Halle Bailey, Our Princess Ariel.

May 25, 2023
CASTEL

I have a 10:15 am showing tomorrow morning. Whether you are seeing Disney's The Little Mermaid tonight or tomorrow, the moment we have all been waiting for has arrived. Watching Halle Bailey swim across the screen and dazzle us in flowing red locs, and she's earned her crown as Princess Ariel with early reviews already in.

Bailey has charmed the general public and the internet as well. Even before being cast as Ariel, Halle was 1/2 of the beloved Grammy-nominated duo, currently on hiatus as they pursue solo ventures, Chloe x Halle with her sister. When the news came out that she was chosen as the lead—after being requested to audition for the role by director Rob Marshall, who knew she'd be perfect after watching her 2019 Grammys performance—her fans and Black people everywhere were over the moon. Not only are we getting a Black live-action Disney Princess, but she gets to put her own take on classic songs with her skillful vocals. Halle has not been without backlash from protesters about the titular fictional sea creature being portrayed as African American this time. To the community she represents though, young Black girls of today, she is everything. From seeing themselves in her, having a Black Disney Princess doll to call their own, and finally feeling seen. Halle has expertly brushed criticism and naysayers off her shoulders saying she's pouring into the energy pouring into her! I know that's right.

Leading up to the film has been one of the best press tours I have seen. Halle is glowing, and the cast has really rallied behind her. She's their princess and beacon, and they treat her as such. Whoever is styling and booking Halle for her multiple shoots and covers has not missed one.

Here are the best press moments, covers, and tweets throughout this tour:

We were ready this the 1st for our girl!

it’s may 1st, which means it’s HER month pic.twitter.com/r9OG1SwJ4Y

— mal! (@photonsmight) May 1, 2023

The Little Mermaid LA Premiere look. It actually looks like water is magically shaped itself to her body. She holds herself with such grace and poise.

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Even while on her press tour she was able to support her big sister Chloe on her sold out In Pieces Tour!

Y’all could never divide Chloe x Halle pic.twitter.com/yF6Vde7CXL

— Lazy Love ❤️‍ (@lazyloveari) May 4, 2023

Halle's doll Limited Edition Ariel doll becoming a number one best seller!

halle bailey is a STAR pic.twitter.com/AFOtqWrYOs

— roy (@royscave) May 7, 2023

The ultra meta moment of Tia Mowry and her daughter watching in awe of Halle as she speaks to the press about representation and being an inspiration to girls today. Happening in real time honey!

Halle Bailey talks to Deadline on the #TheLittleMermaid blue carpet pic.twitter.com/MFmGLU85TM

— Chlöe x Halle Now (@cxhnow) May 9, 2023

Her V Magazine shoot where she wore SCHIAPARELLI HAUTE COUTURE! AHHHH!

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Halle's Schon Magazine cover is my favorite!

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A post shared by Schön! Magazine (@schonmagazine)

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A post shared by chlöe x halle (@godlycxh)

Along with the updated portrayals of characters, the soundtrack has gotten a more positive and pro-consent facelift. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman have teamed up with Lin-Manuel Miranda to modernize the lyrics! In "Poor Unfortunate Souls," an entire verse is removed. The lyrics began... "You'll have your looks / your pretty face / and don't underestimate the importance of body language!..." continues into a rant about how a woman needn't have a voice regarding dating. The new lyrics encourage women to be more vocal. "Kiss the Girl," which was a bit questionable on consent, has been changed from assuming a girl wants you and making a move to believing a girl likes you, asking her if she does then going from there! Yes, consent. Miranda also wrote two new original songs, giving Halle a chance to continue showing off those vocals, and a new song for Prince Eric's Jonah Haur-King to sing.

Below is Halle's impeccable rendition of "Part of Your World".