" Happy " was first released on November 21 , 2013 , the song was originally written for and included on the '' Despicable Me 2 '' soundtrack . The song was reissued on December 16 , 2013 , as the album 's lead single . On November 24 , Williams released the first 24-hour music video for " Happy " . Guest appearances included Magic Johnson , Steve Carell , Jimmy Kimmel , Jamie Foxx , Odd Future , Miranda Cosgrove , Janelle Monáe and many others . The song has been commercially successful , peaking at number one on the US '' Billboard '' Hot 100 , topping charts in 19 other countries , and reaching top 10 positions in several more . It received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards , and Williams performed the song live at the ceremony on March 2 , 2014
86th Academy Awards
86th Academy Awards
Girl (Pharrell Williams album)