When you think about the 2009 Disney revival, you probably hear that distinct, honey-smooth voice singing about being "almost there." It’s a sound that defined a new era of animation. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else but Anika Noni Rose bringing that grit and grace to the screen.
Most people know her as the voice of Tiana Princess and the Frog, but the story of how she landed the role—and how she shaped the character—is a lot more interesting than just a standard casting call. It wasn’t just a job for her. It was a dream she’d been carrying since she was a kid in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
She didn't even care about being a princess.
"I would have been a talking pencil," she once joked. She just wanted to be a part of the Disney legacy. But when she walked into that audition, she wasn't just competing with unknown voice actors. Rumor has it (and by rumor, I mean well-documented Hollywood history) that even superstars like Beyoncé were interested in the role.
Anika won because she understood Tiana's work ethic. She brought a specific, grounded quality to a character who was more concerned with her bank account and her gumbo recipe than finding a prince.
The Woman Behind the Apron: Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose isn't just a voice actor; she's a Tony Award winner. She’d already made massive waves in Dreamgirls alongside Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé before Disney came knocking. This wasn't a "star casting" for the sake of a name on a poster. It was about find someone who could actually sing the complex, jazz-influenced compositions of Randy Newman.
She brought a lot of herself to the booth.
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Ever notice that Tiana is left-handed? That wasn't in the original character sketches. Anika is left-handed herself, and she specifically requested that Tiana share that trait. She also inspired the character's dimples. When you watch Tiana smile, you're literally seeing a piece of Anika's own personality mirrored back at you through the hand-drawn animation of Mark Henn.
Beyond the 2009 Original
The voice of Tiana Princess and the Frog didn't stop working when the credits rolled in 2009. Anika has stayed incredibly protective of the character's legacy over the last decade and a half.
Remember the controversy surrounding Ralph Breaks the Internet in 2018?
When the first trailers dropped, fans noticed Tiana looked... different. Her skin was lighter, her nose was narrower, and she looked more like a generic CGI model than the woman we knew. Anika didn't just stay quiet. She personally called the studio. She met with the animators to discuss why representation matters and how CGI lighting affects skin tones.
She got them to fix it.
That’s the kind of dedication that makes her a "Disney Legend," a title she officially received in 2011. She has reprised the role in Sofia the First, the Disney Wish cruise line, and most recently, in the massive re-theme of Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure at the theme parks.
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A Heartbreaking Turn for the Tiana Series
If you've been following the news lately, you might have heard the disappointing update about the long-awaited Disney+ series. Announced back in 2020, the show was supposed to follow Tiana’s life as the newly crowned Princess of Maldonia.
In early 2025, Disney made the call to scrap the long-form series.
Anika was vocal about her heartbreak. She posted on Instagram that she was "deeply disappointed" that the journey was cut short after so much work had been put into it by the creative team, including writer Joyce Sherri.
However, it’s not all bad news. Disney is pivoting that project into a "short-form special event." Anika has urged fans to show up in massive numbers for it. She knows that in the world of streaming, numbers are the only thing that proves to executives that we want more of Tiana's world.
The Supporting Cast that Built New Orleans
While Anika is the soul of the film, she was surrounded by a powerhouse cast that made the 1920s New Orleans setting feel alive.
- Bruno Campos (Prince Naveen): He brought a perfect mix of arrogance and charm.
- Keith David (Dr. Facilier): One of the most underrated Disney villains, thanks to that booming, theatrical voice.
- Jenifer Lewis (Mama Odie): She basically channeled every wise grandmother ever.
- Oprah Winfrey (Eudora): Yeah, the queen of media herself voiced Tiana's mom.
The chemistry between these actors—even if they weren't always in the booth at the same time—is why the movie feels so much more soulful than the typical fairy tale.
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Why This Role Still Matters in 2026
We're approaching the 20th anniversary of the movie in a few years, and the impact hasn't faded. Tiana was a shift. She was the first Black Disney princess, sure, but she was also the first one whose primary motivation was professional success.
She wanted a restaurant. She wanted to honor her father's legacy.
Anika Noni Rose understood that Tiana was a "different type of princess." She wasn't waiting for a wish upon a star; she was working double shifts. That groundedness is why little girls (and grown women) still see themselves in her.
If you want to support the legacy of the voice of Tiana Princess and the Frog, the best thing you can do is keep the engagement high. Watch the "Once Upon a Studio" short on Disney+, check out the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure if you're at the parks, and definitely tune in when the "Special Event" finally drops. The more we show Disney that Tiana is a powerhouse, the more likely we are to get the full-length sequels we actually deserve.
Keep an eye on Anika's social media for updates on the special—she's always the first to let the fans know what's cooking in the kitchen.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check out the official Disney "Behind the Voices" featurettes on YouTube to see Anika Noni Rose recording "Almost There."
- Follow Anika Noni Rose on Instagram to stay updated on the upcoming Tiana Special Event.
- Visit the official Disney Parks blog for the latest performance schedules if you’re planning to see the Tiana-themed attractions in person.