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Rewrite the Stars
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| "Rewrite the Stars" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Zac Efron and Zendaya | ||||
| from the album The Greatest Showman | ||||
| Released | November 17, 2017 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Songwriter | Benj Pasek and Justin Paul | |||
| Producers | ||||
| Zac Efron singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Zendaya singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Audio | ||||
| "Rewrite the Stars" on YouTube | ||||
"Rewrite the Stars" is a song performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya for the film The Greatest Showman (2017). It was released on November 17, 2017, by Atlantic Records as a promotional single from the soundtrack.[1][2][3] In Australia, "Rewrite the Stars" was released to radio on July 20, 2018.[4][5] The song sees Efron's character, Phillip Carlyle—a privileged white man and Barnum's protégé—serenading Zendaya's character, Anne Wheeler. Their passionate connection is fraught with societal obstacles, including racial prejudice and class distinctions. Philip tries to convince Anne that their love can overcome these barriers, challenging fate and destiny to create a future together.[6]
The song is expected to appear in the upcoming 2026 stage musical adaptation of the film.
Composition
[edit]According to sheet music published at Sheetmusicdirect.com, "Rewrite the Stars" is a moderately fast tempo of 125 beats per minute. Written in common time, the song is in the key of B♭ major. Throughout the track, Efron's vocal range spans from the low note of E♭3 to the high note of B♭4, and Zendaya's vocal range spans from the low note of E♭3 to the high note of E♭5.[7] "Rewrite the Stars" had many melodic inspirations, most notably being "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry, produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut.
Reception
[edit]
Sam Damshenas from GayTimes called the song a "stunning duet" with perfectly fitting romance,[6] and Michael Ordoña from the Los Angeles Times called the song "a standout duet" and "a signature karaoke duet".[8] However, Emily Yoshida from Vulture described the song as a "Jason Derulo castoff circa 2012."[9]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Date | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Choice Awards | August 12, 2018 | Choice Music: Collaboration | Won | [10] |
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[32] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
| Austria (IFPI Austria)[33] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[34] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[35] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| France (SNEP)[36] | Gold | 100,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[37] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[38] | 3× Platinum | 90,000‡ |
| Poland (ZPAV)[39] | Platinum | 50,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[40] | Platinum | 10,000‡ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[41] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[42] | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[43] | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000‡ |
| Streaming | ||
| Japan (RIAJ)[44] | Gold | 50,000,000† |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Version | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | November 17, 2017 | Atlantic | Promotional single | [1][2][3] | |
| Australia | July 20, 2018 | Contemporary hit radio | Atlantic | Radio single | [4][5] |
Reimagined version
[edit]| "Rewrite the Stars" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Anne-Marie and James Arthur | ||||
| from the album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined | ||||
| Released | November 16, 2018 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Songwriter | Pasek and Paul | |||
| Producers | ||||
| Anne-Marie singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| James Arthur singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Rewrite the Stars (Reimagined version") on YouTube | ||||
On November 16, 2018, The Greatest Showman: Reimagined was released, which features a cover of "Rewrite the Stars" by English singers James Arthur and Anne-Marie as a single. The pair performed the song on the fifteenth season of British The X Factor on December 1 and the fifteenth season of American The Voice on December 4.[45][46] It was released to Australian radio,[47] and a remix by Wideboys was released on December 14.[48]
Track listing
[edit]- Remix[48]
- "Rewrite the Stars" (Wideboys Hands in the Air remix) – 3:36
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2018–19) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[49] | 67 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[50] | 7 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[51] | 19 |
| Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[52] | 85 |
| Germany (GfK)[53] | 100 |
| Greece International Digital Singles (IFPI)[54] | 99 |
| Hungary (Single Top 40)[55] | 27 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[56] | 12 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[57] | 10 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[58] | 24 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[59] | 5 |
| Portugal (AFP)[60] | 61 |
| Portugal Airplay (AFP)[61] | 1 |
| Romania (Airplay 100)[62] | 12 |
| Scotland Singles (OCC)[63] | 4 |
| Singapore (RIAS)[64] | 15 |
| Slovakia Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[65] | 79 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[66] | 27 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[67] | 44 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[68] | 7 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[69] | 24 |
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Indonesia (Billboard)[70] | 13 |
| Malaysia International (RIM)[71] | 20 |
Year-end charts
[edit]| Chart (2019) | Position |
|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)[72] | 37 |
| Belgium (Ultratop Wallonia)[73] | 87 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[74] | 74 |
| Portugal (AFP)[75] | 118 |
| Romania (Airplay 100)[76] | 31 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[77] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[78] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[79] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| Norway (IFPI Norway)[80] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
| Poland (ZPAV)[81] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
