It was a top-secret audition.
The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus just knew that it would be an opportunity of a lifetime. As they recorded two iconic songs for a movie about a lonely Native Hawaiian girl, her blue alien pet, and the meaning of ohana, they had no idea that nearly 25 years later, their angelic yet powerful voices would continue to share the aloha spirit around the world.
“The OG Disney kids” are now in their 30s, but back in 2001, they were 5th and 6th graders, each excited to don fancy headsets and record He Mele No Lilo and Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride for Disney’s original Lilo and Stitch film. Now, with the release of the live-action version, their voices are once again being heralded as a new generation of Kamehameha students will also get their turn in the spotlight.
Rewind the (VHS) tape
In 2001, when Lynell Bright received the call requesting her students to be a part of the film, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Kamehameha Schools chorus teacher had a tradition for the spring concert: a medley of songs from the latest Disney movie.
“That particular year, the last one was Dinosaurs – there’s no music!” Bright remembers with a laugh. “But then I got a call from Alan Silvestri, the composer, and he said, ‘Well, your voices are going to be in the next Disney film!’ It was a chicken skin moment.”
With Lilo and Stitch set in Hawaii and both Lilo and her sister Native Hawaiian, the filmmakers wanted to ensure the culture and language were accurately represented. Bright knew her students would be up for the job; they had the knowledge, passion, and talent. The hard part was choosing who would perform since the gig only called for 40 kids, while the choir had 100 members.
The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus at the Los Angeles premiere in 2002.
“They were all wonderful, so we had to hold an audition, and a panel picked the final members,” explains Bright.
Among them was Leimomi Kanagusuku, M.D., who is now a family medicine doctor on Oahu. She was just 11 years old when she was picked, but she recalls her excitement surrounding the secret project.
“I was just ecstatic to be chosen for a movie opportunity,” says Dr. Kanagusuku. “I don’t think as a child I realized what the impact truly was going to be. But it’s opened so many doors and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Kanaka connection
Lilo and Stitch immerses the viewers in Hawaiian culture from the opening song. He Mele No Lilo is written entirely in Olelo Hawaii; Kumu Mark Kealii Hoomalu crafted it based on a traditional Hawaiian chant. While Hoomalu sings lead vocals, it’s the keiki’s voices blending as one that is especially endearing.
“It’s so powerful when kids sing,” says Bright. “As adults, we tend to put up barriers, but when kids sing, it goes straight to the heart and brings healing, hope, and joy.”
He Mele No Lilo plays as Lilo swims through the ocean filled with marine life and runs through the lush landscape of Kauai to make it to hula practice. A big smile spreads across her face as she joins her halau in honoring King Kalakaua through song and dance.
“After the movie, there was so much interest in hula,” says Bright. “Everyone gained a better understanding of Hawaii and our culture. It was a special thing to share aloha with the world.”
The choir singing at the world premiere at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles.
While the kids may not have fully understood the impact of their collective voices at the time, they’ve certainly come to appreciate their role in sharing Hawaiian culture on an international platform.
“We were all kids who were part Native Hawaiian and got to speak our native tongue on a film that was shown across the globe,” says Dr. Kanagusuku. “Talk about representation; I’m so proud to have been a part of that.”
Full circle moment
With the release of the live-action Lilo and Stitch last month, audiences worldwide heard a new chorus of kids – but from the same school.
“We thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Bright. “When they called again just before Christmas last year, we were honored. I got emotional!”
Bright and her sons also attended a special screening at Dole Theatre.
What makes this adaptation even more memorable for Bright is that her son, Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, is a screenwriter for the movie. In 2002, he was just 9 years old when he walked the red carpet with his mom to the premiere of the original Lilo and Stitch in Hollywood. Last month, he walked the blue carpet with a writing credit and his mom by his side.
“This was his thing, and then we got to be a part of it and work together, so that was really special,” says Bright. “The person who called us to come back didn’t know that Chris is my son. After we got that call, my husband and I were crying in the parking lot!”
Beyond the big screen
While He Mele No Lilo got a rewrite for the live-action, the lyrics to the iconic Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride stayed the same. The song has held special meaning to Dr. Kanagusuku since she first sang it, and she now uses it to connect with her young patients.
“Music has an interesting way of touching the soul,” she says. “I often play music for my keiki when I first meet them or if they seem uncertain about being at the doctor’s office. If they’re wearing a Lilo and Stitch shirt or backpack, I sing a couple of bars from the song to see if their eyes light up with recognition. Then I get to share a little of my background, and before you know it, we’re best friends.”
Dr. Kanagasuku is in the third row, sixth from right.
That’s also Bright’s main goal for her keiki chorus. Whether they’re rehearsing in their practice room on campus or performing at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, these young professionals are always sharing a message of hope, joy, and togetherness.
“It’s our kuleana to bring healing to people,” says Bright. “That’s always our focus, no matter what.”
Photos courtesy Lynell Bright
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