It’s pretty unbelievable how many music superstars have leant their voices to some of the world’s most popular Disney songs. When you think of your favorite Disney tune, which one immediately comes to mind? “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” by Sir Elton John? Maybe it’s “Go The Distance” by Michael Bolton? Or could it be “Let it Go” by Broadway star, Idina Menzel?

Whatever one it is, these songs have provided joy to every child and parent throughout the globe. You think of magic, love, fantasy, power. From a young age you are able to discern good from evil and right from wrong.

These songs have paved the way to some of my fondest memories. I learned how to sing by hearing these songs! I remember when I was younger I wanted to be a Disney princess. My favorite princesses were Mulan, Belle, and Ariel. The songs from these movies I still know today (and sometimes sing them at my shows!) In fact, I actually sang, “Reflection” from the Disney movie, Mulan, when I competed on American Idol!

Why Disney Songs Are So Popular

There are many reasons why Disney songs are widely considered to be some of the best songs in popular culture. Here are a few possible reasons:

1. Memorable melodies: Many Disney songs feature catchy and memorable melodies that are easy to sing along with and get stuck in your head.
2. Emotional resonance: Disney movies often deal with universal themes such as love, friendship, and overcoming adversity, and the songs that accompany these movies tap into those emotions and resonate with audiences.
3. Iconic performances: Disney has a history of working with talented musicians and singers who bring their own unique styles to the songs they perform. These performances can become iconic and help to define the songs in the minds of audiences.
4. Timelessness: Many Disney songs have endured for decades and continue to be popular with new generations of audiences. This timelessness is a testament to the quality and enduring appeal of these songs.

Stars Who Have Sung On Disney Songs

The list is unbelievable, it really is. These stars have lent their voices to some iconic songs. Check out the list, and some surprising ones like Donny Osmond, John Travolta, and Barry Manilow.

• Elton John - The Lion King

  In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King, winning him an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

   

• Idina Menzel - Frozen

  Idina Menzel has a knickname: “The Queen of Broadway.” She’s played roles in Wicked, RENT, Glee, Uncut Gems and more. “Let it Go” is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs of the 21st century.

• Christina Aguilera - Mulan

  Christina Aguilera’s pop-star vocals were a perfect fit for not one song, but two different songs in Mulan. Her rendition of “Reflection” was at the end of the 1998 cartoon, and then “Loyal Brave True” was in the 2020 live action Mulan remake.

   

• Phil Collins - Tarzan

  I can’t get enough of the Tarzan soundtrack. Phil Collins wrote all of the songs in the movie!

• Mandy Moore - Tangled

  Mandy Moore’s voice is perfect for the role of Rapunzel in the movie, Tangled! If you haven’t seen it you should! She’s come a long way since her “Candy” days! (that was her song from 1999!)

• Celine Dion - Beauty and the Beast & Deadpool

  My Queen Celine has sung on not one, but TWO Beauty and the Beast songs. One was a duet with Peabo Bryson from 1991. Then she blessed us with her voice again in the live action remake of the Disney classic in 2017. And then she also sang the theme song from the movie Deadpool (which is surprisingly a Disney movie)

   

• Randy Newman - Toy Story

  “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” might be one of the most memorable Disney songs of our generation. It was originally written for the original Toy Story in 1995. But it’s been featured in all of the sequels since.

• Angela Lansbury - Beauty and the Beast

  May this legend rest in Peace. Angela Lansbury was a stunning actress but her voice to me is most iconic in the role of Mrs. Potts. She died in Oct of 2022.

• Barry Manilow - Thumbelina

  Barry Manilow composed the entire soundtrack for the movie, Thumbelina. Not many people know that!

• Vanessa Williams - Pocahontas

  Who didn’t fast forward to the end of the VHS tape to hear Vanessa William’s stunning version of “Colors of the Wind?” I did!

• Michael Bolton - Hercules

  The Hercules soundtrack might be my favorite Disney soundtrack of all time. And this version of “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton will knock your socks off and say Hail ZEUS!
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRAu4kvpmEs

• All-4-One - The Hunchback of Notre Dame

  I loved this song so much growing up. You might recognize All-4-One from their song, “I Swear,” but I swear, this song is just as good!

• Ne-Yo - The Princess & The Frog

  Ne-Yo singing on anything is butter to the ears! Here’s his song from The Princess & The Frog. What a great movie!

• Bill Murry - The Jungle Book

  This one. It’s actually a perfect song for actor, Bill Murry. I never pictured him as a singer, but he does this song very well! Be “barely” needs any help with “Bare Necessities.”

• Alessia Cara - Moana

  This is my niece’s favorite song. And I’ll tell you “How Far I’ll Go” to play it for her….to the end of the Earth!

• John Mayer - Cars

  “Route 66” by John Mayer. It’s one of the few rock and upbeat John Mayer songs you’ll ever hear to be honest. Not my favorite but the movie cars is a major thumbs up!

• *NSYNC - Tarzan

  *NSYNC joined Phil Collins on “Trashin’ the Camp” in the movie Tarzan. Their harmonies are great and it was fun to hear them do almost an A Cappella take on this song as the background. Take a listen to what I mean!

• Fall Out Boy - Big Hero 6

  Fall Out Boy sings “Immortals” for Big Hero 6. This was a fun movie, and Fall Out Boy is fun to listen to.

• Miley Cyrus & John Travolta - Bolt

  Honestly, this song is a jam. They both sound good together. “I Thought I Lost You” by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta is a fun song from the movie Bolt.

• Carrie Underwood - Ever Ever After

  Anytime Carrie puts her voice on ANYTHING we love it. So hearing her sing on “Ever Ever After” is literally every every everything I’ve ever wanted

• Julie Andrews - Mary Poppins

  Classic song form a classy lady, and I mean that in the most delightful way.

• Donny Osmond - Mulan

  It took my until this week to realize that one of my favorite songs from Mulan was actually sung by Donny Osmond. WILD huh!

• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Moana

  All I can say is “You’re Welcome.” You’re welcome for introducing you to this song (if you’ve never heard it!) Dwayne The Rock Johnson’s Maui character is funny, talented, whitty…. oh my gosh I am just realizing Dwayne IS Maui.

• Kristen Bell - Frozen

  I couldn’t believe the voice of Ana from the frozen movies was really Kristen Bell. She sounded so great! I hate the cold and she made me wanna build a snowman!

• Shakira - Zootopia

  “Try Everything” by Shakira is fun. It makes you want to dance. And it’s form the movie, Zootopia!

• Rihanna - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

  I was totally shocked that this didn’t win an Academy Award. Rihanna sounds stunning in “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

• Brandi Carlile - Onward

  I love Brandi Carlile’s voice on “Carried Me With You” form the movie Onward! If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s super cute!!

• Rascal Flatts - Cars

  Saving this absolute classic for the last. You can say the best for last! This song was not only iconic in the movie Cars, but it became a major radio hit for Rascal Flatts!

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