I See the Light
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = I See the Light
| cover =
| alt =
| type =
| artist = Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi
| album = Tangled: Original Soundtrack
| EP =
| written =
| published = Wonderland Music Company / Walt Disney Music Company
| released = November 16, 2010
| format =
| recorded = 2010
| studio =
| venue =
| genre =Folk-pop
| length = 3:44
| label = Walt Disney
| composer = Alan Menken
| lyricist = Glenn Slater
| producer = Alan Menken
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| title =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|h9SAUq5-V7o|"I See the Light (From "Tangled" / Soundtrack Version)"}}|header=Audio video}}
}}
"I See the Light" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater for Walt Disney Animation Studios' animated film Tangled (2010). A duet originally recorded by American recording artist and actress Mandy Moore and American actor Zachary Levi in their respective film roles as main characters Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, the folk-inspired pop ballad serves as both the film's love and theme song. Lyrically, "I See the Light" describes the developing romantic relationship between Rapunzel and Flynn, and is featured as the seventh track on the film's soundtrack album.
Tangled was originally conceived by Disney animator Glen Keane. Subsequently, Walt Disney Animation Studios hired veteran Disney composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater to write the film's songs. Initially, Menken and Slater had written a more anthemic version of "I See the Light" before finally re-working it into a gentler, simpler, and more folk-oriented song. Menken would later reveal that, out of Tangled
"I See the Light" received polarized reviews from film and music critics, who were largely ambivalent towards the song's content, questioning its originality. However, the "lantern sequence", during which "I See the Light" is performed by Rapunzel and Flynn, received high critical acclaim, with journalists and commentators praising its visuals and use of 3-D. Critically, both the song and the scene have been compared to similar romantic musical sequences from preceding Disney animated films, including "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid (1989) and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin (1992), both of which are love songs also composed by Menken.
In spite of its polarized reviews, "I See the Light" has garnered numerous awards and accolades. The song was nominated for the Academy and Golden Globe awards for Best Original Song in 2011. Subsequently, "I See the Light" won both the Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Since its release, the song has been recorded and covered by various musical artists, including musical theatre performers David Harris and Lucy Durack, and classical singer Jackie Evancho.
Background
The concept of an animated film based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Rapunzel" originated from Disney animator Glen Keane in 1996.{{Cite web|url = http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/tangled-glen-keane-interview|title = Tangled - Glen Keane interview|website = IndieLondon|publisher = IndieLondon.co.uk|year = 2010|access-date = December 17, 2013}} Veteran Disney composer Alan Menken had just recently completed scoring Walt Disney Pictures' Enchanted (2007) when he received a telephone call from Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2008, who invited him to compose the music for the studio's then-upcoming animated film Tangled.{{Cite web|url = http://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/|title = Alan Menken Exclusive Interview TANGLED|year = 2010|website = Collider|publisher = Collider.com|access-date = December 15, 2013|last = Graham|first = Bill}} Upon accepting, Menken invited frequent collaborator Glenn Slater, with whom he had previously worked on Disney's Home on the Range (2004), and the Broadway musical adaptation of The Little Mermaid (1989), to serve alongside him as his co-writing lyricist once again.
