One thing that Disney guarantees is that it equips its stars with the spotlight and resources they need to grow in the entertainment industry. It also creates room for its stars to explore all their artistic abilities to ensure that they experience personal growth as well as professional growth by continuously challenging them. This is why we get to enjoy the multiple talents that ex-Disney stars get to showcase, including many musical gems. Let's dive into 30+ Disney stars who decided to pursue music after their journey with Disney.
Selena Gomez
We can't deny how Selena Gomez captured our hearts on Disney as the clever and quirky Alex Russo in the fan favourite ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that she used ‘magic’ on us now, would it? Given her stunning acting, from that post, it was quite obvious that she would reign as a Hollywood star. She didn't only end up reigning as an actor but a musician as well.
Her music career started with her band “Selena Gomez & The Scene” then enveloped into pop, where she single-handedly dominated the billboards with hits like "Lose You to Love Me". The best part about her music is that it is relatable, versatile and creative, keeping her fans on their toes for the next release.
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne burst onto the scene as CeCe Jones in “Shake It Up”, where her energy made her a shining star on the show. Besides acting and dancing, Bella showed how far her artistry could go when she joined the music scene, debuting her pop album "Call It Whatever," which embraced a bold pop sound.
Her music often explores her experiences, making it relatable for fans, thus selling more. Bella isn’t afraid to try different styles, and in a world where many people would prefer pursuing one thing at a time, she stands out.
Miley Cyrus
From being the cherished Hannah Montana, Miley charmed her way into our hearts through not only her excellent acting skills but through her undeniable musical talent. At some point, every girl from this era had some merchandise to match their love for this captivating show. Miley Cyrus evolved into the pop star that she hinted at becoming Hannah Montana after she left Disney, and this was a good move because her talent surpassed all expectations as she ventured into a real-life artist.
Her music has trended on top charts ever since her move to join the pop culture and venture into songs like "Wrecking Ball" and "Party in the USA". Not only did she stick to pop music but she has shown her boldness by experimenting with different genres, showing her ability to push boundaries fearlessly.
Emily Osment
Emily featured on “Hannah Montana”, where she displayed her incredible humour and musical talent. When the show ended, her musical journey started as she went on to pursue music as a solo artist, which is, a smooth transition, given her musical background on “ Hannah Montana”.
With catchy tracks like "All the Way Up," Emily has carved out a space for herself in the music industry through her talent. Emily’s journey from Disney star to music artist reflects how commitment and consistency can lead you to success if you let them into your life.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens warmed our hearts as Gabriella Montez in “High School Musical” where we found ourselves memorising all her songs and singing along as we repeated the movies over and over again. After gaining so much traction from her fans, she didn’t just stop there but took her love for music to the next level.
With her sweet voice and magnetic stage presence, she went on to release songs like "Say OK" and "Sneakernight". Due to the catchiness of her songs, fans can relate to her music, helping her to thrive in the music industry through her unique creativity.
Bridgit Mendler
Bridgit Mendler brought joy to fans as Teddy Duncan in “Good Luck Charlie” where she was the perfect older sister to Charlie and charmed us with her humour and phenomenal acting. After this Disney era, she went on to pursue music and if you've heard her albums, you can understand the level of talent that she scales up to.
Her amazing singing career is evidenced by releases such as "Ready or Not". Her genuine style and relatable lyrics make her a role model for many people who struggle with self-image and are striving to reconnect with their identity and authentic selves. It’s amazing to see her grow from a Disney star into a successful musician.
Lucas Grabeel
High school musicals had a lot of talents and Lucas Grabeel is just one of those. Starting with Disney assuming the role of Ryan Evans in “High School Musical,” his charm and musical talent stood out, opening doors for his music career. After his journey at Disney, Lucas has released several songs that show off his musical talent.
His music is fun and relatable, making it a hit with fans. Lucas’s ability to switch between acting and music is impressive, and he continues to inspire others. His journey reminds us that following your dreams can lead to great things, just as he did.