| Portugal (AFP)[82] | Platinum | 10,000‡ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[83] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[84] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[85] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Listen to The Greatest Showman's Zac Efron and Zendaya Sing Pasek and Paul's 'Rewrite the Stars'". PlayBill. November 17, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "Odds & Ends: Hear Zac Efron & Zendaya Sing Pasek & Paul's 'Rewrite the Stars' from The Greatest Showman & More". Broadway. November 17, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "The Greatest Showman Releases New Song, "Rewrite the Stars"". Theatre Mania. November 17, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "Singles to Radio Issue 1199". The Music Network. July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "THE PURGE #350". auspOp. 25 July 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ a b "Zac Efron and Zendaya Rewrite the Stars in stunning duet for The Greatest Showman". GayTimes. November 23, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Rewrite The Stars sheet music by Pasek & Paul (Piano & Vocal – 251643)". www.sheetmusicdirect.com. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron and Zendaya bring romance, and a standout duet, to 'The Greatest Showman'". LA Times. December 19, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "The Greatest Showman Is the Fakest Show on Earth". Vulture. December 20, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ Douglas, Esme. "Teen Choice Awards 2018: See the full list of winners". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya: Rewrite the Stars" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
- ^ "Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
- ^ "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
- ^ "Singapore Top 30 Digital Streaming Chart Week 6" (PDF). Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 19, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Canciones Top 50. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 16/2/2018 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
- ^ "Zendaya – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "ARIA End of Year Singles 2018". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
- ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2018". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "Austrian single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Music Canada. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ "French single certifications – Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ "Italian single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Zac Efron And Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Radioscope. Retrieved November 7, 2025. Type Rewrite the Stars in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 21, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Rewrite the Stars in the search box.
- ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ "Spanish single certifications – Zac Efron / Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "British single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ "Japanese single streaming certifications – Zendaya, Zac Efron – Rewrite the Stars" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved July 31, 2025. Select 2025年6月 on the drop-down menu
- ^ Percival, Ash (December 3, 2018). "James Arthur Complains Of Technical Problems Blighting 'X Factor' Performance". The Huffington Post UK. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
- ^ "James Arthur and Anne-Marie Perform 'Rewrite the Stars' on 'The Voice': Watch". Billboard. December 5, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
- ^ "Singles To Radio: Issue 1216". The Music Network. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ a b "Rewrite the Stars (Wideboys Hands in the Air Remix) - Single by James Arthur on iTunes". iTunes Store. 14 December 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #504". auspOp. 22 December 2018. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
- ^ "James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ "James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ "James Arthur Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
- ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 48/2018". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 10 December 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
- ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 1, 2019" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- ^ "James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
- ^ "Hot 40 Singles (26 November 2018)". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
- ^ "James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ "Portogallo Radio Airplay". AFP. February 22, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "Airplay 100 – 14 aprilie 2019" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 7/12/2018 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
- ^ "Singapore Top 30 Digital Streaming Chart Week 49" (PDF). Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 13, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI – SK Singles Digital – Top 100 – 15. týden 2019" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
- ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Sveriges Officiella Topplista". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ "James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 11/1/2019 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ "James Arthur Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
- ^ "James Arthur Chart History (Indonesia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 2 (05/01/2024-11/01/2024)". RIM. January 20, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2024 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2019". Ultratop. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ "Rapports Annuels 2019". Ultratop. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2019". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- ^ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 3000 Singles + EPs Digitais" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
- ^ "Airplay 100 – Top of the Year 2019" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Anne-Marie & James Arthur – Rewrite the Stars". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ "Italian single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – James Arthur and Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". Radioscope. Retrieved April 14, 2025. Type Rewrite the Stars in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "Norwegian single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
- ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 11, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Rewrite the Stars in the search box.
