On Tuesday, May 28, 'Dear Evan Hansen' star Ben Platt appeared at the opening night of his 18-show residency at Broadway's historic Palace Theatre with the Grammy golden girl Kacey Musgraves as a surprise guest.
Platt and Musgraves performed a duet of 'Rainbow' from Musgraves' Grammy Award-winning album 'Golden Hour.'
The Tony-winning star will feature a different special guest every show in the limited-engagement run through June 15.
Before introducing the country-pop artist, Platt said that Musgraves was "the very first person that popped into my mind [that] has got to do my opening."
Musgraves showered Platt with praise after making an entrance to the delight of the crowd. She said, "Does he not sound f-king perfect?"
Then, Platt talked about how Musgraves' song 'Rainbow' from her 2018 album 'Golden Hour' gave him peace during the pandemic. He claimed that he sang it and listened to it repeatedly.
Platt also won the audience's attention with a breathtaking performance of Judy Garland's hit song 'Over the Rainbow.'
Later, Platt wrote on Instagram that it was a surreal and wonderful first night at the Palace. He thanked everyone who made the show possible and much more when he returned to earth.
"I admire her so much as an artist," he continued. "Her songwriting has inspired me endlessly. She is so unapologetically herself. She is liberal in a space that is really not liberal, which is really incredible ... And she is a dear friend. And I cannot believe that she came here, took a plane, and is doing this for me. It's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me."
Furthermore, the 'Deeper Well' singer posted a clip from the evening on her Instagram stories with a heartfelt caption, "love you, @bensplatt."
Along with the stunning duet, Platt's setlist featured songs from his previous albums, 'Sing to Me Instead' and 'Reverie,' and tributes to Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland.
He also acknowledged his acting career by singing songs 'River' by Joni Mitchell and 'Requiem' from 'Dear Evan Hansen.'
