Josh Groban, Anthem from Chess - Royal Variety, Palladium HD

[mcgayguy1971]

Wow!!! Impressive!!!

Never heard or seen this clip before!

Another star for Mr. Groban from me!!!

[NOVAINVICTA7]

bloody brilliant

[becks0303]

hi guys who did josh bow to the 2nd time? the queen?

[MySweetmadeCosmetics]

It is apparent he puts thought in to his song, it seems to have such meaning and thought in his eyes when he sings it, so he must be thinking from past experience and feelings. I love that he seems to be deep in thought when singing.

\

[princessJayNay22]

If Josh was a failed Opera student, he wouldn't be making money from his albums. I'm classically trained and I struggle. I have never uploaded videos of myself singing because of all the critics out there. If you want to hear anything I've done go to singsnap.com and check out Jaynay2 it's just audio..

[iwantsav]

I REALLY REALLY wish i had a video to show you of Stephen Brandt-Hansen performing this song..... He takes it to a whole different level!!!! Makes Josh seem "smallish"...i love Josh dont get me wrong.... SBH <3

[MagicFantasyLover]

Everyone has a different interpretation of a piece, not necessarily worse. This is such an inspiring song. Thank you for the good quality upload!

[UndiscoveredNr20]

jai mcdowall did it better! his voice was more powerful and he didn't look as stupid as josh :P

[Performerx43]

@UndiscoveredNr20 you seriously think his voice was more POWERFUL??!

[Demyanx]

Just amezing.

[Lovingspirit2]

Great, this song is incredible. But Swedish singer Tomy Körberg does it better !

[torfaen11]

This is my favourite version and excellent backing from Only Men Aloud - as always.

[gauffin20]

This was the mainsong on my fathers funeral, He loved Chess. Please listen to the Tommy Körberg-version. Miss him so much.....see u soon dad! <3

[Performerx43]

Ok so I have yet to hear the original Tommy Korberg, but I thought this was EPIIICCCC!!!!

[54March]

What an amazing voice, and a passionate delivery!

I love JG

[KBI011]

Josh Grogan?? Ha, ha!

[anybelita]

@KBI011 big fail! xD

[khaqansaleemchanner]

ha ha hah a 35 agents required to sing this anthem ????

[khaqansaleemchanner]

jai mcdowell is ur father man...

[Macsdaug]

I love this. I play it over and over! But Josh could sing ABC's and I'd love it.

What a gift we have been given in him.

[Angelseatmuffins]

nothing beats the original by the Swedish singer Tommy Körberg, sorry, but Tommy did this song better.

So proud that Sweden makes good music, this musical is wonderful <3

[thrglitchmaster]

im here also because of jai but disrespect to josh but must admit i think jai sung it better, but to be fair he did have a lot more riding on it!!!

[wispamilkshake666]

jai mcdowall brought me here, but im gong back cause he sang it with much more passion espically for somene whos not professional xxx jai FTW!!!!!

[TheBloobeduu]

I just love all the self-proclaimed music critics on here. If you don't like his voice, you can go and be pretentious somewhere else.

Christ.

[ForcefulBeaver]

Jai sent me here!

[hektoras]

Jai McDowell sent you here to? :)

[PaintNoIllusions08]

Jai McDowell sung this so much better! Jai gave me butterflies ^^

[cmsavage]

@PaintNoIllusions08 I like both versions for different reasons. But I do think Jai's voice better suited this song! Loved his performance!

[MusiicalJack]

Simply stunning performance.



[superfish2892]

Does anyone else think the music is a bit off??

[MrSnooks72]

@LankySpotlighter93 Easy to be an armchair critic, you may well be able to perform this song but I doubt you could perform as well as Josh under the circumstances and you probably haven't done it in front of such a large theatre audience, not to mention a worldwide audience given that this was a Royal performance and all..........

[mattpikesoton]

@LankySpotlighter93 He may not hit his top note perfectly but he has the right amount of passion behind the song. I have listened to your version and although you have a good voice, your voice in just doesn't have the power and quality on the lower notes, plus, as a bit of constructive criticism, try to get the passion and meaning in the song because its very flat (not musical) and at a walking pace, it doesn't make me want to listen or watch because there is no emotion in your voice

[SuperSeabass11]

yes OMA!!! :D

[HeartofFlame]

Tommy Korberg you receive the power behind the song. With Josh Groban you receive emotion with the power. Those two are the best one's I have ever heard singing this song. No one can seem to beat them.

