he looks like he’s 12 years old, the cutest thing… he’s so nervous and he’s shaking, and… I was feeling nervous for him, you know.” Little did she know that this “kid” was none other than Josh Groban, who walked on stage to deliver a stunning duet of “The Prayer.”
Little did many know that the seeds of this unforgettable performance were actually planted back in 1998. It was then that Josh Groban received a life-changing phone call from music producer David Foster, who asked him to stand in for the legendary opera singer Andrea Bocelli during a rehearsal for the Grammy Awards.
When this extraordinary performance was uploaded on YouTube, it quickly became a viral sensation. As of early 2024, the video has amassed over 83 million views and 342K likes, captivating audiences with its breathtaking vocals and heartfelt collaboration.
Plenty of online viewers left compliments in the comment session such as “I watch this about every 6 months and make my husband watch it too… it’s a ritual to keep us reminded of real talent and beautiful souls. They do walk among us!”