Josh Groban Reflects on Fame, Art, and Mental Health Challenges

In a candid interview, American singer-songwriter and actor Josh Groban reflects on his lifelong journey with music, creativity, and mental health. Born in 1981 in Los Angeles, Groban recalls his childhood filled with imagination, ADHD struggles, and early artistic expression influenced by his supportive mother. His musical breakthrough came at 16 when producer David Foster discovered him and invited him to stand in for Andrea Bocelli at the 1999 Grammys alongside Céline Dion. This pivotal moment launched his career, leading to a bestselling debut album in 2001 and over 25 million albums sold worldwide. Despite his success, Groban describes a turbulent emotional life during his twenties. Performing deeply emotional songs as a teenager, he struggled to reconcile public expectations with his personal maturity, leading to depression and feelings of isolation. He explains how music, once a source of joy, became damaging to his mental health due to pressure, insecurity, and the relentless demands of fame. Medication, therapy, and strong personal support eventually helped him stabilize. In his thirties, Groban entered what he calls his ‘middle‑finger phase,’ embracing creative freedom and branching into acting and comedy. On Broadway, he rediscovered the joy of collaborative performance in “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.” Now in his forties, he values the hardships that shaped him, acknowledging that feeling different helped him understand where he belongs. He expresses gratitude for his resilience, humor, and enduring connection to the imaginative child he once was.