Ever since American Idol was revived by ABC in 2018, the show has featured Disney Night, a magical episode during which the contestants sing classic songs from the Disney songbook. Each year, one of the most-anticipated parts of Disney Night is which iconic character judge Katy Perry will dress as. Her past costumes have included Snow White, Ursula, Mrs. Jumbo, Tinker Bell, Ariel, and Elastigirl.

American Idol season 22 will feature its special Disney Night on May 12, when the Top 5 finalists–Abi Carter, Emmy Russell, Jack Blocker, Triston Harper, and Will Moseley–sing two Disney songs each for the audience and the judges Katy, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. They’ll be mentored by multi-platinum-selling artist Kane Brown in Disney World. The Disney Night tradition began on ABC with American Idol season 16, and has continued ever since. Here are the top ten Disney Night performances from American Idol seasons 16-21 in order by season.

1

Jurnee – “How Far I’ll Go” From Moana

American Idol Season 16

American Idol season 16’s Top 10 finalists presented the first Disney Night in 2018. They were mentored by singer and actress Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa in Frozen. Jurnee, an 18-year-old from Denver, Colorado, sang “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana. She began the song in its traditional style, showcasing her beautiful and delicate high notes in the first verse and chorus. However, during the second chorus, Jurnee added a dance beat and began to move to the music.

Jurnee made the beloved song her own. She included interesting runs that brought the song to another level, as well as a key change that highlighted her incredible vocal range. Jurnee’s Disney Night performance was extraordinary because she was able to infuse her own style into a classic song such as “How Far I’ll Go.” Jurnee truly showed how far she’d go on American Idol.

2

Caleb Lee Hutchinson – “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” From Toy Story

American Idol Season 16

Caleb Lee Hutchinson, an 18-year-old from Dallas, Georgia, was the runner-up to American Idol season 16 winner Maddie Poppe in 2018. Caleb sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. The country singer took the stage looking like a true star playing the guitar with his country-infused outfit and bright and confident smile. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is such a well-known song, but Caleb was able to make it his own.

With his Disney Night song, Caleb showed not only his vocal range, but the potential for him to be a big country star. He included some higher register notes in the song that showed that he was able to hit some impressive high notes even though his voice was on the deeper side. His low notes at the end were also extraordinary. With Caleb’s kind smile, he conveyed the message of the song beautifully. It was the perfect song choice for him as he moved forward in the American Idol season 16 competition.

3

Uché – “I 2 I” From A Goofy Movie

American Idol Season 17

American Idol season 17 contestant Uché, a 24-year-old from Sugarland, Texas, had been wowing the judges since his fantastic audition. He was part of the American Idol season 17 Top 10 finalists in 2019, who were mentored by actress Rebel Wilson for Disney Night. Uché took a big risk with his song choice and sang a lesser-known song, “I 2 I” from A Goofy Movie for his performance.

Taking the stage dressed like a true rock star, Uché captivated the audience from his first note. He worked the main stage and then moved to the catwalk to get closer to his screaming fans. Uché blew the roof off of the theater with his mind-blowing high notes. He had so much star quality and had the whole audience up and dancing along with him. Although Uché was eliminated from American Idol season 17 after his performance of “I 2 I,” he showed that contestants could move away from traditional ballads and brought star quality and showmanship to Disney Night.

4

Just Sam – “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” From Cinderella

American Idol Season 18

American Idol season 18 winner Just Sam, a 21-year-old from Harlem, New York, showcased her softer side when she sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella. The Top 7 finalists sang Disney songs from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Dressed in a shiny gold gown, Just Sam sang the legendary song in front of a background of classic scenes from the animated movie.

Just Sam’s performance was powerful not only because she had come so far in her own life, but because the song gave people hope during the dark days of the pandemic. With her crystal clear vocals and beautiful smile, she expertly conveyed the message of the song. Just Sam added some gorgeous high notes to the end of the song, proving why she deserved to win American Idol season 18.

5

Willie Spence – “Circle Of Life” From The Lion King

American Idol Season 19

The American Idol season 19 Top 10 finalists were mentored by actor and singer John Stamos for their Disney Night. Willie Spence was a 21-year-old from Douglas, Georgia, who eventually placed second on the season to winner Chayce Beckham in 2021. On Disney Night, Willie sang a powerful version of “Circle of Life” from The Lion King. Willie always brought so much feeling to every performance, but this one was something extra-special.

