“No moods, no torments. Of feelings…” The rest, everyone knows it. For ten years, Let It Go has taken over many living rooms with, often, children who repeat at the top of their lungs the famous refrain of the cult title of Snow Queen. Released in December 2013, the cartoon is still among the great Disney classics today. It is not the French voice of Elsa, Anaïs Delva, who will say the opposite. Currently on stage in Paris at the Hébertot theater, the 37-year-old native of Bar-le-Duc has “not gone a day” for ten years without being told about this hit. 20 minutes got into it too.
How were you chosen?
I had tested but for another role, that of Anna. There were a lot of people and it took a while for the response to arrive. I had been approved to dub Anna but at one point, we had to do a demo in French of the song Let It Go. I made it and the Walt Disney Company France liked this version. So I was asked to be Elsa! It was a complete coincidence, a happy coincidence.
Where were you in your career at that point?
I came from musical theater. I had played in Dracula, Hi buddiesI was even sure Spamalot with Pef (Pierre-François Martin-Laval) at the time. I had started dubbing two years before and I was asked to apply for this one.
How did it happen? Did it take a lot of rehearsals?
No, it’s very fast! In addition, the character of Elsa does not speak much. Recording the song must have taken half a day. For the dialogues, the lineage was weak, it didn’t last long either. I just had to go back for a breather here, a little reaction there once the cartoon was finished in the United States.
Did you like the song straight away?
Yes ! Especially since the character of Elsa is sung, in the original version, by Idina Menzel, an artist that I adore and whose journey I followed a lot. When I heard it, I immediately loved it.
Did you know right away that it would become a success?
You never know what will work or not… In all seriousness, I never thought like that. I was happy to do this character because it was a challenge. When I recorded it during the dubbing, with the footage of the castle being built, I said to myself, “Okay, this is going to be one of those epic Disney moments.” But afterward, it was the meeting with the public that did the rest. I just hope that Let It Go be as successful as that of Rapunzel (Where is real life?), and it far exceeded it.
The proof, we’re still talking to you ten years later…
There isn’t a day that goes by when people don’t talk to me about it and I think they will talk to me about it all my life! Good, because I love this song and the character is part of me. I am extremely proud of it.
But isn’t it sometimes boring to be reduced to being the interpreter of Let It Go ?
No. What was frustrating at first was being seen as a singer when I was originally an actress. The song had such an impact that people forgot that I was also playing the character of Elsa. I was afraid I wouldn’t do comedy anymore because of that, but it didn’t stop. And the more time passes, the happier I am that people talk to me about Snow Queen.
Do you still sing this famous song often?
Of course ! The good thing is that this song has come a long way in ten years, and now it belongs to everyone. Everyone knows her and Let It Go has become an expression in itself. It’s awesome ! I am always called to perform it, on TV or for events.
Are you aware that you have also been the nightmare of some parents?
Completely ! I know that when kids like something, they play it over and over again. But I also see that it’s fun to see your child sing, it remains a good memory.
Would you like to apologize to some parents who may have overdosed on Let It Go ?
I already did it at the same time as the director (Jennifer Lee). At the time, she jokingly said sorry to them and I added “I’m sorry too”. Especially since at that time, I was doing voices for toys, for the series The Sisters, the parents had me everywhere! I made their lives miserable every day but their children were happy, that’s all that matters.
What has this role changed for you? Snow Queen ?
It gave me media coverage and legitimacy among lots of people who didn’t know me. I was in a niche environment, musical theater. All that allowed me to have access to other things, to make albums. At the same time, it also put me in a “children’s artist” box that didn’t suit me at all. Ultimately, it was the icing on the cake. I only remember the good parts today.
Is this even your favorite Disney?
In all sincerity, I prefer Kuzco. It always has been and it will remain so! I really like Hercules also, because the songs are crazy. But Snow Queen, This is another thing. He is part of me and has a very special place in my heart.