Prince Ali (song) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Prince Ali" |
|
|---|---|
| Song by Robin Williams | |
| from the album Aladdin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
| Released | October 31, 1992 |
| Genre | Show tune |
| Length | 2:52 |
| Label | Walt Disney |
| Composer(s) | Alan Menken |
| Lyricist(s) | Howard Ashman Tim Rice (reprise) Chad Beguelin (Sultan reprise in musical) |
"Prince Ali" is a famous song from the 1992 Disney animated movie Aladdin. It's actually two songs: the main "Prince Ali" and a shorter "reprise." The main song is sung by the amazing Robin Williams as the Genie. The reprise is sung by Jonathan Freeman, who plays the villain Jafar. The song sung by Robin Williams was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1993! After Robin Williams passed away in 2014, the song was played a lot on the radio in the UK.
How the Song Was Made
When the movie Aladdin was being made, some parts of the "Prince Ali" song were cut. This included an introduction and two extra verses in the middle of the song.
The Reprise Version
The shorter "Prince Ali (reprise)" was created because the story changed during the film's production. Originally, there was a different song planned for Jafar called "Humiliate the Boy." This song was about Jafar revealing that Prince Ali was really Aladdin. It also showed Jafar using his wishes to embarrass Aladdin.
However, the story for the movie changed. So, the song "Humiliate the Boy" was removed. Instead, the songwriters Alan Menken and Tim Rice wrote a new song called "Why Me." This was meant to give Jafar a big musical moment. In the final movie, all these ideas were combined into the quick "Prince Ali (reprise)" that you hear.
What Happens in the Song
"Prince Ali" is a very lively and colorful song. The Genie, voiced by Robin Williams, sings it. He uses his magic to introduce Agrabah to Prince Ali Ababwa. This "prince" is actually Aladdin in disguise. The Genie creates a huge parade with lots of fanfare to make Aladdin look like a real prince.
Later in the movie, there is a short "reprise" of the song. In this part, the evil Jafar, voiced by Jonathan Freeman, sings. He uses his magic to reveal that Prince Ali is not a real prince at all. Jafar shows everyone that "Prince Ali" is just Aladdin, a poor thief from the streets.
In the stage musical version of Aladdin, there's an early reprise of the song. In this version, the Sultan announces to everyone in the city that his daughter, Princess Jasmine, will marry the prince.
