
When You Wish Upon a Star is a song synonymous with Disney magic and wishes come true. Universally praised since its debut in the 1940 film Pinocchio, the song has become an anthem for The Walt Disney Company. With its dreamy lyrics and hopeful message, it's no wonder that this tune has become a popular choice for Disney-themed weddings, with orchestral arrangements and covers by beloved Disney voices like Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, and Idina Menzel adding to its enduring appeal for couples looking to add a touch of fairy-tale magic to their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Appearance | Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio |
| Writers | Leigh Harline and Ned Washington |
| First Sung By | Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards) |
| Other Notable Covers | Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara, Eddie Carroll, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, Sara Bareilles |
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What You'll Learn

Sara Bareilles' version for Disney 100
"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a classic Disney song that has been featured in many weddings and has also been covered by various artists over the years. The song was originally written for the 1940 Disney film "Pinocchio" and has since become one of the most well-known and beloved Disney songs of all time.
In 2023, as part of Disney's 100th-anniversary celebrations, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles lent her distinctive voice to a new version of "When You Wish Upon a Star." Bareilles' interpretation of the song is both heartfelt and captivating, showcasing her unique vocal style and emotional delivery.
The song was released as a single on May 15, 2023, and is available on various music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. It is listed as being from the "Disney 100" project, celebrating the magic and wonder of Disney's extensive history.
Bareilles' version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" has received positive feedback from fans, who have taken to online forums like Reddit to discuss the song. Many have expressed their appreciation for Bareilles' rendition, praising her ability to infuse the song with new life and emotion.
With its dreamy and whimsical vibe, Sara Bareilles' interpretation of "When You Wish Upon a Star" from the Disney 100 celebration is a beautiful addition to any wedding playlist. The song's message of hope and wishing captures the essence of love and new beginnings, making it a perfect choice for couples looking to add a touch of Disney magic to their special day.
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Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara's duet version
"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a well-known and beloved Disney song that has become a popular choice for weddings. The song has been covered by various artists, and one notable duet version is performed by Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara.
Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara are both renowned for their vocal talents and their roles in Disney animation. Benson is known as the voice of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," and O'Hara voiced Belle in "Beauty and the Beast." Their collaboration on "When You Wish Upon a Star" brings together two iconic Disney princesses, creating a magical and memorable rendition.
The duet version of the song captures the essence of wishful thinking and dreaming, which aligns perfectly with the sentiment of a wedding celebration. The lyrics, "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are / Anything your heart desires will come to you," speak to the hopes and aspirations of the couple embarking on their new life together.
Benson and O'Hara's rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star" offers a unique and enchanting take on the classic Disney song. Their harmonious vocals blend beautifully, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The duet arrangement adds a layer of richness and emotion to the music, making it a perfect choice for a wedding ceremony or first dance.
For Disney enthusiasts or those seeking a touch of magic and fantasy on their special day, including this duet version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" can be a wonderful way to incorporate their love for Disney and the meaningful message of the song into their wedding celebration. The song serves as a reminder to keep dreaming, believing, and wishing upon that star as the couple begins their journey together.
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Idina Menzel's cover
"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a well-known and beloved Disney song that has been featured in many weddings. The song, originally from the 1940 Disney film "Pinocchio", has been covered by various artists over the years, including Idina Menzel in 2014.
Menzel's version stays true to the original composition while adding a modern twist. The arrangement features a lush orchestral accompaniment that enhances the dreamlike atmosphere of the song. Menzel's interpretation of the lyrics is heartfelt and sincere, capturing the essence of hope and wish fulfilment that the song conveys.
For couples who are fans of Disney or simply appreciate the timeless appeal of its songs, Idina Menzel's cover of "When You Wish Upon a Star" is an excellent choice for their wedding day. The song can be incorporated into the ceremony or reception, providing a magical and memorable moment for the couple and their guests.
In addition to Menzel, other artists have also covered "When You Wish Upon a Star", including Sara Bareilles, whose version was released as a single in 2023 as part of Disney's 100th-anniversary celebration. These interpretations offer a diverse range of styles, allowing couples to choose the version that best suits their wedding theme and personal preferences.
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Pentatonix's cover
"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a song originally written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio. The song has since become the official anthem of The Walt Disney Company and has been used in various Disney productions and theme parks.
Pentatonix, a five-person a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, released a cover of "When You Wish Upon a Star" on their sixth Christmas album, "We Need A Little Christmas", on November 13, 2020. The album features a mix of popular covers and original songs, with "When You Wish Upon a Star" being one of thirteen covers on the album.
The song's lyrics capture the essence of dreaming and wishing, with lines like "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true" and "Makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you". Pentatonix's version stays true to the original while adding their own unique stylistic spin, showcasing the group's versatility and talent.
Pentatonix first gained national recognition after winning the third season of NBC's "The Sing-Off" in 2011, impressing audiences with their unexpected stylistic range. They have since gone on to release multiple Top Ten albums, win multiple Grammy Awards, and achieve international chart success. Their version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" is a beautiful addition to their repertoire and a lovely choice for a Disney-themed wedding song.
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The original version by Cliff Edwards
"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a song that has become synonymous with Disney and its magical movies. With its dreamy and whimsical tone, it is no surprise that it is a popular choice for weddings, especially for Disney-themed celebrations. The original version, performed by Cliff Edwards, is a cherished classic that continues to capture the hearts of audiences, young and old.
The song made its debut in the 1940 animated film "Pinocchio," with Cliff Edwards, also known as "Ukulele Ike," lending his distinctive and playful voice to the role of Jiminy Cricket. The character, with his tiny cricket legs and top hat, became an iconic symbol of Disney's golden age of animation. Edwards' rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star" is a delightful and whimsical take on the song, capturing the hope and wonder of wishing upon a star.
The song itself is a beautiful ballad, with a simple yet powerful message. It speaks to the dreamer in all of us, encouraging us to wish upon a star and keep our dreams alive. The lyrics, "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are / Anything your heart desires will come to you," are an uplifting reminder that our dreams are within reach if we just believe. Edwards' warm and inviting voice adds to the song's charm, making it a comforting and nostalgic listen.
The original version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" has a length of 3 minutes and 15 seconds. It features the talented Disney Studio Chorus, adding to the magical atmosphere of the song. The chorus, with their harmonious voices, creates a lush and enchanting soundscape that transports listeners to a world of fantasy and wonder. This version of the song has become a beloved classic, not just for its association with Disney, but also for its ability to evoke a sense of childlike wonder and optimism.
While there have been numerous covers and interpretations of "When You Wish Upon a Star" over the years, the original version by Cliff Edwards remains a timeless treasure. It is a testament to the enduring power of Disney's music and its ability to transcend generations, continuing to be a beloved choice for weddings and other special occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
The song was written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio. It was first sung by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards) and is heard during the opening credits and the final scene of the film.
Sara Bareilles sang a rendition of the song for Disney's 100th anniversary.
Yes, several artists have covered the song, including Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Eddie Carroll, Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, and Jazzinuf.
The song has become the official anthem of The Walt Disney Company. It has been used as the theme for the Walt Disney anthology series and is played alongside the Walt Disney Pictures logo at the beginning of many films. The song's theme of wishes, dreams, and magic has become synonymous with the Disney brand.
































