After announcing the news in July, award-winning Filipino-American artist Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, professionally known as H.E.R. gave out few details on how she prepared for her role as Belle.
This is the first time that an American-Filipino will play the role of Belle on screen.
Making an appearance at a charity event at the MGM Grand, the singer took the time to share her excitement about the role.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so excited! I've been in the studio, playing with the arrangements, of course staying true to the original but giving it a new fresh twist," she mentioned during the interview with ET.
With representation becoming a huge part of films, H.E.R also mentioned what makes her Belle character different.
"I think the world has never seen a Black and Filipino Belle and there's a strength in Belle that I think we forget about sometimes, and I think people are gonna see that, musically, and just in the way that she is," she added.
Aside from H.E.R, the upcoming live-action of "Beauty and the Beast" will also feature Josh Groban, Rita Moreno, and Joshua Henry.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, ABC's special coverage of Beauty and the Beast is part of celebrating 30 years of the beloved Disney animated film. (Carissa Alcantara)