[d0nnyoz]

The uploader!?!??

I've no idea what you mean! I uploaded it cos I think Josh is the Man!

[Shelby596]

The unloader of this video is full of himself. Josh is THE MAN!!

[irisdaffodil]

@LankySpotlighter93

Your version is very good I must admit - but Josh Groban has a rare quality - his voice is spine-tingling and knee-buckling. He is an angel.

[kristiandancer]

Wonderful rounded tones but man this guy does not perform Musical theater also has an acting component if I were blind this would be the complete picture no facal expression no passion whatch the original guys from the 80's they got it. There are a million session singer who can sing. Good but no cigar.

[tmtstudio1983]

@LankySpotlighter93 Another problem is that you have way too much vibrato throughout the whole song, you may want it in the loud part but definitely want less on the softer part of the song. That excessive vibrato is one of the reason block your own richness of your sound. A good classical voice teacher can help with your breath control that can reduce excessive vibrato, it takes more time for the training but you would sound million times better after training and better for vocal health.

[tmtstudio1983]

@LankySpotlighter93 Well I checked your version and your other singings, you definitely have talent and really good for a 16 to sing this song. But, to say that you sing better with your "I cross over borders but I'm still there now" is simply not true. You may hit the high notes more on spot than JG, but you don't have the same RICHNESS in your sound, which is the MOST CRITICAL for this song in technical terms. The high notes are only several seconds, while the richness apply to the whole song.

[nerdysal]

Absolutely love this version!! Ever since I saw this on the Royal Variety I have been dying to see Chess... and guess who has tickets to Chess in Dublin in March 2011!!!? :) I can't wait :)!!!

[frak425]

@LankySpotlighter93 I'm going to have to back you up here. His ascent on "borders, but I'm" was awful. It was terrible control of pitch. I think most people on Youtube probably don't catch it though. Besides, everyone is allowed to have a bad day, right? As far as your performance versus his...difficult to say. I'd love to hear you backed up by an orchestra and a men's choir to truly make a comparison. Regardless, you have talent and I wish you well.

[Demonarrows]

@LankySpotlighter93 that would explain why you are singing at the royal variety performance and touring the world then

[michaeldowntown1]

Josh Groban has the best voice of anyone I've ever heard--by far. I hate him. :-) The guy is simply remarkable.

[sah24601]

@LankySpotlighter93 : It conveys emotion, depth in the music. One composer even wrote his music with one of the strings of the lead violinist tuned off by half a note. It can enhance a feeling of melancholy. In this particular recording, the criticism of the flute was that it was "painful"... in light of the feeling invoked by the lyrics, what a wonderful addition! If intended, it is actually a touch of genius.

[exactlymyidea]

@LankySpotlighter93 Sorry, but I have to agree with @d0nnyoz: You're pretty good, but definitely not as good as Josh Groban, and it is incredibly arrogant of you to go around telling people you're better than an incredibly talented professional. Go ahead and keep singing and studying music, you have a lot of potential, but first of all, get your ego in check! Seriously!

[jmarshall60]

He has a nice voice, but all of his high notes (Fs and Gs) are a bit under pitch.  Not the best voice to every sing this song. Check out Michael Ball and Tommy Korberg.

[degeorgetitanic]

Can someone tell me what key this is in?

[tammytitanium]

Sounding flat or not, as soon as the choir came in I got shivers everywhere and burst into tears.

Still a beautiful voice.

[d0nnyoz]

@LankySpotlighter93 Chris, your version is good (for a 16 year old) but the best principle in life is to respect those who excel at their profession. Implying that your version is better than Josh's is a slight insult.

I think Josh is a hugely passionate singer and this is shown in this performance. I think you should simply aspire to be as great as Josh!

[cabaldevin]

@d0nnyoz Actually, @LankySpotlighter93 has a point -- Josh sounds slightly strained in that specific phrase. Note that he's not saying his rendition is better in total, just that one phrase. No one is so good at what they do that they can't be critiqued or find room for improvement -- any true expert knows this. There's nothing wrong with saying to yourself, "Hey, I can do better than this." If people didn't do this, no one would try to excel.

