The 2022 D23 Expo kicked off on Friday as thousands of eager, excited, and costumed fans made their way through the doors at the Anaheim Convention Center, and during one of the days biggest panels, audience members got a special surprise from one of the newest Disney Legends, Idina Menzel from Disney’s Frozen.
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Menzel is best known for her breakout role as the voice behind Queen Elsa from Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2. Her strong mezzo-soprano voice spans nearly three octaves, and it’s part of the popularity behind the frosty Disney films, as “Let It Go” and “Into the Unknown” became instant hits, especially when Disney’s younger audience.
On Friday, during the Disney Legends Ceremony at the 2022 D23 Expo, Menzel was honored with the Disney Legend Award, and she shared some history about her grandfather’s role in her love for Disney. She always loved the “OG” classics like Disney’s Cinderella, and one of her favorite Disney songs was “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disney’s Pinocchio. Menzel told audience members present during the ceremony that she often sang the song when she was with her grandfather.
After graciously accepting her award, Menzel thanked fans, especially fans of “Let It Go,” but before stepping away, she mentioned one of the tiniest Disney characters of all.
“And in the words of Jiminy Cricket,” she said, and then burst into song, surely reminiscent of those lazy days as a little girl visiting her grandfather.
Fans cheered as Queen Elsa made her way across the stage to stand with The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek for a photo as she held her Disney Legend award.
Menzel is known best as Queen Elsa, but she will also play a role in Disney’s upcoming Disenchanted.
