Just forty-eight hours before his scheduled performance at the 2026 Academy Awards, Josh Groban has pulled back the curtain on his latest musical endeavor. His upcoming studio album, titled Cinematic, is slated for release on May 8 via Reprise Records. This 10-track collection serves as an orchestral homage to the magic of the silver screen, produced by Greg Wells and recorded across premier studios in Los Angeles and London.
Marking his 10th studio effort, Cinematic is Groban’s first full-length release in more than half a decade. The project acts as a spiritual successor to his 2015 multi-platinum album Stages, which explored the heights of Broadway. Stages notably earned Groban one of his three Grammy nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, a category he revisits here through the lens of film history.
To celebrate the announcement, Groban has unveiled a sweeping new arrangement of the Elton John and Tim Rice classic, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The Lion King ballad is bolstered by a powerful collaboration with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.
The album also features several intimate guest appearances. Powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson—who will join Groban on his forthcoming North American tour—lends her voice to a new version of “Unchained Melody,” the iconic theme from 1990’s Ghost. In a more personal moment, Groban’s father, Jack Groban, contributes a soulful trumpet solo to the 1961 Breakfast at Tiffany’s classic, “Moon River.”
“There is a profound power in the way a melody or a score can elevate a story and linger with you long after the theater goes dark,” Groban shared in an official statement. “With Cinematic, I wanted to capture that sense of drama, romance, and nostalgia while bringing my own interpretation to these legendary compositions. Making this record felt like stepping into iconic cinematic moments, and I hope listeners feel that same sense of transportive magic.”
The curated tracklist highlights the intersection of music and film accolades; five of the selections are former Oscar winners for Best Original Song. Other tracks carry historical weight despite missing out on the trophy, such as Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” and the 1955 version of “Unchained Melody.”
Beyond the Oscar-eligible hits, the album includes “Brucia La Terra” (the Sicilian rendition of The Godfather’s love theme), the Casablanca staple “As Time Goes By,” and the timeless “Stand By Me,” which found a second life in Rob Reiner’s beloved coming-of-age film.
Groban is currently in the midst of his GEMS World Tour, which recently debuted in Honolulu. Following the international dates, he will embark on a North American leg from June 2 through July 3 alongside Jennifer Hudson. Fans can also catch him this autumn when he returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a special residency on October 2, 3, 7, and 9.
View the official announcement and full tracklist for Cinematic below:
