ARIANA GRANDE AND JOHN LEGEND TO PERFORM “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” FOR DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION ADAPTATION OF "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST"

ARIANA GRANDE AND JOHN LEGEND TO PERFORM

OSCAR® AND GRAMMY®-WINNING SONG “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” AS THE TITLE TRACK FOR DISNEY’S UPCOMING SOUNDTRACK TO THE LIVE-ACTION

ADAPTATION OF THE ANIMATED CLASSIC

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2017) – GRAMMY nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Ariana Grande and 10-time GRAMMY, Oscar®-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/ musician John Legend are set to perform the Oscar and GRAMMY-winning duet “Beauty and the Beast” as the title track for Disney’s upcoming soundtrack to the live-action film adaptation “Beauty and the Beast.” The song will also be featured in the film.

The enchanting ballad, originally performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson featuring eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken’s beautiful melody and two-time Oscar-winner Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics, received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and GRAMMY Award, among other accolades, upon its release in 1991.

The new rendition of the classic song is produced by GRAMMY-winning veteran Ron Fair, whose music career spans 37 years as a major-label record company leader and accomplished producer, arranger, recording engineer and musical director. Fair was brought in to produce by Disney’s president of Music & Soundtracks, Mitchell Leib, who also brought Grande and Legend to the project. The history of collaboration between Leib and Fair in film music goes back to the highly-successful “Pretty Woman” soundtrack. “Ron was the first and only choice to make this particular record,” says Leib. “No one is a better vocal producer and he also has a great understanding of the filmmaking dynamic.”

Fair’s recordings have won six GRAMMY Awards and have been nominated 18 times. Fair discovered and shepherded Christina Aguilera, selling over 50 million albums and winning numerous GRAMMY Awards. He A&R’d Aguilera’s first five albums and championed the Black Eyed Peas to 27 million albums, 4 number-ones and multiple GRAMMY wins, as well as co-producing and arranging the strings on their global breakthrough # 1 hit “Where is The Love?”

Says Fair, “Stepping into the shoes of an Oscar and GRAMMY Award-winning classic is not small potatoes. But with today’s two greatest plutonium singers – John Legend and Ariana Grande – we are bringing the song back with a new school-old school fresh treatment that shows the soulfulness and power of what a great melody and lyric can inspire.”

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The music video will be directed by Dave Meyers, the innovative visionary whose long-time collaborations with major artists like P!nk, Janet Jackson, Ice Cube and Britney Spears have resulted in dozens of award nominations and many wins, including a GRAMMY in 2005 for Best Music Video and 11 MTV Video Music Awards, including one for Katy Perry’s smash hit “Firework.”  He recently directed the music video for P!nk’s hit single “Just Like Fire” from the Walt Disney Records soundtrack for “Alice Through The Looking Glass.”

Menken also provides the film score, with new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Ashman. Also featured are three new songs written by Menken and veteran lyricist and three time Oscar winner Tim Rice. The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records on March 10, 2017. The pre-order is available now at http://disneymusic.co/BeautySndtrkP.

About Ariana Grande:

Within less than a year, Ariana Grande captured #1 on the Billboard 200 twice: first with her Republic Records debut “YOURS TRULY” and also with its 2014 follow-up “MY EVERYTHING.” “YOURS TRULY” yielded the game-changing pop smash “The Way” featuring Mac Miller, which went triple-platinum, landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and seized #1 on the iTunes

Overall Top Songs chart. Meanwhile, the platinum-selling “MY EVERYTHING” garnered a GRAMMY Award nomination for “Best Pop Vocal Album” and spawned the six times-platinum hit “Problem.” Upon the single's release, Ariana became the youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week, while the song ranked as the 4th highest digital song debut for a female artist and 8th highest ever. Moreover, it debuted at #1 in 85 countries, topping the iTunes Overall Top Songs and Pop Songs charts for four weeks. During release week, “MY EVERYTHING”was #1 on Spotify as Ariana personally rose to #1 on Billboard’s Artist 100 chart. She also became the first woman in history and the first artist since Michael Jackson to simultaneously have three songs (“Problem,” “Break Free” featuring Zedd and “Bang Bang” with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J) in the Top 6 of the Digital Songs Chart. “Bang Bang” went platinum and was GRAMMY-nominated for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” By the end of the year, she landed four songs in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, the most of any artist in 2014. Ariana has enjoyed a total of eight Hot 100 Top 10 smashes.

In 2013, she was named “Best New Artist” at the American Music Awards. Other accolades followed with Ariana winning: “Favorite Breakout Artist” at the People’s Choice Awards 2014;  the “Young Influencer Award” at the iHeart Radio Music Awards; the “Radio Disney Chart Topper Award,” “Choice Female Artist” and “Choice Single” for “Problem” at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards; and more. At the 2014 MTV VMA’s, “Problem” was named “Best Pop Video” as well. In November, Ariana took home the award for “Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock” at the 2015 American Music Awards.