Aware that Tangled would not be "a [traditional] musical like Beauty and the Beast or [The Hunchback of Notre Dame]", on both of which Menken worked as a composer, Menken described the film as a "hybrid"{{Cite web|url = http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Alan-Menken-Interview.htm|title = Exclusive Interview with Alan Menken on 'Tangled'|access-date = December 15, 2013|website = About.com|first = Rebecca|last = Murray|year = 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110120180232/http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Alan-Menken-Interview.htm|archive-date = 2011-01-20|url-status = dead}} because it is "far from [a] classic break into song musical."{{Cite web|url = http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/725326/alan_menken_interview_tangled_movie_scores_musicals_enchanted_2_snow_queen_and_more.html|title = Alan Menken interview: Tangled, movie scores, musicals, Enchanted 2, Snow Queen and more|date = January 11, 2011|website = Den of Geek|last = Brew|first = Simon|access-date = December 15, 2013|publisher = Dennis Publishing Limited}} For Tangled, Menken challenged himself to come up with a different, unique sound that would differ significantly from the musical styles of his previous Broadway musical-influenced film projects and compositions.{{Cite magazine|url = http://insidemovies.ew.com/2010/11/24/alan-menken-tangled/|title = Alan Menken discusses 'Tangled' and the past, present, and future of the animated musical|date = November 24, 2010|access-date = December 15, 2013|publisher = Entertainment Weekly Inc|magazine = Entertainment Weekly|last = Blauvelt|first = Christian}} Inspired by the ongoing motif of Rapunzel's "long hair and the freedom she wanted", Menken decided to draw particular influence from the musical genre of 1960s folk rock, citing the musicianship and artistry of Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell as a major source of musical inspiration.{{Cite web|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/11/unwrapping-the-music-in-tangled-it-all-begins-with-joni-mitchell-says-alan-menken.html|title = Unwrapping the music in 'Tangled': It all begins with Joni Mitchell, says Alan Menken|date = November 24, 2010|work = Los Angeles Times|access-date = December 15, 2013|last = Martens|first = Todd}}
Writing and recording
{{multiple image
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| footer = As the respective voices of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, singer-songwriter Mandy Moore and actor Zachary Levi recorded "I See the Light" for the film and its soundtrack.
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When it came to writing the film's songs and musical numbers, Menken and Slater "looked for what is going to be an appropriate song moment for the main characters." In the specific case of "I See the Light", Menken elaborated, "The lantern song ... flows pretty much out of the sense of completion and [Rapunzel] finally sees the lanterns and has this moment. It's more of a montage number."
Menken and Slater had originally intended for "I See the Light" to sound more "anthem-like". The songwriters eventually changed their minds, deciding to re-write "I See the Light" into a gentler, more folk-oriented song. Menken spoke of the creative writing process, "we began throwing melodies up, doing songs and riffs and harmonies, and we waited for something to stick". Additionally, Menken later admitted that, out of Tangled
Similarly, co-director Byron Howard also took an immediate liking towards the song. Hailing "I See the Light" as his favorite of the film's songs, Howard elaborated, "The moment [co-director Nathan Greno and I] heard Alan Menken's demo we knew that one would be a classic."{{Cite web|url = http://www.dvdizzy.com/tangled-directors-interview2.html|title = Interview: Tangled Directors Nathan Greno & Byron Howard - Page 2|website = DVDizzy.com|access-date = December 26, 2013|date = March 28, 2011}}
A romantic duet performed during the narrative portion of the film by its 2 main characters, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, "I See the Light" was recorded by American recording artist and actress Mandy Moore as the voice of Rapunzel and American actor Zachary Levi as the voice of Flynn Rider. While filming Tangled, Moore and Levi met to work with each other only twice, one of which was to record the vocals for "I See the Light".{{Cite web|url = http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mandy-moore-talks-tangled|title = EXCLUSIVE: Mandy Moore Talks Tangled|date = November 19, 2010|access-date = December 17, 2013|website = MovieWeb|publisher = MovieWeb, Inc|last = Philbrick|first = Jami|archive-date = September 21, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054426/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mandy-moore-talks-tangled|url-status = dead}} According to Levi, he and Moore first rehearsed the song live accompanied by the film's 80-piece orchestra before eventually being divided into separate isolation booths to record their respective lyrics, verses and harmonies individually.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mouseclubhouse.com/Interviews/zacahary-levi/zachary-levi-tangled.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131215221834/http://www.mouseclubhouse.com/Interviews/zacahary-levi/zachary-levi-tangled.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |title=ZACHARY LEVI talks about his work as the voice of Flynn Rider in "Tangled" |last=Wolf |first=Scott |year=2010 |access-date=December 15, 2013 |website=Mouse Clubhouse }}
