BBC Radio 2 listeners crown Randy Newman’s You’ve Got A Friend In MeTheir favourite Animated Movie SongToy Story’s - You’ve Got A Friend In Me, is today revealed as the number one from Radio 2’s Ultimate Animated Movie Song Countdown as voted for by BBC Radio 2 listenersOFFICIAL PRESS RELEASENEWS PROVIDED BY BBC Radio 2 The Top 50 will feature in a special countdown show, hosted by OJ Borg. The show will air later today from 2-5pm on BBC Radio 2. The listener vote was launched in July to mark an amazing 50 years of classic, feel-good, animated movie songs. In the programme, OJ will be joined by many of the contributors from the top songs, including Adassa, who plays Dolores Madrigal in Encanto, talking about We Don't Talk About Bruno, Lebo M, who features in The Lion Kings’ Circle of Life and Peter Gabriel, co-writer and performer of Down To Earth from Wall-E, and OJ speaks to some of the listeners who voted. He also delves into the archive to hear from the stars who feature or created these family favourite songs, including Elton John, Idina Menzel, Dwayne Johnson, Angela Lansbury, Randy Newman, Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake and Lin Manuel-Miranda. OJ reveals the stories behind these much loved animation anthems, finding out what makes them so special and much loved. Released in 1995 and written by Randy Newman, You’ve Got a Friend in Me, is the theme tune to the Disney/Pixar film Toy Story. The song was nominated for an Academy Award plus a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and has featured in the sequel Toy Story films. You’ve Got A Friend In Me has been covered various times by many famous names including George Jones, Michael Bublé and Rex Orange County. OJ Borg says: “It’s blown my mind that something that started as an argument between me and my eight-year-old daughter about what was the best song in our favourite animated film, is now a full on Radio 2 vote. And the reason we were having the argument is that so many songs from these animated films are just so good. Catchy, emotional, funny, heart-breaking - and it’s going to be such fun counting down what is the best song from an animated film of the last 50 years, resplendent with interviews and memories from those that made them and of all of us who love them.” Actor John Morris, who played Andy in Toy Story says: “I'm thrilled the song won! For me, it connects to the core and heart of Toy Story and its message. It illustrates the close friendship between Andy and his toys. On another personal note, the song is meaningful to me as I sang it for Disney on Ice which was a very memorable highlight for me earlier in my career.” Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “It’s no surprise that Radio 2 listeners have voted You’ve Got a Friend in Me as their favourite song from an animated film, it’s a classic feel-good song with a message that speaks to all of us. I hope the Radio 2 listeners enjoy three hours singing along to these brilliant family favourite songs which hold a special place in our hearts.” James King, Radio 2 Movie Critic, says: “What a great winner! ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ was such an instant earworm right from the first Toy Story film, it’s hard to believe that there was ever a time before we all knew it. There are no better movies about friendship than the Toy Story franchise and what Randy Newman did with this song - complete with inspiring lyrics and captivating melody - was get right to the heart of the matter. It’s two minutes of animated movie song perfection.” The Top 50 in results order: BBC Radio 2 is the UK’s most listened to radio station, with a weekly audience of 14.6 million (RAJAR Q2, 2022), and won Station Of The Year at the Music Week 2021 awards. The network’s presenters include Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Rev. Kate Bottley, Ken Bruce, Rylan, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox, Jamie Cullum, Gary Davies, Paul Gambaccini, Angela Griffin, Bob Harris, Michelle Visage, Cerys Matthews, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Nelson, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, DJ Spoony, Mark Radcliffe, Liza Tarbuck, Jeremy Vine, Michelle Visage, Johnnie Walker, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman and Steve Wright.
Source BBC Radio 2
August 29, 2022 11:00am ET by BBC Radio 2 |
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