From TikTok To Disney: 5 Shocking Facts About Barlow & Bear, The Grammy-Winning Duo Behind Moana 2

Barlow & Bear have officially cemented their status as one of the most transformative musical acts of the modern era, catapulting from a viral social media sensation to composing the entire soundtrack for a major Disney feature film. As of late 2025, the songwriting duo—Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear—are no longer just a TikTok phenomenon; they are history-makers, having shattered multiple industry ceilings with their unique blend of pop, classical, and musical theater influences. Their journey is a masterclass in modern creative entrepreneurship, proving that a fresh, innovative approach can bypass traditional gatekeepers and lead directly to the biggest stages in entertainment. The latest and most significant update is their role as the primary songwriters for the highly anticipated *Moana 2*, a monumental achievement that has placed them firmly in the global spotlight.

The Meteoric Rise: Barlow & Bear Complete Biography and Profile

The story of Barlow & Bear is one of digital-age collaboration, Grammy-winning success, and unprecedented industry disruption.

• Duo Members: Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear
• Abigail Barlow Age: 26 (as of late 2025)
• Emily Bear Age: 25 (as of late 2025)
• Origin of Collaboration: Met around 2019.
• Viral Breakout: Early 2021, when they began writing songs for *The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical* on TikTok.
• Major Album: *The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical* (2021).
• Grammy Award: Won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
• Historical Achievement: Youngest-ever winners in the Best Musical Theater Album category.
• Major Film Project: Composed all original songs for the Disney feature film, *Moana 2*.
• Mentor (Emily Bear): Emily Bear was notably mentored by legendary music producer Quincy Jones from a young age.
• Musical Style: A fusion of pop, classical, and jazz, tailored for modern musical storytelling.

1. The Disney Deal: Making History with Moana 2

The most current and significant news surrounding the duo is their monumental collaboration with Disney. Barlow & Bear composed all the original songs for the new Disney feature film, *Moana 2*. This is a massive leap from streaming songs on TikTok to headlining a major animated movie soundtrack. The announcement made them the first female songwriting duo to write all the songs for a Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film. This achievement is a major milestone for representation in the film music industry, which has historically been dominated by male composers and lyricists. Their work on *Moana 2* follows the footsteps of iconic Disney songwriters, demonstrating a huge vote of confidence in their musical storytelling abilities. The soundtrack features their signature style, blending lush orchestral elements with contemporary pop sensibilities, perfectly suited to the world of Polynesian mythology and adventure.

2. The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical: A TikTok Phenomenon That Won a Grammy

Barlow & Bear’s initial rise to global fame was entirely unconventional. In early 2021, while the world was in lockdown, Abigail Barlow posted a simple question to TikTok: "What if *Bridgerton* was a musical?". This spark of curiosity quickly ignited a firestorm of creativity. Emily Bear, a highly accomplished composer and pianist who had been mentored by Quincy Jones, joined the project, and the duo began creating and live-streaming their songwriting process. The result was *The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical*, a concept album written, produced, and orchestrated entirely by the two young artists. The album quickly amassed over 50 million independent streams, proving the massive demand for their work. The project culminated in a stunning victory at the 2022 Grammy Awards, where they won Best Musical Theater Album. This made them the youngest-ever winners in the category, a testament to the power of fan engagement and direct-to-consumer musical creation. The success of the *Bridgerton* musical was a clear signal to Hollywood and Broadway that the traditional rules of the industry were changing.

3. The Netflix Lawsuit: A Viral Sensation’s Legal Battle

The success of *The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical* was not without its complications, leading to a high-profile legal battle that highlighted the complex relationship between fan-created content and intellectual property. In a dramatic turn, Netflix filed a lawsuit against the duo, alleging copyright infringement. The lawsuit came shortly after Barlow & Bear performed a sold-out concert of the musical's songs at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. Netflix argued that the project moved beyond fair use and into commercial exploitation. This legal challenge became a major talking point in the entertainment world, forcing a conversation about the boundaries of "fan fiction" and professional adaptation in the age of social media. While the details of the eventual resolution are private, the event itself underscored just how big the "unofficial" musical had become, attracting the attention of one of the world's largest streaming giants.

4. Emily Bear’s Quincy Jones Connection and Classical Roots

While the duo's success is often tied to TikTok, Emily Bear’s musical background is deeply rooted in classical and jazz performance. A crucial entity in her history is legendary music producer Quincy Jones. Jones took Emily Bear under his wing as a mentor when she was a child prodigy, a relationship that speaks volumes about her prodigious talent. This mentorship provided her with a foundation in composing, arranging, and performance that is rare for a contemporary pop artist. This classical training is evident in the sophisticated orchestrations and rich harmonic language found in the *Bridgerton* musical and is undoubtedly a key factor in their ability to handle the scale and complexity of a Disney feature film like *Moana 2*.

5. The Future of Barlow & Bear: Beyond the Soundtrack

With *Moana 2* now released, the question turns to what is next for the Grammy-winning songwriting duo. Their trajectory suggests they are poised to become major players in film, television, and theater for years to come. The duo has confirmed that they have multiple exciting projects in the works, though details remain under wraps. These future endeavors include work across film, television, and theater, signaling a move to diversify their portfolio beyond major animated features. Emily Bear is also pursuing a solo album, showcasing her individual talents as a pianist and composer. Furthermore, their status as industry innovators has led them to share their knowledge, including giving career advice at major events like the ASCAP 2025 Membership Meeting. Barlow & Bear represent a new generation of composers who are not waiting for permission; they are creating the work, building the audience, and then taking their rightful place in the industry.