Jodi Benson (Voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid)

Listen to this episode from Counter-Melodies on Spotify. Jodi Benson (aka the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid) joins us in the kitchen today to celebrate Disney’s World Princess Week! From her early days on Broadway in Smile and Crazy For You to her iconic voice work in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and the Toy Story franchise - that’s right, she voiced the one-and-only Barbie - Jodi takes on a journey under the sea to explore all her favorite Disney memories. Stick around for an exciting conversation on her legacy, the importance of Disney Princesses, Broadway, and even some heart-wrenching stories of the late Howard Ashman and how Jodi is determined to keep his memory alive.Episode Breakdown:0:00 – Introduction 1:45 - Jodi Benson is here3:00 - Performing origins8:30 - Early broadway days12:00 - Auditioning for “The Little Mermaid”16:30 - Finding Ariel’s voice17:30 – Being coached by Howard Ashman18:30 - “Part of Your World” controversy21:30 - Creating Ariel and The Little Mermaid23:30 - Working with Howard Ashman and Alan Menken 25:00 - Howard Ashman’s passing and legacy31:30 - ”The Little Mermaid” live-action33:30 - Jodi and Hallee’s relationship35:00 – Jodi at the live-action premiere36:00 - How “The Little Mermaid” continues to live on41:00 - Favorite “Part of Your World” performances45:00 - Performing with her daughter47:00 – Voicing “Barbie” and other iconic voices49:00 - World Princess Week52:00 - Game time!56:00 - Final thoughts and goodbyesFollow Jodi Benson: Instagram: @jodibensonTikTok: @jodi.bensonFollow the hosts:@AnthonyGargiula @Jonathantilkin @CounterMelodiesShow Listen and Watch:https://pods.to/countermelodiesCredits:Executive Producer / Showrunner / Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renée Colvert