Halle Bailey was one of two musical guests on the most recent episode of season 21’s American Idol. As part of the show’s Disney Night, the Grammy-nominated singer performed “Part of Your World” for the first time.
Taped at the Disneyland Resort, Halle looks ravishing in a sleeveless aqua-colored gown as she sings the signature tune from the 1989 animated classic The Little Mermaid.
“First time singing part of your world live since filming,” Halle wrote in a Twitter caption. “Thank you @americanidol for giving me the chance to do so on stage at disneyland ..singing vocals in freezing cold weather at 3am while [the] park is closed is no joke but we did it! Only 11 more days until you all can see the film !”
Halle released the studio version of “Part of Your World” in April. It will appear on The Little Mermaid (2023 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), which releases May 19. Alan Menken and Mike Higham produced the updated version.
Menken, an Oscar winner, guided the original version, recorded by Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the 1989 film.
Halle steps into Ariel’s fins for the Disney photorealistic remake of The Little Mermaid, which hits theaters nationwide on May 26.
Rob Marshall directed the live-action film, which co-stars Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy and more.
In July 2019, Marshall shared the announcement that he found his Ariel for the reimagination of The Little Mermaid.
“After an extensive search, it was abundantly clear that Halle possesses that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance — plus a glorious singing voice — all intrinsic qualities necessary to play this iconic role,” Marshall raved in a press statement at the time.
Another film is on the horizon for Halle. She is set to star as Nettie, the younger sister of Celie (portrayed by Fantasia), in The Color Purple musical film. It releases on Christmas Day.
Watch Halle Bailey perform “Part of Your World” below.
