Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are drawing rave reactions for their joyful, scene-stealing performances as a real-life 1990s Neil Diamond tribute act in Song Sung Blue, a quirky musical biopic that’s quickly finding an audience thanks to a viral performance clip.
In the now widely shared video, Jackman and Hudson — playing husband-and-wife performers Mike and Claire Sardina, known onstage as Lightning & Thunder — belt out a Neil Diamond favorite with infectious energy inside their garage-turned-rehearsal space.
The moment that’s captured fans’ attention comes at the end of the song, when Jackman’s Mike launches into a daring celebratory jump and nearly smacks his head on the low ceiling. The near miss sends both characters into laughter, a candid-feeling beat that has viewers watching on repeat.
The extended clip, released in connection with the film’s digital debut, showcases the duo’s vocal chemistry and easy rapport as they channel Diamond’s signature sound. Jackman, already known for his musical chops, leans fully into the role, while Hudson more than holds her own, delivering strong vocals and warmth that anchor the performance.
Song Sung Blue, written and directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), is based on Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name and tells the true story of the Sardinas — a Milwaukee couple who briefly became local sensations in the 1990s performing Neil Diamond covers. Jackman and Hudson perform more than a dozen Diamond classics throughout the film, including “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Holly Holy,” “I Am… I Said,” and, of course, “Sweet Caroline,” which becomes a running point of contention between Mike and Claire over where it belongs in their set list.
The film has been described as bizarrely charming — a love story wrapped in rhinestones, garage-band ambition, and unapologetic sincerity. Jackman’s Mike is a divorced auto mechanic and recovering alcoholic chasing a second chance, while Hudson’s Claire is a single mother longing to sing, be happy, and feel loved. Their bond, messy and hopeful, forms the emotional backbone of the movie, even as the dialogue leans broad and the plot embraces musical-biopic clichés.
Critics may debate the film’s uneven script, but audiences seem united on one point: the music delivers. Jackman’s resemblance to Neil Diamond — both vocally and physically — makes the concert scenes feel like top-tier karaoke, while Hudson’s performance brings heart, humor, and resilience to a character that could have easily slipped into caricature.
Song Sung Blue may never pretend to be cool, but that’s part of its appeal. Much like Lightning & Thunder themselves, the film plays it straight, honoring the real-life couple’s earnestness rather than winking at it. And if the viral garage performance is any indication, fans are more than happy to sing along — ceiling hazards and all.
