" I ’m so proud of her ! "

Last night, celebrities flocked to the world premiere ofThe Little Mermaid.

The film starsHalle Baileyas the belovedDisney princessAriel, who, I must say, portrays the role of the curious, adventurous mermaid so effortlessly and honestly.

Attendees included formerDisneystars like Tia andTamera Mowry,Skai Jackson, and more.

The carpet was also graced by some familiar Disney princesses like Princess Tiana akaAnika Noni Rose…

…as well as the original Ariel, Jodi Benson!

Jodi couldn’t help but gush over Halle as her successor whenaskedwhy Halle was the ideal choice to play Ariel, citing “her pure spirit, her joy, her love, her unbelievable vulnerability, her authenticity, her bravery, her courage…it’s just beautiful.”

“It’s just a beautiful telling of the Ariel story,” Jodi went on to tell theHollywood Reporter. “I’m so proud of her!”

🥹🥹🥹pic.twitter.com / ldnzWPYuAY

And while Jodi admitted she’d be seeing the film in its entirety for the first time at the premiere, there was no doubt in her mind that Halle nailed the role, just based off the scenes she’s seen so far and the multiple meetings she’s had with Halle.

But even in those meetings, Jodi said she didn’t really need to prep Halle. “She doesn’t need any advice from me, she’s brilliant,” Jodi toldEntertainment Tonight.

The original part of Ariel , Jodi Benson , gushes over Halle Bailey ’s " brilliant " performance in#TheLittleMermaid : " I ’m so majestic of her . “pic.twitter.com / rxHwrOwRPY

But Jodi wasn’t the only one raving about Halle! Early reviews have been rolling in, and people on Twitter are calling it a hit!

TheLittleMermaidis a live - action remake that retains the nerve and soul of the story we know and love , and it ’s elevated even further by a note - unadulterated star - making execution from Halle Bailey - she was expect to be on the great screen , & she ’s why this new take is worth watching.pic.twitter.com/Tcewp2L4MY

I was blown away by#TheLittleMermaid . Some optic issues aside , it ’s the most romantic and , dare I say , magical Disney has been in years . The better hot - action at law remake by a mile . Daveed Diggs is the MVP . Halle Bailey is a hotshot , and her Part of Your World is a showstopper.pic.twitter.com/496HuuTfcd

TheLittleMermaidmakes it pretty close to being the best unrecorded action Disney movie , however it still struggles in the villain section . Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had genuine chills throughout her performance . This is a footling mermaid fictionalize like you ’ve never discover before.pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL

Halle Bailey on the red carpet in a metallic sleeveless dress

The Little Mermaid is wizardly . Halle Bailey is perfectly phenomenal . That missy has some pipes ! Scuttle & Sebastian are hilarious & had me laughing the whole way of life through . Love the new song & added plot compass point ! Some CGI issues , but they do n’t take away from it.#TheLittleMermaidpic.twitter.com / PCDRNotK7L

TheLittleMermaidwas more than I could have hoped for . So sport and heartfelt , and every plot full stop and character felt familiar yet brand new . Halle and Jonah are virginal witching together!!!pic.twitter.com / B8jarp30cj

After the years of nothing but disgusting , racist fueled , hatred being transport her way , I ’m glad the world is about to be singing@HalleBailey ’s praises . It ’s about damn time!#TheLittleMermaidpic.twitter.com / N01gxOBjpW

TheLittleMermaidreally surprised me . It ’s my best-loved Disney live - action remake by far . ( Not saying much I know . ) Halle Bailey ’s phonation is phenomenal , and Jonah Hauer - King as Prince Eric is charming . The rest of the plaster bandage is solid . The animals still look creepy-crawly but get on me.pic.twitter.com/syjAjP3uCw

Halle Bailey IS#TheLittleMermaid . An angelic voice , the longing in her eyes , the alchemy with Jonah Hauer - King . She ’s flawless . The moving picture overall is n’t but there ’s more than enough appeal , heart and dangerous undertaking there to power it forrad . Melissa McCarthy is a deliciously…pic.twitter.com/l5EITXf9f1

I hope these reviews and Jodi’s stamp of approval encourage you all to seeThe Little Mermaidwhen it hits theaters on May 26.

Anika Noni Rose with a little girl on the red carpet

Jodi Benson on the red carpet

Halle Bailey and Jodi Benson

Screenshot from "The Little Mermaid"

"The Little Mermaid" poster

Last night, celebrities flocked to the world premiere ofThe Little Mermaid.#

The film starsHalle Baileyas the belovedDisney princessAriel, who, I must say, portrays the role of the curious, adventurous mermaid so effortlessly and honestly.#

Attendees included formerDisneystars like Tia andTamera Mowry,Skai Jackson, and more.#

The carpet was also graced by some familiar Disney princesses like Princess Tiana akaAnika Noni Rose…#

…as well as the original Ariel, Jodi Benson!#

Jodi couldn’t help but gush over Halle as her successor whenaskedwhy Halle was the ideal choice to play Ariel, citing “her pure spirit, her joy, her love, her unbelievable vulnerability, her authenticity, her bravery, her courage…it’s just beautiful.”#

“It’s just a beautiful telling of the Ariel story,” Jodi went on to tell theHollywood Reporter. “I’m so proud of her!”#

And while Jodi admitted she’d be seeing the film in its entirety for the first time at the premiere, there was no doubt in her mind that Halle nailed the role, just based off the scenes she’s seen so far and the multiple meetings she’s had with Halle.#

But even in those meetings, Jodi said she didn’t really need to prep Halle. “She doesn’t need any advice from me, she’s brilliant,” Jodi toldEntertainment Tonight.#

But Jodi wasn’t the only one raving about Halle! Early reviews have been rolling in, and people on Twitter are calling it a hit!#

TheLittleMermaidwas more than I could have hoped for . So sport and heartfelt , and every plot full stop and character felt familiar yet brand new . Halle and Jonah are virginal witching together!!!pic.twitter.com / B8jarp30cj#

I had the honor of attending an early screening, and I share the same sentiments. The film is magical. The characters are nostalgic yet new. And Halle’s ethereal performance is one that will be felt for ages!#

I hope these reviews and Jodi’s stamp of approval encourage you all to seeThe Little Mermaidwhen it hits theaters on May 26.#