EProsnie+Rough+Draft+2+(1)

On Christmas Day 2002 I received a gift that changed my life forever. My Uncle Jim gave me Josh Groban’s debut album. To be completely honest, at first, I was a little confused and disappointed in the gift. I was twelve years old and had never even heard of Josh Groban. However, the next day I decided to give the album a listen. The first song I played was “To Where You Are,” the moment I heard Josh’s voice and his passion behind the beautiful, sad lyrics I began to cry. I had never been touched by music, or someone’s voice like that, and still haven’t. It was love at first listen and a Grobanite was born. Flash forward nearly nine years later to July 15th, 2011 at 3:00 am. I had just gotten home from seeing the final Harry Potter movie and having been a fan of the books and movies since the beginning was emotionally and physically drained. Little did I know my emotional rollercoaster was just starting. When I opened my email I quickly scanned my inbox, when one email in particular stopped me. It was from the Josh Groban Team. I clicked on it and read the first line, “Congrats! You have been selected as the road reporter winner for Josh's show on July 16th in Auburn Hills.” I immediately began to cry, and without even finishing the email ran down to tell my sister, Grace. She and her friend thought someone had died from how hard I was crying. When I finally managed to get out the news, hugs and high fives were exchanged. Next, I woke up my parents and called my sister, Cori, in Boston. Everyone was so excited! Needless to say I didn’t sleep a wink for the rest of the night. When the morning of July 16th arrived I was beyond excited, but also really nervous. I was convinced I would do something to make a fool of myself in front of Josh. My mom, sister, and I arrived at The Palace of Auburn Hills ungodly early because I wanted to make sure that I was there on time for everything. When we finally got our tickets and Meet and Greet passes I felt a lot better. The doors opened at 6:30pm and the Meet and Greet was to begin at 7:00pm. This gave me time to buy my concert T-Shirt and program. This would be my third Josh Groban concert and those were the essentials I bought at each. My mom and I headed to the area where the Meet and Greet winners were supposed to wait. We took a few pictures to pass the time, and then the time finally arrived. We all stood in the hall outside the room that Josh was in. His head of security told us the rules. There was to be no hugging or kissing (so as to not get Josh sick), and only one picture and autograph per person. There were four people ahead of my mom and I. When they walked in the room I heard one of the girls in front me say, “He’s just standing there!” I could not see around the doorway into the room so I just stood there shaking. I began to feel the tears well up behind my eyes. This was really happening. When I finally reached the room I turned the corner and there he was. Josh Groban was standing mere feet from me. I begin to cry, again. That man just brings out the tears in me! When it was my turn I timidly walked over to him and shook his hand. (I TOUCHED JOSH GROBAN!) I gave him my golden fan club ticket to sign. He asked my name and signed it “lots of love.” I turned to my mom while he was signing it and said something along the lines of I promised I wouldn’t cry. Josh heard this and when I turned around HE gave ME a big hug and told me it was ok! We talked a little about how long I’d been a fan and where I was from. My mom got my program signed and I was able to get another picture with her and him. I shook his hand again and said goodbye and to break a leg. When I walked out of the room I just broke down. Nothing will ever be better than those few moments I got to spend with Josh. My biggest dream had just come true, and the night wasn’t over yet! ==== I found my seat, six rows from the stage, and immediately begin texting and updating my Facebook and twitter. I had a lot of friends and family who knew how much this meeting meant to me and were waiting for word on it. When I was finally settled I sat and looked at my pictures just to make sure I didn’t dream what had just happened. If meeting was not good enough, I had an entire concert of his to enjoy too! As I sat giddy in my seat, the lights finally came down, and a spot light came on and there was Josh walking down the stairs in the far back. The crowd went wild with excitement. He made his way to a smaller stage located towards the back. There he opened the show with “Changing Colors” and “February Song.” No matter how many times I see Josh perform he blows me away. He then sang, “You are Loved” as he made his way through the crowd to the main stage. ==== ==== He continued the concert singing songs not only from his newest album “Illuminations” but also fan favorites from his previous albums. It was incredible. He then ended the concert, fittingly, with “You Raise Me Up.” He introduced the song saying it has been played at weddings, funerals, and even college football banquets, referring to the time it was played at U of M’s banquet. I could not help but yell out “Go Blue!” at this remark to which he chuckled a little. He asked that since he did not have a choir with him that the audience would help him out. Michigan did him proud! The song, which is already so beautiful, if possible sounded even better with the audience singing along with him. It was a touching moment that brought the entire Palace to their feet. With one final bow from the Groband, and Mr. Groban himself, they left the stage and the lights went up, revealing the look of pure joy on everyone’s faces. ==== As I reflect on that night, I honestly can say that it was the best night of my life that I will remember it forever. Words cannot describe how extremely thankful I am to the Josh Groban team, and of course to the man himself, Josh Groban. He put on yet another wonderful show (as if there were any doubts) and he was such a real and genuine person to meet. You could tell how much he cared about his fans and for that I am eternally grateful. Dreams really do come true, and thanks to him my truly did. Now, even months later I still get giddy thinking about it.