<P> Directors Ron Clements and John Musker opted against hiring `` big stars '' to voice the film 's main characters , explaining , `` It can help with the identification of that animated character with the voice if you do n't get an instant mental picture of the real actor . '' Several well - known African American female entertainers expressed interest in voicing Tiana , including recording artists Beyoncé , Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys , and actress and fashion model Tyra Banks . The role of Tiana ultimately went to actress and singer Anika Noni Rose , who co-starred alongside Knowles and Hudson in Dreamgirls ( 2006 ) . When Rose was personally contacted by Disney about voicing Tiana , her expectations were not particularly high . She explained , `` I was n't planning on being a princess . I thought I 'd be like a weeping willow or something . '' To prepare herself for her audition , Rose made sure that she `` had a voice ready . '' </P>
<P> Directors Ron Clements and John Musker opted against hiring `` big stars '' to voice the film 's main characters , explaining , `` It can help with the identification of that animated character with the voice if you do n't get an instant mental picture of the real actor . '' Several well - known African American female entertainers expressed interest in voicing Tiana , including recording artists Beyoncé , Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys , and actress and fashion model Tyra Banks . The role of Tiana ultimately went to actress and singer Anika Noni Rose , who co-starred alongside Knowles and Hudson in Dreamgirls ( 2006 ) . When Rose was personally contacted by Disney about voicing Tiana , her expectations were not particularly high . She explained , `` I was n't planning on being a princess . I thought I 'd be like a weeping willow or something . '' To prepare herself for her audition , Rose made sure that she `` had a voice ready . '' </P>
who plays tina in the princess and the frog
who plays tina in the princess and the frog
Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose