For a kid who once dreamed of becoming a magician on the same Hollywood Boulevard, Wednesday was something close to a miracle.
Josh Groban received the 2,843rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 6, in a ceremony held in front of Amoeba Records at 6212 Hollywood Blvd. Surrounded by friends, fans, and the woman he loves, the moment was every bit as personal as it was historic.
"I remember thinking about how absolutely iconic and cool it is that these names are down there," Groban told Variety ahead of the ceremony. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be one of them."
Speaking to the crowd, Groban reflected on growing up just a mile and a half from the ceremony site: "This street represents so much to the world, but to me, this is home."
The speech had plenty of laughs too. Groban recalled his childhood visits to a nearby magic shop - and used it to set up the sweetest punchline of the afternoon. He joked about practicing tricks that would "astound and annoy" family members at dinner, then quipped that audiences could "imagine his surprise" to find himself now engaged to "the coolest, most wonderful, beautiful inside and out woman."
His fiancée, stage actress Natalie McQueen, was right there with him. The couple announced their engagement on April 21, with Groban writing on Instagram: "MY BEST FRIEND SAID YES!!!"
Longtime friends and collaborators David Foster, Josh Gad, and Ben Schwartz each took the stage to offer tributes before Groban closed with a message close to his heart - thanking his family and expressing his commitment to arts education through his Find Your Light Foundation.
The timing adds even more to celebrate. His ninth studio album Cinematic, a collection of film songs, releases May 8 - followed by a summer North American tour with special guest Jennifer Hudson.
For the Christian music community, Groban has always carried a special place. His Episcopalian upbringing shaped much of his artistry, and his recording of "You Raise Me Up" - which carries themes of strength through faith and surrender to something greater - became a staple at churches, weddings, and funerals worldwide. It remains one of the most spiritually resonant songs of the last two decades.
Wednesday on Hollywood Boulevard, that same spirit was on full display. A boy who once walked those stars in wonder now has his name among them - and by all accounts, he hasn't forgotten where the gratitude belongs.
Related Article: Josh Groban Has a New Album Out Next Week and Just Got Engaged: His Best Week in Years Is Only Getting Started
