Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue

Episode: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Talk Song Sung Blue and Meeting Neil Diamond
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Guests: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson
Hosts: Chloe Malle (Vogue U.S.), Taylor Antrim (Vogue Deputy Editor)

Overview

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode, hosts Chloe Malle and Taylor Antrim welcome Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson to discuss their new film, Song Sung Blue, opening in theaters Christmas Day. The conversation delves into the making of the film—a moving, music-driven romance based on a Milwaukee couple’s Neil Diamond tribute act—and explores the challenges and joys of interpreting real lives, singing together, and reflecting on creative evolution. Alongside movie talk, the episode is peppered with personal stories, family traditions, musical insights, and Broadway anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. About Song Sung Blue

• Not a Neil Diamond Biopic: The film tells the story of a working-class couple who create a Neil Diamond tribute band, not of Neil Diamond himself ([04:02]).
• Documentary Roots: Based on a real-life documentary, the film captures eight years of a couple’s tumultuous but inspiring journey. The adaptation, led by director Craig Brewer, transforms the gritty source material into a hopeful, uplifting film ([05:13], [06:00]).
  • Hugh Jackman: "There is no such thing as an ordinary life or a small life or a normal life. Every life is extraordinary." ([07:40])
  • Kate Hudson: "It's so pure. It is not cynical. And it just has this, like, thread of hope." ([13:30])
• Real People, Real Challenges: The film's subjects visited the set, creating emotional moments for the cast and crew ([11:00], [12:29]).

2. Portraying Real People & Impersonation

• Acting as Interpreters: Jackman and Hudson discuss the unique challenge of playing people whose lives are dedicated to impersonating someone else ([09:11]).
  • Jackman: "I remember saying to Craig, why are we recording? I don't even know Mike's voice, let alone Mike's version of Neil's voice..." ([09:12])
  • Hudson: "For me, with the Patsy Cline songs ... it was really just trying to get that sound as much as possible with a little bit of that Milwaukee accent ..." ([09:54])
• Claire and the Family On-Set: Meeting the real Claire brought "tears and gifts" and a profound sense of responsibility to their story ([11:46], [12:29]).

3. Music, Singing, and Discovery

• Hudson’s Singing Journey: Hudson credits Sia with helping her find her vocal strength, leading to her own album release and renewed musical confidence.
  • Hudson: "She really was the woman that empowered me to feel confident with my ... voice..." ([20:58])
• First Musical Moments: The pair recount learning "Holly Holy" for the film, noting the vulnerability and bond formed through singing ([16:53], [17:49]).
• Jackman & Hudson’s Neil Diamond Relationship: Jackman describes Diamond’s popularity in Australia; both found new appreciation for his extensive catalog ([15:16], [16:20]).
  • Jackman: "You couldn't ride your bike down a street in Australia in the 70s without hearing Hot August Night." ([15:22])
  • Hudson: "Neil Diamond was my great discovery, other than working with you and singing with you, but my great discovery of this movie." ([16:28])
• Karaoke and Live Singing: Hugh and Kate share stories of singing around New York, Paris, and Milwaukee, even performing with the real Neil Diamond ([25:20]–[28:46]).

4. Personal Reflection and Career Choices

• Hudson on Creative Fulfillment: The pandemic pushed her to reassess her career, embrace music, and prioritize artistic happiness ([29:21]–[31:01]).
  • Hudson: "If I do survive this time ... things are going to change. And I just ... wanted to invigorate my creative soul." ([30:20])
• Hudson's Almost Famous Legacy: Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of Almost Famous, Kate acknowledges its generational impact:
  • "It's found each generation, and now it's been two ... It holds up and it inspires a whole new generation." ([37:28])
  • Discusses the mystique of the famous Penny Lane coat ([36:42], [37:08]).

5. Theater, Broadway, and Future Projects

• Jackman on Broadway: Plans to keep singing regularly and discusses a recent Radio City Music Hall run, hinting at turning Song Sung Blue into a stage musical ([38:59], [52:08]).
• Notable Theater Picks: Jackman names Jonathan Groff’s "Just In Time" among favorites and champions Joshua Henry’s performance in "Ragtime" ([44:00]–[46:49]).
  • Jackman: "I just cried ... I couldn't even get a word out." ([46:07])

6. Family & Holiday Traditions

• Christmas Chaos: Both actors describe their Christmas routines, from watching Elf and Home Alone to snow-plunging competitions in Colorado ([32:05]–[33:43]).
• Hudson’s Daughter Rani: Amusingly focused holiday gift requests, including meeting Taylor Swift and skincare products ([34:01]).

7. Podcasting and Advice

• Kate’s Podcast: Hudson co-hosts "Sibling Revelry" with her brother, focusing on sibling dynamics.
  • Advice: "Not to talk too much ... learning how to stop talking and let other people actually express..." ([55:11])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hugh Jackman on Universal Storytelling ([07:40]):

  • "What it makes me feel when I walk out or get on the subway is there is no such thing as an ordinary life or a small life or a normal life. Every life is extraordinary."

• Kate Hudson on Finding Hope in the Film ([13:30]):

  • "Craig did something brilliant with this movie. And he walked a line that is so honest. It's so pure. It is not cynical. And it just has this, like, thread of hope ... we don't really make movies like this anymore that, like, entertain, make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel something incredibly human."

• Hudson and Jackman on Musical Connection ([17:49]):

  • Jackman: "It's a vulnerable thing, singing with someone. It's a great way to get to know each other."
  • Hudson: "Yeah. Or to know that you don't want to know each other."

• Kate Hudson on Taking Creative Risks ([30:20]):

  • "If I do survive this time, this lockdown, things are going to change ... I wanted to invigorate my creative soul ... that's what I've been focusing on."

• Jackman Sing-Along at Neil Diamond's House ([28:32]):

  • "Not long into dinner, Neil goes, do you want to sing some karaoke?...So we did. We sang karaoke together. And yes, we sang Sweet Caroline."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:49] – Introduction of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson; hosts recount seeing the film
• [04:02] – Movie context: not a Diamond biopic, but a tribute-band tale
• [05:13] – Movie origins in a documentary; real-life family’s resilience
• [09:11] – Playing real people who impersonate others
• [11:00] – Claire and family’s emotional visits to set
• [15:16] – Jackman and Hudson on discovering Neil Diamond’s catalog
• [16:53] – First songs learned and performed for the movie
• [20:58] – Hudson on developing her singing voice, Sia’s mentorship
• [25:20] – Hugh & Kate’s spontaneous karaoke experiences promoting the film
• [28:32] – Singing karaoke with Neil Diamond
• [29:21]–[31:01] – Hudson reflects on choosing more creative, fulfilling projects post-pandemic
• [36:42] – Penny Lane coat and Almost Famous legacy
• [38:59] – Jackman on Radio City performances and future stage plans
• [44:00]–[46:49] – Jackman on favorite contemporary musical theater performances
• [52:08] – Considering Song Sung Blue for Broadway adaptation
• [55:11] – Kate Hudson’s podcasting advice from "Sibling Revelry"

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is candid and animated, filled with laughter, mutual respect, and a profound love for storytelling—both onscreen and in real life. Jackman and Hudson bring warmth and humor, while hosts Chloe and Taylor balance enthusiasm with thoughtful questioning. The overall tone is both sentimental and lighthearted, echoing the spirit of their new film.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of music, movies, Broadway, and sincerely told human stories.