The 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast film showcased a stellar cast of singers, headlined by Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast, delivering both spoken dialogue and powerful musical performances. Beyond the leads, the film featured iconic tracks brought to life by a supporting cast of renowned vocalists.
The Principal Vocalists
Understanding the vocal talent behind the 2017 Beauty and the Beast requires recognizing the primary actors responsible for the main songs:
- Emma Watson (Belle): While initially a point of discussion, Emma Watson ultimately performed most of her own singing for the role of Belle, aiming for a more natural and authentic portrayal.
- Dan Stevens (The Beast): Dan Stevens, trained in classical music, lent his baritone vocals to the Beast, adding a layer of depth and vulnerability to the character.
- Ewan McGregor (Lumière): The charismatic Ewan McGregor tackled the role of Lumière, delivering a lively and charming rendition of “Be Our Guest.”
- Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts): Emma Thompson, a seasoned actress, brought warmth and tenderness to “Beauty and the Beast,” the film’s title track.
- Josh Gad (LeFou): Josh Gad, known for his vocal talents (especially as Olaf in Frozen), provided the comedic relief and vocal support as LeFou.
- Audra McDonald (Garderobe): Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, graced the role of Garderobe with her operatic prowess.
- Luke Evans (Gaston): Luke Evans, known for his theatre background, perfectly embodied the arrogance and vocal power needed for the role of Gaston.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the singing in the 2017 Beauty and the Beast, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vocal performances in the film:
H3: Did Emma Watson really sing in Beauty and the Beast?
Yes, Emma Watson performed most of her own singing in the 2017 film. This was a conscious decision to present a more realistic and accessible Belle. While she did receive vocal coaching, the final product is largely her own voice. There were some instances where pitch correction and subtle vocal layering were employed, but the core vocals belong to Watson.
H3: Was Dan Stevens’ singing voice altered in post-production?
Yes, Dan Stevens’ voice was digitally altered to achieve the Beast’s signature growl and rumble. However, the foundation of the vocals is entirely his. Effects were added to enhance the beastly qualities and create a more menacing sound. He worked closely with vocal coaches to develop a singing style that reflected the Beast’s internal struggle.
H3: Who sang the title song “Beauty and the Beast” in the 2017 movie?
The iconic title song, “Beauty and the Beast,” was beautifully performed by Emma Thompson. She brought a gentle grace and emotional depth to the song, making it a standout moment in the film.
H3: Did Ewan McGregor actually sing “Be Our Guest”?
Yes, Ewan McGregor sang “Be Our Guest” in the film. He underwent extensive vocal training to perfect the French accent and deliver the song’s fast-paced, energetic performance. His rendition of the song is considered one of the highlights of the movie.
H3: Were there any professional singers brought in to ghost sing for any of the actors?
While the principal actors performed most of the singing, there were some instances of vocal layering and additional vocal support from professional singers, primarily for backing vocals and choral arrangements. This is common in musical films to create a richer and more polished sound.
H3: How much singing did Luke Evans do as Gaston?
Luke Evans performed all of Gaston’s songs in the film. He has a strong background in musical theatre, which allowed him to effortlessly embody the character’s bombastic and self-assured personality through his singing.
H3: What vocal training did Emma Watson receive for her role as Belle?
Emma Watson worked with vocal coaches to prepare for her role as Belle. The focus was on developing her vocal range, improving her pitch accuracy, and helping her to feel more comfortable and confident singing on camera. The training also involved exploring different vocal styles to find the best fit for Belle’s character.
H3: Was Audra McDonald’s opera background showcased in her singing as Garderobe?
Absolutely! Audra McDonald’s incredible opera background was prominently featured in her performance as Garderobe. Her soaring vocals and dramatic delivery added a layer of sophistication and grandeur to the character and her scenes.
H3: Are there any notable differences between the 1991 animated movie’s soundtrack and the 2017 live-action film’s soundtrack?
Yes, there are several notable differences. While the 2017 soundtrack retained the beloved original songs, it also included new songs written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, expanding the story and giving more depth to the characters. The arrangements and orchestrations were also updated for a more modern sound. Furthermore, the vocal styles and performances differed slightly, reflecting the actors’ interpretations of the roles.
H3: Who composed the music for the 2017 Beauty and the Beast?
The music for the 2017 Beauty and the Beast was primarily composed by Alan Menken, who also composed the music for the original animated film. New songs were written in collaboration with Tim Rice, who stepped in to replace the late Howard Ashman, Menken’s original lyricist.
H3: What were some of the challenges Emma Watson faced while singing in Beauty and the Beast?
One of the biggest challenges for Emma Watson was overcoming her self-consciousness about singing. She had not sung professionally before, and she was aware that her vocal abilities would be scrutinized. She also had to adapt to singing in a way that felt authentic to her portrayal of Belle, which was different from the traditional, more polished style often associated with Disney princesses.
H3: Where can I find the complete soundtrack for the 2017 Beauty and the Beast film?
The complete soundtrack for the 2017 Beauty and the Beast film is widely available on major music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. It can also be purchased as a physical CD or digital download from various online retailers.