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'The Lion King 2019' Soundtrack To Feature Beyonce, Childish Gambino & More

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The album, available digitally on July 11, also features Pharrell, Hans Zimmer, Elton John and more
Rachel Brodsky
GRAMMYs
Jun 24, 2019 - 12:25 pm

Disney has announced that its soundtrack for The Lion King, which is out in theaters on July 19, will arrive digitally on July 11 and physically on July 19.

Starring Beyoncé as Nala and Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino) as Simba, The Lion King will feature the pair's rendition of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."

The soundtrack also features selections from Hans Zimmer's score, production from Pharrell and appearances from Seth Rogen, who voices Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Scar, John Oliver, playing Zazu, Billy Eichner, playing Timon and more.

There's also a new track by Elton John called "Never Too Late," which features a co-write from Tim Rice.

Pitchfork has the full track list. 


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Shahadi Wright Joseph

Shahadi Wright Joseph

Photo: Geoff Levy

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Shahadi Wright Joseph Talks "The Lion King," Meeting Beyoncé & Being A Positive Role Model

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The teen actor/singer, who voiced Young Nala in "The Lion King" and played Zora in "Us," is fully embracing her part as a role model to other young women of color
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Dec 9, 2019 - 5:38 pm

This year was a big one for 14-year-old actor and singer Shahadi Wright Joseph. Not only did she star in Jordan Peele's "Us" as Zora (Lupita Nyong'o's daughter), she also voiced Young Nala (a.k.a. young Beyoncé) in one of the biggest films of the summer, "The Lion King" and released her debut single, "Skin I'm In."

The Recording Academy caught up with the rising talent to learn what it was like working on "The Lion King" and meeting Beyoncé, the other artists she looks up to and who her dream collaborator is (hint: he also worked on "The Lion King"). Check out our full conversation below.

You voiced Young Nala in "The Lion King" reboot. What did it feel like just to be part of such a talented group of creatives and people?

Well, in all, I think that I was really just honored and blessed, and I would definitely want to work with every member in the cast a thousand times. We had a lot of fun recording and you can definitely hear that in the music and in the songs. It sounds really authentic, so I think that's what I love most about it.

You've mentioned in interviews how finding out Beyoncé was playing the role of Nala made you want to work even harder. What did that moment of realization feel like for you?

It was really amazing, and I told myself that I really had to up my game because Beyoncé and I were going to share a role. It was just really exciting, and there was a lot of anticipation because I never knew when I was actually going to meet her. So it was a lot of fun meeting her at the premiere; that was a great opening present. [Chuckles.] Obviously I want to meet her again.

How do you feel that learning about Bey drove you as you worked on the role?

I think everybody in the cast tried to keep it in as magical a state as possible. I think that we also tried to put our own twist to it and add our own personalities to it since we do want to make sure people know that there's a difference to both [of "The Lion King"] movies, other than the animation. But I think that we really tried to make it our own.

What was the biggest thing you learned from working with everyone on the film?

I think I learned the most about voice acting because I've never been in a voiceover feature film before, so it was really exciting. And I would definitely want to do voiceovers again, and I think that it's a great way where you get to practice your craft without using your body language. It was a lot of fun.

And right before the movie came out, you released "Skin I'm In," which, if I'm not mistaken, is your debut single. How did it feel to share that with the world?

Yeah, it is. It was really, really awesome. I'm glad that I got to drop it right near when "The Lion King" was opening. I'm so glad for everybody supported me on this entire crazy journey between acting and singing. It was definitely a lot of fun releasing the single.

The song is very positive and self-affirmative; can you talk a bit about the main goal or message that you wanted to give with that song?

The main goal of the song was really to be a great influence for girls who look up to me or look up to young black Hollywood. To help younger kids who are inspired by me or anybody else who looks like me to really just love themselves just the way that they are and they don't have to change themselves for the standard of anybody, really.

I love that. Are there any artists you look up to, who've made you feel like you have a place in music and in film?

Well, I am a huge fan of Normani, and I have a feeling that I look a little bit like her. [Laughs.] But my sister's shaking her head "no" right now. I'm also a big fan of Jorja Smith. I know there's more; Ariana Grande too.

When you were younger, did you ever imagine that you'd be where you are today?

Not at all. I really did not. But with a lot of hard work and determination, I think that I have definitely come a very long way from where I used to be.

That's awesome. What are your biggest hopes and goals right now as a young, rising artist?

Well, I am really excited about being in high school now, but I'm also excited to start applying to colleges. I have some time, but it sneaks up on you. I think that I would definitely want to go to Howard, Spelman or N.Y.U.

Do you have any advice for other young people who are looking to get into music but either they don't know where to start or they're struggling to get to that first step?

I would say keep striving for your goals and never give up, because if I gave up, I would not be in the position where I am today. Keep going for whatever you want in life.

What's up next for you? Are you working on new music?

I am. New music will be released soon, so I'm pretty excited for that and for you guys to hear that as well.

