Q & A with Jodi Benson, the Voice of Ariel #LittleMermaidEvent

I was invited as media to LA to attend a press event. Accommodations were provided. No additional compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Just over a week ago I told you about my experience meeting John Musker and Ron Clements, the writer and director of The Little Mermaid. During that same event, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jodi Benson aka Ariel as well. Talk about a surreal experience!

One of the ladies in the group asked Jodi if she would sing a song from the movie. Within seconds we were having our own private concert! Jodi sang “Part of Your World” from the 1989 classic so beautifully. Can you hear Ariel in her voice?

Jodi was so down to earth and a breeze to chat with. She mentioned that back then if your career turned to animation voice over, it was pretty much downhill from there. She thought that once The Little Mermaid wrapped up she would just go back to Broadway. She had no idea that the film would have such a lasting impact, no one did. Jodi also mentioned she “is really thankful, grateful to have this life changing experience because really it’s been a dream, a dream job. And I love it…”

Jodi talked about her family, including her husband and children and how the film impacted their lives. She mentioned there is a lot of music in her home, a lot of singing by the whole family. However she said it was a bit difficult for her son when he was younger to grasp that his Mommy was Ariel. He wanted her to sing only for him because she was HIS mommy. So she typically sang other songs to him, not from the movie. It was a really cute story. I loved when she mentioned she would give up her voice, just like Ariel did, for true love. Although in the same breath, it would’ve been a difficult choice because her voice has been such a blessing.

This was truly an amazing experience and something I will never forget! Jodi was really sweet and gracious. I wish we could’ve talked to her longer! If you think you’ve heard the last of Jodi, you haven’t. She mentioned she has several ongoing voice over roles including Barbie in the Toy Story movies.

Don’t forget The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition releases on Blu-ray and DVD October 1st. You can pre-order it now on amazon.com.