BRONX, NY- Disney films hold a special place in our hearts. The music in the movies are easy to recognize and I am sure I am not the only one who breaks out in song when a favorite hit is played. Last Thursday, ABC did a special broadcast: The Disney Family Sing-Along. While all my friends were bopping their head to the songs in English, I was singing the lyrics in Spanish. I grew up watching the Latin American dubs of Disney films, so belting out a hit in my native language is a reflex. Many people are not aware of the famous Latinx celebrities that provide a voice for the Disney characters. So, I am going to share some of my favorites with you.
“No Importa La Distancia”- Ricky Martin
Let’s start with a classic. Hercules was a big hit when it premiered in 1995. While all the other kids were learning the lyrics to “I Can Go The Distance”, I was following along to “No Importa La Distancia”. Ricky Martin provides the Latinx voice for Hercules and he does an amazing job.
"No Hablaré De Mi Amor"- Tatiana
Tatiana is a famous Mexican actress, TV host, producer, and singer. She is mostly known for Grammy-winning children’s albums and if you grew up in a Latinx home during the 90’s, El Espacio de Tatiana was on your TV on Saturdays. Tatiana gave life to Megara, especially in “I Won’t Say I’m In Love.” The Latin American version of the song gained more popularity than the American one. I love this version better.
"Sueña"- Luis Miguel
If you heard of Juan Gabriel, José José, and El Puma, then you know Luis Miguel. Although he does not lend his voice to the cast of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, he does give us this amazing song. I remember the music video would appear after the credits on the VHS tape.
“Un Mundo Ideal”- Ricardo Montaner and Michelle
Latin Pop singer Ricardo Montaner teamed up with Spain’s Michelle for this rendition of “A Whole New World.” Neither performer provided voice acting in Aladdin, but the song was a hit in Latin America. For those of you who need a more modern fix, Zayn and Becky G have recorded a Spanglish version of this song in honor of the live-action reboot.
"Veo En Ti La Luz" - Danna Paola and Chayanne
My mom really wanted to see Tangled, but only because her favorite singer, Chayanne, was the voice actor for Flynn Ryder. Chayanne has been trained into my head to the point where I know all his ballads. He and Ricky Martin started out in popular boy bands before going solo (Ricky Martin was a member of Menudo, while Chaynne performed with Los Chicos). Danna Paola is a singer, actress, and model in Mexico who started her career at a young age. She provides the sweet voice for Rapunzel. I really like this version better than the original.
"Mi Reflejo"- Lucero
I decided to post both Latinx versions of “My Reflection” from Mulan. In this one, Lucero, who is a legend in Latin American music, recorded the music video that would play at the end of the credits when the film was released on VHS. She was a big fan of the movie and the visuals in the video are beautiful.
Nothing beats Christina Aguilera’s version for me! Her vocals shine in both English and Spanish.
"Recuérdame" - Carlos Rivera
Pixar’s Coco was a visual and musical masterpiece. Marco Antonio Solís, Angélica Vale, Angélica María, Gael García Bernal, Jamie Camil, and many other talents came together to bring this story to life. If you get the chance, try to watch the film in both languages. You will catch the fluidity is better in the Latinx version than the English one. “Remember Me” became a big Disney hit, so Carlos Rivera adds his vocal talent to this music video.
"Libre Soy" - Carmen Sarahí
Although Carmen Sarahí has been acting and singing for years, she gained popularity as the Latinx voice of Elsa in Frozen. “Let It Go” became iconic, and the treatment was no different for “Libre Soy”.
"Cuán Lejos Voy" - Sara Paula Gómez Arias
Sara Paula Gómez Arias has been working as a voice actress since the age of seven for Disney. Her projects include Brave, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, The Lion Guard, and The Princess and The Frog. She gave her talent to Moana in “How Far I’ll Go.”
"Viaje Tiempo Atras" - Thalia
“VIAJE TIEMPO ATRAS”- THALIA
This is just a bonus video. I know Anastasia is not a Disney movie, but it was a film almost everyone from my childhood had seen. Thalia is an actress, singer, model, and entrepreneur. Growing up, I watched in her in what is called the trio of Maria Telenovelas (Maria La Del Barrio, Maria Mercedes, and Mari Mar). She was a good fit for this movie.
If I was to post all the Latinx Disney songs, this blog post would go on forever. However, I did create a Spotify playlist if you want to hear more. You can check it out here:
I like watching the films in Spanish just to see how it is and as a part of staying connected to my Latinx roots. Do you know any Disney songs in another language? What are they? I am open to suggestions.
Banner Image: The Walt Disney Company
Videos: Pach90, Disney Fan!, Ricardo Monatner, DisneyMusicLAVEVO, Nikolas Rey, Nikol Lillo, Christina Aguilera, and Thalia.
Note: Disney bought 20th Century Fox, so I guess Anastasia counts as a Disney Princess now. Also, have any of you watched Encanto? I highly recommend it.
Last Updated: January 14, 2022