While I’m sure some racist people not in my facebook algorithm were all “wtf,” the only feedback I read was identical to my initial reaction to this casting news: “Wow! She looks just like Ariel!”
AND SHE DOES!
It’s almost uncomfortable how much she vibes Ariel because Ariel is fictional! But this girl basically IS her! I won’t lie, Ariel ain’t my fave Disney princess (oh hai, Mulan, how you doing saving China while defying gender roles?) but this movie definitely had a massive impact on my childhood. I have quite a bit of emotional attachment to it, especially the minor roles like Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle.
But this post isn’t about the live action The Little Mermaid. This post is about Halle Bailey.
Halle Bailey’s Musical Prowess
So, I’d never heard of her before and tons of people were commenting on her singing voice being stellar, so I investigated. She’s in a group with her sister called Chloe x Halle, and they’re so so so good. It’s sort of like R&B meets indie chill with a touch of anthem at moments. Reminded me instantly of the French twin duo Ibeyi. As I listen more I can vibe some FKA Twigs in it (maybe less ethereal?). Their studio album “The Kids Are Alright” dropped March 2018.
They do a lot of songs for the Black-ish spin-off, Grown-ish, which they both star in as Sky and Jazz.
So, I’d say start with their opening credits song for that, but know that it’s not entirely representative of their musical tone. Their other stuff is less pop feeling.
I particularly enjoyed this song they did for A Wrinkle in Time. I’m basically addicted to this song now.
Why didn’t music this good exist when I was a teenager?! I’m so jealous of kids today LOL All I got was Hit Me Baby One More Time, Splackavellie, A New Found Glory, and early days Maroon 5. Le sigh.
Watch This and Then Try To Tell Me Halle Bailey Isn’t Ariel
This is the song I came in on though. Halle’s vocal range here and general essence of being in the video 100% vibes Ariel in her hidey hole with Flounder just trying to be and collect her weird Muggle people stuff. She is just daydreaming about being where the people are and learning things about fire and looking fantastic while doing it. Halle makes me wanna use snap chat filters and I don’t even have a snap chat account!
The Little Mermaid is Coming Soon(ish)
Filming starts in 2020, so we all have time to speculate how they’ll do her hair and seashells for the role while we listen to more Chloe x Halle. I’ve heard Awkwafina is confirmed as Scuttle, and that alone has got me super thrilled cuz she’s brilliantly hilarious. Melissa McCarthy is supposedly cast as Ursula, which I don’t really have an opinion on either way. And supposedly Jacob Tremblay is in talks to play Flounder, but I know nothing about this kid so clearly no thoughts on that.
For now, I’ll leave you with “Cool People”…
and with this vocal slay that will make you tear up “Fall”…
