Céline Dion & Peabo Bryson, Beauty and the Beast | Dazzling Duets

In the 23^rd edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Céline Dion and Peabo Bryson collaborate on “Beauty and the Beast.”

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight striking songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column. In the 23^rd edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Céline Dion and Peabo Bryson collaborate on “Beauty and the Beast”. Let the dazzle begin!

On June 2, 2026, the world lost a terrific singer in Peabo Bryson (1951 – 2026). Bryson was particularly awesome duetting with others.  Fittingly, both of his Grammy wins were for collaborations.  And not just any collaborations… Disney Renaissance! The first of these duets, “Beauty and the Beast”, was performed with one of the greatest singers EVER: Céline Dion (b. 1968). Their synergy on the titular end title from the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack is like that “indescribable feeling” referenced on “A Whole New World” (Bryson duetted with Regina Belle the following year for the end title from Aladdin). The music was written by Alan Menken (b. 1949), and the lyrics were penned by the late Howard Ashman (1950 – 1991). Menken and Ashman won a Grammy and an Academy Award for this song. In addition to winning Grammys and Oscars, “Beauty and the Beast” reached the top 10 of the pop charts (number nine on the Billboard Hot 100). The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Céline Dion draws first blood on “Beauty and the Beast,” setting the smooth, adult contemporary vibes on the intro (“Ooh, ooh”).  Initially, the song is set in F major, a common key. She follows up with the memorable first verse, excerpted earlier.  Dion continues singing, with her expressive and sophisticated pipes, “Barely even friends / Then somebody bends / Unexpectedly.” Peabo Bryson takes the reins in the second verse, which modulates to the key of D, continuing to set the stage for the unlikely romance: “Both a little scared, neither one prepared,” with both following, singing the titular lyric.  From there, Céline and Peabo perform the bridge together, in all of its glory, in the same key:

“…Ever as before

And ever just as sure

As the sun will rise.”

Their voices meld seamlessly. Post-bridge, some “Whoa(s),” sung separately by Dion and Bryson, clearly distinguish the end title from the children’s version featured in the film.  The “Whoa(s)” add intensity and sincerity.  Following the interlude, the bridge recurs, featuring alluring collaborative and solo moments from the duo.  This mix of roles keeps “Beauty and the Beast” engaging, as does a big-time “Oh, oh, oh,” which leads the song into another modulation, to the key of G.  Dion leads in the third verse, with some Bryson (“oohs”) before the join forces, masterfully, once more: “Bittersweet and strange / Finding you can change / Learning you were wrong.” The roles are reversed in the fourth and final verse, where there is one final key change (E major), with Peabo leading initially. Céline also has several solo moments, and the duo collaborates twice on, you guessed it, the titular line.  Fittingly, in the outro, they also cap things off with “Beauty and the Beast.”  Supported by smooth production with adult-contemporary pop cues and orchestral touches, Céline Dion and Peabo Bryson created a magical listening experience with “Beauty and the Beast”. Sure, I’ve given my commentary about this massive soundtrack gem, but it was unnecessary; the music speaks for itself.  This will always be one of Disney’s best songs.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime duet that feels even more special given the passing of Peabo Bryson. RIP.

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Various Artists » Beauty and the Beast » Disney » 1991

Céline Dion & Peabo Bryson, Beauty and the Beast: Dazzling Duets No. 23 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Disney; ANTONI SHKRABA production from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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