Everyone remembers where they were when Frozen took over the world. It was 2013, and you couldn't walk into a grocery store without hearing that soaring chorus about slamming doors and icy blasts. But there is a weird piece of trivia that people still argue about at trivia nights: who actually sang the "real" version? Most people point to Idina Menzel, the Broadway powerhouse who voiced Elsa.
Then there is the frozen demi lovato let it go version.
It was the "single." The radio edit. The version Disney actually pushed first to make sure the song didn't just stay trapped in the theater. Honestly, looking back on it now in 2026, the history of this track is way more complicated than just a pop star covering a movie song. It was a strategic move that almost backfired because the movie version became such a monster hit.
The Strategy Behind the Pop Version
Disney didn't just pick Demi Lovato out of a hat. At the time, Demi was the face of Disney’s transition from "teen star" to "serious artist." They had a history of this. Think back to Christina Aguilera doing "Reflection" for Mulan or Celine Dion for Beauty and the Beast.
The studio was actually worried. They weren't sure if a Broadway-style power ballad would play on Top 40 radio. So, they brought in producers Emanuel Kiriakou and Andrew Goldstein to "pop-ify" the track. They changed the key, added a more driving beat, and adjusted the lyrics.
In the frozen demi lovato let it go version, the lyrics are slightly different. Instead of Elsa's "conceal, don't feel," Demi sings "don't let them in, don't let them see." It’s subtle, but it shifts the song from a narrative plot point to a more general anthem about personal empowerment.
Why Demi?
Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who co-wrote the song with Robert Lopez, has been vocal about why Demi was the perfect fit. It wasn't just about her voice. It was about her story.
Demi had been very public about her struggles with mental health and her journey toward self-acceptance. Elsa’s story—hiding a "shameful" secret and finally coming into her own power—mirrored Demi’s real life in a way that felt authentic. Demi herself told fans back then that the song was "so relatable" because of that theme of moving forward from a dark past.
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The Battle of the Versions
Kinda crazy to think about, but the frozen demi lovato let it go version was released on October 21, 2013—weeks before the movie even hit theaters. Disney wanted people humming the tune before they even bought a ticket.
But then the movie came out.
Idina Menzel’s performance was so raw and tied so perfectly to the animation of the ice castle being built that it became a cultural phenomenon. Suddenly, the "radio version" felt like the secondary one. Usually, the pop version is the one that stays on the charts longer, but Idina’s version ended up peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is almost unheard of for a show tune.
- Release Date: October 21, 2013
- Production Style: Pop-rock with heavy synths
- Music Video: Directed by Declan Whitebloom, featuring Demi in a mansion with covered furniture (a metaphor for being closed off)
- Chart Success: Peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100
Some fans actually preferred Demi's version because it felt more "energetic" and "charged." Others felt it was too over-produced compared to the theatrical belt of Menzel.
The Legal Drama You Probably Forgot
You can't talk about this song without mentioning the massive lawsuit that hit in 2017. A Chilean singer named Jaime Ciero sued Disney, Idina Menzel, and Demi Lovato. He claimed the song was a ripoff of his 2008 track "Volar."
He argued that the "note combinations, structures, and hooks" were practically identical. It was a mess for a few years. Eventually, in 2019, the suit was dropped, but it left a bit of a shadow over the song's legacy for a while. It’s one of those things that most people forget until they’re deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole.
Why it Still Matters in 2026
Looking at Demi Lovato's career today, especially with her latest 2025 album It's Not That Deep topping the dance charts, "Let It Go" feels like an important bridge. It was the moment she proved she could handle a massive, global vocal challenge.
The song wasn't just a cover. It was a bridge between the "Disney Girl" era and the "Global Superstar" era. Even if the world mostly sings along with Elsa’s voice in their heads, Demi’s version is what paved the way for the song to break out of the "musical theater" box and into the mainstream.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Fans
If you're revisiting the Frozen soundtrack or building a "2010s Nostalgia" playlist, here is how to appreciate the Demi version properly:
- Listen for the Lyric Changes: Pay attention to how the pop version removes the specific "Elsa" references to make it a universal song about "letting go" of any burden.
- Watch the Music Video: Notice the mansion setting—it’s actually a great visual metaphor for depression and isolation that mirrors the movie's themes without needing ice magic.
- Compare the Vocal Runs: Demi hits a high E-flat in her version that is technically very difficult, showing off a different part of her range than her typical pop hits.
If you're curious about how Demi's vocal style has evolved since the Frozen days, check out her 2026 tour dates to see how she’s reinventing her classic hits for the dance-pop era.