Groban joked that the overly romantic tone of "So She Dances," from his newest album, is "borderline gag-me-with-a-spoon," and questioned how lines like "spinning between constellations and dreams" can inspire such loving feelings in women.

Still, he said, "The ladies love the romantic songs" — a statement that was, of course, seconded by thousands of screaming women.

Even Groban's awkward dancing, encouraged by opening act Anjelique Kidjo — an African performer whose rhythmic half-hour set kicked off the night's world-music tone — couldn't dissuade the women, who regularly shouted words of love at the young performer.

Groban is a bit of a Utah favorite, having performed at the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics. And Tuesday night, he expressed his fondness for Salt Lake City, as well.

"This is a city that holds a lot of great memories for me," he said. "Thanks for coming back, and for packing the place."

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awelling@desnews.com