Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson absolutely lit up the stage with their energetic cover of Neil Diamond’s classics, “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.” Fans couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, praising every note and playful interaction. The performance brought a fresh, joyful energy that had the audience on their feet and singing along.
The way Hugh and Kate harmonized felt effortless, each adding their own flair to the iconic songs. Fans flooded the comment section, sharing how this unexpected duet made them smile and feel nostalgic at the same time. It’s rare to see such iconic tracks performed with both respect for the originals and a spark of new life.
Many viewers were particularly impressed by Kate’s vocals, which blended beautifully with Hugh’s charismatic stage presence. Social media lit up with comments praising their charm, energy, and the way they made the performance feel intimate despite the grandeur of the stage. People couldn’t stop quoting lines from the songs or sharing clips with friends.
Beyond just the music, the performance felt like a celebration of joy and connection. Fans commented on Hugh’s playful gestures and Kate’s radiant expressions, noting how their chemistry made the songs feel even more alive. The audience’s laughter, claps, and cheers were mirrored in the comment sections across platforms, showing how universally adored the moment was.
Did Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson know each other before Song Sung Blue?
Despite their on-screen chemistry as Claire and Mike, Hudson and Jackman didn’t know each other before Song Sung Blue.
While appearing on CBS Sunday Morning in December 2025, Jackman revealed that they only had briefly crossed paths. He explained, “It’s become a bit of a joke because I remember when we first met, but she has no recollection.”
“I don’t remember meeting him, which is so weird, because it was in my mom’s house,” Hudson said.
Though they weren’t familiar with each other before the movie, Jackman was instrumental in getting Hudson on board the film.
During the interview, the actor confessed that after seeing Hudson performing on CBS Sunday Morning, he immediately texted writer and director Craig Brewer to try to get her attached to the project.
“I turn it on, and there was Kate promoting her debut solo album,” Jackman recalled. “I texted Craig Brewer, the writer-director, and I said, ‘Kate Hudson is Claire, Claire is Kate.’ And he just said, ‘Oh my god, perfect.’ “
Jackman also took the opportunity to praise Hudson’s performance in the movie, sharing, “As much as I could see it and feel it, nothing prepared me from day one of rehearsal through ’til the end, until I saw the movie, of Kate’s performance.”
“I could feel it. You just know, I’m like, ‘She’s going to be perfect, she’s amazing, and I love her, and I love her as an actress,’ “ he continued. “But then when there’s somehow an alchemy of a part to an actress, at that time, when that all comes together … magic.”
Did Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have singing experience before Song Sung Blue?
While Jackman may be well-known for his portrayal as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, he’s made a name for himself in musical theater.
He has starred on Broadway several times, earning a Tony Award in 2004 for his role in The Boy from Oz and appearing most recently in the 2022 revival of The Music Man.
Jackman is no stranger to a musical film, either. He starred as Jean Valjean in the 2012 movie adaptation of Les Misérables, before appearing in 2017’s The Greatest Showman at P.T. Barnum. He also hosted his From New York, with Love concert series at Radio City Music Hall in 2025.
Hudson comes from a Hollywood dynasty, the daughter of actress Goldie Hawn who was raised by her mom’s partner Kurt Russell.
Hudson earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Penny Lane in Almost Famous in 2000 and has fronted several romantic comedies, including 2003’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. In recent years, she has starred in 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and led the 2025 comedy show Running Point.
Outside of her acting roles, she also got to live out her lifelong dream and released her debut album Glorious in 2024.
When asked by Oprah Winfrey, during a December 2025 episode of The Oprah Podcast, what it felt like to be recognized for both her acting prowess and her voice, Hudson explained, “I just love to sing. I think that’s where I really relate to Claire.”
“It was that moment in my life where I was like, ‘You know, I’d be happy sitting in a little bar with three people watching and singing, or no one watching,’ “ she added.
