LONDON - In the chorus of In Her Eyes off popera sensation Josh Groban's third album Awake, he sings "I am not a hero. I am just a man."

There was no convincing the 9,000 Groban entertained at the John Labatt Centre last night that he's just a man.

In Her Eyes also has the line, "I am not an angel."

OK. Well, he just sings like one then.

Too bad his microphone went on the fritz as he performed In Her Eyes. It was quickly replaced and Groban carried on, unfazed.

The crowd yelled, cheered and clapped, clapped, clapped. but remained seated, except when Groban sat on the edge of the stage and a few women gathered round, a couple bugging him for autographs.

Groban is a big-time star now as his Awake tour crosses Canada and the U.S.

Along with a barefoot violinist, two musicians on keyboard and two on percussion, cello, bass and guitar, Groban was accompanied by a 15-piece orchestra of local musicians that provided the classical backdrop suited to his voice.

He performed in London at the RBC Theatre three years ago this month, when he was on the cusp of stardom. Even back then, he was a hero, as a fan yelled out.

Last night, he told the crowd that the first time he played in Canada was at the RBC Theatre. "We are so excited to be back in London."

Then, Groban set the tone for the night. "It's a party; it's fun. It (the JLC) is named after a beer, right?"

Mid-way through his concert, Groban disappeared only to be found on the far end of the arena. Then he walked the length of the floor, shaking hands on his way to the stage.

The multiplatinum performer, filled the arena with breezy ballads, operatic songs, hip vibes and melodic Italian. His baritone voice soared and soothed as he took his fans on a journey of his musical development.

So what if it took a guest role in 2001 on an episode of the TV show Ally McBeal to bring him to most people's radar?

Those who saw him sing on McBeal, this reviewer included, couldn't forget him. Groban was good and he had instant appeal.

His first two albums sold a total of 13 million copies.

Awake, released last November, is his most personal work. He wrote four tracks for the album, including Now or Never Lullaby and Machine, performed last night.

He also treated fans to a couple of previous singles, including Remember When It Rained and You Raise Me Up, for which the audience seemed to long.

Groban, who turns 26 today, was also treated by the fans with an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday.

Afropop queen Angelique Kidjo, who opened for Groban, warmed the crowd up nicely with spirited dancing and catchy songs off her

upcoming album Djin Djin, being released May 1.

"I feel a little odd when I say London and Canada," she joked with the crowd.

She asked them to help her sing songs of blessings for her continent.

"Just sing. If the words aren't right I don't care. I just want the love."

Kidjo, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, performed an inspirational number called Salala, which she dedicated to the suffering children she's seen around the world, including child soldiers.

The Grammy-nominated native of the West African country of Benin performs with Groban on the new album. They recorded the song Pearls, which includes the signature guitar work of Carlos Santana.

Kidjo was back on stage with Groban last night to perform Pearls, a song about a Somalian trying to earn a living and survive in a harsh world. Groban put his arm around Kidjo as the pair listened to the last bars.