Ashley Tisdale
Ashley Tisdale made a splash as Sharpay Evans in “High School Musical”, stealing scenes with her unforgettable performances. But Ashley’s not just an actress; she also pursued music with her debut album, "Headstrong."
Her songs, like "He Said She Said," are catchy and full of energy. Ashley’s journey from a Disney star to a solo artist shows her hard work and passion for music, inspiring many along the way.
Raven-Symone
Raven Symone lit up our screens on “That’s So Raven” with her incredible comedic nature and her black-girl talent which made her a sensation and inspiration to many. However, that did not just end with acting as she has also pursued music where she showcases her unique style and diverse influences.
With hits like "That's What I Said," she has made herself a name in R&B and pop under the music scene. Raven’s music connects with fans, sharing personal stories that many people can relate to. Her journey from a Disney star to a successful musician highlights her amazing talent and versatility.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff became famous as “Lizzie McGuire,” a character that felt like a friend to many young girls growing up. Her friendly nature made it easy for many fans to follow her on her music when she quickly moved into the music scene, releasing her debut album, "Metamorphosis," which featured catchy songs that spoke to her fans.
Tracks like "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean" solidified her place as a pop star (and the billboard charts can prove that). Hilary’s evolution from a beloved Disney star to a successful musician shows her versatility and lasting impact on pop culture. Who would have thought that “Lizzie Mcguire” was not just a friend to all but a multi-talented character as well
Demi Lovato
Given her singing on the Disney favourite “Camp Rock”, it was quite obvious that Demi would effortlessly expand into the music industry due to her incredible singing voice. Not only was she a phenomenal actor on the show but she also captivated audiences with her extremely powerful performances.
She has shown how her singing on camp rock was not at her peak through her songs such as "Skyscraper" and "Sorry Not Sorry", which have topped the billboard charts on several occasions. Her music is authentic and by sharing her relatable struggles through it, she continues to motivate many people. Being made a judge on X-factor just goes to show how much she is respected in the music industry.
Tessa Thompson
When we talk about Disney Legends, we can't do it without making mention of individuals like Tessa Thompson. She first came onto the scene on “Once Upon a Time”, extending her talent to fan favourites like “Creed” later in her acting career. You would think all this success would be enough, but not for Tessa who went on to pursue her passion in music.
Her style is a blend of R&B and soul to create a unique sound that is soothing yet fun to listen to. Furthermore, her tracks highlight her vocal skills and deep lyrical abilities, allowing her to explore various themes fearlessly. Tessa’s commitment to authenticity proves she’s more than just an actress; she’s a true artist whose journey from Disney star to musician is inspiring.
Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick made her very first Disney waves on “Camp Rock”, showcasing her amazing vocal talent and abilities. Despite being an amazing actor, she, however, still tapped into her musical side, where her talent can be seen in dazzling performances such as those on the “Pitch Perfect” series, where she brought her character’s musical side to life.
Anna’s blend of acting and music has earned her a special place in our hearts. Her journey from Disney star to a versatile artist is a true testament to her talent and no one can say otherwise.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer won the hearts of many through her feature as True Jackson in “True Jackson, VP”, where her vibrant personality shone through the whole show, making it known, without a doubt, that she is an amazing actress. However, this did not just end at that since as she grew in her career, Keke embraced music, releasing singles that reflected her unique style, voice and artistry.
With songs like "I Don’t Belong to You," Keke has established herself in the music scene where she bravely tackles personal and social issues in her music, connecting deeply with her boatload of fans. Keke’s journey from a Disney star to a multifaceted artist shows her creativity and determination as a Hollywood celebrity as a whole, which motivates many people who have dreams they want to achieve.
Chyna Anne McClain
Nicole Anderson first gained recognition on “Jonas” and “Hannah Montana”, where her talent is not a matter of question but rather a matter of fact. Besides being in love with acting, she also had a passion for music and decided to pursue it, much to no one’s disappointment as her vocal skills are undeniable.
