What is the name of the song the Genie sings when he first appears?

The song the Genie sings when he first appears is “Friend Like Me.” After Aladdin releases him from the lamp, the Genie launches into this energetic production number to demonstrate his powers and explain the three-wish arrangement.

The song was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman for Disney’s 1992 animated film. Its big-band sound was influenced by Cab Calloway, while Robin Williams’s improvisational comedy expanded the sequence into a fast, reference-filled showcase for the Genie.

A common mix-up is “Prince Ali,” another Genie-led musical number later in the film. “A Whole New World” is Aladdin and Jasmine’s romantic duet, and “One Jump Ahead” introduces Aladdin’s life as a street thief. “Friend Like Me” was also performed by Will Smith in the 2019 live-action remake, but Robin Williams performed the original animated-film version.