Voice of Ariel in 'Little Mermaid' br Defends Halle Bailey's Casting Since news broke that the br 'Chloe X Halle' singer would play the part, br there has been online backlash. A campaign called #NotMyAriel emerged, br furious that Disney cast a black actress for the role. But at a recent convention in br Florida, actress Jodi Benson said br that race does not matter and that br the story is the most important factor. Jodi Benson, via Florida Supercon She also lended her vocals br to Ariel in two sequels. Jodi Benson, via br Florida Supercon Production on the live-action Disney movie will begin sometime next year.