You know that feeling when a song just clicks with a movie so perfectly that you can’t imagine one without the other? That’s exactly what happened when Pixar tapped Lauv for the Elemental soundtrack. It wasn’t just another pop star cameo for a summer blockbuster. Honestly, Lauv Steal The Show became the emotional heartbeat of the whole film.
It’s been a minute since the movie hit theaters, but if you look at the charts—especially in places like South Korea—this track has some serious legs. It’s sitting at over 200 million streams on Spotify as of early 2026. That is wild for a "soundtrack song." Usually, these things flare up for a weekend and vanish. Not this one.
The Weird Way Lauv Steal The Show Actually Started
Most people think Disney just calls up a famous singer and hands them a finished track to sing. That’s not how this went down. Ari Leff (that’s Lauv’s real name) actually got into the weeds with Thomas Newman. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Newman is a legendary composer. He did Finding Nemo and Wall-E.
Lauv didn't just walk into a booth and record. He sat down with Newman, who gave him these two specific audio loops he’d been building for the film’s score. Lauv basically freestyled over them. He wanted to capture that "impossible" feeling of Fire and Water falling in love.
He’s mentioned in interviews that he’s a "huge lover"—his words, not mine—and he really connected with how Ember and Wade changed each other’s worldviews. It’s a song about someone coming into your life and totally wrecking your plans in the best way possible.
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Why South Korea Is Obsessed
If you check the Global 200, the song did okay. But in South Korea? It was a monster. It hit the top 10 on the Circle Chart and stayed there for months. It even ended up as one of the top 50 songs of the entire year in 2023 and hung around the top 100 deep into 2024.
There is something about Lauv's voice—that "breathy, sad-boy but hopeful" vibe—that just resonates with the music culture there. You’ve probably seen the videos of him performing it live in Seoul where the crowd is louder than he is. It’s kind of become his second home.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and Production
Let’s look at the actual DNA of the track. It’s produced by Lauv and Thomas Newman, with mixing handled by Mike Crossey.
- The Hook: "Started out on a one-way train..."
- The Vibe: It starts small. Just some light percussion and that signature Newman atmosphere.
- The Payoff: When the chorus hits, it doesn't explode like a typical EDM-pop track. It swells.
The lyrics were co-written by Michael Matosic, who has worked with Lauv on some of his biggest hits like "I Like Me Better." You can feel that chemistry. It’s simple, but it hits that specific Pixar "sweet spot" of being for kids but making adults feel like they need a tissue.
The song plays during the big date montage between Ember and Wade. It’s the moment they realize they can actually touch without destroying each other. It’s a metaphor for any relationship where you feel like you’re too different to work, but you do anyway.
Awards and The "Snub" Talk
Even though the song was a massive streaming hit, it didn't quite snag the Oscar nomination many fans were hoping for. Elemental did get a nod for Best Animated Feature, and Lauv and Newman were nominated for an Annie Award (the Oscars of animation) for Music in a Feature Production.
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Does that matter? Probably not to the millions of people who have it on their "Rainy Day" or "Disney Hits" playlists. The RIAA even certified it Gold in the US, which is a pretty big deal for a single from an original animated IP that wasn't a musical.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
So why are we still talking about it? Because Lauv Steal The Show proved that Pixar could move away from the "Randy Newman style" (no relation to Thomas, though they are a huge musical family) and embrace a more modern, synth-pop sound without losing the soul.
It also cemented Lauv as the go-to guy for "vulnerable pop." He isn't trying to be a tough guy. He’s singing about being overwhelmed by his feelings. In a world of over-produced TikTok sounds, that sincerity sticks.
Actionable Takeaways for the Fans
If you're still looping this track and want more of that specific vibe, here’s how to dive deeper:
- Check out the Thomas Newman Score: If you like the "twinkly" background sounds in the song, the full Elemental score is full of them. It’s great for studying or working.
- Watch the Live Seoul Performance: Seriously, the energy is different. It makes you appreciate the song way more than just the studio version.
- Listen to the "Korean Version": Lauv actually released a version specifically for his fans in Korea. It shows how much he appreciates that specific market's support.
The song isn't going anywhere. It’s joined the ranks of "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" or "Remember Me" as one of those Pixar tracks that defines an era. Whether you found it through the movie or just stumbled onto it on a Spotify mix, it’s a masterclass in how to write a love song that feels actually... well, real.