MomSkoop
Many young stars got their big break performing on Disney Channel shows and movies, capturing hearts with their acting and charm. What’s remarkable is how many of these talented individuals went on to build incredible music careers, proving their skills extended far beyond the small screen.
From pop sensations to rock artists, these former Disney actors have dominated charts, sold out arenas, and created music that resonates with millions worldwide.
1. Miley Cyrus
As the face of Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus became a cultural phenomenon, playing a teenager who lived a double life as a pop star.
Her character’s musical performances gave her real-world singing experience that would prove invaluable later on.
After leaving Disney, she completely reinvented herself multiple times, shedding her wholesome image for edgier, more mature sounds.
Albums like BangerzPlastic Hearts and showcased her ability to experiment with pop, rock, country, and even psychedelic influences.
Her powerful voice and fearless artistic choices have earned her numerous awards and chart-topping hits.
Today, she stands as one of the most successful Disney-to-music transitions ever, with a career spanning over fifteen years of constant evolution and commercial success.
2. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez charmed audiences as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, where her comedic timing and natural charisma made her a Disney favorite.
Her transition to music felt organic, starting with her band Selena Gomez & the Scene.
Their catchy pop-rock songs gained significant radio play and introduced her as a serious musical artist.
When she went solo, hits like “Come & Get It” and “Lose You to Love Me” demonstrated her growth and emotional depth as a performer.
Beyond music, she’s become a successful producer and entrepreneur, launching beauty brands and advocating for mental health awareness.
Her ability to balance multiple creative pursuits while maintaining chart success proves her versatility and business savvy in the entertainment industry.
3. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato burst onto the scene with Camp Rock, where their incredible vocal power immediately stood out among their Disney peers.
Their role in Sonny with a Chance further cemented their place as a Disney star with serious musical chops.
What sets Lovato apart is their willingness to be vulnerable through music, addressing struggles with mental health, addiction, and personal identity.
Songs like “Skyscraper” and “Sorry Not Sorry” showcase both technical vocal ability and emotional authenticity that resonates deeply with fans.
Their genre-spanning work includes pop, rock, R&B, and soul influences, demonstrating remarkable range.
As an advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, they’ve used their platform to inspire others while building a critically acclaimed music career.
4. Hilary Duff
Before there was Miley or Selena, Hilary Duff pioneered the Disney-to-pop-star pipeline as the lovable Lizzie McGuire.
Her character’s relatability and girl-next-door charm translated perfectly into her music career during the early 2000s.
Albums like MetamorphosisMost Wanted and achieved platinum status, with hits like “So Yesterday” and “Come Clean” dominating radio and MTV.
Her bubblegum pop sound captured the essence of teen life and became anthems for an entire generation of young fans.
While she later shifted focus toward acting and family life, her musical legacy remains significant.
She proved that Disney stars could successfully cross over into mainstream music, paving the way for future generations of multi-talented entertainers who followed her path.
5. Vanessa Hudgens
High School Musical introduced the world to Vanessa Hudgens, whose portrayal of Gabriella Montez showcased her sweet singing voice alongside her acting abilities.
The franchise’s massive success gave her instant recognition and a built-in fanbase eager to hear more.
She released two studio albums that leaned into pop and R&B influences, with songs that were more mature than her Disney image suggested.
Tracks like “Sneakernight” and “Say OK” showed off her vocal versatility and desire to grow beyond her teenage roles.
Though she eventually focused more on film and Broadway work, her musical theater performances have kept her connected to singing.
Her role in live productions like GigiRent: Live and demonstrate that her musical talents continue to evolve and impress audiences worldwide.
6. Zendaya
Zendaya got her start on Shake It Up, where her dancing skills were front and center, but her singing talent quickly became evident.
The show’s soundtrack featured her vocals, giving fans their first taste of her musical potential beyond acting.
She released music that reflected a sophisticated R&B-pop fusion, with her self-titled album showcasing maturity beyond her years.
Songs like “Replay” became radio staples and demonstrated her ability to compete in the mainstream music landscape successfully.
While she’s since become better known for dramatic acting roles in projects like Euphoria and blockbuster films, her musical contributions haven’t been forgotten.
Her occasional musical performances and soundtrack work prove she’s a true triple threat who can excel in whatever creative direction she chooses to pursue.
7. Olivia Rodrigo
Starting on BizaardvarkHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Series and later starring in , Olivia Rodrigo seemed destined for Disney fame.
But nobody predicted just how explosively successful her music career would become when she released her debut single “drivers license.”
Her album SOUR broke streaming records and earned critical acclaim, blending pop-punk, ballads, and alternative rock with brutally honest lyrics about heartbreak and teenage angst.
She quickly became the voice of Gen Z, winning multiple Grammy Awards and establishing herself as a generational talent.
What makes her transition remarkable is the speed and scale of her success—from Disney actress to global superstar in mere months.
Her songwriting abilities and raw emotional delivery have drawn comparisons to legends, proving she’s not just a former Disney star but a legitimate musical force.
8. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter played Maya Hart on Girl Meets World, the sequel series to the beloved 90s show.
Her character’s spunky personality and occasional musical moments hinted at her real-life musical ambitions waiting to be unleashed.
She’s since released multiple albums that showcase her evolving pop sound, from sweet teen anthems to more sophisticated, sultry tracks.