[hendtheeternal]

@d0nnyoz i think tommy körberg's version is the superior one, much superior.

[jc19940]

@d0nnyoz I agree with LankySpotlighter. Although you may be willing to shun his criticism because his own recording is not perfect, he is most certainly correct about this being a mediocre performance. The entire performance was flat. The last note almost sunk into a D Flat (I have perfect pitch, and my ears were screaming). Furthermore, Josh Groban adopts too much vocal cover too early in the voice. His passaggio is not smooth (the transitory passage to from chest to higher voice).

[jc19940]

@d0nnyoz (Cont.) Also, all his "ee" vowels are extremely tight and squeezed. And worst of all, his high G on "where would I start" is possibly the most strangled G from a baritone I have ever heard (a product of a high placed larynx). LankySpotlighter may or may not be the best singer himself, but that is irrelevant. Josh Groban most certainly does not excel at his profession; he is merely a failed-opera-student-go-"pop"e­ra.

[SOAPtheOPERA]

@jc19940 Dude, who the heck cares about that kind of stuff? I am a college music student, I know exactly what you are talking about, but the truth is that it's irrelevant. Josh Groban's pitch may not be perfect, but his voice just sounds good. It is pleasing to the ears, and that is what a majority of the population cares about. Good luck becoming as successful as Josh with your perfect pitch and "relaxed" Gs.

[mattpikesoton]

@SOAPtheOPERA I agree with you 100% - who cares if there is a slight 'wobble' on his G's, to me its just the raw passion and emotion that he is putting into the song. I love his voice and can listen to it for hours. I sing this song myself and struggle for a perfect G but I don't care as I just love the song

[SOAPtheOPERA]

@jc19940 Dude, who the heck cares about that kind of stuff? I am a college music student, I know exactly what you are talking about, but the truth is that it's irrelevant.  Josh Groban's pitch may not be perfect, but his voice just sounds good. It is pleasing to the ears, and that is what a majority of the population cares about. Good luck becoming as successful as Josh with your perfect pitch and "relaxed" Gs.

[ktah26]

@jc19940 That all sounds very anal and clinical. Why not just stop to smell the roses instead of measuring them to see if they are always perfectly proportioned. In other words, why not just enjoy this remarkable singer instead of checking to see if every single note meets some ridiculously superhuman standard.

[jc19940]

@ktah26 I'll tell you why. Because there are so so many singers out in the world that get much closer to that standard, He just falls way short.

[ktah26]

@jc19940 Well, hopefully all those "better" singers get their big break too. While I understand there is a need for standards, academies and "experts", I think you are missing the point of my last comment. Life would prove to be a constant disappointment if one were to adopt such a ridiculously hypecritical search for constant perfection. I think real talent is making the general public want to see or hear you again and again. Personally I would be very happy to listen to Josh again and again.

[MrSnooks72]

@jc19940 What exactly are you crapping on about? Josh has never professed to be an opera singer and if you actually did your research instead of lumbering into YouTube channels and laying comments all about like some great wildebeest you would know that Josh himself has STATED that he does not compare himself to a bloody opera singer so your critique here is wasted. ktah26 is spot on - smell the roses for god's sake every once in a while, unless that is SO desperately beneath you........

[BrainStew97]

@jc19940

I firmly believe that everyone is allowed their own opinion especially as singing can be so subjective to the masses.

But umm this isn't the worst performance you've ever heard of this song otherwise you are very poorly educated. Josh Groban may not be your cup of tea but hes up there and quite frankly.. you're not.

[jt24901]

@BrainStew97 well said

[jt24901]

@BrainStew97 well said oh i just realised the chior is only men allowed from last choir standing

[Sockmonkeyholocaust]

Only Liza Minelli scoops more than this guy.

[jag2eagle10]

the best singer of my generation with probably the best choir of my generation! AMAZING!

[wrexhamjack123]

Please tell me I'm not the only one who can hear that he's flat in this!? The higher bits are painfully just below the note!!

[coolhand67]

@wrexhamjack123 You know I was just going to write the same comment when I saw yours, exactly that FLAT. Tommy Körberg is much better :))

[kornhill2009]

@coolhand67 There is no feeling in this performance, stiff as a poker.

