Hugh Jackman once again demonstrated his exceptional talent as a performer during a special live appearance in New York City. The acclaimed actor and singer took center stage at the lavish celebration of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday, captivating the audience with a dynamic set that showcased his versatile vocal abilities. This memorable event took place at The Grill, a renowned venue in Manhattan, on a lively Saturday evening.
During the performance, Jackman delivered a stirring rendition of songs from the hit film The Greatest Showman, a project that helped solidify his reputation as a multifaceted entertainer. He also delighted the crowd with classic standards such as “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York,” paying homage to the city that hosted the celebration. To close the evening on a heartfelt note, Jackman sang “I Still Call Australia Home,” a touching tribute that highlighted the shared Australian roots between himself and the birthday honoree, Rupert Murdoch.
The star-studded event attracted notable guests, including Ivanka Trump, who was seen enthusiastically supporting Jackman’s performance. Her presence added an extra layer of interest, especially given Jackman’s longstanding friendship with the Trump family. Although former President Donald Trump was unable to attend in person, he contributed a video message praising Murdoch as a “legendary” figure whose influence on the media landscape has been transformative. Trump described Murdoch as “one of a kind,” emphasizing the profound impact he has had worldwide through his pioneering work.
Jackman’s association with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner is well-documented, and he has openly spoken about their friendship in the past. Back in 2018, while promoting the political drama The Front Runner, Jackman addressed questions about his relationship with the couple, clarifying that their interactions remain personal and separate from political discourse. He remarked that they have known each other for over 15 years and that politics are not a topic of conversation at social gatherings such as birthday parties.
In addition to his live performance, Hugh Jackman used the occasion to announce exciting new developments in his theatrical career. Through his production company Together, which he co-leads with acclaimed producer Sonia Friedman, Jackman revealed plans for a series of fresh stage productions in collaboration with Audible Theater. These upcoming shows are set to premiere in 2026 at Audible’s Off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, featuring a stellar cast that includes Jackman himself, Corey Stoll, Cecily Strong, and Sepideh Moafi, known for her role in The Pitt.
Jackman expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting how the collaboration with Audible rekindled his passion for theatre. He emphasized the unique connection that live performances create between actors and audiences, describing it as an “immediate bond” that brings stories to life in a powerful way. Furthermore, he noted that while the productions will be staged at the Minetta Lane Theatre, the experience will also be extended to listeners everywhere through Audible’s platform, broadening access to high-quality theatrical works beyond the traditional stage.
