The True Voice Behind Elsa: 5 Shocking Facts About Who Sings 'Let It Go' In Disney's Frozen

The iconic power ballad "Let It Go" from Disney's 2013 animated masterpiece Frozen is one of the most recognizable songs of the 21st century, but a surprising number of fans are still curious about the powerhouse voice behind the anthem. As of late 2024, the song's legacy continues to grow, having recently achieved a monumental, chart-topping milestone that few songs ever reach.

The definitive answer to "who sings the song Let It Go in Frozen" is the legendary Broadway and film star, Idina Menzel. Menzel provides the voice for the film's protagonist, Queen Elsa. However, the full story of the song's success involves multiple singers, a husband-and-wife songwriting team, and a recent certification that cements its place in music history. This deep dive into the Frozen phenomenon reveals the lesser-known facts and the full cast of voices that turned a single song into a global cultural earthquake.

Idina Menzel: The Voice of Queen Elsa and The Broadway Legend

The core of the "Let It Go" phenomenon rests entirely on the shoulders of the American actress and singer, Idina Menzel. Her unique, three-octave mezzo-soprano voice gives the song its emotional depth and soaring power in the film. To truly understand the song's impact, one must first look at the singer's impressive background.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Idina Menzel: Full Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Idina Kim Menzel
• Born: May 30, 1971, in Syosset, New York, U.S.
• Career Start: Began her professional career in 1995.
• Breakthrough Role (Broadway): Maureen Johnson in the original Broadway production of Rent (1996), earning her a Tony Award nomination.
• Iconic Role (Broadway): Elphaba in the original Broadway production of Wicked (2003), for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
• Disney Role: Voice of Queen Elsa in Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019).
• Film/TV Roles: Known for her role as Shelby Corcoran on the TV series Glee and Nancy Tremaine in Disney's Enchanted and Disenchanted.
• Awards for "Let It Go": Academy Award for Best Original Song (2014) and GRAMMY Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media (2015).

Menzel's casting was crucial. Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez specifically wrote the song to suit her vocal range and style, drawing on her history of playing complex, powerful female characters like Elphaba in Wicked.

The Two Versions: Idina Menzel vs. Demi Lovato

The biggest source of confusion regarding "who sings 'Let It Go'" stems from the fact that two distinct versions were released simultaneously: the film version and the pop version.

The version you hear in the movie, during Elsa's pivotal transformation scene, is sung by Idina Menzel. This is the show-stopping, character-driven ballad that won the Oscar and became a cultural touchstone.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The version released as a single on the radio and in the official music video is sung by pop star Demi Lovato. This version, while retaining the core melody, is a simplified, shorter, and more radio-friendly arrangement. Lovato’s version helped market the film to a wider pop audience, but it is Menzel’s powerful, theatrical rendition that is forever enshrined in the film itself.

The songwriting duo, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, wrote the song as a character-defining moment. It was originally intended as a villain song, but as they developed it, they realized it was an "empowerment anthem" about letting go of fear, which fundamentally changed the character of Elsa from a villain to a misunderstood heroine.

The Global Phenomenon: International Voices of Elsa

To establish true topical authority, one must acknowledge the song's massive global reach. Disney had the song translated and performed in a staggering number of languages for the various international releases of the film. The official multi-language version of the song features 25 different singers, though the total number of official dubs is closer to 42.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

These international singers are all highly respected artists in their home countries, and their performances were just as vital to the film's global success. Some of the most notable international voices who sing "Let It Go" include:

• Japanese: Takako Matsu ("ありのままで" / "Arinomama de"). Her version became a massive hit in Japan, contributing significantly to the film's record-breaking success there.
• Korean: Hyolyn (효린) of the girl group Sistar ("다 잊어" / "Da Ijeo"). Hyolyn's powerful pop vocals made the Korean version extremely popular.
• Dutch/German: Willemijn Verkaik ("Laat het gaan" / "Lass jetzt los"). Verkaik is a major international Broadway star who also played Elphaba in *Wicked* in multiple languages, making her a natural fit for Elsa.
• Danish: Maria Lucia Heiberg Rosenberg ("Lad Det Ske").
• Filipino (Tagalog): Giselle Go ("Hayaang Lumipas").

The sheer number of high-caliber international singers demonstrates the song's universal appeal and the effort Disney put into making Elsa's anthem resonate across every culture and language.

The 2024 Milestone: RIAA Diamond Status and Enduring Legacy

Despite being released over a decade ago, "Let It Go" continues to make news. In a significant update for 2024, Idina Menzel's version of the song was certified Diamond by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

This RIAA Diamond certification signifies a monumental achievement: 10 million units sold in the United States. Only a handful of songs in history have ever reached Diamond status, putting "Let It Go" in the same elite category as classics like Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" and Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." The fact that a song from an animated movie reached this status years after its release underscores its enduring cultural power.

The song's legacy is not just in sales. It has been covered by countless artists, including an unforgettable live performance by Menzel and Taylor Swift during Swift's 1989 World Tour, further cementing its place in pop culture history.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to 'Let It Go'

Understanding the full scope of the song requires recognizing all the key players and concepts that contributed to its success. These entities are essential for any deep discussion of the *Frozen* soundtrack:

• The Creators: Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Songwriters)
• The Performers: Idina Menzel (Elsa's voice), Demi Lovato (Pop Version), Lea Salonga (Broadway/Concert Performer), Takako Matsu (Japanese Elsa), Hyolyn (Korean Elsa).
• The Character: Queen Elsa of Arendelle
• The Awards: Academy Award (Oscar), GRAMMY Award, Billboard Hot 100, RIAA Diamond Status.
• The Musicals: *Rent*, *Wicked* (Menzel's previous Broadway hits), *Frozen: The Broadway Musical*.
• The Sequel: *Frozen II* (featuring the song "Into the Unknown").

Ultimately, while the question "who sings the song Let It Go in Frozen" has a simple answer—Idina Menzel—the song's journey from a character moment in an animated film to a certified Diamond global phenomenon is a complex story of vocal talent, masterful songwriting, and a message of self-acceptance that continues to resonate with millions of people around the world in over 40 languages. The enduring power of Menzel's performance ensures that "Let It Go" will remain an iconic anthem for generations to come.