John Legend performed ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Disneyland Paris on Sunday (26.03.17) to mark the theme park’s historic 25th anniversary.
The 38-year-old singer/songwriter performed the track – which was originally recorded by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson for the original 1991 animated film and re-recorded by Legend and Ariana Grande for the new live-action remake, starring Emma Watson as Belle – in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle which was lit up with special illuminations.
Legend was making his first trip to the attraction in France and he admitted his "inner child" was thrilled to be part of the special celebration.
The musician – who has young daughter Luna with his model wife Chrissy Teigen – said: "Performing live here at Disneyland Paris was really magical for me. We’ve been to the ones in California and Florida, but this is the first time here in Paris performing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ live for the first time. It was a good night.
"(‘Beauty and the Beast’) is such a classic song and I remember it from when I was young with the magical version that Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion did and myself and Ariana Grande were honoured to follow in their footsteps and do the song together.
"Disney has meant a lot to me since when I was a kid, so performing to the kids and grown-ups alike to celebrate the anniversary at Disneyland Paris – my first visit here – was pretty magical. Disney parks get you back in touch with your inner child and bring back many memories of how important Disney was to our lives as a kid. And now we have a young kid ourselves it will be exciting to bring her to the parks and have her experience that too."
Legend’s performance was watched by a host of stars in attendance at the anniversary event, including Teri Hatcher, Vogue Williams, Lisa Snowdon, Kym Marsh and Michelle Heaton.
The guests were welcomed to Disneyland by Bob Chapek – Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – and the Grand Opening featured a cavalcade of performers and favorite Disney characters including Tinker Bell providing colorful fireworks to mark the historic occasion.
After spending the day enjoying the various rides and experiences on offer, the celebration culminated with fireworks, laser lights and music with the debut of the new Disney Illuminations night-time spectacular and then Legend’s surprise performance of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which was the first time he has played the song live.
Legend’s performance thrilled the star guests with former ‘Desperate Housewives’ actress Hatcher saying: "John Legend performing in front of the castle was magical. He is stunning, he’s just flawless. He has the most gorgeous voice, the most talented person ever and getting to watch him sing with that pristine backdrop of the gorgeous castle was pretty magical. The Illumations show was really amazing. My cheeks are sore form going wow so much. It had a real feeling of Fantasia – it was beautiful."
Sometime Atomic Kitten singer Heaton said: "It was just incredible to have John Legend here in Disneyland Paris to celebrate the 25th Anniversary. Honestly, I think I cried."
And Williams added: "I loved that John Legend played ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because that was always my favourite movie growing up and that’s my tie to Disneyland this time round."
Disneyland Paris is launching Disney Stars on Parade for 2017, which will feature Mickey Mouse and friends, and a new ‘Star Wars’ ride: ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’.
John Legend performs at Disneyland Paris to mark 25th anniversary
