Honestly, it feels like every few years we get a new "definitive" version of this song. When Disney announced they were doing a live-action remake in 2017, the internet basically lost its collective mind over the casting. But the real debate wasn't about the yellow dress or Emma Watson’s singing—it was about who was going to take on the impossible task of covering Celine Dion.
That task fell to Ariana Grande and John Legend.
Now, if you ask a purist, they’ll tell you the 1991 Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion duet is untouchable. It’s the gold standard. But if you look at Ariana Grande Beauty and the Beast other versions, you start to see a much weirder, more complex history of how this one ballad has been reimagined. It’s not just a cover; it’s a weirdly specific rite of passage for pop stars.
The Ariana Grande and John Legend Flip
In 2017, Ariana and John Legend didn't just sing the song; they tried to modernize it. Produced by Ron Fair, this version leans heavily into a contemporary R&B-lite vibe. Ariana brings her signature airy falsetto, while Legend provides a steady, soulful anchor.
People were split.
Some fans loved the "enchanted rose" aesthetic of the music video, where Ariana literally wore a gown designed to look like a flower. Others? Well, they found the production a bit too "karaoke." One of the biggest complaints from critics at the time, like those at The Edge, was that the song didn't take enough risks. It tried to mirror the 1990s structure but with 2017 synth-drums. It’s a bit of a sonic middle ground.
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Two Different Ariana Versions?
Here is something most people actually miss: there isn't just one Ariana version.
- The Official Single: This is the one on Spotify with the heavy production and the music video.
- The Trailer Version: This is a much more orchestral, stripped-back arrangement that appeared in the final film trailer.
The trailer version is actually preferred by many fans because it feels more "Disney" and less "Radio Pop." It highlights the raw vocal blend between Grande and Legend without the distracting snare hits that date the official single.
Why the 1991 Original Still Looms So Large
You can't talk about the new versions without acknowledging the sheer drama of the original. Celine Dion was actually a newcomer back then. Disney was terrified that she wouldn't pull in a US audience, so they hired Peabo Bryson to give the track some "star power."
Ironically, it ended up being the song that launched Celine into the stratosphere.
The 1991 version was produced by Walter Afanasieff. It’s lush. It’s dramatic. It has that very specific 90s oboe solo that makes you feel like you're in a ballroom even if you’re just sitting in traffic. Most modern covers struggle because they try to replicate this "big" feeling without the live orchestral depth that Alan Menken originally insisted on.
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The 30th Anniversary: H.E.R. and Josh Groban
Fast forward to 2022. Disney celebrated the 30th anniversary with a live-action/animation hybrid special. This gave us a brand-new official version featuring H.E.R. and Josh Groban.
This one is fascinating.
H.E.R. played Belle, and she actually played a clear acrylic electric guitar during the performance. It was a total departure. While Ariana’s version was a pop tribute to the Celine version, the H.E.R. and Josh Groban rendition felt more like a theatrical reimagining.
- H.E.R. version: Gritty, soulful, and featured a guitar solo.
- Ariana version: Polished, pop-focused, and radio-ready.
- Shania Twain: Let’s not forget Shania also did a version for that same 30th-anniversary special as Mrs. Potts. It was a bit more country-folk and surprisingly sweet.
The "Other" Covers You Forgot
Beyond the big movie stars, this song has been covered by everyone from J-pop stars to indie duos.
In Indonesia, Adera and Nadin Amizah released a popular cover specifically timed with the 2017 film's release. It’s much softer and more acoustic than the Ariana Grande version. There are also dozens of international versions—like the Spanish "La Bella y la Bestia"—that often use local pop stars to recreate the magic for different markets.
Then there’s the Broadway version. If you’ve ever seen the stage musical, the song is performed by Mrs. Potts, but it’s often extended with a different orchestral swell to accommodate the live dancers. It’s less of a "pop song" and more of a narrative pillar.
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Making Sense of the Variations
If you're trying to figure out which version belongs on your playlist, it really comes down to what you want to feel.
The Nostalgia Play: Go with Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. It’s the 1991 classic that won the Oscar. It’s perfect.
The Modern Pop Vibe: The Ariana Grande and John Legend version is your best bet. It’s sleek and fits right in with a 2020s pop aesthetic.
The Broadway/Vocal Powerhouse: Josh Groban and H.E.R. offer a more "musical theater" experience with a modern twist.
What to Listen For
Next time you hear the Ariana version, pay attention to the "ad-libs" at the end. She and Legend do a lot of vocal runs that aren't in the original. It’s a very "Ariana" way to claim the song. In contrast, the 1991 version is much more about the sustain and the blend of the two voices.
If you want to find the "hidden" Ariana version, search specifically for the "Final Trailer" audio. It’s a completely different experience—much more cinematic and grand.
Next Steps for Your Playlist
To really appreciate the evolution, create a "Beauty and the Beast Evolution" folder. Start with Angela Lansbury’s 1991 film version (the character version), move to Celine and Peabo, then hit the Ariana/Legend 2017 track, and finish with H.E.R.’s 2022 guitar-heavy rendition. It’s the best way to see how Disney’s sound has shifted from traditional orchestra to R&B-pop and finally to genre-bending live performances.