- ^ "Portuguese single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ "Spanish single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ "British single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
- ^ "American single certifications – James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the Stars". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
Rewrite the Stars
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Writing and inspiration
"Rewrite the Stars" was conceived by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul as a duet to explore the forbidden romance between the characters Philip Carlyle, a privileged playwright, and Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist of color in P.T. Barnum's circus, drawing inspiration from the historical tensions of class and racial divides in 1800s America.[8][9] The song's thematic core revolves around defying societal barriers and fate, reflecting real-life interracial and class-based restrictions of the era that mirrored Barnum's own outsider status in show business.[9][10] The initial concept emerged during the film's songwriting sessions in 2016, where Pasek and Paul tailored the track to advance the narrative while blending modern pop sensibilities with theatrical drama to highlight the emotional stakes of Philip and Anne's relationship.[11] Lyrics such as "What if we rewrite the stars?" emphasize the protagonists' determination to challenge predestined outcomes, while lines like "You know I want you, it's not a secret I try to hide" build romantic tension during their aerial trapeze performance, underscoring the physical and emotional risks of their connection.[8] The duo specifically wrote the song to showcase the vocal chemistry between leads Zac Efron and Zendaya, creating a duet that crescendos into a powerful expression of longing and defiance within the circus setting.[9][10]Recording process
The recording of "Rewrite the Stars" primarily took place in 2017 at Rocket Carousel Studio in Los Angeles, with additional sessions at Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, Sweden. The track was produced by Greg Wells, Joseph Trapanese, and Justin Paul, who worked from existing Pro Tools sessions containing up to 333 tracks, including vocals from leads Zac Efron and Zendaya that had been captured earlier in the process. Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, along with music director Alex Lacamoire, oversaw the production to align it with the film's vision.[11][12][2] Efron and Zendaya's vocals were recorded in both "album mode" for the soundtrack and "film mode" using lavalier and shotgun microphones to simulate on-set conditions, ensuring authenticity for the trapeze sequence. Efron's performance utilized a Neumann U47 microphone routed through an API 3124 preamp and Tube-Tech CL1B compressor/EQ, while Zendaya's was captured with a Sony C800G through the same preamp and EQ chain; Zendaya also did touch-up sessions with Wells over one night. Some live vocals were incorporated directly from the set, particularly for scene transitions, to capture the raw energy of the performers amid the physical demands of the aerial choreography.[11] Live instrumentation formed the core of the arrangement, with a 30-piece orchestra providing strings, live drums and percussion evoking the circus's dynamic rhythm, 63 guitar tracks, and additional synth and piano elements to heighten the tension. Multiple takes of vocals and instruments were recorded to facilitate precise syncing with the film's trapeze movements, blending orchestral and pop versions for a hybrid sound.[11] Post-production involved extensive vocal processing by Wells, including manual timing adjustments, pitch correction with Waves Tune and Antares Auto-Tune, and the addition of layered harmonies through parallel compression and effects like the Soothe plug-in for resonance control. The mix, handled in-the-box with UAD and Waves plug-ins across nine buses, emphasized emotional build-up via dynamic automation and master bus processing with emulations like the Neve 33609 compressor. The final version was completed in the weeks before the soundtrack's November 17, 2017 release, ahead of the film's December 20 premiere.[11][12]Composition and lyrics
"Rewrite the Stars" is composed as a pop duet in the key of B♭ major, with a tempo of 125 beats per minute in common time (4/4). The track runs for 3 minutes and 37 seconds and follows a verse-chorus structure typical of contemporary pop music, blended with theatrical orchestration to evoke the film's circus setting. It features alternating verses between the male and female leads, building to shared choruses that emphasize their duet dynamic, accompanied by building instrumentation including strings and percussion.[13] The lyrics, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, center on themes of forbidden love and challenging destiny. The narrative depicts the protagonists' struggle against societal barriers—such as class differences and racial prejudice in 19th-century America—through metaphors of fate written in the stars. Lines like "What if we rewrite the stars? / Say you were made to be mine" convey optimism and defiance, while the female character's responses highlight realism and doubt, culminating in a poignant exploration of love's resilience. In the film, the song accompanies an aerial trapeze performance, enhancing its themes of elevation and unattainability.[1]Release and promotion
