Iconic Singers Who Launched Their Careers at Disney

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Disney has launched the careers of many popular singers, providing them with early opportunities in acting, music, and a ready-made fanbase. Whether through Disney Channel shows or original movies and soundtracks, these artists used the platform to release their first songs, sign record deals, and eventually tour the world. Appearing in shows where music was part of the story helped them quickly build a large collection of songs. Here’s a look at twenty singers who started at Disney and went on to major success in the music industry.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus first became famous starring in the Disney Channel series ‘Hannah Montana,’ appearing both as the character and herself on incredibly successful albums. This role launched her career as a teen pop sensation, and she later signed with Hollywood Records to release her own music. Building on her Disney fanbase, she quickly achieved chart-topping hits and sold-out concert tours. Since then, she’s continued to thrive, earning numerous award nominations and consistently releasing number-one albums while performing in large stadiums.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez began her career starring in the Disney Channel series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and also recorded songs for Disney projects. She then formed the band Selena Gomez & The Scene, which achieved success with several gold and platinum singles, boosted by her Disney fame. Later, as a solo artist, she released chart-topping albums and gained a massive global following through streaming. Today, her music includes a wide range of genres, from upbeat dance-pop to heartfelt ballads and Spanish-language songs, and she continues to tour to sold-out crowds.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato first gained recognition through Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’ and ‘Sonny with a Chance,’ and their music on those shows helped them land a recording contract. Their initial albums were successful, reaching the top 10 and allowing them to tour arenas beyond their Disney fanbase. Lovato continued to build their career with popular songs, an honest and revealing documentary, and performances at major awards shows. They’ve earned multiple platinum records and worked with well-known music producers.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff first became famous as the star of ‘Lizzie McGuire,’ and the show’s popular songs led to a record deal with Hollywood Records. Her first albums were very successful, selling millions of copies during Disney Channel’s big push for musical artists in the early 2000s. While also acting in movies, she continued to release music and tour. Duff is a prime example of how a Disney Channel show can help launch a long-lasting career as a pop singer.

Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers first became well-known through the movie ‘Camp Rock’ and their Disney Channel series ‘Jonas’, which combined acting roles with concert films and tours. Their first albums were very successful, reaching the top of the charts and building a large, dedicated fanbase that filled arenas. After taking a break, they came back with hit songs, new albums, and continued to tour extensively. The Jonas Brothers’ story demonstrates how Disney’s promotion and cross-platform support can help a pop-rock band achieve widespread popularity.

Sabrina Carpenter

I’ve been following Sabrina Carpenter’s career for a while now, and it’s been amazing to watch her grow. A lot of people remember her from ‘Girl Meets World,’ but even then she was already releasing music with Hollywood Records. She quickly started building a fanbase with EPs and albums, which led to her touring and playing festivals. Then, as her music got more popular on streaming platforms, she started collaborating with other artists and consistently releasing new singles. It’s a perfect example of how someone can successfully transition from being a Disney star to a major international pop artist.

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo started her career with roles on the Disney shows ‘Bizaardvark’ and ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,’ where she first shared her original music. Her first single quickly became a huge hit, breaking streaming records and leading to a very successful debut album. Since then, her later songs have won prestigious awards, fueled worldwide concert tours, and allowed her to play in increasingly larger venues. She’s known for writing honest, personal lyrics combined with big, polished pop sounds.

Zendaya

Zendaya first gained recognition co-starring in the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up,’ where her singing and dancing led to a record deal. She released successful early singles while also starting a career in film and TV, keeping her in the public eye. Later, she returned to music occasionally, skillfully combining it with her acting work through collaborations and soundtracks. Disney Channel was instrumental in launching her career, allowing her to become well-known as both a musician and an actress.

Dove Cameron

I’ve been following Dove Cameron’s career for a while now, and it’s been amazing to watch her grow! I first really got into her work through ‘Liv and Maddie’ and ‘Descendants’ – those soundtracks were constantly on repeat for me. But then she started releasing her own music, and it quickly took off! Seeing her singles climb the charts was so exciting, and it clearly showed she was connecting with a much wider audience than just Disney fans. Her music videos are fantastic, and getting to see her perform internationally has been incredible – her fanbase has exploded, and it’s clear she’s become a true pop artist in her own right. It’s been a really natural progression from singing on soundtracks to becoming a full-fledged pop star!

