There’s something spectacular about the magic of Disney and the way it encourages us to dream bigger than before and to chase the possibility of our dreams. Tonight during American Idol’s celebration of all things Mouse House, Halle Bailey brought a piece of The Little Mermaid to life in an emotional way.
Singing “Part of Your World,” which is unarguably one of the most beautiful songs in Disney history, Bailey brought us back to believing in that magic feeling again. Listening to her sing in front of the castle felt like a dream for those of us who have grown up on Disney and allowed its enchantment to continue impacting us throughout our lives.
Idol’s Disney Night is always a fan-favorite, and Bailey’s joining the big show tonight is something unlike anything we’ve seen before. As Disneyland’s castle transformed into an under-the-sea paradise, Bailey belted out the lyrics to a song that audiences everywhere will relate to. We’ve all dreamt of being part of something bigger than ourselves, longing for more adventure, magic, and love — and Bailey embodied those emotions and then some as she shared her first performance as Ariel to the world.
Bailey’s journey to becoming Ariel has been a lengthy one, and as the theatrical premiere draws closer, it’s more evident than ever before that Bailey is embracing all things magical as she wears the crown of one of the most beloved princesses of all time. Ariel might long to experience life on land and to walk around on those…what do you call them…oh — feet, but Idol viewers at home tonight wished we could be in California, seeing Bailey taking on the Ariel persona in a larger-than-life way.
You can see Bailey in The Little Mermaid when the re-telling of the Disney classic hits theaters on May 26, and if her performance tonight is anything to go by, you won’t want to miss a moment of it.