In a bombshell announcement, US singer Halle Bailey has been cast to play Ariel in the new live-action adaption of The Little Mermaid, reports Sputnik.

19-year old singer Halle Bailey is best known for her duets with older sister Chloe, with both having come a long way since uploading song covers on YouTube and releasing their debut EP, Sugar Symphony, in Apr 2016.

The siblings recorded the theme song, “Grown,” for the television series Grown-ish, and dropped their debut album "The Kids Are Alright" in March 2018. Halle and her sister earned two nominations at the 2019 Grammy Awards, achieving acknowledgement for “Best New Artist” for “The Kids Are Alright”.

The 19-year-old rising star tweeted enthusiastically that it was a “dream come true” for her, as the news of her big role broke on Jul 3.

The aspiring star edged out many other actresses for the coveted role.

​“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,” director Rob Marshall wrote in a statement, obtained by Hollywood Life.

The actress and talented singer thus becomes the second Black actress to play a live-action Disney princess after Brandy played Cinderella in 1997.

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry was one of the first to tweet her support for the young star, saying "we can't wait to see what you do!"

British actress Naomi Scott - who starred in the recent Aladdin live-action film, added: "Welcome baby gal."

The news of the casting sparked a debate online about diversity in casting.

Opinions were split, as usual on social media, with many applauding the choice of Halle, as others made reference to the 1989 cartoon flick, where the mermaid – voiced by actress Jodi Benson – was white.

While the rest of the cast for the Little Mermaid is still to be announced, comedian Melissa McCarthy is reportedly in talks to play the villain, Ursula the sea witch.

Ariel will be the 19-year-old singer’s breakout role, after a few minor performances in the film Last Holiday and US show Grown-ish.

Production of the brand-new flick is scheduled to be launched in 2020.