Top 10 Disney Channel Audition Stories
![Top 10 Disney Channel Audition Stories](/uploads/blipthumbs/MM-Celeb-Top10-Disney-Channel-Audition-Stories_N9Y7P9-ALT-1_480.webp)
#10: Dove Cameron
“Descendants” (2015)
When Dove was called into Disney Channel HQ, she had no idea it was for an audition. In fact, the “Liv and Maddie” star thought she was in trouble and was about to get fired. Instead, she was handed a top secret script with the strict instruction that it could not leave the premises. The more she read, the more she fell in love with the story and knew she just had to be part of it. Little did she know that she was about to become a major part of the most popular Disney Channel movie of the 2010s.
#9: Rowan Blanchard
“Girl Meets World” (2014-17)
This actress was pretty adamant that she wouldn’t audition for Disney Channel, fearing the typecasting that often follows its stars. After a change of heart, she auditioned for Maya. But following her second audition, she switched with Sabrina Carpenter, who had been reading for Riley. Blanchard credits her on-screen mother, Danielle Fischel for helping her land the role, as initially Riley was written as a 15 year old but Fischel pointed out that a coming-of-age story required a coming-of-age star. Blanchard is now thankful for the platform where she developed her voice and became the fervent activist she is today.
#8: Zendaya
“Shake It Up” (2010-13)
Zendaya initially auditioned for the role of CeCe. But after being asked to also read for Rocky, she felt a stronger connection to the character. The role of CeCe, of course went to Bella Thorne, who admitted she didn’t want to be a Disney girl and only took the job to help her family, who were living in dire poverty. While Bella claims the audition panel thought her self-deprecation was in jest, Zendaya divulged that she lacked confidence in her auditioning skills and dance ability. Nevertheless, the panel saw something in both actress, which was reinforced by their instant chemistry.
#7: Ashley Tisdale
“High School Musical” (2006)
After a series of heartbreaking rejections, Ashley took a break from auditioning for the Disney Channel. However in the mid-noughties, she finally got her foot in the House of Mouse door, which led to her big break as East High’s resident diva, Sharpay Evans. During the movie’s 10 year anniversary special, her onscreen brother, Lucas Grabeel recalled how she would give him notes during their screen run throughs, essentially channeling her inner Sharpay even before she was even cast. Nowadays, Tisdale is grateful that she held out for the right role and even refers to her time on the movie as “the best experience”.
#6: Demi Lovato
“Sonny with a Chance” (2009-11)
Let us tell you a story about a young aspiring actress moving to California to pursue her dreams - and no, we don’t mean Sonny Munroe. Demi’s first Disney role was playing Charlotte Adams in season one of “As The Bell Rings” - but she wouldn’t return for a second season due to landing two other leading roles almost simultaneously. Lovato auditioned for “Camp Rock” and “Sonny with a Chance” around the same time, and as we know, nailed them both. Clearly Disney Channel knows how to spot a star and it wasn’t long before this powerhouse superstar was propelled into the spotlight.
#5: Zac Efron
“High School Musical” (2006)
Unlike your standard TV movie audition, the “High School Musical” casting process sounds a bit more like Broadway goes to bootcamp. Vanessa Hudgens recalls being in a group of about a dozen or so potential Gabriellas in an audition process that lasted an entire day. Meanwhile, Zac Efron talked about the intensity of the day and how the casting panel would tap auditionees on the shoulder during the dance round in order to dismiss them. The next step was a basketball round and when Zac felt that tap on the shoulder he assumed it was all over - but oh, how wrong he was.
#4: Hilary Duff
“Lizzie McGuire” (2001-04)
When Hilary Duff went to her “Lizzie McGuire” audition, she was already on the verge of quitting showbiz and didn’t really come prepared. Despite assuming she’d blown the opportunity, the show’s creator, Terri Minsky saw her potential and offered her some advice before giving her a second chance. Duff also said that in order to stand out against the other “200 blonde girls,” she would wear all sorts of crazy outfits to get noticed - and clearly it worked. Rich Ross, the president of Disney’s entertainment division, even joked that they kept calling her back just to see what quirky outfit she’d wear next.
#3: Raven-Symoné
“That’s So Raven” (2003-07)
Raven glistened with star potential early on, so it was only a matter of time before she would get her own show. Although she auditioned for the best friend role, she impressed the panel so much that they cast her as the lead and even named the show after her. Raven also reportedly stepped in to land Annelise van der Pol the role of her best friend, Chelsea, as she felt they had better chemistry than the girl who had already been cast. As one of our favorite Disney best friend duos, we can never get enough of these two together.
#2: Selena Gomez
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007-12)
Selena first started auditioning for the Disney Channel when she was just 11 years old, and this is by far one of the most adorable ones you’ll ever see. She thought she bombed her chance due to coming across as shy and awkward, but evidently Disney thought otherwise - as this eventually led to her being considered and ultimately cast in the fantasy teen sitcom. She confidently tells the panel that, like another former House of Mouse star, Britney Spears, she intends on having a singing and acting career. Proving dreams come true, her role playing Alex Russo was awarded the Kids’ Choice Award for TV Actress five years in a row, adding to an ever growing collection of accolades.
#1: Miley Cyrus
“Hannah Montana” (2006-11)
You know what screams confidence? Turning up to your audition in a t-shirt that reads “I Should Have My Own TV Show”. Miley actually originally read for the best friend role, and was only 11 when she first started auditioning for “Hannah Montana.” Perhaps this outfit choice worked some subliminal magic on the panel. Despite her young age, the casting team clearly didn’t want to pass up on her incredible talent. When they brought up her choice of t-shirt, she said with assurance, “It’s going to happen” - pretty much proving she had what it takes to play a global superstar.
![User](/my/images/anonymous.png)