Context and scene
Occurring towards the end of Tangled,{{Cite web|url = http://www.larsenonfilm.com/tangled|title = Tangled (2010)|access-date = 14 December 2013|website = LarsenOnFilm.com|publisher = J. Larsen|year = 2010}} "I See the Light" takes place during the film's second act{{Cite web|url = http://67.20.55.118/2011/01/28/oscar-guide-best-music-original-song-2/|title = OSCAR GUIDE: Best Music (Original Song)|access-date = December 15, 2013|website = In Contention|date = January 28, 2011|last = Tapley|first = Kristopher|archive-date = December 15, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131215234955/http://67.20.55.118/2011/01/28/oscar-guide-best-music-original-song-2/|url-status = dead}}{{Cite web|url = http://incontention.com/2010/11/08/listen-to-mandy-moore-and-zachary-levis-i-see-the-light-from-tangled/|title = Listen to Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi's 'I See the Light' from 'Tangled'|date = November 8, 2010|website = In Contention|access-date = December 15, 2013|last = Tapley|first = Kristopher}} soon after Rapunzel and Flynn Rider have finally completed their grueling journey from Mother Gothel's tower to Corona, arriving in the kingdom just in time to experience its annual lantern-lighting ceremony, which Rapunzel has spent 18 years – her entire life – observing at a distance from the confinement of Gothel's tower.{{Cite AV media|year = 2010|title = Tangled|medium = Motion picture|location = United States|publisher = Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|people = Howard, Byron (director); Greno, Nico (director)}} There the couple embarks on a boat ride{{Cite web|url = http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/films.php?id=20450|title = Film Review – Tangled|website = Spirituality and Practice|access-date = December 14, 2013|publisher = Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat|last1 = Brussat|first1 = Frederick|last2 = Brussat|first2 = Mary Ann|year = 2010}} to watch the ceremony as "the night sky [is] illuminated with a sea of lanterns."{{Cite web|url = http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/24/out-of-a-tower-into-our-hearts/|title = "Tangled" comes out of the tower, into our hearts|date = November 24, 2010|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = U-T San Diego|publisher = The San Diego Union-Tribune|last = Gang|first = Alison}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.timeout.com/us/film/tangled|title = Tangled|date = November 23, 2010|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = Time Out|last = Uhlich|first = Keith}} During the pivotal{{Cite web|url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/51448|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120110140051/http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=1449|url-status = live|archive-date = January 10, 2012|title = Spiritual themes to be found in Disney's 'Tangled'|date = January 11, 2011|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = Catholic News Agency|publisher = CNA|last = Paluso|first = Marianne}} scene, described by critics as the film's "emotional peak" because "Rapunzel's dream of watching the floating lanterns seems to be reali[z]ed",{{Cite web|url = http://www.flickeringmyth.com/2011/03/movie-review-tangled-2010.html|title = Movie Review - Tangled (2010)|date = March 7, 2011|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = Flickering Myth|last = Trim|first = Liam}} the musical number both "highlights the ... flight of the lanterns" while essentially triggering Rapunzel and Flynn's "budding romance",{{Cite web|url = http://www.thedivareview.com/Tangled_Movie_Review.html|title = Tangled Movie Review|website = The Diva Review|date = November 24, 2010|access-date = December 8, 2013}} who are gradually beginning to fall in love.{{cite web|title=TANGLED|url=http://www.killermoviereviews.com/main.php?nextlink=display&dId=1343&subLinks=|work=Killer Movie Reviews|publisher=KillerMovieReviews.com|access-date=December 8, 2013|year=2010}}
File:Screenshot of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider I See the Light Tangled.jpg
According to Marianne Paluso of the Catholic News Agency, Rapunzel, during the scene, "finally sees for herself the wondrous floating lanterns she's yearned to see her entire life". Meanwhile, the audience is shown the way in which "love ... has blossomed between" the film's 2 main characters. Commonly referred to by critics as one of Tangled's "show-stopping moments",{{Cite web|url = http://www.combustiblecelluloid.com/2010/tangled.shtml|title = Tangled (2010)|year = 2010|last = Anderson|first = Jeffrey M.|website = Combustible Celluloid|publisher = Jeffrey M. Anderson|access-date = December 8, 2013}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.girl.com.au/byron-howard-and-nathan-greno-tangled-blu-ray-interview.htm|title = Byron Howard & Nathan Greno Tangled Interview|website = Girl.com.au|access-date = January 28, 2014|year = 2010}} Rapunzel and Flynn perform the romantic duet while "play[ing] off each other"{{Cite web|url = http://www.disneydreaming.com/2010/11/17/walt-disney-records-tangled-soundtrack-review/|title = Walt Disney Records: "Tangled" Soundtrack Review|date = November 17, 2010|access-date = December 9, 2013|publisher = DisneyDreaming.com|archive-date = September 23, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923215240/http://www.disneydreaming.com/2010/11/17/walt-disney-records-tangled-soundtrack-review/|url-status = dead}} as they continue to fall in love.
