4 Played-Out Songs That Should Never Be Performed On American Idol's Disney Night Again

American Idol Disney Night is a beloved annual tradition for the reality singing competition series, but there are a few played-out songs that should never be performed during the episode again. American Idol Disney Night began in 2018 when ABC revived the show after its 2016 FOX cancellation after 15 seasons. Disney is the parent company of ABC, so it made sense that the network would integrate classic Disney songs into American Idol.

American Idol Disney Night has become one of the most anticipated theme nights for the show. The finalists travel to Disneyland for sessions with superstar mentors. Past Disney Night mentors include Idina Menzel (season 16), Rebel Wilson (season 17), John Stamos (season 19), Derek Hough (season 20), Sofia Carson (season 21), Kane Brown (season 22), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (season 23). There was no mentor in season 18’s Disney Night due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 20, 2026, American Idol season 24 Disney Night will feature mentor Jennifer Hudson, who placed seventh in American Idol season 3, and went on to be one of the most successful finalists in the show’s history. As the youngest woman to achieve EGOT status, she’s won every one of the four major American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. The American Idol season 24 Top 9 finalists who’ll be performing on Disney Night are Braden Rumfelt, Brooks, Chris Tungseth, Daniel Stallworth, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Kyndal, and Lucas Leon.

American Idol Disney Night is also known for the judges dressing up as iconic Disney characters. Former judge Katy Perry began the tradition when she wore costumes depicting Snow White (season 16), Ursula the Sea Witch (season 17), Mrs. Jumbo (season 18), Tinker Bell (season 19), Ariel (season 20), Elastigirl (season 21), and Cinderella (season 22). Carrie Underwood, who took Katy’s place at the judging table in season 23, followed in her footsteps by dressing in costumes that channeled Rapunzel and Alice.

Although these elements are all cherished parts of American Idol Disney Night, the most important part is the contestants’ songs. There have been some really unique choices throughout the years, including Maddie Poppe’s “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book (season 16), Uché’s “I 2 I” from A Goofy Movie (season 17), Dillon James’ “Our Town” from Cars (season 18), Chayce Beckham’s “Baby Mine” from Dumbo (season 19), Nicolina’s “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid (season 20), Iam Tongi’s “Lava” from Lava (season 21), Will Moseley’s The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy from Toy Story 4 (season 22), and John Foster’s “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie (season 23). However, there are four songs that should be retired from Disney Night because of them being completely played out.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story)

Toy Story’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is one of the most overperformed American Idol Disney Night songs. It was the main theme song for the 1995 Disney/Pixar animated feature film, and has been used in the entire Toy Story franchise. Written and sung by Randy Newman, the song was nominated for the 1995 Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song is an ode to friendship, and has transcended the films.

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Although the song is one of the most iconic in the whole Disney catalog, when those first extremely recognizable notes begin to play, fans often find themselves rolling their eyes rather than singing along. The song has been performed five times, four by American Idol finalists Caleb Lee Hutchinson (season 16), Wade Cota (season 17), Noah Thompson (season 20), Slater Nalley (season 23), and once by judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and host Ryan Seacrest (season 22). While the cheery song always brightens up Disney Night, it’s time for the contestants to challenge themselves with something new and different.

Remember Me (Coco)

“Remember Me” is a song from the 2017 animated feature film, Coco, which was written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. During the film, various voice actors sing the song, including Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, and Ana Ofelia Murguía. A pop version of the song performed by Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade is featured during the film’s end credits, while Carlos Rivera recorded a cover version of the tune, titled “Recuérdame” for the movie’s Spanish-language soundtrack album. “Remember Me” won the 2017 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“Remember Me” is about how the power of music can keep people alive. It explores the idea of remembering people even when they’re far away, especially because the film deals with the concept of death. While it’s a beautiful song, it’s been overdone on American Idol, and it leads to viewers reacting more with yawns than yays when the finalists begin singing it.

So far, “Remember Me” has been performed five times during American Idol Disney Night through the years. The finalists who chose it include Michelle Sussett (season 16), Alejandro Aranda (season 17), Arthur Gunn (season 19), Jay (season 20), and Mattie Pruitt (season 23). Although all five of the performances captured the essence of the song, Michelle was eliminated after her ground-breaking version, during which she sang in both English and Spanish.

You’ll Be In My Heart (Tarzan)

“You’ll Be In My Heart” from the 1999 animated feature film, Tarzan, is one of the most overperformed Disney Night songs. Written and performed by Phil Collins for the film, the song won the 1999 Academy Award for Best Original Song. Although it’s a beautiful ballad about a bond that can’t be broken, it’s been performed too many times on the show to have a strong impact. It’s no longer a thrilling choice for the finalists, but rather a predictable selection.

Through the eight years that American Idol has celebrated Disney Night, five finalists have chosen the song, including Dimitrius Graham (season 17), Franciso Martin (season 18), Hunter Metts (season 19), Mike Parker (season 20), and Breanna Nix (season 23). While all of their performances were very heartfelt, Dimitrius was eliminated after his interpretation of the song.

How Far I’ll Go (Moana)

“How Far I’ll Go” from Moana is an empowering song that captures the independent spirit of the title character of the 2016 animated feature film. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the song was performed in the movie by Auli’i Cravalho, and there is also a pop version recorded by Alessia Cara. The tune was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2016 Academy Awards. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2018.

“How Far I’ll Go” is an exhilarating song, so it makes sense that many of the finalists have wanted to sing it over the years. However, its overuse has led fans to feel bored rather than inspired during performances of it. Four finalists have chosen the song, including Jurnee (season 16), Madison VanDenburg (season 17), Lady K (season 20), and Gabby Samone (season 23). Although the song’s soaring notes have allowed the contestants to highlight their spectacular vocals, it’s proven to be a difficult tune for them, as both Lady K and Gabby were eliminated after their performances.

American Idol Disney Night has been transforming the studio into the Happiest Place on Earth for eight years now, but there are some songs that have been performed too many times. As the American Idol season 24 finalists prepare for Disney Night, hopefully these four songs won’t be on the list for the contestants.

While these songs are beloved and beautiful in their own right, they’ve been sung too many times on American Idol to have a real and lasting impact anymore. They can turn the show into a real snoozefest, even when the contestants try to make them their own. They can also cause fans to compare current contestants to previous ones, which might hurt their chances of earning votes. Hopefully, the American Idol season 24 finalists will choose some new and exciting songs from the Disney catalog.

American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Sources: Talent Recap/YouTube, Michelle Sussett PHILIPPINES/YouTube, American Idol/YouTube, Little Moses Jones/YouTube

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