On November 30, 2024, the highly anticipated music festival "Best Artist 2024" took place on the Nippon Television network, featuring over 35 popular musical acts. The event, which aired live from 7 PM to nearly 11 PM, included special appearances and performances by well-known artists such as SixTONES, Hinatazaka46, and others. Among the highlights of the evening was the Disney medley segment, where actors Haruto Sano and Kyoko Saito made their debut performance of the beloved song "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. This performance marks their forthcoming roles as Aladdin and Jasmine at the upcoming "Aladdin: The Concert" event scheduled for March 2025.
Sano expressed his exhilaration at performing with the Disney collaboration, stating, "It's been my dream to sing alongside Disney for television, and it feels incredible to have this chance, it’s like my dream has come true." Meanwhile, Saito shared her enthusiasm for the character of Jasmine, whom she has loved since childhood. "I've adored Jasmine since I was four years old, and it's such an honor to portray her. I hope we can showcase her charm tonight," she said.
The show's format has remained similar to previous years, with the event bringing together the year's hottest hits and memorable performances from various artists. Hosted by Shō Sakurai, the show delivered four hours packed with musical joy and emotional performances, giving fans the opportunity to reflect on the music of the past year.
The Disney medley was especially significant, featuring other renowned artists like May J. singing "Let It Go" and Kimura Subaru performing "Under the Sea". Sano and Saito’s rendition of "A Whole New World" was met with enthusiastic responses from the audience, both on-site and at home.
Leading up to the show, Sano and Saito both shared insights on their costumes for the evening. Saito had chosen vibrant emerald green attire for her role, reflecting Jasmine’s character aesthetic perfectly. Conversely, Sano selected his costume with careful consideration, wanting to embody Aladdin's essence throughout the performance. Both actors expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and the hard work of the stylists who aided them in preparation.
Reflecting on the character portrayals, Sano highlighted his commitment to authenticity, watching Aladdin on repeat leading up to the show to immerse himself deeply. Saito echoed his sentiments, admitting, "I went through extensive Jasmine photos right up until the performance to prepare for this role."
"Best Artist 2024" has been celebrated as one of the biggest music events of the year, and its 24th installment continued the tradition of showcasing both established and rising stars. The excitement surrounding the show is palpable, with social media buzzing as viewers eagerly shared their reactions and highlights as the performances unfolded.
This year’s festival set out not only to entertain but also to connect fans with their favorite artists, providing them not just with musical performances but also heartfelt stories behind the songs and characters portrayed. The mix of live musical performances, audience participation, and the intimate setting of the artist collaborations made it feel even more special this year, with each performance highlighting the passion and dedication of the artists involved.
This festival emphasizes the continued relevance and impact of music as it acts as a bridge across generations, showcasing how deeply it resonates with emotional experiences. With themes of nostalgia and celebration of creativity, events like "Best Artist 2024" are not just entertainment but pivotal moments for many fans, cementing their love for both the art and the artists themselves.