Nicole’s upbeat music resonates with fans who appreciate her authenticity. Her journey reflects a commitment to pursuing her dreams in both acting and music, making her a standout figure in the entertainment world. Her evolution from a Disney star to a musician showcases her dedication and talent.
Olivia Holt
Olivia Holt first captured our hearts as Kim in “Kickin’ It”, where her talent for acting and martial arts shone. Driven by her love for music, Olivia transitioned into the music industry, releasing several singles that showcase her vocal prowess. She’s committed to her artistry and seeks to connect with her audience through her work.
With catchy tracks like "History" and "Generous," Olivia is establishing herself as a rising star in music. Her dedication and talent are a motivation to many youngsters worldwide.
Roshon Fegan
Roshon Fegan gained fame on “Shake It Up”, where his vibrant energy and talent were hard to miss (if you think otherwise, you are probably just a hater). Not only did he pursue an acting career but he also pursued his passion for music and released a variety of singles that highlight his distinctive style and vocal abilities.
His commitment to exploring different sounds showcases his dedication to artistic expression. Many of his fans relate to him easily as he has a versatile artistic style, gaining the traction of people from both R&B and pop very easily.
Debby Ryan
We all know who everyone's favourite nanny was during this era. Debby Ryan who assumed the character of Jessie Prescott in “Jessie”, charmed audiences with her comedic talent and relatable traits. While making us laugh, however, Debby also nurtured her love for music, forming the band “The Never Ending”, which allowed her to showcase her writing and vocal skills.
Her songs often reflect personal experiences and emotions, helping her connect with fans on a deeper level than many sheltered artists. Debby’s ability to blend acting and music has made her a relatable figure and has played a role in showing her dedication and passion to the Entertainment scene.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Spark has a unique journey when it comes to the musical industry. She started on American Idol, where she was competing for first place, just like everyone else, and came out the winner. After this, she then transitioned to Disney, where she appeared on “The Suite Life on Deck” and lent her voice to the soundtrack of “The Princess and the Frog”.
Jordin's smooth R&B style and powerful ballads quickly made her a favourite in the music world and because of this, she has so many hits such as "No Air" and "Battlefield". She is one of the most talented musicians that has ever been featured on Disney to this day.
Zac Efron
Zac Efron became a household name as Troy Bolton in “High School Musical”, charming us with his talent and good looks ( you probably had a crush on him at one point). He didn’t just stick to acting but went on to explore music too.
His musical journey can be seen by his pursuit of Broadway shows such as “The Greatest Showman”, where his musical skills were a game changer, and to be fair, no one can surpass those performances. Although he has not released any solos besides those from his movies, the songs he sang like “Rewrite The Stars”, have found themselves topping charts, making him not only an actor but a musician as well.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves was featured on Disney through “The Christmas Chronicles”, where she did exceptionally well in conveying her role. She, however, already had a musical background as she had previously ( before Disney) released different country music tracks.
Not only is she a mere singer but she has received many awards for her outstanding albums such as "Golden Hour".This just proves how established she is in the music industry, showing her multifaceted talents.
Vanessa Marano
Vanessa Marano first gained recognition as Bay Kennish in “Switched at Birth”, where her talent brought her character to life, making the show one that can’t be easily forgotten. While making waves on screen, Vanessa also pursued her passion for music, releasing singles that showcase her unique voice and storytelling abilities.
With tracks that blend pop and indie influences, Vanessa has established herself as a promising artist in the music scene. Her relatable lyrics reflect her personal experiences, making her music resonate with listeners.
Kelli Berglund
From his role in “Lab Rats”, Kelli gained fame as Bree, a talented athletic person who had a lot of humorous jabs to throw around at her family. Not long after, she transitioned into singing and showcased her pop abilities and vocal skills. Her journey into the music scene reflects her dedication to exploring different artistic avenues and connecting with her audience on different scenes.
