Mariah sings the theme song for the Sony Pictures animation film The Star, released on November 10, 2017. “They called me and said there's a movie called The Star and they told me about the incredible cast and the premise of the movie being about the first Christmas ever so I said, ‘Of course,’ ” Mariah told Essence. “I wanted to collaborate with my friend Marc Shaiman. He and I have already written some songs together and he's been nominated for a bunch of Academy Awards. This was a learning experience for me. We were writing the song and literally watching the scene where they're going to Bethlehem. The Star is an awesome movie and a chance to talk about the message and the spirit and I needed to be part of the song.”
“The Star” was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and was included on the film's original motion picture soundtrack as well as on the deluxe anniversary edition of Mariah's Merry Christmas album, released in 2019.
The music video for “The Star” was directed by Jeb Hardwick and premiered on November 16, 2017. The video features Mariah singing in a white and silver gown, interlaced with clips from the film. Mariah's twins, Moroccan and Monroe, and background singer Mary Ann Tatum's son, Michael Jaiden Shields — who sing background vocals on the song — make an appearance towards the end of the clip.
One dark night
Something said follow the light
So you look up and see the word
That's written upon the sky
Strong and wise
Keeping the Lord as your guide
And through the doubt you realize
He's with you all the while
Follow that star above you
Should the world try to break you down
There is one who waits for you
Though you can't see Him now
Thunder and rain surrounds you
But His love's just a breath away
If you follow your heart, follow the light
Follow that star
Shining bright
The spirit of love at first sight
And when the door won't welcome you
Heaven will help you inside
Gather around
Bearing the gifts to the crown
A miracle comes, the babe is born
And angels are heard on high
Follow that star above you
Should the world try to break you down
There is one who waits for you
Though you can't see him now
Thunder and rain surrounds you
But His love's just a breath away
If you follow your heart, follow the light
Follow that star
Follow that voice you heard
That no one else believed
Follow the dream
That brought the King on Christmas Eve
Follow that star above you
Should the world try to break you down
There is one who waits for you
Though you can't see him now
Thunder and rain surrounds you
But His love's just a breath away
If you follow the voice, follow the song
Follow the word that makes you strong
Follow your heart
Follow the light
Follow that star
Written by Mariah Carey, Marc Shaiman.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Marc Shaiman.
