Viewers raved about HER’s portrayal of bookworm Belle on Thursday’s broadcast of Beauty And The Beast Live! which celebrated the 30th anniversary of its historic Oscar nomination, but the Beast costume was widely criticized on social media.
The two-hour live show expertly blended animation from Disney’s 1991 animated film with live-action songs featuring HER, 25, as Belle and Josh Groban, 41, as Beast, plus including some images never seen before.
Grammy Award-winning singer HER showcased her range as an artist as she also played electric guitar during the star-studded special that included contributions from Rita Moreno, Shania Twain, Joshua Henry, Martin Short and David Alan Grier.
Live Show: Viewers raved about HER’s portrayal of bookworm Belle on Thursday’s broadcast of Beauty And The Beast Live! who celebrated the 30th anniversary of his historic Oscar nomination
The live-action Beast costume was mocked on Twitter with viewers calling it an “abomination” and admitting they laughed at it.
‘They RUINED Beauty and the Beast! Seriously, look at that beast suit. It’s an abomination!’ posted one Twitter user.
‘Everyone… when the live action Beast came on screen I CACKLEEEEDDDD ME because ABC has too much money to make it look like that LOLLLL. This celebration of Beauty and the Beast is…something,” read another tweet along with a meme of a boy trying not to laugh.
Another tweet said that whoever approved of the Beast costume should be shot ‘out of a cannon’.
Electric guitar: The 25-year-old Grammy-winning singer showcased her range as an artist, as she also played electric guitar during the star-studded special
Beast Costume: Josh Groban played the Beast and his live-action costume was widely criticized on social media.
He ruined it: Beast’s costume ruined it for a viewer who tweeted his disappointment
Funny Stuff: ‘Y’all… when the live action Beast came on screen I CACKLEEEEDDDD ME because ABC has too much money to make it look like that LOLLLL. This celebration of Beauty and the Beast is…something,” read another tweet along with a meme of a boy trying not to laugh.
The live show was a family affair for some viewers who shared that they were watching it with their loved ones on social media.
‘My daughter and I are watching “Beauty and the Beast” with @HERMusicx as Belle. I’m thinking about how I felt when I saw “Cinderella” starring Brandy when she was a kid. This is such a special moment,’ one viewer tweeted along with a picture of Brandy as Cinderella from the 1997 film.
One grandfather became nostalgic as he tweeted: ‘This 62 year old grandfather with his wife is watching the 30th anniversary special of Beauty and the Beast. Only U.S. She does a great job! I love this animation, and the live playback mix is great. I watched the original with my daughters. When they were 4 and 5. Now they are 29 and 30.’
Book Lovers: Paige O’Hara, who voiced Bella in the 1991 animated film, handed HER a book as Bella
Live Songs: Martin Short as Lumiere and Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts Performed Together
Teaming Up: Joshua Henry as Gaston and Rizwan Manji as LeFou teamed up for a song together
Cannon fodder: Another tweet said whoever approved of the Beast costume should be shot ‘out of a cannon’
Family Issue: ‘My daughter and I are watching “Beauty and the Beast” with @HERMusicx as Belle. I’m thinking about how I felt when I saw “Cinderella” starring Brandy when she was a kid. This is such a special moment,’ one viewer tweeted along with a picture of Brandy as Cinderella from the 1997 film.
Getting nostalgic: ‘This 62-year-old grandfather, with his wife, is watching the 30th anniversary special of Beauty and the Beast. Only U.S. She does a great job! I love this animation, and the live playback mix is great. I watched the original with my daughters. When they were 4 and 5. Now they are 29 and 30’, a grandfather tweeted
Rita, 91, narrated the show and shared segments that offered history lessons on the history of Beauty and the Beast.
She told how Walt Disney in the 1930s wanted to tell the story of Beauty and the Beast, but it took more than 50 years before his vision was fulfilled.
‘Beauty and the Beast has become one of the most beloved animated classics ever created. It was even the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards,” Rita said.
“And to this day, Walt Disney’s original idea continues to inspire us all,” said Rita.
The Narrator: Rita, 91, narrated the show and shared segments that offered history lessons on the history of Beauty and the Beast.
Animation Pioneer: Walt Disney in the 1930s wanted to tell the story of Beauty and the Beast, but it took more than 50 years before his vision was realized.
Never Seen: The special featured never-before-seen images and drawings brought to life for the first time.