To celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of Aladdin, pop superstar ZAYN is back on the scene to sweetly sing to us as if we are floating through an endless diamond sky together on a magic carpet ride.
Released today, multi-platinum singer ZAYN teams up with rising songstress Zhavia Ward to perform the iconic, Oscar-winning duet, “A Whole New World.” The single will be featured in the film’s end credit scene, so don’t dip out from your seat early to try and beat the crowds; you’ll want to savor this lovestruck moment.
This song feels like a callback to the ‘90s when beloved pop stars would cover the musical’s tunes. ZAYN’s rendition offers the artist’s own twist on the iconic ballad, and I am here for it.
“The selection of artists, producer, and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this,” says Mitchell Leib, president of music & soundtracks for Walt Disney Studios, in a statement. “ZAYN’s vocals are like no other, and his artistic imprint immediately brought a contemporary and diverse presence. Additionally, ZAYN could have chosen any artist in the world to collaborate with on the duet, but he personally selected Zhavia for her unique perspective, powerful vocal abilities, and to platform a talented new artist, ensuring that the audience could discover this song, again, for the first time.”
The pop duet is available now — with a music video to boot — and TBH, it’s everything I want in a song. Upon listening (and err, re-listening on a loop all day), it is almost as if 1D-era Zayn has returned with this stripped-down ballad and plenty of riffs just like the good ol’ days. And seriously, my Directioner heart is swooning.
The full film soundtrack won’t be available digitally until May 21, with physical copies available beginning on May 24. The album will feature new versions of Disney’s classic Alan Menken tunes and new songs written for the new movie version, including Will Smith featuring DJ Khaled on “Friend Like Me” and Jasmine’s breakout moment in the new solo “Speechless,” written by Menken, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen). The soundtrack is available to preorder and pre-save, and “A Whole New World” is available to stream and download now.
A wondrous place, indeed.
Photo: Walt Disney Records
