American Idol 2023 Spoilers: Top 5 Disney Night Song Lists
On Sunday, May 14, the Top 5 contestants on American Idol will take part in Disney Night, each performing two songs inspired by Disney — one classic and one from a newer film. This themed episode highlights the artists’ ability to interpret beloved material while showcasing their versatility in storytelling and vocal range.
The performers set to appear are: Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, Wé Ani, and Zachariah Smith. They will sing in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, with host Ryan Seacrest presiding over the live event.
Sofia Carson mentors, Sara Bareilles and Halle Bailey perform
This episode features several special appearances. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles will open the show with a rendition of the classic “When You Wish Upon a Star,” setting a nostalgic tone for the evening. Actress and recording artist Sofia Carson serves as mentor for the contestants, guiding them on song choices and stagecraft from the Disneyland Resort setting. Additionally, Halle Bailey, who stars in the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, will perform “Part of Your World” as part of the program.
The Top 5 recorded their winners singles this week
Ahead of Disney Night, the Top 5 spent time in the studio recording their potential winners’ singles. Contestant Zachariah Smith shared that sessions took place at the Sound Factory studio, and his single is titled “American Grace.” Recording a winners’ single is a key step for finalists; it gives each artist an opportunity to present a polished, market-ready track that could launch their post-show career. Zachariah also mentioned he hopes to make a hometown visit during the finale run, a tradition many contestants enjoy, though that appearance depends on advancing to the Top 3 and ultimately the finale.
American Idol 2023 Top 5 Disney Night Song Spoilers
American Idol Top 5 Disney Night airs on ABC coast to coast Sunday, May 14 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
- Colin Stough – “Real Gone” from Cars and “Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers from Pete’s Dragon
- Iam Tongi – “Lava” from Lava and “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
- Megan Danielle – “Carried Me With You” from Onward and “You Can’t Stop the Girl” by Bebe Rexha from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
- Wé Ani – “Into the Unknown” from Frozen II and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana: The Movie
- Zachariah Smith – “Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King and “Life is a Highway” from Cars
The song selections pair time-honored Disney staples with contemporary tracks tied to modern films, allowing each performer to interpret material from different eras and emotional palettes. A classic song often asks for theatricality and clarity of storytelling, while a newer film song may demand a more contemporary pop sensibility or an intimate, acoustic approach. Contestants and their mentors typically work to find arrangements that balance respect for the original with a fresh artistic perspective.
Viewers will be able to vote for their favorite performances during the broadcast. Votes determine which artists move forward, and on May 21, Ryan Seacrest will announce the Top 3 contestants who will advance to the three-hour finale. Disney Night is often one of the season’s most-watched themed episodes, thanks to its emotional resonance and the wide recognition of the material, which gives both casual viewers and devoted fans familiar touchpoints to engage with each artist’s growth.
With mentoring from Sofia Carson, a special opening by Sara Bareilles, and a guest performance from Halle Bailey, this Disney Night promises a mix of nostalgia and contemporary flair. Fans can expect heartfelt interpretations, inventive arrangements, and moments that highlight why these five singers reached the final stages of the competition.