Shannon Saunders
Shannon Saunders, is set for world stardom after being chosen to sing Disney Princess’ new signature theme, The Glow.
The 17 year-old performed The Glow at a star-studded celebration in front of a global audience at the weekend at Kensington Palace, which will see the tenth official Disney Princess, Rapunzel, join the Disney Princess royal court.
- Shannon, you were discovered on YouTube, tell us how it happened?
It was in a really tiny studio that I recorded a cover of Snow Patrol’s Run. Once I’d finished the track, I played it to my friends and asked them what they thought of it.
I got a really positive response and everyone suggested that I should post it on YouTube. I’m not very technical, so I had to get my friend to put it up for me.
As the number of views increased, I did more covers and some of my own songs at home and uploaded those onto YouTube.
In 2010, I had thousands and thousands of subscribers and a million upload views in total - that felt so incredible.
- How did Disney fit in to all this?
I was spotted through those YouTube videos by Disney and they approached me to enter the My Camp Rock 2 talent competition they were running.
Their biggest search for new talent. And somehow, I magically won! I couldn’t believe it - being chosen for a contest on this scale and winning it.
- What have you done since?
Well, as part of my prize for winning, I recorded the song Can’t Back Down, which was released through iTunes.
I even recorded a music video for it, which was shown on Disney Channel. This year I did the soundtrack to Tangled, I See The Light.
It was amazing, going to the premiere and hearing my voice at the end of the film in a massive cinema theatre with all these celebrities in it!
- Now you are the voice of Disney Princess! Tell us more about it?
I am providing the signature theme to Disney Princess which is a huge - celebrating Rapunzel being crowned the 10th Official Disney Princess.
I sang my single, The Glow, at Kensington Palace when Rapunzel was crowned. It was a huge event. The world’s media and all these VIPs are attended and I performed both The Glow and I See The Light.
- What’s next for Shannon Saunders?
I’m working on my album, it’s got some great songs on it which I’ve written.
- Finally, who is your favourite Disney Princess?
It has got to be Rapunzel. I love her hair. I also like Ariel.
Shannon’s single The Glow is available to download now, taken from the new album Disney Princesses.