2016 saw Ariana release her platinum-selling third full-length album, “DANGEROUS WOMAN,” driven by the title track which captured #1 on both iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and Top Pop

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Songs Chart minutes after release. “Dangerous Woman” also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 earning her the distinction of becoming the first artist to debut on the chart with the lead single from her first three albums. Her current single, “Side to Side,” featuring Nicki Minaj, recently became Grande’s eighth top 10 hit on the Hot 100. 

About John Legend:

Critically acclaimed, multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend has

garnered ten GRAMMY Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe, among others. Legend recently released his fifth studio album “DARKNESS AND LIGHT,” to rave reviews, which

features his current anthemic hit “Love Me Now.”  Legend also serves as one of the principles for Get Lifted Film Co., a film and television production company based in Los Angeles. Get Lifted Film Co. serves as executive producers on the HBO documentary “Southern Rites,” Pop Network docu-series “Sing it On”, WGN America’s series “Underground,” and films such as  “Southside With You” and “La La Land.” In 2015, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign; a campaign designed to change the national conversation of our country’s misguided policies and to make a change in America’s criminal justice system.

About the film:

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, like us on Facebook.com/ disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic/.

ALICIA KEYS PARTNERS WITH DISNEY ON NEW SONG FEATURED IN "QUEEN OF KATWE" - SPECIAL FIRST LOOK NOW AVAILABLE

DISNEY PARTNERS WITH 15-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING 

SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER ALICIA KEYS

ON MIRA NAIR’S UPCOMING FILM “QUEEN OF KATWE” 

STARRING DAVID OYELOWO AND LUPITA NYONG’O 

Here is your first look at a featurette featuring singer/songwriter/producer Alicia Keys and her new song “Back to Life,” which is featured in the upcoming film “Queen of Katwe.” The film, which is based on a true story, is the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

The soundtrack is now available for pre-order at Amazon, smarturl.it/KatweAM 

BURBANK, CALIF. (Wednesday, August 31, 2016) – Walt Disney Studios is partnering with 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys (“Girl on Fire,” “No One”) on the studio’s upcoming film release “Queen of Katwe,” which opens in limited release September 23and expands wide September 30, 2016.

The multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer’s new original song, “Back to Life,” appears in the film and on the motion picture soundtrack from Walt Disney Records, which also features the buoyant score from Golden Globe® nominee Alex Heffes (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “The Last King of Scotland”). “Back to Life” was written by Alicia Keys, Carlo Montagnese and Billy Walsh and produced by Illangelo and Keys.

“’Queen of Katwe’ moved me in every way,” says Alicia Keys. “The film beautifully depicts Uganda with such honest attention to detail—the colors, the sounds, the people—all vividly brought to life. But most soulfully, it’s the story of this fearless, brilliant girl Phiona who embodies the message that the rise to success first begins with opportunity, and the belief you have in yourself to pursue something bigger. The song ‘Back To Life’ that I wrote for this film alongside collaborators Illangelo and Billy Walsh, is about pushing past that little voice of doubt in our heads so we can instead, electrify the world. When we allow women to find and express their power and potential, the world changes for the better. I encourage people to see this film, be moved by Phiona's story and then go back into their own communities and encourage a girl who will rise like a flower that breaks through the concrete to see the sun!”

The film’s Academy Award®-nominated director Mira Nair (“Salaam Bombay!,” “Mississippi Masala”) says, “I have carried a torch for Alicia Key’s voice and passionate engagement with the world for years, so it was exciting to have her artistry join ‘Queen of Katwe,’ which celebrates the idea that genius is everywhere!”

“Queen of Katwe,” which will have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 10, is directed by Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler and stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga. The film is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda who is introduced to the game of chess by Robert Katende, a former missionary and soccer coach, and goes on to become an international chess champion. 

About Alicia Keys:

Alicia Keys is a 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur and a powerful force in the world of 

activism. Earlier this year Keys released her critically-acclaimed single “In Common.” The song is from Keys’ forthcoming highly-anticipated sixth studio album, due out later this year on RCA Records. Keys will join the judges panel on NBC’s “The Voice” for its 11th season, which premieres on September 19, 2016, alongside Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. In September 2014, Keys launched We Are Here, a movement that empowers the global community around a host of issues and initiatives building a better world where all people are heard, respected, equal, and treated with dignity. Keys also co-founded Keep a Child Alive (KCA) and serves as Global Ambassador for the organization.

About The Film:

For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family. 

About Walt Disney Studios: 

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.