Country singer and songwriter Emily Ann Roberts tells how she became a Country Bear

So how did I get from Tennessee to Disney? I remember singing along to some of my dad’s favorite artists in the car seat. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the music he introduced me to would shape me as an artist and songwriter for years to come.

When I was in sixth grade, I started playing guitar and fell in love with it. It wasn’t long before I got my first steady gig at our local Mexican restaurant. I was hooked on performing, singing everywhere I could, from other restaurants in the area to busking in downtown Knoxville to competing at the county fair.

My first trip to Walt Disney World was an unforgettable experience. I was not only amazed by everything the park had to offer, but My friends encouraged me to take part in the “American Idol Experience”, which used to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They knew I loved singing and wanted me to try! I ended up winning that day and got my golden ticket to audition for American Idol.

Although I never used this golden ticket, had the opportunity to take part in “The Voice” in 2015 and after second place there was no turning back. Since then I have been pursuing this dream full-time, starting with an EP in 2019 and my debut full-length album in September 2023.

You never know what doors will open and what opportunities will come your way if you just keep going. My latest adventure took me to the most magical place on earth. The first time I was at Walt Disney World, I sang there and now I am the new voice of Trixie at the Country Bear Musical Jamboree!

The call for this opportunity really came out of the blue. I was on tour with Blake Shelton and my agent contacted my manager to let us know that Disney Imagineers had heard my voice and thought I would be perfect for a project they were working on. When I heard it was for the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, I knew I would fit in well. My debut album is called “Can’t Hide Country” and I don’t know how I could be anything else But Country!

The recording process in Nashville was so fun and inspiring, it was an honor to work with the amazing Mac McAnally who produced these tracks. He made “Try Everything” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” an absolute smash and took me right back to my roots.

When I’ve recorded music in the past, I’ve always had the intention of singing and performing it live. With this song, I knew I wouldn’t be the one performing it live. I had to put myself in Trixie’s shoes and think of this as part of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree – it was really fun to explore that side of the recording.

I can’t even begin to describe what it was like to meet Trixie for the first time. It was like meeting a long lost friend! When I visited Walt Disney World last month to help announce the show’s opening date, Mac McAnally (voice of Shaker), Allison Russell (voice of Teddi Barra) and I were also able to meet our bears in person – Trixie is ADORABLE!

I want a copy of her outfit myself because it’s incredible! As the Imagineers heated up the show and Trixie began to singI had to hold back the tears. This is an opportunity I never dreamed of. It is a great honor to be part of a show that has been so popular for so many years.

I hope that when people hear Trixie’s song about trying new things, failing, and trying again, they are encouraged to do the same. I would never have had the confidence to do half the things I do now if I hadn’t learned to try everything and never give up.

This song was a very special reminder to me to never limit my dreams and to always try everything… even if I might fail! July 17th can’t come soon enough!