Hilary Duff. Lindsay Lohan. Beyoncé. Whether they began as actresses or singers, each star has become a multi-talented juggler of an acting career, singing career, clothing lines and other business ventures. And why not? If you have what it takes to make it big off movies, albums and more, shouldn’t you be trying your hand at everything?
It’s no surprise then that today’s brightest young stars share the same mentality: names like Miley, Demi and Selena are making the jump from acting to singing. But just how do these much talked about actresses measure up in the fame game? We compare report cards:
MILEY CYRUS
Acting: A+
This Tennessee native got her big break in 2006 on the Disney TV series, HANNAH MONTANA. Since then, her show has become a runaway success: it was nominated for an Emmy, is back for a third season in December and will even spawn a movie next year. She’ll also be lending her voice in November’s Disney animated flick, Bolt.
Singing: A
Playing a regular teenager who leads a double life as a pop star seems to have served Miley well. Her alter ego has inspired two soundtracks for the series, a four-album deal with Hollywood Records, and a sold-out tour that has been turned into a box office shattering, 3-D movie. To say that Miley’s singing career may be on its way to eclipsing her acting career is an understatement.
Extracurricular Activities: B
A book written by the star about her life is reportedly in the works for next year.
Additional Comments:
If she can avoid the controversy, we may see Miley follow in the footsteps of such stars as Hilary Duff, who successfully transitioned from a TV star to a super singer/songwriter/actress/mogul.
SELENA GOMEZ
Acting: A-
There seems to be no shortage of acting projects for this 16-year-old. Her TV series, THE WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE, is back for its second season, her TV movie, ANOTHER CINDERELLA STORY, is already out, and she’s finished filming PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM, which is set to be released next year.
Singing: C-
Low marks here only because we haven’t heard much of Selena as a singer. Luckily, she has signed a record deal to make an album as part of a group.
Extracurricular Activities: C+
She has mentioned that she’s learning how to play the guitar and drums, in preparation for her debut album.
Additional Comments:
Often dubbed “the next Miley”, Selena has plenty of talent but a lot of work to do if she hopes to banish comparisons.
DEMI LOVATO
Acting: B+
Her most notable role has been opposite Joe Jonas in this past summer’s CAMP ROCK, but she’s only just gotten started: next year will find her in another Disney TV movie, entitled PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM, where she’ll star alongside her real-life friend, Selena Gomez. She’ll also get her own Disney original series, SONNY WITH A CHANCE, in which she’ll play a Wisconsin teen unexpectedly cast in a popular sketch comedy show. Plus, another CAMP ROCK movie is in the works.
Singing: B
Thanks in part to opening for the Jonas Brothers in their summer tour, Demi has gained lots of attention as a musician. Her debut album, ‘Don’t Forget’, which was released this past September, has earned her favourable reviews, further evidence that she is an actress/singer/songwriter to be reckoned with.
Extracurricular Activities: C
As if building an acting and singing career wasn’t enough. Her current roster of acting gigs is enough to keep anyone busy.
Additional Comments:
Compared to her other Disney counterparts, Demi is a relatively new face. Look for big things from this Dallas native.