Hugh Jackman, now an Oscar-nominated star for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, shared a humorous story about a failed audition singing the musical’s song “Stars” three decades ago.
During a performance of An Evening With Hugh Jackman at the Hollywood Bowl, Jackman revealed that while his reading went well, he spectacularly cracked on the final note of his audition song. Feeling humiliated, he was ready to leave when a panel member stopped him.
The panelist asked why he chose that song. Jackman explained it was the only piece he had music for. The panelist then told him he’d never have to sing that song again—advice Jackman now sees as prophetic, joking that he eventually performed it at the Hollywood Bowl 30 years later.
A Night of Music and Laughter at the Hollywood Bowl
Jackman’s show opened the LA Philharmonic’s 2025 Hollywood Bowl season. Accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles members, he performed songs from The Greatest Showman, including “A Million Dreams,” as well as Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Jackman stars in the upcoming film Song Sung Blue as a Neil Diamond impersonator.
Adding an Australian twist to John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” Jackman sang about life down under, joking about shark attacks and every girl looking like Margot Robbie, much to the audience’s delight.
Dressed in a tuxedo, Jackman also performed Peter Allen songs, recalling his Tony-winning role in The Boy From Oz.
The evening ended with the Hollywood Bowl’s signature fireworks and raised $2.6 million for LA Phil’s community programs.
Upcoming Hollywood Bowl Highlights
The 2025 season will feature stars like Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert in Jesus Christ Superstar, along with performances by Gustavo Dudamel, Mumford & Sons, John Fogerty, Diana Ross, Josh Groban, and more. Special events include sing-alongs for Grease and The Sound of Music and concerts celebrating John Williams’ music.
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