Her songs like “ How To Build A Better Boy” are full of infectious energy and resonate with fans who appreciate her authenticity. Her ability to express her experiences and emotions through her songs makes her an even more relatable artist
Sofia Carson
No one can ever underrate “Descendants,” as it introduced a lot of musical characters to the world. In line with that, Sofia Carson first caught the attention of many people on “Descendants”, where her performance as Evie highlighted her acting and singing talents. Her transition into music has been impressive, with debut singles quickly gaining popularity ( probably due to her following from Disney).
With hits like "Insult to Injury" and "Rumours," Sofia is establishing herself as a rising star and her unique voice and lyrical depth make her gain the limelight even more, establishing her as not only an actor that premiered on Disney but a successful singer.
Meaghan Martin
Meaghan Martin was one of the many talented debuts that were made on “ Camp Rock”. Her character, Tess Tyler, is captivating to audiences due to her performances and vocal skills. Her transition to music, therefore, felt like a natural progression as she had already set us all on what to expect from her as a very talented singer.
With heartfelt lyrics, Meaghan continuously shows her ability to express her emotions, making her a relatable artist. Meaghan’s journey from Disney star to musician highlights her passion and commitment to her artistic endeavours and it also shows how Disney gives its stars the limelight they need to grow and to stand for themselves after their Disney journeys.
Alyson Stoner
First gaining fame on Disney Channel, Alyson Stoner was able to capture the hearts of many through her captivating audiences in her appearances on Disney shows like “Lizzie McGuire” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”. Known for her dancing and acting, Alyson eventually pursued her passion for music, releasing several singles that showcase her vocal talent as well.
With songs like "Takin' Over the World" and "Shadows," Alyson blends pop and R&B influences, making her a unique spectacle that many fans get to enjoy following and listening to. When we talk about the multi-talented Disney ex-stars, Alyson is one individual not to overlook.
Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron first officially featured on Disney in the fan favourite “Liv, and Maddie” where she played the dual role of twin sisters and we must just say: she nailed this role to its core. If this isn't talent, then it's fair to ask what is.
Her musical journey started when she was making the musical soundtracks for “Descendants” and after this sequel, she then expanded her artistry by also pursuing music. With hit singles like "Waste" and "Out Of Touch," Dove has established herself as a pop sensation. Due to her self-love through many of her songs, many girls and younger women find her music very inspiring and empowering.
Lalaine
Yet another character from “Lizzie McGuire,” Lalaine became a beloved figure when she was featured as Miranda Sanchez, a humorous character that held the heart of the whole show. After her time at Disney, Lalaine decided to pursue music and she definitely did not disappoint by making this decision.
With songs like “I'm not Your Girl” that resonate with her experiences, Lalaine continues to connect with her audience through her music. Her ability to blend catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics makes her a go-to artist and a gem in the music industry.
Britney Spears
No one in this world does not know the name Britney Spears. She is a mega superstar of global proportions and has defined a whole era with her song, dance, glitz, and glam. Even in this modern age, people aspire to be her and they shape their whole persona around him.
What many do not know is that this Grammy-winning pop superstar with nine studio albums, and a catalog worth a fortune is a Disney product. Back in 1992, she was cast in ‘The Mickey Mouse Club.’ From that starting platform she had, she has risen to the top and hasn’t looked back.
Hayley Kiyoko
If you were a Disney fan in the 2010’s then there is no way you missed the sensation that was the 2010 Disney Channel movie, ‘Lemonade Mouth.’ If you did then you certainly remember Hayley, the ultimate rocker of that movie.
Hayley Kiyoko would go on to springboard off this platform, releasing two studio albums — 2018’s ‘Expectations’ and the 2022 album ‘Panorama.’ With her musical talent and determination, Kiyoko is set to take the industry by storm.