The legendary voice of Disney’s Ariel, Jodi Benson, experienced a profound full-circle moment as she watched her daughter, Delaney Benson, bring the beloved mermaid princess to life on stage, evoking tears of immense pride and admiration.
For fans of Disney’s timeless classic, The Little Mermaid, a truly magical moment unfolded recently as Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, watched her daughter, Delaney Benson, perform the iconic role on stage. The heartwarming scene, captured in a viral TikTok video, shows Jodi overcome with emotion, marking a significant “full-circle moment” for the Benson family and the entire Disney community.
The Emotional Return to Atlantica: Jodi Benson’s Profound Experience
Jodi Benson, who first gave voice to Ariel in the 1989 animated classic, was deeply moved while attending her daughter’s performance in a stage production of The Little Mermaid in Miami, Florida. “I wept throughout the show,” Jodi shared with People. Her reaction wasn’t just that of a proud mother, but also a poignant connection to a role that defined her career.
The moment that particularly resonated with fans occurred as Delaney began to sing “Part of Your World,” pulling out a fork as a makeshift dinglehopper – a cherished prop from the film. “I was completely blown away by Delaney’s brilliant performance. She was truly born to play Ariel. The whole experience was so surreal,” Jodi told Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing her immense pride and the profound sense of passing on a treasured legacy to her daughter.
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Delaney Benson (left) and Jodi Benson (right) in 2018.
Delaney Benson: A New Voice for the Beloved Princess
Delaney Benson starred in a 90-minute immersive stage production of The Little Mermaid for Area Stage in Miami, running from July 11 to August 4, 2024. This innovative production incorporated elements allowing the audience to interact with props and experience a highly themed undersea environment, a departure from traditional stage musicals.
Fans who saw the viral video were quick to point out the striking similarities between mother and daughter, both in appearance and vocal talent. “She looks and sounds just like her,” one TikTok user commented. Delaney, an accomplished actress, singer, and dancer in her own right, has performed in various regional and educational theater productions, honed by her studies at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Reflecting on her daughter’s journey, Jodi recalled a humorous anecdote from when Delaney was just four years old. During a concert where Jodi was about to sing “Part of Your World,” she asked her daughter what she wanted to be when she grew up. Delaney, with confidence, famously declared, “I want to be Ariel when my Mommy dies!” This early ambition foreshadowed a destiny that would eventually bring Delaney to the role her mother made famous.
A Legacy Forged and Passed On
Jodi Benson’s connection to Ariel extends far beyond the 1989 film. She has voiced the character in its sequel, prequel, television series spin-off, and numerous related works. Her influence also reached a new generation when she gave her blessing to Halle Bailey, the star of Disney’s 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
The legacy of Ariel, and particularly the song “Part of Your World” created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, holds deep significance for the Benson family. Jodi noted that Delaney had “obviously… grew up with the sound” and absorbed everything Howard Ashman taught her. This deep understanding of the character’s origins allowed Delaney to make the role her own while honoring its history.
The praise for Delaney’s talent isn’t limited to her mother. Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, also lauded Delaney’s performance. “She’s the real deal. She will be a Broadway star. She will. That means she’s an amazing actress. You can’t just be a great singer in the world, you have to be an actress. She’s a really good actress,” O’Hara shared with People, affirming Delaney’s potential for a bright future in theater.
More Than a Character: A Family’s Deep Connection to Disney
Beyond the role itself, Jodi Benson emphasizes the importance of who Delaney is as a person. “The most important thing about her is her heart. She’s a good human. I love hanging out with her. She makes me a better person,” Jodi expressed to People. This sentiment highlights the values of character and integrity that transcend the spotlight.
The family’s strong bond was evident at a recent “Voices of The Little Mermaid” panel at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on October 11, 2025. Jodi was joined by her husband, Ray Benson, their son McKinley Benson and his wife, Mackenzie Benson, and, of course, Delaney herself, underscoring the collective support and love within the Benson household.
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Jodi Benson at New York Comic Con, Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid.’
This heartwarming story is more than just a passing news blurb; it’s an evergreen tale of family, legacy, and the enduring magic of Disney. For fans, it’s a testament to the power of dreams coming true and the special bond between a mother and daughter sharing an extraordinary artistic journey, all centered around a beloved mermaid princess.
