If you were anywhere near a radio or a Disney-themed playlist in 2017, you couldn't escape it. That sweeping, orchestral swell. The high-gloss production. Two of the biggest voices in pop history going head-to-head. Ariana Grande and John Legend basically took on a suicide mission: remaking "Beauty and the Beast."
People have a lot of feelings about this. Honestly, when you’re stepping into the shoes of Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson, you’re already fighting an uphill battle. But looking back at it now, the collaboration was way more than just a soundtrack gig. It was a massive collision of two different eras of pop stardom.
Why the Beauty and the Beast Duet Still Matters
When Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast was announced, the pressure was on. The 1991 original isn't just a song; it's a sacred text for theater nerds and 90s kids. So, how do you modernize a "tale as old as time" without ruining the nostalgia?
Enter Ron Fair.
Fair, a veteran producer who’s worked with everyone from Christina Aguilera to Lady Gaga, was the guy who pulled this together. He famously called Ariana and John "plutonium singers." A bit intense? Maybe. But he wasn't wrong. At that point, Ariana was transitioning from her "Dangerous Woman" era into a full-blown global phenomenon. John Legend was already an EGOT-level legend (pun intended).
The result was a version that felt very 2017. It had more of a mid-tempo pop kick than the original ballad. While some purists hated the "new school" treatment, the numbers didn't lie. The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, featured Ariana in a giant red tulle gown that looked like a blooming rose, surrounded by dancers. It was peak Disney magic.
The studio chemistry vs. the reality
Here’s the thing about "collabs" in the modern age—artists aren't always in the room together. However, for this project, the goal was a "soulful" synergy. John Legend later talked about how much he respected Ariana's work ethic. He’s gone on record saying she's one of the best vocalists of her generation.
Interestingly, John’s daughter, Luna, famously became a huge fan of the song. John joked in an interview with Lilly Singh that Luna actually told him, "Dad, Ariana Grande is a great singer. You're not a great singer."
Talk about a humble brag from a dad who literally has every award on his shelf.
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Beyond the Ballroom: The Voice Season 21
A few years after the ballroom dust settled, the two crossed paths again in a much more competitive setting: The Voice.
Season 21 of the NBC hit was a big deal because it was Ariana’s debut as a coach. She sat right there in the big red chair alongside John, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson. This is where we saw the "professional rivalry" play out.
Instead of singing harmonies, they were fighting over 16-year-old prodigies.
- The Vibe: It was incredibly wholesome.
- The Strategy: Ariana often used her technical knowledge of vocal health and "belting" to lure contestants, while John leaned on his classic R&B roots and "soul" expertise.
- The Respect: Even when they were technically "enemies" on the show, you could tell they shared a shorthand. They both come from a place of deep technical musicality.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their "Leaked" Tracks
If you hang out in the deeper corners of the internet (specifically the Ariana Grande or John Legend subreddits), you’ve probably heard rumors of unreleased music. Fans have obsessed over titles like "Just Because" and "Fuckin' With You."
Let's clear the air: these aren't officially released tracks.
Leaks happen in the music industry like leaks in an old roof. While snippets have floated around claiming to be Ariana and John demos, they haven't been confirmed as official follow-ups to their 2017 hit. Most of the time, these are leftover sessions or tracks that just didn't fit the vibe of their respective albums (Sweetener for her, or Darkness and Light for him).
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The Legacy of the Pair
So, what’s the takeaway? Ariana and John represent a specific kind of "vocalist's vocalist."
In a world where Auto-Tune can fix almost anything, these two are outliers. They can actually sing. Like, really sing. Live. Their collaboration on "Beauty and the Beast" served as a bridge between the classic Disney era and the streaming age.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into their work together or just want to appreciate the technical skill involved, here are the real-world steps to take:
- Watch the Behind-the-Scenes: There is a specific "Recording Session" video on YouTube. It’s better than the music video because you can actually see them working through the harmonies. It shows the technicality behind the "plutonium" voices.
- Listen to the Trailer Version: There’s a slightly different mix of the song used in the final Beauty and the Beast trailer that is more orchestral and less "pop." Many fans actually prefer this version.
- Check out Season 21 Highlights: If you want to see their personality dynamics, watch the "Best of Ariana and John" compilations from The Voice. It’s a masterclass in professional mutual respect.
Basically, their professional relationship is a reminder that even at the top of the charts, there's always room for a little bit of old-fashioned magic. Whether they ever record together again is anyone's guess, but that one song is firmly cemented in the Disney vault forever.