Her vocal tone is distinctive and warm, making songs like “Nonsense” and “Feather” instantly recognizable and radio-friendly.
What’s impressive is her consistency—she’s steadily built her music career album by album, tour by tour, without relying solely on viral moments.
Her dedicated fanbase has grown organically as she’s matured artistically, proving that patience and genuine talent create lasting success in the competitive music industry landscape.
9. Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas started his entertainment journey young, appearing in various Disney projects while simultaneously performing with his brothers as the Jonas Brothers.
Their meteoric rise during the late 2000s made them teen heartthrobs and Disney Channel royalty practically overnight.
When the band took a hiatus, Nick launched a solo career that surprised many with its mature R&B and pop influences.
Albums like Nick JonasLast Year Was Complicated and featured collaborations with respected producers and showcased his growth as a serious musician and songwriter.
His smooth vocals and willingness to experiment with different sounds earned him credibility beyond the Disney bubble.
Whether performing solo or reuniting with his brothers, he’s maintained a strong presence in music while also pursuing acting, proving his multifaceted entertainment talents extend far beyond his origins.
10. Joe Jonas
As the lead vocalist of the Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas became one of Disney’s biggest stars through Camp RockJonas and the series .
His charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice made him stand out, earning him millions of devoted fans worldwide.
Beyond the Jonas Brothers, he formed DNCE, a funk-pop band that gave us the irresistibly catchy “Cake by the Ocean.” This project allowed him to explore a more playful, danceable sound that differed from his previous work and showcased his versatility as a performer.
His ability to reinvent himself musically while maintaining his core fanbase is impressive.
Whether fronting DNCE or reuniting with his brothers for their comeback, Joe has proven he’s a talented vocalist and entertainer who can adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to his artistic identity.
11. Kevin Jonas
Kevin Jonas rounded out the Jonas Brothers trio, playing guitar and providing harmonies that were essential to the band’s signature sound.
Though often seen as the quieter brother, his musical contributions during their Disney days were absolutely crucial to their success.
While he pursued business ventures and reality television more than solo music projects, his role in the Jonas Brothers’ reunion proved his ongoing musical relevance.
The band’s comeback album Happiness Begins debuted at number one, showing their enduring appeal and his continued importance to the group.
His choice to focus on family and entrepreneurship rather than constant solo spotlight shows there are multiple ways to define success after Disney.
When he does perform with his brothers, the chemistry and musical talent remain undeniable, reminding everyone why they became stars in the first place.
12. Ross Lynch
Ross Lynch starred in Austin & Ally, a show literally centered around music, where he played an aspiring singer-songwriter.
This role gave him constant opportunities to perform and develop his musical skills in front of Disney’s massive audience weekly.
He initially performed with the pop-rock band R5 alongside his siblings, achieving moderate success with their energetic sound.
But his most artistically ambitious project came later with The Driver Era, a band he formed with his brother Rocky that explores alternative and indie-rock territories.
The Driver Era’s music is grittier and more experimental than his Disney work, showing significant artistic growth and maturity.
Their sound incorporates electronic elements, introspective lyrics, and genre-blending production that appeals to a more alternative music crowd, proving Ross’s musical evolution continues beyond his teen idol days.
13. Bridgit Mendler
Bridgit Mendler became a Disney favorite through Good Luck Charlie, where her girl-next-door appeal and comedic timing won over families everywhere.
Her natural likability made the transition to music feel effortless when she released her debut album.
Hello My Name Is… featured a blend of pop and R&B influences, with the single “Ready or Not” becoming a genuine hit on mainstream radio.
Her sweet vocals and catchy melodies earned her a dedicated following beyond just Disney Channel viewers, proving her crossover potential.
Though she eventually stepped away from entertainment to pursue education and other interests, her music legacy remains strong among Disney-era fans.
Her decision to prioritize personal growth over fame shows maturity, but those who remember her music still appreciate the quality pop she contributed during her time in the spotlight.
14. Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne gained fame on Shake It Up alongside Zendaya, but her career path took decidedly different turns.
Known for her bold personality and willingness to push boundaries, she approached music with the same fearless attitude she brought to everything else.
Her musical releases explored pop with edgier, more experimental sounds that reflected her unconventional public persona.
While not achieving massive commercial success, her music allowed her creative self-expression and attracted fans who appreciated her authentic, unfiltered artistic approach.
She’s released various singles and EPs that showcase her willingness to take risks and try different styles without worrying about mainstream appeal.
Her music career, like her overall brand, prioritizes artistic freedom and personal expression over fitting into any particular mold or meeting traditional expectations of former Disney stars.
15. Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné was already an established child star before That’s So RavenThe Cosby Show made her a Disney icon, having appeared in and released music as a young girl.
Her Disney show became one of the channel’s most successful series ever, cementing her legendary status.
During her Disney years, she released albums that blended pop and R&B, with songs featured on her show’s soundtrack becoming fan favorites.
Tracks showcased her strong vocals and bubbly personality, contributing to Disney’s early 2000s musical landscape significantly.
While she later focused more on acting, hosting, and producing, her musical contributions during Disney’s golden era shouldn’t be overlooked.
She helped establish the template for Disney stars releasing music alongside their shows, influencing the careers of countless performers who followed in her pioneering footsteps through the entertainment industry.