"Rewrite the Stars" was released on November 17, 2017, as the third promotional single from the soundtrack to the film The Greatest Showman, following "The Greatest Show" and "This Is Me".[14] Issued by Atlantic Records, the track was made available for digital download and streaming. The official audio was uploaded to YouTube by Atlantic Records the day prior, on November 16, 2017.[15] A lyric video featuring scenes from the film was also released on November 17, 2017, to promote the song ahead of the soundtrack's full release on December 8, 2017.[16] Promotion primarily occurred through the film's marketing campaign, including teasers and soundtrack previews.Critical reception
Upon the release of "Rewrite the Stars" as part of The Greatest Showman soundtrack, critics offered mixed responses to the song, often praising the performers' chemistry and vocal delivery while critiquing its stylistic familiarity. In a review of the film, Variety highlighted the duet as a "highlight," noting that Zac Efron and Zendaya "have a terrific chemistry — they never stop moving, and their duet 'Rewrite the Stars' is a highlight, with the pair literally hanging from the rafters in a gravity-defying aerial routine."[17] Rolling Stone commended Zendaya's contribution, stating that in "Rewrite the Stars," she delivers "the voice of an angel," while acknowledging the song's role in the narrative's romantic resolution.[18] However, some reviewers found it derivative; The Jam Report described the track as feeling "more like a leftover from Efron's High School Musical days than anything original," despite appreciating the duo's "wonderful chemistry."[19] The song's pop-theatrical blend was seen as emblematic of the soundtrack's broader appeal, which Billboard described as embodying "love, diversity and acceptance," contributing to its commercial success despite the film's mixed critical reception (56% on Rotten Tomatoes).[20]Commercial performance
Weekly charts
"Rewrite the Stars" experienced significant chart traction following the December 2017 release of The Greatest Showman, driven by the film's soundtrack buzz and increasing radio airplay. The song entered various international weekly charts in early 2018, reflecting its appeal as a duet from the movie's romantic storyline. In the United Kingdom, it climbed notably in January 2018, bolstered by strong radio support and streaming growth.[21] The track achieved moderate peaks across major markets, with its performance sustained over several weeks amid the soundtrack's overall success. It reached No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart, spending a total of 11 weeks in the Top 100, entering on January 11, 2018.[21] In Australia, it peaked at No. 21 on the ARIA Singles Chart for 15 weeks, debuting in early January 2018. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song hit No. 70 after debuting at No. 85 on January 13, 2018, and charted for 12 weeks.[22] Internationally, "Rewrite the Stars" performed strongly in select regions, peaking at No. 10 on the Official Scottish Singles Chart in January 2018. It reached No. 14 on the Finnish Singles Chart, entering in early 2018. In New Zealand, the song peaked at No. 32 on the Recorded Music NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, with an entry in January 2018.| Chart (2018) | Peak | Weeks on Chart | Entry Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[23] | 21 | 15 | January 14, 2018 |
| Finland Singles (Suomen virallinen lista)[24] | 14 | 8 | January 19, 2018 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[25] | 32 | 10 | January 15, 2018 |
| Scotland (OCC)[26] | 10 | 12 | January 12, 2018 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[27] | 16 | 11 | January 11, 2018 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[28] | 70 | 12 | January 13, 2018 |
Year-end charts
"Rewrite the Stars" achieved notable placements on year-end charts in 2018, reflecting its strong performance following the release of The Greatest Showman. In the United Kingdom, the song ranked No. 32 on the Official Charts Company's year-end singles chart, based on combined sales and streaming data.[29] In Australia, it reached No. 47 on the ARIA End of Year Singles Chart. These placements highlight the track's appeal, supported by film popularity.| Year | UK (Official Charts) | Australia (ARIA) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | - | - |
| 2018 | 32 | 47 |
Certifications and sales
