Ariana Grande And John Legend Team Up For The ‘Beauty And The Beast’ Theme Song

We got a first taste of the new Beauty and the Beast theme song, sung by Ariana Grande and John Legend, in the third and final trailer. Now, we’re getting a full serving of the classic ballad.

The song itself is as old as time and has been sung by other, ahem, legends in the past, including Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson who recorded the original in 1991. After it came out, the Dion-Bryson version went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 1992 and the Academy Award in the same category the same year. So, it goes without saying, Grande and Legend’s modern remake had some big shoes to fill. 

Is it the romantic tune we’re used to? Not quite, it’s a bit faster paced. But, as many have pointed out, this is likely the version that’s going to be played in the credits. The one played in the trailer, which has more orchestral instruments backing it, will probably play during the movie. Whichever side you’re on, producer Ron Fair is content with the rendition. "Stepping into the shoes of an Oscar- and Grammy Award-winning classic is not small potatoes," he said in a statement. "But with today's two greatest singers—John Legend and Ariana Grande—we are bringing the song back with a new school/old school fresh treatment that shows the soulfulness and power of what a great melody and lyric can inspire."

Listen to the full song above. Forty-one days and counting until we can experience its full potential on the big screen.