How to tune in to the ‘Disney Family Singalong’ this Thursday

Calling all Disney fans! If you and your family are looking for a magical, musical pick-me-up to get through the stay-at-home blues, then gather around your TV at 8 p.m. EDT on April 16. That’s when ABC will present “The Disney Family Singalong.” Sure, you’ve probably hummed or sang along to classic Disney movies, but not together with the entire nation.

With the help of animated character to guide the on-screen lyrics, everyone can follow along with their favorite celebrities as they sing beloved melodies from Disney classics, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Toy Story” to more recent fan-favorites like “Moana,” “Frozen” and “High School Musical.”

The show will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will feature an hour of favorite Disney songs sung by a celebrity lineup including Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Josh Groban, Elle Fanning, Christina Aguilera, Erin Andrews, Bobby Bones, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Auliʻi Cravalho, Luke Evans, Jordan Fisher, Josh Gad, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Little Big Town, Kenny Ortega, Donny Osmond, Thomas Rhett, Amber Riley, John Stamos and many more. All of the celebrities participating will appear remotely from their homes to stay compliant with the CDC’s recommendations of social distancing.

“One of the reasons for the special is to provide a welcome distraction from the coronavirus pandemic and give families a chance to create some new, wonderful memories.

“If there’s something that we’ve all learned in the past few weeks, it’s to cherish every moment and the importance of connection, whether through laughter, stories or music. We hope that we can help create some new unforgettable moments in everyone’s home in a way that only the magic of Disney can,” said Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, which posted a preview on YouTube:

In addition to bringing musical entertainment into everyone’s homes, ABC and Disney want to help raise awareness for Feeding America, an organization working to help families facing hunger during the coronavirus crisis.

A special part of the broadcast will be a reunion of the original “High School Musical” cast to be a part of the “We’re All in this Together” singalong!

The movie’s director, Kenny Ortega, was able to connect with actors Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman and Lucas Grabeel to get in on the fun. Fellow original Wildcat Zac Efron isn’t part of the singalong, but still got involved and will have a message for fans during the special.

“We couldn’t reach Zac until late but when we did, he immediately jumped in, of course,” Ortega told Deadline. “Everyone we reached out to was quick — and you’ll see it in their spirit and the way they come together from their homes. They recognize this is an opportunity to strengthen spirits for those joining us for the broadcast.”