LOS ANGELES – Singer-songwriter legend Neil Diamond was not physically able to attend the world gala premiere of "Song Sung Blue" that closed the AFI Fest 2025 on Sunday, Oct. 26.
But Diamond, 84, did the next best thing to show love for the musical drama filled with his classic songs – the "Sweet Caroline" singer FaceTimed stars Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson and writer-director Craig Brewer on the premiere red carpet from his Colorado home.
Hudson told USA TODAY that the video call from Diamond was "very emotional. We all wish that he could be here."
"It was so sweet," she added. "He said that he wishes he could be there, but he can't. And that he loves the movie. He even said that he wishes his mother and dad could have been here tonight."
Introducing "Song Sung Blue" inside the TCL Chinese Theatre, Jackman referenced the Diamond FaceTime call.
