Hugh Jackman singing Song Sung Blue in his latest film has taken audiences by surprise, as the star delivers live performances alongside Kate Hudson in the new movie, which premieres Christmas Day. Bringing together music and heartfelt storytelling, the film follows two struggling musicians, portrayed by Jackman and Hudson, as they form a Neil Diamond tribute band and rediscover love and dreams in unexpected places.
Jackman and Hudson Perform Live Vocals Onscreen
One of the most talked-about elements of Song Sung Blue is the fact that Hugh Jackman not only sings but does so live during filming. This decision sets the film apart by capturing the raw emotion of the performances. Jackman and Hudson perform classic Neil Diamond hits as their characters, giving the movie an authentic blend of narrative and concert experience. Fans have been curious if their singing is genuine, and it has been confirmed that the voices featured in the film belong to the actors themselves.
Jackman emphasized the unique approach, stating,
We sang live too, because, you know, obviously this is a movie with music, not a musical. So all the performances are somewhere on stage. And it had to feel like they’re really in a pub. I just love it when you laugh in the middle of a song, and obviously we hadn’t recorded, [Craig Brewer, director] was using both, he was cherry picking,
Hugh said in conversation with Kate for Collider, explaining director Craig Brewer’s method in balancing recorded and live vocals to achieve realism and energy during the stage scenes.
Hugh Jackman’s Musical Background
Jackman is no stranger to musical roles, blending his talents as both an actor and a singer throughout a prolific career. He shared insights about his journey in music theater, saying,
My first job in a musical was Beauty and the Beast. I played Gaston, I was 26, and in my contract, they were paying for me to have a singing lesson because I had never had a singing lesson in my life. I really learned singing on the job,
he told Billboard. This hands-on experience shaped his confidence and love for musical performance early on.
He recalled a formative acting school experience with,
Having said that, I always thought of myself as an actor, but my breakthrough as an actor happened in the second year of a three-year acting course, and it was while I was singing a song. I was doing ‘Anthem’ from Chess, and my acting teacher kept saying to me, ‘I feel like you’re standing outside your character, you’re just outside.’ I didn’t really know what he meant. But as I started singing that song, it was through song that I understood acting. I really connected with the lyrics. That’s when I understood the power of it, and it’s been such an incredible journey. Oklahoma, Carousel, whatever it is that I’ve done — I’ve always felt connected to it as an actor but somehow felt free through the singing of it.
Jackman’s acting journey has always intertwined with singing, from Gaston in Beauty and the Beast to leading roles in Oklahoma and Carousel. His experiences on stage and in film have continually reinforced the importance of music as a vehicle for emotional expression and storytelling.
A Legendary Stage and Film Career
Outside of Song Sung Blue, Jackman has a history of memorable musical accomplishments. In 2019, he embarked on his first world tour, The Man. The Music. The Show., showcasing songs from The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, as well as Broadway and Hollywood classics. He earned a Tony Award for Lead Actor in a Musical in 2004 for his portrayal of Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz, solidifying his standing as both a stage and screen performer.
While he does not have a solo album, Jackman’s performances are featured on several popular soundtracks, including The Greatest Showman, Happy Feet, Les Misérables, and Fly, which contains songs inspired by Eddie the Eagle. These projects highlight his versatility, bringing together groups like Broadway and Hollywood, and characters such as Eddie and Peter Allen, across various stories and settings.
What’s Next for Jackman and Song Sung Blue
With Hugh Jackman singing Song Sung Blue live in the film, viewers can expect a genuine musical experience that celebrates the joy of live performance and the resilience of artists. The film not only adds a new chapter to Jackman’s remarkable journey as an actor and singer but also introduces a fresh collaboration with co-star Kate Hudson. As Song Sung Blue arrives on screens this holiday season, it invites audiences to witness the transformative power of music in cinema through captivating live on-set performances.