[liljee16]

Lolol. Josh Grogan,

[ajb1776]

Monumental talent. He will be as famous and beloved for his unique voice as Luciano Pavarotti was famous and beloved for his own voice. They are apples and oranges but the level of quality is comparable. To think, Josh Groban has his whole future ahead of him.

[ClaraGrobanFan]

He looks so sexy in that suit. And damn does he sound even sexier.

[treys270]

I always wonder how much voice is REALLY in there. If he just learned proper breathing. God could he could be a revelation.

[tete3002]

Que maravilha!!!

[directv232]

Anyone else find it ironic that Josh Groban is an American singing about never leaving Britain? USA!

[Maybenextyear1]

@directv232 Er ... he is singing about never leaving RUSSIA, because Anthem is from Chess and the song is sung by Anatoliy Sergiewski, the Russian :))) And Josh actually played the Russian twice in the RAH in May, 2008. An American is singing about Russia in England. Maybe it's ironic. But beautiful :))) Great perfomance as always, Josh!

[Maybenextyear1]

@Maybenextyear1 Oh, sorry. Instead of Russia is Soviet Union at that moment. 

[slavecek]

@Maybenextyear1 It's even more ironic/heartbreaking than that: His character sings that he can never leave Russia (or technically, the Soviet Union) in his heart, even as he is *emigrating* from there and requesting asylum in the U.S...

[Maybenextyear1]

@slavecek You are right! This is sad like the whole musical. But brilliant.

[dantesfury]

@directv232 His character is from Russia

[JonnoJonnerz]

Does anyone know what key this was sang in; was it Eb Major?

[PhilippaPeall]

@JonnoJonnerz

I think D major

[Choirkid55]

@PhilippaPeall You are correct my good man.

[n1cklass]

Beautiful song , But i prefer My fellow swede , Tommy Körberg :)

[Ichichan0326]

Woooow &hearts;&hearts;&hearts;&heart­s;

[jewelofthemed]

My favourite version of "Anthem" is by Lawrence Gray...amazing!

[felixndacity]

Josh "Gorgan"...was that a typo?

[grobanfan2]

This is truly the greatest rendition ever. With Josh's beautiful, clear, rich, majestic, powerful voice, this song is finally given justice and recognition worldwide that it for so long deserved. Thank you so much Josh and it's an honor for me to hear you sing.

[pjotr669]

Very good endeed!!!

[jooleeuhhhx3]

beautiful. my chorus is singing a choral version of this song. today, we watched josh groban's version. i fell in loveeeeee with this song and his voice<3

[54March]

Absoultely breathtaking!!!

[AuburnGradAuburnMom]

I cry big sloppy tears of joy, longing, hope and allegiance everytime I hear this song !

[MsConstantGardener]

There is none better than Tommy Korberg's version. This pales in comparison.

[54March]

@MsConstantGardener

I guess it is a matter of personal taste, because I listened to Mr. Korberg sing it and although I will admit that he has a wonderful voice, I definately prefer Josh Groban. He is AMAZING!!!

[arniemonkey]

@MsConstantGardener nonsense

[TheCatherineKaye]

Other than the Grogan thing....

WHAT A PERFORMANCE! Dang, this man can sing! Josh has made the role of Anatoly HIS... few actors can do that. Anthem is a true testiment to what this man can do! Thanks for sharing!

[robmbc]

Great job!!!!!

[ABCSuperSoaper]

Um...Josh Grogan?

[TheCatherineKaye]

I know! Who was the bonehead that did that? ITS GROBAN!!!! We as Grobanites hate this...

[WildThangSE]

@TheCatherineKaye it's not as bad as the opnne i heard once. Somebody called him, "josh Brolin" i just about murdered them

[woodchips12]

this is amazing:)

although i do adore rhydians version:)

and rhydian!

x

[janderson6989]

wow, total control over crescendu and descrendu and beautiful pitch and breath control. simply the best.

[MrTamzzin]

This man is the business! He can singi a song! Fantastic! Great storytelling and a beautiful poised sound! Need we askfor more?

[Macrogue65]

Great performance. But it's still Tommy Korberg's song.

[fish1123581321]

eh not really, he did a great job, but it was transposed into a different key, but yes he does have an orgasmic voice :-)

[rugmat1607]

This song...makes me melt!

