Josh Groban Shines at the Emmy Awards:
The High Point in an Otherwise Dull Production
Associated Content
September 22, 2008
By Sarah F. Sullivan
Many Emmy Awards viewers can easily agree that the performance of internationally known baritone, Josh Groban was the high point of the evening. A night filled with bland speeches and hosts that were frankly, uninspired, Groban's performance of classic TV theme songs definitely made up for it.
As a fan of Groban's, I was surprised not only to hear that he was singing at the Emmy Awards, but what he would be singing. I'm a fan of song compilations (often well pulled off by the Oscars), but only if they are done well. Frankly, with the way the Emmy Awards were going leading up to Groban's performance, I was not looking for anything spectacular.
However, Groban let loose and had a great time, exhibiting a sense of humor not usually seen in his performances. In addition, the compilation was put together quite well and had a great representation of many classic television shows.
Opening with the classic, "The Simpsooooonnnnnssss" in an opera tone, Groban then jumped into the high pitched theme from "Friends," the Rembrandts' "I'll Be There for You." What followed were some enthusiastic renditions of "Happy Days," "Mister Roger's Neighborhood," and "Andy Griffith" (complete with whistling).
One of the funniest points of the montage was the tribute "X-Files." Prior to the "X-Files" theme was the "Muppet Show" theme, accompanied by Animal on the drums. However, once the "X-Files" theme began to play, the puppet rose precariously into the rafters of the theatre and Groban yelled, "NO! No! Take ME!"
The "South Park" theme was sung and I must give Groban kudos for his enthusiastic Cartman voice. He even sang the theme from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and though he let loose a worried, "Oh God," right before beginning, he did a great job.
Things we saw that we didn't know:
Who knew that the themes from "Rawhide" and "Gilligan's Island" were so similar? Apparently, no one until they did a skillful mash-up with the two songs.
We now know that if they ever need a stand-in to announce "Saturday Night Live," "David Letterman," or "Conan O'Brien," the managers know who to call.
If there is ever a "Baywatch" revival, we all know Groban can pull off a wicked slow-mo run on the beach.
The end was pulled off wonderfully with a rousing rendition of the "M.A.S.H." theme song and a touching tribute to the "Carol Burnett Show" that undoubtedly had viewers yearning for the days of Carol and Hawkeye instead of the stars of reality TV.
All in all, the performance was the high point of the Emmy Awards. From the looks of it, people are agreeing, spicing up their Mondays by viewing Groban's hilarious 4 and a half minute tribute to the classics.
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