Halle Bailey breaks her silence on 'Little Mermaid' casting backlash: 'I don't pay attention to the negativity'

Halle Bailey, the 19-year-old singer and actress tapped to star in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid," is keeping things positive after facing some racist comments over her casting.

"I feel like I'm dreaming and I'm just grateful and I don't pay attention to the negativity," she told Variety at the Power of Young Hollywood gala Tuesday. "I just feel like this role was something bigger than me and greater and it's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it."

Many fans rejoiced on social media after Bailey's casting was announced, but others had nasty things to say about Disney's choice of a new black princess.

Several people and organizations have since defended her against the backlash, including Disney-owned TV network Freeform, Sierra Boggess, who originated the role of Ariel in the Broadway adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," and Jodi Benson, the voice of the original animated Ariel.

"Alright, I'm tired of this, listen again," Boggess tweeted at the time. " 'Bright young women, sick of swimmin,' ready to stand...' I hear this being the cry of EVERY little girl, don't you?"

"I think the most important thing is to tell the story," Benson told fans at pop culture convention Florida Supercon in July. "We have, as a family, raised our children and for ourselves that we don't see anything that's different on the outside. I think that the spirit of a character is what really matters. What you bring to the table in a character as far as their heart and their spirit is what really counts."

What can fans expect from this new live-action movie remake? (Not to be confused with ABC's upcoming "Little Mermaid" live musical event with Auli'l Cravalho ("Moana") as Ariel, Queen Latifah as Ursula the sea witch and Shaggy as Sebastian the crab.) Bailey still can't share many details, including if this new version will feature Ariel's iconic red hair, according to Entertainment Tonight. She can, however, confirm she's most excited to perform "Part of Your World."

As for who might be starring opposite Bailey, the singer and actress kept tight lipped. According to ET, she said Idris Elba is "awesome" but steered clear of confirming or denying rumors he could play Ariel's father, King Triton. And what about the role of Prince Eric, for which Harry Styles has reportedly been in talks to play?

"Oh, I don't mind," she told the outlet. "I think anyone would be great for it."

Twitter celebrates: Halle Bailey is cast as mermaid Ariel in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

Jodi Benson, original 'Little Mermaid' defends Halle Bailey's casting

Melissa McCarthy, too, has playfully avoided directly commenting on speculation that she'll play Ursula.

Appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" last week to promote her new film "The Kitchen," McCarthy played jokingly dumb when the host mentioned the forthcoming film.

"I've read that you're going to be part of the live-action 'The Little Mermaid,' " Kimmel said.

"What's that? Disney?" McCarthy joked, before telling the audience, "I hadn't heard about that. It seems like it will be an awfully fun thing to do. I'd love if Disney gave me a little ringy-dingy."

"We'll see," she added, with a knowing wink. "If it did (happen), it would be very wonderful."

Halle Berry or Halle Bailey?: Live-action 'Little Mermaid' casting has fans confused

"Little Mermaid" director Rob Marshall praised Bailey last month in a Disney news release, explaining that she was cast 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," said Marshall.

Contributing: Maeve McDermott, USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Halle Bailey opens up on 'Little Mermaid' casting backlash