The magic of Disney wasn’t confined to the stage during last night’s American Idol Disney Night episode.
Fans were treated to a special guest appearance by the legendary actress and singer Jenifer Lewis, who brought the beloved Mama Odie from The Princess and the Frog to life. Lewis belted out the film’s inspirational anthem, “Dig a Little Deeper,” accompanied by the eight-time Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Terrance Blanchard, who also played a key role in the movie’s music.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. As Disney gears up for the summer opening of its new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the show cleverly intertwined the celebration with the upcoming experience.
Following Lewis and Blanchard’s showstopping performance, host Ryan Seacrest announced the official Walt Disney World opening date for the attraction, June 28.
Meanwhile, in the heart of New Orleans, a celebration unfolded that paid homage to the city’s rich culture and its deep connection to The Princess and the Frog. According to Disney Parks Blog, Grammy award-winning artist PJ Morton, a contributor to the attraction’s soundtrack and an alumnus of St. Augustine High School, joined forces with members of the Chase family–and even Princess Tiana and Louis himself–for a lively gathering.
No New Orleans celebration would be complete without a phenomenal band, and this one didn’t disappoint. The legendary St. Augustine High School Marching 100, known for their electrifying performances at Mardi Gras and national parades, brought their musical magic under the direction of none other than PJ Morton himself. Founded in 1952, this iconic marching band is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ cultural scene, and their presence added a powerful layer of authenticity to the festivities.
The fun and family-friendly Disney night on American Idol wasn’t just a celebration of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It was a great reminder that music still has the power to bring people together in the best ways. Watch Lewis and Blanchard’s performance below:
Cover photo: Actress and singer Jenifer Lewis and legendary musician Terence Blanchard performed “Dig A Little Deeper” on ABC’s American Idol show Sunday night just before the June 28 grand opening date of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Resort was revealed. Photo Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless