Celine Dion Tells A Wonderful Story Before A Magical Duet Of The Prayer

Celine Dion and Josh Groban’s performance of “The Prayer” in 2008 grew out of an encounter that had occurred ten years earlier. Rather than being assembled by their managers or record companies, the duet traced back to an unexpected request that gave Groban a crucial opportunity at the beginning of his career.

In 1998, music producer David Foster called Groban and asked him to substitute for opera singer Andrea Bocelli during a Grammy Awards rehearsal. Groban first declined. With so little time available, he did not believe he could prepare adequately for the challenge of taking Bocelli’s place.

Foster pressed Groban to reconsider, pointing out that the assignment might become his big break. It would also give him the chance to sing with Dion, an opportunity too significant to reject. Groban changed his mind, went to the venue and was put into the rehearsal immediately after arriving.

His nervousness was unmistakable. When Dion later recounted their first meeting, she remembered him shaking and said that his anxiety made her nervous for him. Yet her impression shifted as soon as he began singing. The force of Groban’s voice surprised her, and the hesitant substitute suddenly showed the ability that would later define the confident performer beside her in 2008.

Watch the full performance on page two