Willie began the song by highlighting his beautiful lower register notes. He then built to a stunning crescendo in the phenomenal chorus, pouring his emotion into every one of the song’s words. Willie moved people with all of his performances, but his final chill-inducing notes at the end of “Circle of Life” were on another level. As Luke told him, he had the magic. Tragically, Willie died after a car accident on October 11, 2022, which makes this performance even more poignant.

6

Grace Kinstler – “Into The Unknown” From Frozen 2

American Idol Season 19

American Idol season 19’s Grace Kinstler, a 20-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, was a powerhouse singer who placed third on the season behind runner-up Willie and winner Chayce. Her mystical performance of “Into the Unknown” showcased her stunning vocal range. Grace effortlessly hit the soaring high notes, joyously unleashing her power onto stage.

Grace not only sang the song like a professional, but she told the story of the song as well. She captured the emotion of the song, which allowed the audience to connect to her. Just when it seemed that Grace had hit the limit of her upper register, she brought the song to another dimension with even higher notes. Grace put a spell on everyone with this performance, and she brought a level of singing to the stage that is rarely seen on American Idol.

7

Noah Thompson – “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” From Toy Story

American Idol Season 20

In 2022, the American Idol season 20 Top 10 finalists were mentored by actor, singer, and Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough for Disney Night. Noah Thompson, a 19-year-old from Louisa, Kentucky, had never performed for an audience before his time on the show, so he was still finding his footing. His performance of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story brought a new level of confidence for him. Noah’s vocals never sounded better, and his sweet smile expressed the message of the song.

Noah brought his own country style to the song, infusing it with his own touches. It had been sung on Disney Night before, but he made it sound fresh and new. Noah hit some impressive and heartfelt high notes at the end of the song that proved why he deserved to win American Idol season 20, which he eventually did.

8

Leah Marlene – “When She Loved Me” From Toy Story 2

American Idol Season 20

Leah Marlene, a 20-year-old from Normal, Illinois, came into American Idol season 20 as a quirky singer without much confidence. However, she transformed into a star during the competition, and her performance of “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2 was the beginning of that metamorphosis. With her beautiful vocals, Leah expertly told the story of the song, holding the audience in the palm of her hand as she did so.

Leah had grown so much since her first audition. She put her delicate touch into every note she sang, bringing the audience to tears. Leah mesmerized everyone with each of her performances, but she really came into her own when she sang “When She Loved Me.” This was one of Leah’s best performances, and proved why she deserved to make it as far as she did on American Idol season 21, placing third.

9

Wé Ani – “Into The Unknown” From Frozen 2

American Idol Season 21

During American Idol season 21 in 2023, the Top 5 finalists were mentored by actress and singer Sofia Carson for Disney Night. Wé, a 24-year-old from Harlem, New York, stunned everyone with her spectacular performance of “Into the Unknown” from Frozen 2. She commanded the stage and grabbed everyone’s attention from the first note. Wé effortlessly hit the high notes in the song, infusing it with her soulful style.

Throughout the performance, Wé conveyed so much emotion and told the story of Elsa’s journey in the song. Her powerful notes at the end of “Into the Unknown” brought American Idol to a place it had rarely been before. By singing such a beloved and difficult song for Disney Night, Wé proved that she deserved to continue in the competition, and she made it all the way to the Top 5.

10

Iam Tongi – “Lava” from Lava

American Idol Season 21

Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old from Kahuku, Hawaii, who eventually won American Idol season 21, couldn’t have picked a better song than “Lava” from the animated short of the same name. The song matched Iam’s island-style perfectly. As Iam stood at the microphone, playing the ukulele, he told the story of the song. He captured the message and the emotion of the song perfectly.

Wearing a Hawaiian shirt and lei, Iam brought so much authenticity to his performance. As Katy said, he knew exactly who he was, which brought sincerity to every one of his songs. His quiet and sensitive performance was special and meaningful. Iam had a special ability to captivate his audience with his beautiful voice and story-telling ability. His high notes at the end were moving, and proved why he deserved to win the competition. Iam was crowned the winner of American Idol season 21 later in the season.

Disney Night has made the American Idol stage the Happiest Place on Earth for six seasons, and it’ll be exciting to see which Disney classics the American Idol season 22 Top 5 finalists choose to sing for their special night. It’ll also be thrilling to see which character Katy dresses as for her final Disney Night before she leaves the show. American Idol Disney Night is always very magical, and hopefully it will continue to bring smiles to everyone’s faces for years to come.

Sources: Talent Recap/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, Breaking Talents Showcase/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, Talent Recap/YouTube, TALENTKINGHD/YouTube, TALENTKINGHD/YouTube