"Rewrite the Stars" has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple certifications across various countries based on sales and streaming equivalents. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song 3× Platinum in 2023, representing 3 million units including downloads and streams.[30] The track also received strong recognition in other markets. Australia's ARIA certified it 4× Platinum for 280,000 units, while the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded Platinum status for 600,000 units in the United Kingdom. In Germany, the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) issued a Gold certification equivalent to 200,000 units, and Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) granted Platinum for 30,000 units in New Zealand. No major certification upgrades were reported for the song between 2024 and 2025.| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000 |
| Australia | ARIA | 4× Platinum | 280,000 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Platinum | 600,000 |
| Germany | BVMI | Gold | 200,000 |
| New Zealand | RMNZ | Platinum | 30,000 |
Music video and film appearance
"Rewrite the Stars" appears in The Greatest Showman as a choreographed musical sequence set in the circus big top. The performance features aerial acrobatics, including trapeze and silks work by Zendaya, integrated with dynamic camera movements to emphasize the duet's emotional intensity and physical demands.[32] An official music video, consisting of the film's performance clip, was released on YouTube by 20th Century Studios UK on December 15, 2017. An official lyric video was also released on February 1, 2019, via Fandango at Home Extras.[33][34]Accolades
"Rewrite the Stars" received one major award nomination and win. It won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Music Collaboration at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards, held on August 12, 2018.[35]Reimagined version
Background and recording
The reimagined version of "Rewrite the Stars" was released on November 16, 2018, as part of the album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined, issued by Atlantic Records and featuring vocals by British singers James Arthur and Anne-Marie.[36] The track served as a promotional single tied to the one-year anniversary of the original The Greatest Showman soundtrack, aiming to sustain the film's cultural momentum by enlisting contemporary artists for fresh interpretations.[37] James Arthur and Anne-Marie were chosen by Atlantic Records executive Kevin Weaver for their strong appeal in the UK market and vocal styles that provided dynamic contrast, making the duet suitable for radio rotation.[38] The production, overseen by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul along with Zach Skelton, Pete Ganbarg, Kevin Weaver, Joseph Trapanese, and Alex Lacamoire, sought to transform the original's theatrical Broadway-inspired sound into a modern pop-R&B arrangement with an emphasis on accessibility and emotional depth.[39][37] This version retained the core structure of the Pasek and Paul composition while incorporating layered harmonies and subtle electronic production elements to enhance its contemporary feel.[40]Track listing and composition
The reimagined version of "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie was released as a digital single on November 16, 2018, and appears as the eighth track on the compilation album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. The track has a duration of 3:38 and is composed in B♭ major at a tempo of 126 BPM.[41][42][43] The song's lyrics, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, remain largely unchanged from the original, preserving the duet's narrative of defying fate in love, though the artists incorporate vocal ad-libs to heighten emotional intensity. Production shifts to a contemporary pop style with electronic synths and rhythmic beats, modernizing the original's musical theater ballad for broader radio appeal and infusing R&B elements through Arthur's gravelly tone and Anne-Marie's powerful belts. This evolves the genre toward pop-soul, emphasizing the performers' vocal dynamics over orchestral swells.[38][44][45] Promotional formats included digital audio streaming and an official lyric video released on YouTube by Atlantic Records.[46]Commercial performance
The reimagined version of "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie achieved significant commercial success upon its release in November 2018 as the lead single from The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. It debuted at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart, marking a strong entry driven by digital downloads and streaming.[47] The track was later certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), denoting 600,000 units sold or streamed in the UK. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart in its debut week, with approximately 20,000 downloads contributing to its performance, though it had a more modest overall footprint compared to the original version from the film soundtrack. The accompanying album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined peaked at No. 7 on the UK Albums Chart, bolstered by the single's momentum and contributions from other artists on the project. By 2025, the song had reached over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify as of November 2025, having surpassed 1 billion in January 2025, underscoring its enduring digital appeal.[48][49] The song's sales exceeded 100,000 units in the UK during 2018 alone, reflecting robust initial market reception despite a streaming-heavy landscape.[29] Promotional efforts further amplified its commercial trajectory, including a live performance by Arthur and Anne-Marie on The Voice UK in December 2018, which helped sustain chart presence into early 2019.[50] Subsequent resurgences were fueled by algorithmic playlist placements on services like Spotify and Apple Music, contributing to ongoing streams and positioning the track as a staple in pop and soundtrack repertoires, with stronger digital sales offsetting limited physical and radio impact in the US relative to the original.[51]Charts
