Aladdin theme song gets ‘a whole new’ version from Darren & Morrisette

MANILA, Philippines — Darren Espanto and Morrisette recorded a Philippine version of A Whole New World, the theme song from the 1992 Disney animated film Aladdin, in time for the theatrical release of its live-action adaptation on May 22.

The Oscar-winning duet (with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice) is well-loved by many Pinoys because it was originally recorded by Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga with Brad Kane, being the singing voices of the film’s lead characters Princess Jasmine and Aladdin.

The cover, which has a music video, debuted with a live performance at a press launch last week, wherein it was made clear that Disney Philippines tapped the two singers in an effort to reintroduce the nearly 30-year-old Disney tale to the younger generation. Both Darren, 17, and Morrisette, 23, were not born yet when the animated movie premiered but like many youngsters their age perhaps, they also didn’t miss watching it growing up.

“I’m happy that I’m given the opportunity to bring pride again to our country with this track that I’m doing with Darren for Disney, of course. I mean, Disney is known by many or all generations in fact, and to be able to do A Whole New World ... it’s an honor,” said Morrisette during the presscon.

“I never would have imagined that I would be given the opportunity to sing one of their most amazing classics. It’s truly a dream come true to work with a brand that has brought me so many happy childhood memories and now, to be a part of the childhood experiences of an entirely new generation,” shared Darren.

The remake is also part of the localization efforts of Disney. In the past, they had Sarah Geronimo singing a version of the theme song from Tangled, Janella Salvador for Moana and Rachelle Ann Go for Cinderella. “Here at Disney Philippines, we collaborate with like-minded brands and individuals to deliver the best experiences to our Filipino fans in a locally relevant manner,” said Veronica Cabalinan, country head of The Walt Disney Company Philippines.

Asked what were their initial reactions upon learning of the Disney project, Morissette recalled, “My manager knew it first and he didn’t tell me for a while because I was on tour, he didn’t want to distract me. It wasn’t until we were back here in the Philippines when he said, ‘I’ve got something for you, are you buckled up (laughs)?’ When he told me, I was like (shocked expression), Disney! Sarap eh!

“You know, Disney is a global brand and to be chosen amongst all the amazing singers we have here, to be entrusted (with the opportunity) to give our own rendition of a classic is such a pat on our back. It feels like, you must have done something right in your life!”

For Darren, it did feel cool to cover the song but it also didn’t come easy. “I was so excited but I was also nervous ‘coz it’s a really big song. A Whole New World, everybody knows it. It’s been a part of so many people’s lives. But I was pretty excited to do it with one of my ates (referring to Morrisette).”

Despite being two of the most talented and experienced young singers today, the two still found it quite a challenge to reinterpret A Whole New World.

Morrisette related, “Because I was touring (abroad), my voice was going through a lot that time, and I wasn’t actually in my 100 percent, but we were able to deliver naman. It was a challenge for me because there were placements in the song that are not my usual. But I learned to strengthen it (my voice) more. I can use it in my future projects hopefully.”

For Darren, singing the first few lines was tough because these were a bit low for him. When he couldn’t hit the low notes during the first practice, he recalled that “they had to vocalize my voice to kind of reach it, at least in the recording. And another thing is we’re kind of used to singing pop and ballad, those mainstream sounds, so we had to kind of find that voice for this song and placements and pronunciation of the words and the delivery of the lines as well.”

“Disney was very strict with how words were said and sung,” added Morrisette.

She said they just had to give it their best shot and their unique take, as well as “pour our hearts and voices into it so that it won’t sound too the same, at the same time, it doesn’t lose the musicality of it.”

Another source of pressure is the thought that the now-iconic original rendition was also courtesy of Lea.

They both hope that “Coach Lea,” with whom they have previously worked on shows such as The Voice Philippines (where they used to be contestants), will give their version her stamp of approval.

“I haven’t reached out yet to her about the project and I know that she’s been doing a lot of stuff. But when given the chance, I would love to open up to her about the opportunity, how it felt for her,” said Morrisette.

“Also one of the things I did, in terms of preparations, was reviewing her videos before. I saw on YouTube how she did the recording, how she and Brad Kane did it with an orchestra. It’s different for us because we had a backing track. We could do it over and over again but (with Lea) it was the orchestra in the background. But I hope Coach Lea is happy with us.”