Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
Starring as Alex in 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' Selena Gomez won the hearts of people everywhere. After her Disney career, Selena released three solo albums and three EPs. She has gone on to continue acting as an adult and still makes music.
Starring in both the series 'Live and Maddie' and the 'Descendants' film franchise brought Cameron her initial fame. Then in 2022, her single 'Boyfriend' went viral on TikTok and even received RIAA gold status.
'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus released five soundtracks under the Disney alias. Since establishing her own career in the music industry, she has released eight albums and four EPs.
Demi gained popularity in their break-out role as Mitchie in the 'Camp Rock' film franchise. They then had a titular role in Disney's 'Sonny with a Chance'. Later, Demi made the transition to music and released seven studio albums. She is now predominantly known as a musician.
The brothers, Nick, Joe, and Kevin, starred in the Disney TV series, 'Jonas.' In 2005, they came together to form an American pop-rock band known as the Jonas Brothers and proceeded to release six albums together.
Olivia Rodrigo started her career with roles in Disney Channel’s ‘Bizaardvark’ and ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.’ Olivia has released two highly successful albums and three EPs.
Zendaya starred as Rocky in Disney Channel’s ‘Shake It Up.’ Then in September 2013, she released her self-titled studio album 'Zendaya.'
Hillary Duff starred in Disney's 'Lizzie McGuire.' Following this she released five albums.
Sabrina Carpenter got her start as Maya in 'Girl Meets World.' As a singer, she has released six albums and two EPs. Carpenter released her latest album 'Short n' Sweet' on August 23, 2024.
Sources: (Billboard) (Udiscovermusic) (Ranker)
See also: Former Disney stars who got into trouble with the law
Vanessa Hudgens starred as Gabriella in the ‘High School Musical' film series. Then in 2006 and 2008, she released two albums entitled ' V' and 'Identified,' respectively.
Alongside Britney and Christina, Justin Timberlake started out in 'The Mickey Mouse Club.' His first musical claim to fame was as a part of the boy band 'NSYNC. After the group separated, Justin tried his hand at a solo career, which has so far earned him 10 Grammys.
Ross Lynch starred in 'Austin & Ally' as Austin Moon. Later, in 2009, he joined the band R5 and released two albums and five EPs. Following R5, Lynch joined the band The Driver Era where three albums and one EP were released.
The Disney Channel show 'Good Luck Charlie' featured Bridgit Mendler as Teddy Duncan. In 2012 she released one studio album followed by an EP in 2016.
Kayley Kiyoko starred as a rocker in the 2010 Disney Channel movie 'Lemonade Mouth.' Subsequently, she became a rock star in real life and has released two albums and four EPs.
Ashley Tisdale got her start in the industry starring as Maddie Fitzpatrick in 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.' She went on to star in the 'High School Musical' film series. In 2006, Tisdale started performing music and subsequently released three albums in 2007, 2009, and 2019.
Aly Michalka played Keely in the Disney Channel show 'Phil of the Future'. Later, her sister AJ joined her in the Disney Channel film 'Cow Belles' (2006). Together, they also released four albums and 2 EPs.
Debby Ryan played Jessie Prescott in the show 'Jessie,' and then played Bailey Pickett in 'The Suite Life on Deck.' In 2013, she started performing as a singer and she released one single in 2011.
Raven-Symoné starred as the titular character in Disney's 'That's So Raven.' The actress-turned-musician released four albums and five EPs.
The Grammy-winning superstar was in the 'The Micky Mouse Club' in 1992. Throughout her music career, she released nine albums.
Another Grammy award winner, Christina Aguilera started in the 'Mickey Mouse Club' too. Her powerful voice and catchy pop music captured the world. She has released nine albums and won five Grammys.
Bella Thorne played CeCe in the Disney Channel show 'Shake it Up.' In her subsequent time as a musician, the actress released one album and two EPs.
Mitchel Musso starred as Oliver Oken in Disney's 'Hannah Montana.' In 2009, he released his first album, followed by a second one in 2010 alongside an EP.
China Anne McClain played Chyna Parks in the Disney show 'A.N.T Farm.' In 2011, alongside her sisters, China released one EP under the name 'McClain.'
Corbin Bleu played Chad Danforth in the 'High School Musical' movies. In 2007 and 2009, he released two albums entitled 'Another Side' and 'Speed of Light.'
Emily Osment played Lilly Truscott in the Disney show 'Hannah Montana.' She performs as either Emily Osment or Bluebiird and has released one album and one EP.
Olivia Holt was featured in several Disney Channel series and films including ‘Kickin’ It,’ ‘Girl vs. Monster’ (2012), and ‘I Didn’t Do It.' As a singer and musician, she has released four EPs.
Sofia Carson made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel series 'Austin & Aly.' She also played the role of Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen in Disney's musical film, 'Descendants' (2015). As a singer, Carson released one album.
As Disney Channel alum Sabrina Carpenter unveils her sixth studio album to the world, you might be wondering which other Disney stars went on to become singers. From iconic stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, to those who saw lesser success such as Bridgit Mendler or Bella Thorne, these one-time Disney stars took the plunge into the music industry.
In this gallery, we'll meet the former Disney stars who tried their hand at music stardom. Curious to know who took the mic? Click through now to find out.
Disney alumni who became musicians
Sabrina Carpenter releases her hotly anticipated album 'Short n' Sweet'
MUSIC Actors
As Disney Channel alum Sabrina Carpenter unveils her sixth studio album to the world, you might be wondering which other Disney stars went on to become singers. From iconic stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, to those who saw lesser success such as Bridgit Mendler or Bella Thorne, these one-time Disney stars took the plunge into the music industry.
In this gallery, we'll meet the former Disney stars who tried their hand at music stardom. Curious to know who took the mic? Click through now to find out.