Do you have any dream musical collaborators that you would love to work with?

Ooh. I would love to work with Childish Gambino.

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Elton John in 2017

Sir Elton John

 Photo: Tony Woolliscroft/Getty Images

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Elton John Reportedly Reworking Classic 'Lion King' Soundtrack

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Estimates hint that licensing fees and royalties for the new song versions could net the GRAMMY winner as much as $13 million
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Nov 30, 2017 - 5:58 pm

In preparation for the forthcoming Disney live-action remake of The Lion King, Elton John is reworking several of his GRAMMY-winning and -nominated songs from the soundtrack to the original, animated version of the story, first released in 1994.

Two songs John wrote for the original film, "Circle Of Life" and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," earned him a total of five nominations at the 37th GRAMMY Awards, with both songs earning nods for Song Of The Year and Best Song Written For A Motion Picture Or Television, and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" taking home the GRAMMY for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Multi-GRAMMY winner and current nominee Beyoncé and current nominee Donald Glover were announced earlier this month to be voicing the lead roles of Nala and Simba, respectively, and the New York Daily News confirmed this week that Beyoncé has been working closely with John on orchestrating new versions of the beloved songs.

Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King is expected to hit theaters everywhere in summer 2019.

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GRAMMYs

Elton John

Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

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The Week In Music: Full Of "Glee"

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Elton John's memo to bands in the anti-"Glee" brigade leads The Week In Music
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

Elton John is apparently full of…"Glee." During an appearance on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" last week, the venerable GRAMMY-winning artist fired off a memo to bands that want no part of the popular TV show. "A lot of bands say they don't want their stuff on 'Glee,'" said John. "It's like, 'Lighten up, you a**holes.'" John's rear-ended comment was in reference to artists who have rejected the use of their music in the show, including fellow GRAMMY winners Kings Of Leon. "Well, Kings Of Leon, lighten up guys," continued John. "Listen, when someone wants to do your song, it's a compliment." It remains to be seen (and heard) if Caleb and the rest of the Followills will reconsider their position on "Glee." But for now, Elton has spoken.

She may not be tamable, but she sure is tweetable. Following an 18-month sabbatical, Miley Cyrus has returned to the Twitter fold. This past Sunday, Miley explained her Twitter resurrection, tweeting, "'Do not fear...the Sheenius is here!' I'm not gonna lie. I came back to twitter for 2 reasons. My fans and to follow @charliesheen#winning." On the road during his My Violent Torpedo Of Truth/Defeat Is Not An Option tour, Charlie Sheen replied, tweeting, "Dear Miley, Welcome back to Twitter! Always felt you were epic! Now you proved it! Thanks for the love," to which Miley responded, "I always felt the same about you! You have taught me everything I know about WINNING. Duh!" Miley and Charlie? We like where this is headed — could a studio collaboration be in the works? Duh!

After winning six statues at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2010, we haven't said the name Beyoncé in a while. But it seems the R&B songstress is ready to don her halo again, evidenced by her recent visit to New York to preview songs from her forthcoming new album. "It was just amazing," said Denis Handlin, head of Sony Music Australia. "She came in and played us six tracks from the album. The best description I can give is groundbreaking; she's gone to another level." The album is reportedly scheduled for release in June and includes collaborations with pop duo Sleigh Bells, DJ/producer Diplo and hip-hop collective Odd Future. While the jury will remain out until the album is released, we're betting it will be fierce.

He knows all about gold diggers, 808s and heartbreak, and late registration, but now hip-hop champion Kanye West is adding another area of expertise to his résumé: fashion designer. West is teaming with designers Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag to create a series of scarves inspired by the artwork from his 2010 album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Only 250 scarves will be made, with 50 each exhibiting five unique designs, and they will be available for purchase from Colette boutique in Paris and at www.mmparis.com. West may have street credibility, but does he have fashion cred? If his Twitter activity is any indication, we say yes.

She won her first GRAMMY at the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in February, and now country sweetheart Miranda Lambert is shooting for another first: executive producing her own drama TV show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lambert is teaming with her mother, Beverly Lambert, manager Marion Kraft and Kapital Entertainment to develop an hour-long drama show for ABC Family. Based on Lambert's childhood in Texas, the show is expected to center around a family consisting of private investigator parents with crime-solving children, but no word if filming will take place in the actual house that built her.

With April 5 marking the 17th anniversary of the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, 30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto found himself in a nostalgic mood, posting a tribute video to the late rocker on his website. Sparing no detail, the clip depicts Leto dressed just like Cobain, complete with a loose-fitting sweater, stringy blond wig and a left-handed acoustic guitar, and performing covers of "Pennyroyal Tea" and "Rape Me," two tracks featured on Nirvana's 1993 album In Utero. "I heard today was the day Kurt passed away 17 years ago," wrote Leto on his website. "So grateful for his contribution and inspiration. Not sure I'd be doing this if it weren't for him. He gave us all permission to create no matter what our skill set and reminded me that dreams are possible." In related news, Cobain's hometown of Aberdeen, Wash., unveiled a sculpted concrete guitar memorial in his honor. The guitar is paired with a steel ribbon encrusted with lyrics from Nirvana's "On A Plain," featured on 1991's Nevermind, which reads, "One more special message to go and then I'm done and I can go home."

