Tuesday, January 11, 2011

JOSH GROBAN ARRIVES IN TORONTO FOR MEDIA BLITZ | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY


Josh Groban & Mr. Will-W.
This morning, self-proclaimed Over-thinker Josh Groban visited CHFI, Toronto's most prominent Soft Adult-Contemporary Radio Station, kicking-off a week of Press in the City to support his latest disc Illuminations. Despite being released mid-November, the Album has been slower to start in terms of sales than his four previous efforts.  Selling just-over half a million copies in the U.S., Illuminations quickly  reached Platinum sales in Canada.  Don't let numbers fool you though as despite Album Sales trending downwards, Groban is still every bit as relevant as ever, gaining much attention and laughs this past week after performing a parody of Rapper Kanye West's Tweets on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Running late for his appearance on The Mike & Erin Morning Show, Groban committed to signing Autographs and posing for Photos on his way out of the station.  As promised, he did just that.  Despite his Publicist from Warner Music Canada being eager to rush Groban off to his next appearance some 40 minutes later on CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show, the Singer/Songwriter/Actor was gracious in calling his own shots. Acknowledging to his Publicist how cold it was outside for Fans including myself and a Paparazzi, all rushing came to a quick halt.

I was getting ready to snap a Self-Portrait of myself with Groban, flipping the LED monitor from my Camera to which he commented, "I love those things, they're so handy!". I realized then that I had lost sensation in my fingers and wasn't able to press the shoot button.  Groban's Publicist then volunteered kindly to snap our Photo, before a few Photos were signed including one for you, my lovely Readers!  More details on that after the jump....

On the Singer's itinerary this week are appearances on CTV's Canada AM (tomorrow), CBC's George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight (today), an Autograph Signing at First Canadian Place (tomorrow) and an intimate concert at Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Thursday).  Please never accuse Groban of being lazy or having a lack of love for Toronto Fans.  

At the end of July we can expect to see Groban on the Big Screen in Stupid, Crazy, Love with heavy-hitters Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Steve Carrell, Marisa Tomei and red-hot Emma Stone, who will be playing his fiancée in the Film.  A Tour is also in-the-works for 2011.  Follow the Singer (yes, he's still Single) on Twitter here.


And yes, to qualify for this beautiful signed 6x8 Photo, leave me a comment with the title of your favourite track by Josh Groban by February 14, 2011 midnight.  All are welcome to enter.  Good luck, Mavenati!


(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

24 comments:

  1. Hey Will !
    You are too lucky! I work and can't make any of his personal appearances in order to meet him! I will be at the concert though :)
    My favourite song is You Raise Me Up - powerful and touching - I love singing along at the top of my voice in the car!
    mgreeno@sympatico.ca

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  2. Hi Will, thanks for the post!! I would have dropped my camera if he spoke to me!! HAHA! I have a few songs that I love by Josh Groban.
    Christmas Song is: "O Holy Night" by far the best celebrity Christmas song ever!!!!
    My other favourite song is "You Raise Me Up" The best man at my wedding sang this song for me and my husband while we danced!! The highlight of my wedding day other then marrying my husband!!

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  4. Hi Wil,
    Awesome report! Indeed, Josh is something! He tries his best to never let his fans down..
    My fave song from his new album would be Galileo..

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  5. nice recap of your "meeting" with Josh :). My favorite song on Illuminations would be .. (gosh did you really say one?) .. ok it's If You Walk Away.

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  6. You guys are sweet. I'm feeling the true love for him in these Comments. x

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  7. I met him in Chicago a few month ago and yes, he is SO gracious and SO down to earth and really truly appreciates his fans. Not one negative thing can be said about him, he's just beautiful, inside and out.

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  8. Will! Bought Illuminations for J on Christmas and I have to say it's a stellar album. Trying my luck at this to win this for J! "Higher Window" is definitely a fave... hope you're well :-)

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  9. I hope international readers also qualified ... only one song to choose? February song...
    Grettings from Argentina

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  10. I saw him perform three times and have met him twice.This last time in Conneticut he sang Gira Con my favorite by him ever.That was on my bucket list to see him do it live.After he signed a picture and hugged me for the European Grobanites,because I asked.Josh Groban is so nice to his fans ,no one can ever say he isnt.He is amazing <3

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  11. I saw him perform three times and have met him twice.This last time in Conneticut he sang Gira Con my favorite by him ever.That was on my bucket list to see him do it live.After he signed a picture and hugged me for the European Grobanites,because I asked.Josh Groban is so nice to his fans ,no one can ever say he isnt.He is amazing <3

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  12. Hi Will,

    Touche for Josh standing up for his fans, it is nice to know that they get the same treatment in Canada as his fans in the states. How lucky you are to have gotten a photo. I don't need a signed CD but my favorite song on this album is "War at Home".

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  13. Hey Will - greetings from "soon-to-be-snowed-in" New York...only ONE favorite track?? I have been a fan of Josh's since 2001, and I would say that my NEW favorite is his Portuguese song, Você Existe Em Mim....OLD fave? - GIRA Con Me...AMAZING song live!!

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  14. Favorite song from Illuminations is Higher Window. 2nd place: Você Existe Em Mim.

    I feel Higher Window comes straight from his heart and love that he shares those feelings and emotions with us.

    Você Existe Em Mim is so powerful and high-energy - makes me want to dance!

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  15. Fave song would be a tie between "Higher Window" and "Awake". Both great original songs that speak to my heart and I'm sure the hearts of many others.

    Loved that you had your moment with Josh... yes, he's very thoughtful of all his fans and takes the time whenever he can.

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  16. Hi Mr. Will--
    My favorite song on "Illuminations" is "Higher Window". Not only does Josh have a wonderful voice, he is a great, kind person!

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  17. "You Raise Me Up" is my favourite song. It's so beautifully written.
    hdfan101(@)hotmail.com

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

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  18. My favorite song on "Illuminations" is "Higher Window". The first time I heard made me cry for the content and sensitivity of to voice. Extraordinary.
    Iam from lima Peru.
    Thanks you.

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  19. My favorite song on "Illuminations" is "Higher Window". The first time I heard made me cry for the content and sensitivity of to voice. Extraordinary.
    Iam from lima Peru.
    Thanks you.

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  20. awesome post, Will! :) My fave song of Josh would have to be "The Prayer" with either Charlotte Church or with Celine Dion!

    I'm glad to hear he was really nice to his fans!
    my e-mail is sp_rocks_97@hotmail.com

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  21. I was in line for 2 and a half hours in Toronto to meet Josh and had to go back to work....I was sooooo sad and upset to have to leave, I really wanted to meet him and I have no idea if I'll ever get the opportunity again, but my boss did not know I was leaving for so long :-( My favourite Josh song on Illuminations is Love Only Knows, and my all-time favourite is a tie between Oceano and To Where You Are.

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  22. You are so lucky to be able to meet Josh! I had tickets to the concert tonight but I couldn't go due to a bad case of the flu!! My favorite song is February Song. How wonderful of you to offer up such a wonderful prize....it would make my year to win such an awesome picture that is signed by Josh himself. My email is janicemk4@yahoo.ca

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  23. Hi Will! Thanks for sharing your story. Josh is so wonderful with his fans!
    I love the photo you chose to have him sign!
    My favourite track by Josh Groban off his new cd is "Higher Window". I love the lyrics on it!

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  24. Congrats JP! Please email me at mrwillw@mrwillw.com and route me your mailing address!

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