The reimagined version of "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie, released as the lead single from the album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined on November 16, 2018, entered various international charts shortly after its debut. The track's chart performance was boosted by the album's release and the artists' live performance on NBC's The Voice on December 4, 2018.[52] On weekly charts, the song reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent 15 weeks in total.[53] In Ireland, it peaked at number 12 and charted for 12 weeks.[54] The track also performed strongly in several European countries, topping out at number 7 in both Belgium and Portugal, while achieving a top-10 position in the Netherlands. It had shorter runs in other markets, including a brief appearance at number 85 in Canada for two weeks. In the United States, it did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 24 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. The song's success was primarily concentrated in late 2018 and early 2019.| Country | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 7 | 15 |
| Ireland | 12 | 12 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50) | 7 | 21 |
| Portugal (AFP) | 7 | 26 |
| Netherlands (Top 40) | 10 | 17 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 27 | 7 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 44 | 6 |
| Canada (Billboard) | 85 | 2 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) | 100 | 1 |
| United States (Bubbling Under Hot 100) | 24 | — |
Certifications
The reimagined version of "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie, released in 2018 as part of The Greatest Showman: Reimagined, has earned certifications reflecting its commercial success, primarily driven by streaming and downloads. These accolades highlight the track's enduring popularity, with equivalent units accumulating steadily post-release. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the song Platinum on January 25, 2019, for sales and streams exceeding 600,000 units. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States awarded it Gold certification in 2020, recognizing 500,000 equivalent units. In Australia, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) certified it Gold in 2019, equivalent to 35,000 units. No additional certifications have been issued since 2020, though the song has reached approximately 1 million equivalent units globally by 2025, bolstered by ongoing streaming growth. Certifications in Europe emphasize streaming equivalents, while the track saw robust download sales during its debut week in late 2018.| Country | Certifying body | Certification | Certified units/sales | Award date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | Gold | 35,000^ | 2019 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Platinum | 600,000^ | January 25, 2019 |
| United States | RIAA | Gold | 500,000^ | 2020 |
Cultural impact
Streaming milestones
The original version of "Rewrite the Stars" by Zac Efron and Zendaya achieved a significant streaming milestone by surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify in July 2024, becoming the first duet by the pair to reach this mark.[55] This accomplishment highlighted the song's enduring appeal from its inclusion in the The Greatest Showman soundtrack, with the track maintaining strong global listenership years after its 2017 release. On YouTube, the official audio upload for the song has accumulated over 146 million views as of November 2025, reflecting its visual and auditory popularity among fans.[15] A widely viewed lyrics video featuring the duet has exceeded 173 million views, further demonstrating the track's online traction through user-shared content and official promotions.[56] The song has seen recurrent placement in top global playlists on platforms like Apple Music since 2020, sustaining its presence in curated streaming selections and aiding long-term discovery by new audiences. These digital benchmarks have also supported the track's certifications across multiple regions, underscoring its commercial longevity. Virality on TikTok from 2023 to 2025, driven by popular dance challenges and user-generated performances, has amplified the song's streaming momentum on various platforms. In comparison, the reimagined version by James Arthur and Anne-Marie, released in 2018, has garnered over 1.2 billion Spotify streams, though it trails the original in overall cultural resonance.[48]Covers and live performances
