The Disney Family Singalong
The Disney Family Singalong is an American television special, which aired on ABC on April 16, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[1][2][3] The program, which is hosted by Ryan Seacrest, featured musical performances of songs from select Disney films, performed by musicians from their respective homes, while viewers sing along by following Mickey, the bouncing ball (which is a gold version of the bouncing ball that was used in Disney's Sing Along Songs). It also featured a reunion performance from the cast of the 2006 Disney Channel original film, High School Musical.[4] The special also included public service announcements raising awareness for the efforts of Feeding America during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
| The Disney Family Singalong | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by | Mason Steinberg Brian Strickland |
| Directed by | Hamish Hamilton |
| Presented by | Ryan Seacrest |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
|
| Producer(s) |
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| Production location(s) | Virtual |
| Editor(s) |
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| Running time | 52 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Done and Dusted |
| Distributor | ABC |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | April 16, 2020 |
| Chronology | |
| Followed by | The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II |
| External links | |
| Website | |
On April 29, 2020, ABC announced that it would broadcast a second special branded as Volume II on May 10, once again hosted by Seacrest.[6]
Performances
Appearances
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Chris Harrison
- AJ Michalka
- Eric Stonestreet
- Nathan Fillion
- Jaina Lee Ortiz
- Anthony Anderson
- Wendi McLendon-Covey
- Cobie Smulders
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Freddie Highmore
- Lionel Richie
- Robin Roberts
- Taran Killam
- Elle Fanning (introduced Ariana Grande)
- Tracee Ellis Ross (introduced Christina Aguilera)
- Zac Efron (introduced Kenny Ortega and the casts of High School Musical, Descendants, Zombies, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
- Elizabeth Olsen
- Sebastian Stan
- Jeff Goldblum
- Paul Bettany
- Anthony Mackie
- Emily VanCamp
- Don Cheadle
- Raven-Symoné
- Charli D'Amelio
Broadcast
The special, which was broadcast on April 16, 2020 by ABC, received 10.3 million viewers during its airing.[13] It also scored 2.6 in the 18-49 ratings demographic, beating its nearest competitor, Young Sheldon as the most watched show for that evening in this demographic.[14]
The special also aired on Disney Channel on April 24, 2020 at 8pm followed by the singalong version of the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical.[15] The broadcast had 515,000 total viewers, making it the #1 rated telecast on Disney Channel and in its 8pm timeslot.[16]
On April 21, the special was made available for streaming on Disney+.[17]
Notes
- An excerpt from the song was performed, with no on-screen lyrics.
- Song originated from the Disney Parks boat ride of the same name.
References
- Ramos, Dino-Ray (2020-04-14). "Kenny Ortega Talks Reuniting 'High School Musical' Cast Members For 'Disney's Family Singalong'; Zac Efron Joins ABC Special". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- Ramirez, Sonia (2020-04-15). "ABC hosts an unforgettable night of music with a 'Disney Family Singalong'". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- Nicolaou, Elena (2020-04-14). "Mark Your Calendars: "The Disney Family Singalong" Is Airing on Thursday". Oprah Magazine. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
- "'High School Musical' Reunion In 'Disney Family Singalong': Details". Billboard. April 17, 2020.
- "Ryan Seacrest to host star-studded 'Disney Family Singalong' special on ABC tonight". ABC7 New York. April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- Petski, Denise (2020-04-29). "'The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II' Set On ABC With Ryan Seacrest As Host". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
- Owoseje, Toyin. "Beyoncé made a surprise appearance in 'Disney Family Singalong,' delighting fans". CNN.
- "Beyoncé Surprises Fans With Rendition Of 'When You Wish Upon A Star' Dedicated To Healthcare Workers".
- Bailey, Alyssa (April 17, 2020). "Watch Ariana Grande Nail 'I Won't Say I'm in Love' During Disney's Family Singalong". ELLE.
- "Thomas Rhett and His Daughters Perform Song from Frozen for Disney Singalong Special". PEOPLE.com.
- Bailey, Alyssa (April 16, 2020). "Why Zac Efron Isn't Singing With the 'High School Musical' Cast in the Disney Family Singalong". ELLE.
- Aniftos, Rania (April 13, 2020). "Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato & More Join 'Disney Family Singalong' Lineup -- And Here's What They'll Perform". Billboard.
- "'Disney Family Singalong' quarantine special lands' 10.3M viewers': Details". New York Post. 2020-04-17.
- Thorne, Will (April 17, 2020). "TV Ratings: 'Disney Family Singalong' Draws Massive Audience". Variety. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- "Disney Channel to Air 'THE DISNEY FAMILY SINALONG' & Sing-Along Version Of 'HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL' on April 24 - Broadway World". Broadway World. 2020-04-22. Retrieved 2020-05-05.
- "'the disney family singalong' special wins its timeslot among kids and girls 6-11, and is #1 telecast of the day on disney channel - Walt Disney Television Press". Walt Disney Television Press. 2020-04-29.
- "ABC's 'Disney Family Singalong' Heads to Disney Plus". Variety. 2020-04-21. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
