On the fresh duet for the 'Aladdin' soundtrack, Walt Disney Studios music president Mitchell Leib claims it was the former One Direction member's wish to collaborate with the 18-year-old.
- May 10, 2019
AceShowbiz - Zayn Malik and Zhavia Ward have teamed up to record the classic "Aladdin" ballad "A Whole New World" for the soundtrack of Disney's remake.
Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle recorded the 1992 original, which picked up a Grammy and an Oscar for composer Alan Menken, and now the former One Direction star and Ward have revamped the duet for the new live-action film, starring Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Will Smith.
The song and video, in which Zayn wanders around a city at night, while Ward sings from a rooftop, premiered on Thursday, May 09 and it will feature in the upcoming film.
"The selection of artists, producer and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this," said Mitchell Leib, president of music & soundtracks for the Walt Disney Studios. "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 soundtrack will also feature reworked versions of classic songs from Disney's 1992 "Aladdin" movie and one new track, "Speechless", composed by Menken and "La La Land"'s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Among the reworked songs is a new version of "Friend Like Me", recorded by Smith and DJ Khaled, which will play over the film's end credits.
Director Guy Ritchie's new film will be released on May 22.