Sofia Carson

Sofia Carson first gained recognition through her work on the ‘Descendants’ films and its popular soundtracks. She then embarked on a solo career, releasing songs in both English and Spanish and performing at major events around the world. By collaborating with other artists and featuring her music on soundtracks, Carson has cultivated a large international fan base. Her music consistently performs well in many different countries, helping her maintain a strong global presence.

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler became well-known for her role in the Disney Channel series ‘Good Luck Charlie’ and for starring in the Disney Channel movie ‘Lemonade Mouth,’ both of which showcased her musical talent. She also released a solo album that included a hit single which went platinum and received a lot of airplay. While continuing to make music and perform at events, Mendler also focused on her studies and business ventures. Her songs are still popular and represent a key part of Disney pop from the early 2010s.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens first gained widespread recognition through ‘High School Musical,’ which was a huge success for the Disney Channel. She then built on that fame by releasing her own music and going on tour. Later, she expanded into theater and live television musicals, all while continuing to record and perform. Her start with Disney provided a strong base for a diverse and successful career in entertainment.

Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale successfully juggled her roles in ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ and ‘High School Musical’ alongside contributing to their soundtracks and releasing her own music. Her albums generated popular radio singles that she promoted through concerts and appearances in the media. While experimenting with pop-rock and dance-pop styles, she kept her loyal fanbase from her time at Disney engaged. Later, Tisdale expanded her career to include producing and voice acting, all while continuing to make music.

Corbin Bleu

Corbin Bleu first gained recognition for his roles in ‘High School Musical,’ which launched his music career and led to hit songs. He went on to tour, appear at award ceremonies, and perform on Broadway, where he showed off his impressive singing abilities. Bleu’s success story highlights how Disney’s musical films can open doors to both stage performances and recording opportunities. He continues to balance acting with projects that allow him to showcase his musical talent.

Aly & AJ

Aly & AJ first gained popularity with Disney fans through their show ‘Phil of the Future’ and concerts on the Disney Channel, releasing music with Hollywood Records. Their early albums included hit songs that were played frequently on the radio. Later, they continued to release well-received music independently and toured consistently. Their career demonstrates how starting with Disney can build a lasting brand and dedicated fanbase for a musical duo.

Ross Lynch

Ross Lynch starred in the musical series ‘Austin & Ally’, which showcased original songs and live performances. While still appearing on Disney, he also co-founded the band R5, releasing albums and touring the world. After ‘Austin & Ally’ ended, he formed another band and continued releasing music and videos. His career demonstrates how a show focused on music can quickly build an audience eager to see live performances.

Coco Jones

I first noticed Coco Jones when she was in ‘Let It Shine’ on Disney Channel – her voice really stood out! She kept putting out music after that, singles and EPs, and then things started blowing up again with some viral performances. It’s been amazing to watch her sign new record deals, release incredible R&B songs, and appear on national TV. It’s like she’s really coming into her own, and it’s cool to see her success build on that early start with Disney.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain is known for her leading role in ‘A.N.T. Farm’ and her appearances in ‘Descendants’, where she also performed on several soundtracks. Alongside her acting, she pursued music with her sisters, releasing singles that benefited from Disney’s promotion. McClain successfully combined acting projects with music videos and performances, keeping her music visible. Disney’s support helped promote both her individual work and her music with her sisters.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher started his career with roles in Disney’s ‘Teen Beach Movie’ and other projects. He then transitioned to releasing his own music and performing in major stage productions. He’s released several successful singles, appeared on national TV, and landed leading roles in musical theater. More recently, he’s contributed to both film and video game soundtracks, adding even more hit songs to his growing list of accomplishments. Disney initially gave him a big break, which ultimately led to a diverse career in music.

Olivia Holt

Olivia Holt began her career with a starring role on the Disney Channel show ‘I Didn’t Do It’ and also performed on Disney soundtracks. She later launched a solo music career, with her songs gaining popularity on the radio and through streaming platforms. Music videos and collaborations with brands helped boost her music. Holt also toured and played at festivals, allowing her to reach fans beyond her Disney audience. This early success established a solid career for her, balancing both acting and music with consistent new releases.

Tell us about your favorite singer who got their start with Disney, and share the first song of theirs you remember loving!

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2025-10-25 22:46