[CONFEY1]

hahahaha!! Rhydian?? Cmon the guy dusnt hav the range 2 sing this song i heard em sing it hes crap

[ultimatumjs]

i agree, rhydian just isn't in the same league as josh and as a result its pointless trying to draw comparisons

[muggyhudd]

It's like that song was written jsut for him!!

[justbelieve676]

one of his best vocal performances yet; obvious emotion, spotless technique. bravo!

[discomarietta]

Rhydian sings this song much better and with more vocal depth, more emotional too.

I see, Josh has got himself a serious competition in Rhydian!

[SnowSpider18]

*Melts*

[dreamcloud516]

Agreed :D

[nakotaco]

This is so, so beautiful. I get goosebumps every time I hear it.

[Raweetawun]

I Just buy Chess in Concert DVD last sunday

and i can't stop watching it

and i think why they don't bring this show to the silver screen

it have good story, deep and charming charactor that can send the actor who play to the oscar and of course the song what a song

Josh Groban Marti Pellow and Adam Pascal are amezing

Mr. Groban is always my favorite but when I finnish with chwss dvd i know he much great better tan i evers know

[chickybabe318]

He is the perfect man . He's hot and AMAZINGLY CRAZILY TALENT> He is soooo good. He is my favorite singer by far

[destiny2909]

"Josh Grogan"?? Oh dear.

[PrepMasta2012]

this song was sung beatifully by Josh Groban. He will be a Vocal Legend

[emotionsmusic]

I have the dvd of the original chess show back somewhen in the 80ies I think...

to see this fantastic musical being performed again with THIS cast is such a great thing!!!

[rengifo777]

this is SUPERB.

[PositivelyEmerald]

I'm singing this with him next month. :D

[dolphinrlser2]

Really? Where?

[PositivelyEmerald]

At the Hollywood Bowl.

[ClaraGrobanFan]

No way! How?

[PositivelyEmerald]

i go to a specialized arts school in LA, and a some of us were asked to go sing with him . :)

[ClaraGrobanFan]

Well you are officially hated and envied by me. :)

[RoseAnngie]

A beutiful version of this has landed on You tube A amazing Welsh singer Rhydian!! I have listened to this over and over tonightl an amazing Welsh Baritone voice.

Mae Han Yn Fyw (Chess)

[dubbybear]

Wow... I hope I can see this for real someday. Thanks for posting

[Spiceofmadrid]

Nope! Not REALLY out of tune. Only a hair flat.

[sah24601]

10 million tons of junk on Youtube, and you worry about that? The minor sound actually enhances the feeling. Learn how to enjoy the really beautiful things in life!

[mjaekhuvve]

oh my god what an amazing performance

[Raweetawun]

This man

He's an angel

[Spiceofmadrid]

I'm a big musical fan, this is making me interested in knowing more :D

[mjaekhuvve]

haven't you seen chess?

[Spiceofmadrid]

Um no, sorry I'm not really a huge Groban fan. But I do love the song. I'm more into opera, thats my preference, although I love musical theatre too.

[pdjrl]

You may like the duet Groban did with Pacido Domingo. He also sang The Prayer with Andrea Bocelli. I know you said you aren't a huge Groban fan, but he sings a wide variety of music and you may like some songs more than others. Of course, I'm a fan of his and like everything so I'm a little biased : )

[susanpt1]

BRAVO!!

[indsigma]

If you can listen and watch this video wihout getting a lump in your throat you're not human. Bravissimo Josh!!!

[pesteves2007]

Simplesmente maravilhoso!

Você é o melhor cantor do mundo.

[Abbot63]

Mr, Josh Groban is the best male artist in this decade.

Great live performance of that master piece, I think, the best from the musical "Chess" from the genius Andersson-Ulvaeus-Rice.

Simply amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MusicaFuturo]

Very very nice performance! Slightly more intimate than at the RAH. Just the right mix of choir and orchestra behind him to spotlight his voice. Bravo to all of them.

[tahousher]

Wow, that is breathtaking and extremely powerful. Phenomenal job Josh!

[tvjunkie101]

Nice video.

But it's a pity you couldn't spell his name right in the video title, but at least you got it correct when you uploaded the clip ;-)

[tvjunkie101]

Thanks for fixing up the spelling of his name..

[d0nnyoz]

Fantastic voice

[tasiax]

what a great performance