AceShowbiz - In recent months, Disney’s iconic pop stars from the 2000s have been making a significant impact once again in the music industry, proving their enduring appeal and influence. Among them, Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, and Demi Lovato are spearheading this resurgence.

In early March, Hilary Duff appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she taught the host the viral choreography from her 2007 hit “With Love.” This track, known for its upbeat and infectious pop sound, was the second single from her album Dignity. Notably, this album marked her final release under Hollywood Records, the Disney-owned label responsible for launching a generation of pop superstars.

Shortly after Duff’s appearance, Miley Cyrus also made waves by revisiting her role as Hannah Montana for the show’s 20th anniversary. To celebrate the milestone, Cyrus returned to her iconic look—cutting her bangs and going blonde with the help of clip-ins—and co-produced a special hourlong Disney+ event. Alongside the special, she released a reflective new song titled “Younger You,” which was released through Hollywood Records rather than her current label Columbia, reinforcing her lasting connection with Disney’s music arm.

The impact of the Hannah Montana special was remarkable. According to Luminate data, the show’s music catalog experienced a 306% increase in streaming, soaring from 4.6 million to 18.8 million official on-demand streams in the U.S. during the week following the Disney+ release. Meanwhile, “Younger You” debuted with an impressive 1.1 million official on-demand streams on its first day (March 27), signaling strong fan engagement.

Disney Music Group president Ken Bunt highlighted this renewed enthusiasm among veteran Disney artists. He noted that over the past few years, many of these stars have been eager to revisit their Disney roots even after transitioning to other labels and pursuing mature projects. “It really started to coalesce last year with the Jonas Brothers tour,” Bunt explained. He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with Duff’s team and others like Aly & AJ, emphasizing the widespread interest and activity among these artists.

Looking ahead, Hilary Duff is preparing for her first global headlining tour in nearly twenty years, with major venues like Madison Square Garden in New York and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on the itinerary. Earlier intimate shows in January showcased a setlist that balances her classic hits with songs from her new album luck... or something, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Duff’s performances have included fan favorites like “What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack, and in April she released “Come Clean [Mine],” a fresh recording of her 2004 single.

Meanwhile, Demi Lovato, who gained fame through Disney’s Camp Rock franchise and released six albums on Hollywood Records, is also active on the touring front. Following the October release of her album It’s Not That Deep, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, Lovato is embarking on the corresponding tour this year. Additionally, a new Camp Rock project is in development, with Lovato serving as co-executive producer alongside former cast members, including the Jonas Brothers. The Disney connection extends further with Selena Gomez preparing to make her directorial debut on the third and final season premiere of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

Bunt expressed pride in how these artists have matured both personally and professionally, viewing Disney as a continual home base. He noted that Disney now offers a safe platform not only for nostalgia but also for creative experimentation. Bunt cited examples such as Cyrus’ contribution to the end credits song “Dream as One” for Avatar: Fire and Ash and Gomez’s dual role as producer and star of the Disney property Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. Bunt also hinted at upcoming projects involving Duff and the possibility of bringing together many original stars on screen to share their stories.

This evolution reflects the growth of Disney Music Group itself. “After all these years, I feel like there’s a way for talent to mature with the company,” Bunt remarked, contrasting the current approach with the past when the focus was heavily on tween audiences. He also pointed to stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, who connect Disney’s past and present. Rodrigo, in particular, is notable for writing a song for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where she also starred.

Despite embracing veteran artists, Disney’s core demographic remains a priority. Bunt predicts a new generation of superstars is emerging from contemporary Disney franchises such as The Descendants, Zombies, and the new Camp Rock project. Recent developments include Kylie Cantrall from The Descendants signing with Republic Records and Hollywood Records newcomer Freya Skye releasing her debut EP, Stardust, in February.

While Bunt is optimistic about this “very talented” new wave of Disney stars across music, movies, and television, he maintains that the late-2000s class remains unparalleled. “This class is just unique in music history,” he said, reflecting on his 28 years at Disney. Having started in video promotion and digital marketing during the launch of many of these artists, Bunt emphasized their exceptional work ethic and dedication. “To have this level of talent still resonate culturally 20 years later, I can’t think of another class that’s really been like this from a historical standpoint,” he added.