The official cover of "Rewrite the Stars" by James Arthur and Anne-Marie was released on November 16, 2018, as part of the album The Greatest Showman: Reimagined.[57] This duet reinterprets the original with a pop-infused arrangement, featuring Arthur on lead vocals for the verses and Anne-Marie joining for the chorus, and it has since amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify.[58] Zac Efron and Zendaya performed the song live as part of a medley from The Greatest Showman at the 90th Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, marking one of the film's high-profile promotional appearances. In 2024, James Arthur brought out guest vocalist Neve for a collaborative live rendition during his Bitter Sweet Love tour at Utilita Arena Sheffield on March 8.[59] Fan covers have proliferated across platforms, including the vocal group L6's a cappella performance during the quarterfinals of America's Got Talent season 19 on September 3, 2024, which earned praise from judges for its harmonious blend and emotional delivery.[60] In October 2025, actor Dylan Efron, brother of original performer Zac Efron, danced a contemporary routine to the original version by Zac Efron and Zendaya on Dancing with the Stars season 34 Dedication Night, dedicating it to his sister Olivia and scoring 36 out of 40 from the judges.[61][62] School and youth choirs have frequently adapted the song for performances, with covers on YouTube attracting significant audiences; for instance, the a cappella group Musicality's rendition, featuring soloists Philip and Roxy, has exceeded 2 million views since its upload in March 2018.[63] Other notable examples include high school ensembles like Glenbrook North's Varsity Spartan Choir, whose 2019 concert version highlights the song's choral versatility.[64] On TikTok, the song inspired viral duet challenges in 2024, where influencers and users created split-screen harmonies, often using the original or Arthur/Anne-Marie versions; creators like Jerrica Alyssa amassed tens of thousands of likes on collaborative singing prompts that encouraged fan participation.[65] These trends underscored the track's ongoing appeal for interactive, user-generated content.Adaptations and media usage
The song "Rewrite the Stars" was included in Disney's stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman, announced in August 2024 and scheduled for its world premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026.[66] The production features key numbers from the original film, including this duet, alongside new material composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.[67] In television, the track has seen notable usage across talent competitions. Contestants Zae Romeo and Lindsay Joan performed it during the battle rounds of season 20 of The Voice US in April 2021, earning praise from coach Nick Jonas for their vocal chemistry.[68] Similarly, Knut-Sigurd and Christine delivered a duet version in the battle stage of The Voice Norway in March 2021.[69] James Arthur and Anne-Marie also showcased their reimagined cover on The Voice US during the live top 10 results episode in December 2018. More recently, in October 2025, Dylan Efron and professional dancer Daniella Karagach performed a contemporary routine to the song on Dancing with the Stars season 34, dedicating it to Efron's sister Olivia as part of the show's Dedication Night.[70] Outside of structured performances, "Rewrite the Stars" has appeared in romance-oriented media and personal milestones. It has been selected for soundtracks in various romantic TV series and films, enhancing emotional duet scenes.[71] The song is also a favored option for wedding first dances, frequently recommended in 2024 compilations of popular reception tracks for its themes of overcoming obstacles in love.[72] While no major official remixes have been released, elements of the melody have been sampled in independent 2025 pop and drill beats produced by artists emulating styles of Central Cee and Lil Tjay.[73]References
- This song of forbidden love was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for the P.T. · The song is a duet between Zac Efron (playing a rich white playwright called ...Missing: composers | Show results with:composers
- Who produced "Rewrite the Stars" by Zac Efron and Zendaya? "Rewrite the Stars" was produced by Greg Wells, Joseph Trapanese and Justin Paul ...
- 3/19/22. 4. Rewrite The Stars. Zac Efron & Zendaya. 1/13/18. 70 12 Wks. 1/27/18. 7. Watch Me. Bella Thorne & Zendaya. 7/09/11. 86 12 Wks. 7/23/11. 3. The ...Missing: position | Show results with:position
- Apr 26, 2018 · Rewrite The Stars. Zac Efron & Zendaya Pop. Atlantic Records. 11/17/2017. MULTI PLATINO ALBUM // 9. Cert Date// Title//. Artist//. Genre//.Missing: certification | Show results with:certification
- Listen to Rewrite The Stars on Spotify. Song · Zac Efron, Zendaya · 2017. ... The Greatest Showman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Compilation • 2017.
- Feb 16, 2018 · Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are the acclaimed songwriting duo behind ... Rewrite The Stars. Zac Efron, Zendaya. 03:37. 9. Tightrope. Michelle ...