As a result of the song's setting, romantic context and lyrical content, several comparisons have been drawn between both the song and its corresponding scene and various romantic musical sequences from a number of preceding Disney animated feature films, the most frequently referenced of which are "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid (1989){{Cite news|title = Tangled|website = The A. V. Club|publisher = Onion Inc|last = Robinson|first = Tasha|date = November 23, 2010}} and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin (1992), both romantic ballads also composed by Menken.{{Cite web|url = http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/tangled|title = Tangled (2010)|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = Decent Films Guide|last = Greydanus|first = Steven D.|publisher = Steven D. Greydanus|year = 2010}} One particular reviewer, Steven D. Greydanus of Decent Films Guide, drew comparisons between the scene and the musical "Nutcracker Suite" sequence from Disney's animated feature film Fantasia (1940), describing it as "a moment of visual transcendence."{{Cite web|url = http://www.decentfilms.com/reviews/tangled|title = Tangled (2010)|access-date = January 27, 2014|website = Decent Films Guide|publisher = Steven D. Greydanus|last = Greydanus|first = Stephen D.|year = 2010}}
Throughout the filmmaking process, Tangled
Composition
A "dreamy" love song{{Cite web|url = http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/52728073.html|title = "I See The Light" from Disney's Tangled performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi|website = Oh No They Didn't!|date = October 31, 2010|publisher = LiveJournal|access-date = December 8, 2013}} that embodies a "classic romantic feel",{{Cite web|url = http://onemoviefiveviews.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/soundtrack-review-tangled/|title = Soundtrack Review: Tangled|website = One Movie, Five Views|date = November 17, 2010|access-date = December 8, 2013|last = V.|first = Erin}} "I See the Light" is a "peppy and cheerful"{{Cite web|url = http://moviemet.com/review/tangled-blu-ray-3d-review|title = TANGLED - Blu-ray 3D review|date = March 26, 2011|access-date = December 7, 2013|website = Movie Metropolis|last = Plath|first = James|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006170901/http://moviemet.com/review/tangled-blu-ray-3d-review|archive-date = October 6, 2014}} romantic{{Cite web|url = http://www.cinemasight.com/review-tangled-2010/|title = Review: Tangled (2010)|date = November 29, 2010|access-date = December 7, 2013|website = CinemaSight}} pop ballad accompanied by a "soaring"{{Cite web|url=http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |title=Tangled Review |website=Little White Lies |date=January 27, 2011 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |last=Hobbs |first=Georgie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213001851/http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 }} melody that spans a length of three minutes and forty-four seconds.{{Cite web|url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/tangled-soundtrack-from-motion/402057913|title = Tangled (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) - Alan Menken|access-date = December 17, 2013|website = iTunes| date=16 November 2010 |publisher = Apple Inc}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/tangled-mw0002063903|title = Tangled|access-date = January 28, 2014|publisher = All Media Network, LLC|last = Monger|first = James Christopher|website = AllMusic|year = 2010}} Stylistically combining both classical and contemporary music{{Cite web|url=http://bennettsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tangled-review.html |title=Tangled review |website=Ben's film-music reviews |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |author=Ben |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213115205/http://bennettsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tangled-review.html |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }} with folk influences, the lyrics of the "endearing"{{Cite web|url = http://www.cinemablend.com/reviews/Tangled-4966.html|title = Tangled|publisher = Cinema Blend LLC|last = Rich|first = Katey|access-date = 14 December 2013|website = CinemaBlend.com|year = 2010}} romantic duet center around main characters Rapunzel and Flynn while describing their developing romantic relationship, which is finally beginning to allow the couple to "[see] life in a whole new way"{{Cite web|url = http://www.commonsensemedia.org/music-reviews/tangled-soundtrack|title = Tangled Soundtrack|website = Common Sense Media|access-date = December 7, 2013|publisher = Common Sense Media Inc|last = Dawson|first = Jessica|year = 2010}} as they "begin to connect romantically," ultimately falling in love.
