“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

Netta Reimagines a Disney Classic

By Jason Hecht

When Netta Barzilai takes on a classic, she transforms it into something entirely her own. In her official lyric video for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” Netta delivers a vibrant, modern reinterpretation of one of Disney’s most beloved songs, blending nostalgia with her signature pop energy.

The song originally appeared in the 1964 film Mary Poppins, performed by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Known for its playful lyrics and theatrical charm, it quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic musical numbers — a joyful celebration of imagination wrapped in an unforgettable, tongue-twisting word.

Netta first gained international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with her hit song “Toy.” The empowering anthem showcased her bold production style, looping techniques and fearless stage presence — qualities that have since defined her artistry.

Netta performs with a vocal looping device—most famously the Boss RC-505 Loop Station—which lets her record short sounds (like beatboxing, claps or vocal syllables) and have them repeat continuously while she layers additional sounds on top. Using this technique, she effectively builds a backing track live: first recording rhythmic beatbox patterns, then adding playful vocal sounds and harmony notes, and finally singing the main melody over the repeating layers. In her performance of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from the film, she uses the looper to transform the theatrical song into a rhythmic pop arrangement created entirely with her voice, stacking beats, harmonies and effects until it sounds like a full band even though she is performing alone.

Those same qualities shine through in her take on “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” She keeps the joyful spirit of the original but updates it with layered vocals, dynamic rhythms and her unmistakable personality. The lyric video format, complete with colorful visuals and on-screen words, invites viewers to sing along while experiencing a fresh pop twist on the classic tune.

Ultimately, this cover bridges generations. It honors the timeless magic of Mary Poppins while introducing the song to new audiences through a contemporary sound. The result is more than just a cover — it’s a celebration of joy, creativity and the enduring power of music.

Jason Hecht is FJMC International’s webmaster and part of the IT team, and also leads the FJMC Israeli and Jewish Music Affinity Group.

“Toy”: