20 Years of ‘Hannah Montana’: From Selena Gomez to Zendaya, Stars Who Broke Out Through TV Musicals

Fans of “Hannah Montana” are currently celebrating 20 years of the popular show, with Miley Cyrus making sure the occasion feels grand and exciting. It is almost impossible to ignore the cultural wave the show created and the career it helped shape. It was far more than just a teenage sitcom; it was a full blown musical phenomenon that blurred the lines between television and pop stardom. As we celebrate two decades of the fan favourite show, here is a look at other famous faces who got their breakthrough parts through TV musicals.

Selena GomezBefore she became one of the biggest pop stars in the world, Selena Gomez found her footing on the Disney Channel with “Wizards of Waverly Place”. While not a traditional musical in structure, the show frequently incorporated music into its storytelling and helped position Gomez as a performer who could balance acting and singing with ease. She soon transitioned into a successful music career with Selena Gomez & the Scene, proving that Disney’s model of nurturing multi talented stars was working perfectly.

Olivia RodrigoOne of the most recent success stories, Olivia Rodrigo’s journey began with “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”. The show leaned heavily into its musical format, giving Rodrigo the perfect platform to showcase her songwriting and vocal abilities. Her original song “Drivers License” went on to become a global phenomenon, but its roots can be traced back to the exposure and credibility she gained from the series.

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Ariana GrandeAriana Grande’s rise began on Nickelodeon with “Victorious”, where she played the quirky Cat Valentine. The show’s musical elements allowed Grande to showcase her impressive vocal range early on. While her role was comedic, her singing talent stood out, eventually paving the way for one of the most successful pop careers of her generation.

ZendayaZendaya first gained prominence with “Shake It Up”, a show that revolved around dance and performance. The series doubled as a musical platform, with multiple songs and performances integrated into its narrative. Zendaya’s confidence as a performer and her ability to command the screen were evident early on, setting the stage for her transition into a critically acclaimed acting career.

Hilary DuffBefore the era of “Hannah Montana,” Hilary Duff had already become a household name with “Lizzie McGuire”. While the show itself was not a full fledged musical, it played a crucial role in launching Duff’s music career. Her transition from a beloved TV character to a pop artist was seamless, making her one of the early examples of Disney’s star making formula.

Demi LovatoDemi Lovato’s breakthrough came with Disney’s “Camp Rock”, a television musical that became a massive hit. Starring alongside the Jonas Brothers, Lovato showcased her powerful vocals and emotional depth, instantly connecting with audiences. The success of “Camp Rock” propelled her into a thriving music career, making her one of the standout voices to emerge from the Disney ecosystem.