‘Soundstage’ showcases Groban

Thu., June 26, 2008

Mike Hughes Gannett News Service

Tonight’s must-see

“Soundstage” season-opener, 10 p.m., KSPS channel 7.

Even as a teenager, Josh Groban showed an awesome voice — deep, rich, varied, mature.

Now, at 27, he can belt an opera number one moment, a radio power ballad the next.

This arena concert in Salt Lake City was beautifully filmed, with good attention to Groban’s cellist, violinist and bassist. Occasionally, Groban’s actions and lyrics seem cheesy or cliche; mostly, though, this is a top talent at work.

Tonight’s must-see II

“I Love the New Millennium,” 3-11 p.m., VH1.

It’s never too early to start on nostalgia. Tonight’s new hours wrap things up, looking at 2006 (9 p.m.) and 2007 (10 p.m.).

To get the full experience, start at 3 p.m. with 2000. With quips and clips, you’ll go from “Whazzup” commericials to Geico caveman commercials; from “Dude, Where’s My Car” to the NASA love triangle.

Other choices include

“Last Comic Standing,” 8-10 p.m., NBC. Here’s the first half of the Las Vegas semi-finals. These episodes will provide the 12 finalists.

“How I Met Your Mother,” 8 p.m., CBS. With no NBC situation comedies tonight, CBS fills the gap. Here, Barney is sure Ted shouldn’t move in with Robin — so sure that he steals the delivery truck.

“Swingtown,” 10 p.m., CBS. It’s an odd time for the Millers, torn between two worlds. By accident, they’re at their cabin with the swinging Deckers and the conservative Thompsons.

“Hopkins” debut, 10 p.m., ABC. Eight years after its “Hopkins 24/7” documentary, ABC News returns to Johns Hopkins Hospital for a six-part series. Tonight focuses on staffers, including a former illegal immigrant migrant worker, now a top brain surgeon.

“Fear Itself,” 10 p.m., NBC. John Landis has directed horror films, drawing praise (“An American Werewolf in London”) and disdain (“Twilight Zone: The Movie”). Now he directs an hour with two “Psych” actors. On their wedding day, the bride (Maggie Lawson) gets a note that the groom (James Roday) is a serial killer.

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