The songs for Moana are performed by several artists, most notably Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote and recorded "How Far I'll Go" and other original songs for the film. Additional music was contributed by Opetaia Foa'i from the band Te Vaka, who co-wrote "We Know the Way," and Lauv, who performed the end-credit song "You're Welcome." Other performers include crushes, Jordan Nobles, and the late Jude Hubble. This guide provides verified credits, context about each song's role in the film, and answers to common questions about vocals, writers, and featured artists across Moana's soundtrack.
Primary Song Performers and Credits
Moana's soundtrack features a blend of original compositions and end-credit tracks, with distinct artists responsible for different songs. Below is a summary of the main vocal contributors and their songs.
| Song | Primary Performer(s) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| How Far I'll Go | Lin-Manuel Miranda (vocals) | Main title song, performed in film and end credits |
| We Know the Way | Opetaia Foa'i (vocals) | Opening and end-credit sequence |
| You're Welcome | Lauv (vocals) | End-credit song |
| Shiny | Jordan Nobles (vocals) | Performed in film by Tamatoa |
| Where You Are | Various ensemble vocals | Island opening sequence |
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Contributions
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the most prominent name associated with Moana's music, writing and performing "How Far I'll Go," which serves as both a narrative anthem and the film's central theme. He also contributed to other songs, including "More," and helped shape the movie's musical direction. His involvement brought mainstream attention to the project while complementing the Polynesian musical roots incorporated by the film's composers.
Opetaia Foa'i and Te Vaka
Opetaia Foa'i, the lead vocalist of the Pacific band Te Vaka, performs "We Know the Way," an up-tempo opening number that introduces the film's sense of adventure and cultural heritage. His work ensured that the soundtrack reflected authentic Pacific Islander sounds, and Te Vaka's instrumentation and language are woven throughout the score.
End-Credit Tracks and Featured Artists
End-credit songs on Moana extend the storytelling beyond the main feature, offering playful or reflective tones. Lauv's "You're Welcome" reframes the demigod Maui's story from his perspective, while other tracks feature vocalists who support the film's themes of identity and discovery.
- Lauv performs "You're Welcome," an end-credit song that adds humor and heart.
- Jordan Nobles provides vocals for "Shiny," contributing to Tamatoa's flamboyant number.
- Coco Jones is featured in some regional releases and promotional material, though not in the primary film soundtrack.
Songwriting Credits and Collaboration
The songs for Moana were created through collaboration between Disney's songwriters and Pacific Islander musicians, ensuring cultural authenticity and narrative cohesion. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and the film's composers worked closely with directors to align music with story beats. This partnership resulted in a score that balances pop sensibilities with traditional chants and instrumentation.
Verified Songwriting and Performance Credits
| Song | Writer(s) | Performed by |
|---|---|---|
| How Far I'll Go | Lin-Manuel Miranda | Lin-Manuel Miranda (film version) |
| We Know the Way | Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda | Opetaia Foa'i |
| You're Welcome | Jordan Fenty, Stefan Johnson, Jordan K. Johnson, Marcus Lomax | Lauv |
| Shiny | Lin-Manuel Miranda | Jordan Nobles |
Common Questions About Moana's Vocals
Viewers often wonder which characters sing and who provides the vocals for key songs. In the film, Auli'i Cravalho (Moana) performs speaking and some musical lines, though certain songs are handled by off-screen vocalists or stylized delivery for character roles. Understanding these distinctions clarifies how the soundtrack supports the story without implying on-screen singing.
Who sings in Moana's village scenes?
Ensemble vocals in village and opening sequences are performed by a choir of singers representing Pacific Islander communities, with arrangements by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i. This approach grounds the film in authentic vocal textures.
Does Auli'i Cravalho sing all of Moana's songs?
Auli'i Cravalho performs Moana's spoken lines and some melodic motifs, but the featured songs such as "How Far I'll Go" are rendered by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the official soundtrack, while film versions may vary to support animation and performance context.
Regional and Promotional Variations
Certain overseas releases and promotional campaigns introduced alternate performers or localized versions of songs. While the core soundtrack remains consistent, these variations help the film resonate with global audiences while preserving the original vocal performances.
Notable Alternate Regional Credits
| Region | Alternate Vocalist | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Some European dubs | Local artists | Promotional covers of "How Far I'll Go" |
| Japan | Miyavi | End-credit theme variant |
Summary of Key Vocal Contributions
The primary singers on Moana include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Lauv, each responsible for pivotal songs that define the film's emotional and narrative arc. End-credit tracks and in-film vocals are carefully matched to character and story beats, with verified credits reflecting collaboration between Disney's team and Pacific Islander artists. This structured overview clarifies who sings the songs for Moana and why these contributions matter to the film's lasting impact.