April is upon us, and spring is in full bloom. But what are some of our favorite artists up to? Let's check the TWIM Twittertable. justinbieber: Madrid and Barcelona!!! SPAIN IS CRAZY!!!!!! Some of the best shows ever. got vid and pictures coming. NUTS!! keshasuxx: TORONTO!!!!! I'm coming your way ...BLOW me ....away. ; ) ! thejonathancain: Getting ready for a show in Caracas tonite-- weather is beautiful and our stage is under the stars--journey will rock!! genesimmons: New restaurant chain venture coming. Can't be more specific at this time. RealWizKhalifa: i like these adidas hoodies.

Katy Perry's "E.T." featuring Kanye West is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the iTunes singles chart.

Any news we've missed? Comment below.

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Wild At The GRAMMYs: It's Miller Time

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THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Dec 2, 2014 - 3:22 pm

David Wild has written for the GRAMMY Awards since 2001. He is a contributing editor to Rolling Stone, a blogger for Huffington Post and an Emmy-nominated TV writer. Wild's most recent book, He Is…I Say: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Neil Diamond, is now in paperback. Follow him on Twitter.

The GRAMMY Awards broadcast is the biggest show on earth — or at least the biggest show on television. At least that's the way it looks from my admittedly subjective and sweaty point of view in the GRAMMY trenches.

Think about it for just a moment: There are more moving parts on the GRAMMY show than any other television event that I can think of. See, most of the big TV events are based around actors walking out on a stage in a theater and speaking, and then showing film or video clips. Other shows may feature a number of performances, but no show features more performances than the GRAMMYs. And in search of great GRAMMY moments, performers tend to push things to the limit on the GRAMMY stage, and sometimes slightly over the limit too.

Capturing all of those moving parts on camera in an artful and appropriate way is largely the job of the person in the truck calling all the shots for the camera operators attempting to cover all the musical action — namely, the director.

For the last 29 years, my friend Walter C. Miller has directed the GRAMMY Awards television show. That's not a typo — that's a fact: 29 years. That means every great GRAMMY moment most of us remember, we remember the way Walter wanted us to remember it. I've personally been there and witnessed him take every performance seriously, from Eminem and Elton John, to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, and Prince and Beyoncé. "You get to be a part of a lot of musical history on the GRAMMYs," Walter told me recently. His historic track record is remarkable for any business, but much more so in an entertainment industry where survival is more often measured in intervals of 15 minutes than 30 years.

When GRAMMY Co-Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich first brought me in to help write the GRAMMY show a decade ago, he introduced me to Walter, who immediately insulted me in some witty yet somehow warm way. Being a lifelong Don Rickles fan, I liked the guy immediately. He is super sharp with a long lifetime of stories and a singular ability to tell them with fresh wit and the sting of truth. Just between us, Walter reminded me of my father. I remember seeing another director friend after meeting Walter and asking if he knew who Walter was. "Yes, David, Walter Miller basically invented live television,” he told me.

Having Walter on the GRAMMY team has meant the world to all of us lucky enough to work with him.

"I've learned so much from Walter," says Ken Ehrlich. "Wally had been and continues to be like a brother and a father to me. It's been like Butch and Sundance, and we're always ready to yell 'S**t' and jump off the mountain together."

"In his 30 years with the GRAMMY Awards, Walter Miller has not only created the look for our show, but for all other music award shows too," says GRAMMY Co-Executive Producer John Cossette. "He created the template for everyone else to follow."

In recent years, I’ve been lucky enough to find myself down in Nashville working as the writer for the Country Music Association Awards, another very big and distinguished show Walter executive produced and asked me to write after we first met at the GRAMMY Awards. One Sunday afternoon, the two of us had a few hours off in Music City, and decided to go see the new George Clooney movie Good Night And Good Luck. As we left the movie theater, I stupidly said something to Walter like, "Wow, can you imagine being in TV then." Walter looked at me, and said, "David, I was."

And so he was.

This year, Walter decided it was time for him to step back from directing the show, and he's been consulting on the show instead. Another legendary TV director, Louis J. Horvitz will be in the truck calling all those camera shots, and I have no doubt he'll do a great job. "Walter is the king of live television event directors," Louis told me the other day. "He's one of the founders of the whole form."

This year, Walter is also quite rightly receiving the Recording Academy's prestigious Trustees Award. He's earned it, because every time you look at the GRAMMYs for these past 30 years, you could rest assured that the great Walter C. Miller was there.

Walter C. Miller is still here, and thank God for that — and for him. The King lives. Long Live The King.

(Click here to read Wild's other GRAMMY blog installments.)