According to the song's official sheet music, published by Walt Disney Music Publishing. "I See the Light" is a mid-tempo pop ballad, written in the key of C major (later changing to E♭ major) at a tempo of 104 beats per minute. Combined, Moore and Levi's vocal ranges span over 2 octaves, with Levi singing the low note of B♭2 and Moore singing the high note of E♭5. In addition to vocals, the song's instrumentation also encompasses harp, acoustic guitar and orchestra.{{Cite web|url = http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0089520|title = I See the Light By Mandy Moore - Digital Sheet Music|access-date = December 9, 2013|website = Musicnotes.com|publisher = Musicnotes, Inc.|year = 2010}}
Reception
= Critical reception =
== Song ==
Musically, "I See the Light" has received polarized reviews from critics, many of whom were generally underwhelmed by the film's songs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/tangled-film/ |title=Tangled |date=January 4, 2011 |website=Filmink |access-date=December 7, 2013 |last=Basile |first=Annette |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214105813/http://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/tangled-film/ |archive-date=December 14, 2013 }}{{Cite web|url = http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2010/11/tangled_is_a_return_to_princes.html|title = 'Tangled' is a return to princess-ly roots for Disney Animation|date = November 24, 2010|website = The Times-Picayune|access-date = December 7, 2013|publisher = NOLA Media Group|last = Scott|first = Mike}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/tangled-pg-2196242.html|title = Tangled (PG)|website = The Independent|date = January 28, 2011|access-date = December 7, 2013|last = Quinn|first = Anthony}}
Catherine Jones of the Liverpool Echo reviewed "I See the Light" positively, hailing the song as a "rousing love ballad".{{Cite web|url = http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/film-review-tangled-3386328|title = FILM REVIEW: Tangled|access-date = December 7, 2013|website = Independent Echo|date = January 28, 2011|last = Jones|first = Catherine}} While Jessica Dawson of Common Sense Media described "I See the Light" as a "sweet duet" between Rapunzel and Flynn. Common Sense Media
Meanwhile, several critics have reacted much less favorably towards "I See the Light". Scott Chitwood of ComingSoon.net described the song as nothing more than "pretty good".{{Cite web|url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=71829|title = Tangled|access-date = December 9, 2013|year = 2010|publisher = CraveOnline Media, LLC|website = ComingSoon.net|last = Chitwood|first = Scott|archive-date = November 3, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141103235549/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=71829|url-status = dead}} Tim McCall of The Star-Ledger reviewed "I See the Light" very negatively, describing it as both "predictable" and "the sort of thing you'd plug your ears through". McCall went on to pan Slater's lyrics, describing them as a "dull ... 20-car pileup of cliche."{{Cite web|url = http://www.nj.com/oscar-awards/index.ssf/2011/02/randy_newman_takes_the_oscar_for_we_belong_together.html|title = Oscars 2011: Randy Newman takes the Best Original Song|date = February 27, 2011|website = New Jersey On-Line|access-date = December 7, 2013|last = McCall|first = Tim|publisher = New Jersey On-Line LLC}} Time
== Lantern sequence ==
{{rquote|right|The picture goes from strength to strength, with ... some amazing animation set pieces, culminating in a love ballad set against a backdrop of floating lanterns that's among the most dazzling pieces of moving artwork executed in any animated movie, Disney or otherwise, ever.|Glenn Kenny of MSN Movies
Contrastingly, the climactic musical sequence during which "I See the Light" is performed by Rapunzel and Flynn, commonly referred to as the "lantern sequence",{{Cite web|url = http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/4497/tangled3d.html|title = Tangled - 3D (Blu-ray)|date = March 29, 2011|website = High-Def Digest|access-date = January 11, 2013|publisher = Internet Brands, Inc}}{{Cite web|url = http://desertentertainer.com/articles/2010/12/09/entertainment/movie_review/doc4d013750693ae422935119.txt|title = 'Tangled' When good hair gets better|access-date = January 5, 2014|website = Palm Desert Entertainer|year = 2010|last = Mark|first = Norman}}{{Cite web|last=Thompson|first=Gary|date=November 23, 2010|title=Rapunzel gets a makeover in Disney's 'Tangled'|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/movies/20101123_Rapunzel_gets_a_makeover_in_Disneys_Tangled.html?c=r|access-date=December 9, 2013|website=Philadelphia Media Network|publisher=Interstate General Media, LLC}}{{Cite news|last=Hornaday|first=Ann|date=November 24, 2010|title='Tangled': Disney's take on Rapunzel is as gorgeous as it is engaging|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/tangled,1168069.