Behind-the-Scenes: The launch of Disney+ in Singapore

March 25, 2021 9:58 am

Disney+ Finding Nemo and Finding Dory on MBS Hotel and ArtScience Museum (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

On February 24, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and Marina Bay Sands launched the video-on-demand streaming service Disney+. The launch features live performances of a star-studded line-up of artists and light shows.

Disney+ Magic of Disney_s Animal Kingdom on MBS Hotel and ArtScience Museum (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

The spectacular shows are light up at several landmarks in the Marina Bay vicinity, such as Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, the three cascading towers of Marina Bay Sands and underbelly of Sands SkyPark, as well as ArtScience Museum.

Singaporean superstar JJ Lin performed on the rooftop of ArtScience Museum, dubbed the Welcoming Hand of Singapore by Las Vegas Sands’ late founder Sheldon G. Adelson.

Disney+ JJ Lin on rooftop of ArtScience Museum (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

He was the first artist to perform atop of the iconic landmark, singing a medley of Disney theme songs including Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King; Let it Go from Frozen; A Whole New World from Aladdin; and the Chinese theme song Embark, from the latest Walt Disney Pictures animation, Soul. It also served as a homecoming for Lin, who was one of the first artists to have performed at the grand opening of Marina Bay Sands in 2010, alongside American singers Kelly Rowland and Diana Ross.

Disney+ Nathan Hartono at Light Ball Orchestra in ArtScience Museum (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

Disney+ Benjamin Kheng at Crystal Universe in ArtScience Museum — Disney+ Nathan Hartono at Light Ball Orchestra in ArtScience Museum (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

JJ Lin was joined by a star-studded line-up of local singer-songwriters including Sing! China 2016 first runner-up Nathan Hartono, who sang You’ve Got A Friend In Me from Toy Story; as well as Benjamin Kheng and Annette Lee, who performed the classic Disney theme songs Beauty & the Beast. Reflection from Mulan and Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. These memorable performances took place at ArtScience Museum’s permanent exhibition space Future World: Where Art Meets Science.

The launch was a pinnacle moment for Marina Bay Sands and Disney, who have partnered over the years for events that have included the Southeast Asia Blue Carpet & Premiere of Captain America: Civil War and festive-light up with Moana in 2016, Marina Bay Sands’ Festive Light Up with Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War red carpet fan event in 2018, and Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel fan event in 2019.