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Hugh Jackman recalled the experience of singing karaoke with music legend Neil Diamond while chatting with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere of Song Sung Blue on Dec. 11
The actor plays Mike Sardina, one-half of the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder, in the film
"When Neil says karaoke, you say yes," Jackman joked at the premiere
Hugh Jackmanwasn't about to pass up an opportunity to sing with a music legend.
In his latest film,Song Sung Blue, the 57-year-old actor plays Mike Sardina, one-half of theNeil Diamondtribute band Lightning & Thunder. Ahead of the movie's Dec. 25 release, Jackman had an opportunity to hang out with Diamond, 84, andpartake in a little karaokewith the "Sweet Caroline" crooner.
Recalling the experience during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere ofSong Sung Blueon Dec. 11, Jackman joked, "So when you go to Neil's place for dinner, and he says, 'Do you wanna do karaoke?' 100% you say yes."
Hugh Jackman/Instagram
Jackman went on to share two non-negotiables for such an encounter with a pop icon.
"You make sure your phone is charged and someone is videoing that," he said.
TheDeadpool & Wolverinestar gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the duo's karaoke session onInstagramon Oct. 28.
Alongside a photo of the pair sitting with their arms around each other while holding microphones, Jackman wrote, "What a day!! @neildiamond & @malibubirds thank you for an extraordinary visit. It was one that I could never have dreamt could or would come true! So special to spend time, to share, laugh and to sing karaoke!"
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Long since filming wrapped onSong Sung Blue, Jackman and costarKate Hudson— who plays Mike's wife and bandmate, Claire, in the movie — have kept the music going off the set. Earlier this month, the two stars made a surprise appearance at Old Mates Pub in New York City, straight after attending the2025 Gotham Awardson Dec. 1.
They had everyone in the bar dancing and singing along as they performed three of Diamond's biggest hits: "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Crunchy Granola Suite" and "Sweet Caroline." At one point, Jackman even climbed atop the bar counter and encouraged everyone to "raise the roof."
Sarah Shatz/Focus Features
In October, Hudson, 46, joined Jackman onstage at one of his final Radio City Music Hall concerts in N.Y.C. to sing Diamond's songs "Cherry, Cherry" and "Sweet Caroline."
While chatting with PEOPLE at Thursday's premiere, the two joked that they were ready to take their musical talents on the road and go on tour together.
"We're signed," Jackman said with a wink. "I've got the papers inside. And we're not starting the screening until you've signed it."
Jumping in on the joke, Hudson said that she would "do it" — but only "under coercion."
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"I wanted 15 years, and she's negotiating me down to 12," Jackman added, prompting his costar to laughingly reply, "We'll see."Song Sung Blueis in theaters on Dec. 25.
Read the original article onPeople