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024200742/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/tangled,1168069.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2010|access-date=December 9, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post}} has fared significantly better than the song itself, garnering widespread acclaim from film critics. Keith Uhlich of Time Out described the scene as "especially wonderful", while Digital Spy{{'}}s Simon Reynolds similarly hailed it as one of the film's most "striking moments". Although Georgie Hobbs of Little White Lies wrote that, lyrically, "I See the Light" is "nothing special", she went on to praise the scene, describing it as a "treat ... that will clinch it for romantics and 3-D tech-heads alike." Radio Times{{'}} Alan Jones labeled the sequence one of the film's "most beautifully uplifting moments".{{Cite web|url = http://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnjd4/tangled|title = Tangled|website = Radio Times|last = Jones|first = Alan|access-date = December 7, 2013|year = 2011|publisher = Immediate Media Company Limited|archive-date = December 11, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131211075653/http://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnjd4/tangled|url-status = dead}} Similarly, Christian Blauvelt of Slant Magazine highlighted the scene as one of Tangled
Dan Kois of Westword commented, "while Tangled
= Accolades =
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to modify the nomination rules pertaining to the Academy Award for Best Original Song after Menken's Enchanted garnered 3 separate nominations for the award in 2008, decreasing the nomination limit from 3 to only 2 from any individual film. After the release of Tangled, Menken revealed that the studio will only be submitting 1 song from the film to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the Best Original Song award at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011 "to avoid songs canceling each other out if nominated." Menken decided upon "I See the Light" because he considers it "the heart-and-center of the film" and "seems to be the one that can break out." Additionally, several critics expected the song to win Best Original Song,{{Cite web|url = https://deadline.com/2010/09/oscars-animation-race-just-got-tangled-66061/|title = Oscar's Animation Race Just Got 'Tangled'|first = Pete|access-date = December 31, 2013|date = September 9, 2010|publisher = PMC|website = Deadline Hollywood|last = Hammond}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/awards-campaign/posts/complete-predictions-for-the-83rd-academy-awards-a-king-shall-lead-them|title = Final predictions for the 83rd Academy Awards: A 'King' shall lead them|date = February 25, 2011|access-date = December 16, 2013|website = HitFix|last = Ellwood|first = Gregory}} including Time
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| style="text-align: left;" |'I See the Light' is the heart and center of this movie and it's a beautiful sequence, so it's our best option. I'm proud of the others as well, but ... 'I See the Light' seems to be the one that can break out." |
| style="text-align: left;" |— Menken, on his reason for submitting "I See the Light".{{cite news|last=Kung|first=Michelle|title=Composer Alan Menken Gets 'Tangled' for Disney|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/11/24/composer-alan-menken-gets-tangled-for-disney/|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=24 November 2010|publisher=Dow Jones & Company, Inc|access-date=December 15, 2013}} |
