The Little Mermaid Live! star Auli’i Cravalho says Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 animated film, is “like a fairy godmother in a way”

When it comes to playing The Little Mermaid‘s Ariel in ABC’s live special, Auli’i Cravalho has the most magical mentor.

Ahead of the ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live! on Tuesday, the 18-year-old actress opened up to PEOPLE about the sweet advice she received from Ariel herself,