JOANNÉ NUGAS

Hanna Stenbacka Köhler
Mar 28
4 min read

When a Voice Breaks the Surface - From The Little Mermaid to Max Martin’s World of Pop

Finding her voice

She is the Swedish voice of Ariel in Disney’s 2023 live-action film The Little Mermaid (Lilla Sjöjungfrun).

She is Juliet in the Swedish production of the Broadway musical & Juliet, featuring music from the iconic Swedish producer Max Martin. The show includes global hits such as Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time” and Katy Perry’s “Roar” — debuting in February 2026 at the well-renowned Cirkus in Stockholm.

She is Joanné Nugas.

Joanné still remembers the moment clearly, at seven years old, standing in the church choir of her hometown, surrounded by harmony. As the voices rose around her, goosebumps swept over her skin, and in that instant a lifelong passion was born.

"I wouldn't be the artist I am today without my Filipino roots."

“I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without my Filipino roots.”

Her parents are from the Philippines - a culture where music is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Her dad would play the guitar in the kitchen, her mother always had the radio on, and every time she visited a tita’s house, she would sing karaoke — building her skills, telling a story, and learning how to evoke the emotions of her audience. These occasions were the formative training grounds that shaped her.

Discipline behind the dream

Coupled with a luminous talent, it is Joanné’s mindset that has propelled her to where she is today — among the crème de la crème of the Swedish music industry.

“I think one thing that has helped me is my mindset. I never want to feel like I’ve reached the finish line.”

She often sees herself as the weakest link in the room - not as a criticism, but as a constant reminder to keep improving. This mentality keeps her humble and reminds her that there is always room to grow. This hunger for growth informs everything from her rehearsals to her daily routines. When preparing for major roles, she focuses on the fundamentals: practice, nutrition, sleep, and emotional presence.

“You prepare as much as you can. And then at some point, preparation ends and presence takes over,” she says. “That’s where the magic happens.”

An unexpected message

One day she got a random message on her phone, where they stated they would like to try her voice for an upcoming Disney role. That message led to her first dubbing audition - and soon after, to becoming the Swedish voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

After years singing behind many of Sweden’s biggest artists, this was the first time she truly stepped into the spotlight. The role also carried profound personal meaning.

“The Little Mermaid was my absolute favorite Disney movie growing up. Ariel was my favorite character because her story revolves around her voice. As a kid who had just discovered singing, that was incredibly inspiring. I genuinely wanted to be her when I was younger.”

A full circle moment

Her current role in the musical & Juliet feels like another chapter of destiny aligning. As a self-described ’90s kid, the music of Max Martin shaped her earliest dreams.

“One of the first English songs I ever sang was “…Baby One More Time.” I must have been around four years old, and I remember wanting to become a pop star just like Britney Spears.”

Now, standing on stage performing a musical built around those very songs, she feels the symmetry - a full-circle moment.

Where belonging begins

Growing up in Stockholm, Joanné rarely saw people who looked like her in the media or in the music industry.

“That affected my confidence. There were times I struggled with how I looked because I didn’t see myself anywhere.”

If she had seen more people who looked like me, she would have been more confident much earlier in life.

“Representation tells you that you belong.”

Today, Joanné stands not only as a performer, but as a mirror inspiring the next generation.

Carrying her voice to the horizon

Her vision for the future is still unfolding, but one epic dream remains steady. She plans to create her own music and go on tour with it.

And for anyone walking their own uncertain path, her advice is simple, hard-earned, and hopeful: “Never stop doing what you love. There will be moments when you feel frustrated or discouraged…don’t give up - and be kind to yourself. Good things take time.”

Never stop doing what you love. There will be moments when you feel furstrated or discouraged...don't give up - and be kind to yourself. Good things take time.

From Tita's living room to the center of the Swedish music industry, Joanné’s achievements show that with passion, discipline, and a strong mindset - you can find your voice and share it with the world. ****