As widely anticipated, "I See the Light" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011,{{Cite web|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/02/mandy-moore-oscars-i-see-the-light-video.html|title = Oscars: Mandy Moore sees the light at the end of her rom-com tunnel [Video]|access-date = December 16, 2013|date = February 27, 2011|work = Los Angeles Times|last = Kaufman|first = Amy}}{{cite web|url = http://www.thestate.com/2011/01/25/1662596/academy-awards-nomination-list.html|title = Academy Awards nomination list|access-date = December 16, 2013|date = January 25, 2011|website = The State|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110405165305/http://www.thestate.com/2011/01/25/1662596/academy-awards-nomination-list.html|archive-date = April 5, 2011|url-status = dead}} becoming Menken's nineteenth Academy Award nomination. Menken said of the accomplishment, "I don't take it for granted at all".{{Cite web|url = http://www.broadway.com/buzz/155017/alan-menken-on-his-19th-oscar-nomination-i-never-take-it-for-granted/|title = Alan Menken on His 19th Oscar Nomination: 'I Never Take It for Granted'|date = January 25, 2011|access-date = December 31, 2013|website = Broadway Buzz|publisher = Broadway.com|last = Henderson|first = Kathy}} However, the song ultimately lost to Randy Newman's "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3 (2010), another animated feature film released by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Pixar Animation Studios.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/83/nomineesByPicture.html |title=Winners and Nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards® (By Picture) |website=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |access-date=December 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225202653/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/83/nomineesByPicture.html |archive-date=December 25, 2013 }} Previously, "I See the Light" had garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song at the 68th Golden Globe Awards in 2011,{{Cite web|url = http://www.digitalspy.ca/movies/news/a293138/in-full-golden-globes-movie-nominees.html|title = In Full: Golden Globes - Movie Nominees|website = Digital Spy|date = December 14, 2010|access-date = December 16, 2013|publisher = Hearst Magazines UK|last = Reynolds|first = Simon}} which it lost to "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" from Burlesque (2010), written by Diane Warren and performed by Cher. Lastly, "I See the Light" was nominated for Best Song at the 16th Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards in 2011, losing to "If I Rise" from 127 Hours (2010).{{Cite web|url = http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/17/stories/2011011758231500.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110127183201/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/17/stories/2011011758231500.htm|url-status = dead|archive-date = January 27, 2011|title = A.R. Rahman wins Critics' Choice award|access-date = December 16, 2013|work = The Hindu|date = January 17, 2011}}{{cite magazine|last=Labrecque|first=Jeff|date=December 13, 2010|title='Black Swan' leads Critics' Choice nominations|url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2010/12/13/critics-choice-nominations/|access-date=December 16, 2013|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Entertainment Weekly Inc}}
"I See the Light" went on to win the Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best Song in 2010,{{Cite web|url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2010/12/las-vegas-film-critics-society-awards.html|title = Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards|access-date = December 16, 2013|date = December 16, 2010|work = Los Angeles Times|last = King|first = Susan}} and the Best Song Written for Visual Media Award at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012.{{Cite web|url = http://www.playbill.com/news/article/159598-Alan-Menken-and-Glenn-Slater-Win-Grammy-Award|title = Alan Menken and Glenn Slater Win Grammy Award|website = Playbill|date = February 13, 2012|access-date = December 16, 2013|publisher = Playbill, Inc|last = Gans|first = Andrew|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140810184145/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/159598-Alan-Menken-and-Glenn-Slater-Win-Grammy-Award|archive-date = August 10, 2014}}
Babble.com ranked "I See the Light" as one of the "Greatest ... Disney Movie Moments".{{Cite web|url=http://www.babble.com/babble-voices/shutterlovely-casey-mullins/20-greatest-disney-movie-moments/paper-lanterns-in-tangled/ |title=Greatest (Emotional) Disney Movie Moments |website=Babble.com |access-date=January 23, 2014 |last=Mullins |first=Casey |date=December 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203075434/http://www.babble.com/babble-voices/shutterlovely-casey-mullins/20-greatest-disney-movie-moments/paper-lanterns-in-tangled/ |archive-date=February 3, 2014 }}
Performances and cover versions
In celebration of the song's Best Original Song nomination, Moore and Levi performed "I See the Light" live at the 83rd Academy Awards in February 2011, accompanied by Menken himself on piano.{{Cite web|url = http://www.contactmusic.com/news/mandy-moore-performs-live-at-the-oscars_1204543|title = Mandy Moore - Mandy Moore Performs Live At The Oscars|date = February 28, 2011|access-date = December 17, 2013|website = Contactmusic.com|publisher = Contactmusic.com Ltd|last = Wenn}}{{Cite web|url = http://collider.com/oscar-songs-gwyneth-paltrow-zachary-levi/|title = Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and More to Perform Songs at Academy Awards|access-date = December 17, 2013|website = Collider|publisher = Collider.com|last = Goldberg|first = Matt|year = 2011}} For the performance, Moore asked that she be provided with a "show-stopping" dress, specifically requesting that it not resemble a Disney costume. To comply, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier "incorporated elements of 3 dresses Moore loved" into the final dress, resulting in a full-skirted cobalt blue gown. Moore revealed that she was feeling confident about the performance "until about 2 minutes before the show". Moore also said of the performance, "It was the most intimidating audience I performed for ... I made a point not to look at anyone … because I was nervous."{{Cite web|url = http://www.marilyn.ca/Celebrities/segment/Daily/April-2011/04__2011-%284%29/MandyMoore|archive-url = https://archive.today/20131221025019/http://www.marilyn.ca/Celebrities/segment/Daily/April-2011/04__2011-(4)/MandyMoore|url-status = dead|archive-date = December 21, 2013|title = Mandy Moore promotes love|access-date = December 20, 2013|website = The Marilyn Denis Show|publisher = Bell Media|year = 2011}}
Australian actor and singer David Harris included his rendition of "I See the Light" on his second studio album{{Cite web|url = http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/david-harris|title = David Harris|website = Stage Whispers|access-date = December 30, 2013|date=July 2012}} At This Stage (2011),{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/at-this-stage/id485542688 |title=At This Stage - David Harris |access-date=December 30, 2013 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple Inc |date=November 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516144405/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/at-this-stage/id485542688 |archive-date=May 16, 2014 }} recording the song as a duet with Australian actress Lucy Durack. Theatre People
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "I See the Light"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Sylvia Salustti|title=Vejo Enfim a Luz Brilhar|award=Platinum|note=Portuguese Version|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=September 18, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Mandy Moore And Zachary Levi|title=I See the Light|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2021|access-date=December 15, 2024|certref={{cite web|url=https://www.radioscope.co.nz/2024/00/00/single-cert-search/|title=New Zealand single certifications – Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi – I See the Light|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=December 15, 2024}}}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=I See The Light|artist=Mandy Moore/Zachary Levi|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2010|certyear=2025|id=15687-4964-1|access-date=April 11, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Mandy Moore|title=I See the Light|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=January 4, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|Disney}}
- {{YouTube|ILRs2r6lcHY|"Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi - I See the Light (From "Tangled"/Sing-Along)"}}
- {{YouTube|2Fro5nxwcBE|"Il mio nuovo sogno (Di "Rapunzel: L'intreccio della torre"/Official Video)"}}
{{Tangled}}
{{Mandy Moore}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media}}
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Category:Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
Category:Male–female vocal duets
Category:Songs with lyrics by Glenn Slater
Category:Songs with music by Alan Menken