In recent years, the term ex-act has surged in popularity on social media, particularly among enthusiasts of specific musicians. It has become common for users active online to create new terms that may perplex those less immersed in digital culture. For instance, the phrase pop daughter was coined by fans of iconic artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, serving to draw parallels between contemporary stars and their predecessors. A more focused term, Taydaughters, was introduced to refer specifically to Taylor Swift’s fan base.
While phrases like these are new, the concept of being an ex-act—a musician who began their career in acting—has been an established notion for several years. This classification primarily applies to current singers who launched their careers on children’s television, rather than transitioning directly into the music industry.
Understanding the Ex-Act Definition
From Acting to Music
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An ex-act is defined as a performer who originated on a major children’s network, specifically Nickelodeon or Disney Channel. These networks often provide acting roles that act as launching pads into successful music careers. Notably, Disney has a reputation for transforming their former stars into music sensations, with Nickelodeon emulating this strategy in the 2000s by promoting talents such as Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy from shows like iCarly into music careers.
While big names like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake were part of The Mickey Mouse Club, they are not classified as ex-acts; their music careers took off years after the club disbanded, largely independent of Disney’s influence. Furthermore, The Mickey Mouse Club functioned as a variety show rather than being centered around narrative sitcom-style content.
On the other hand, Hilary Duff is often recognized as the first ex-act. Following the success of Lizzie McGuire and its accompanying film, she signed with Disney’s Hollywood Records to embark on her musical journey, effectively setting a precedent for young actors to transition into the music industry.
Notable Ex-Acts of Today
Massive Success Stories
Since Hilary Duff’s emergence, both Nickelodeon and Disney Channel have harnessed this format repeatedly, leading to varying levels of success among their stars. For instance, Miley Cyrus catapulted to global fame through her role in Hannah Montana, later achieving record sales and acclaim within the music industry. Notably, in 2024, she claimed two Grammy Awards for her hit Flowers and received further accolades for her collaboration with Beyoncé. Beyond music, she’s been recognized with multiple Golden Globe nominations and respect from industry legends like Elton John.
Simultaneously, Selena Gomez made her mark through Wizards of Waverly Place. Recently, she released a collaborative album with her fiancé Benny Blanco, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. Gomez has garnered significant acclaim in acting as well, receiving nominations for both the Emmy and Golden Globe, and clinching a recent SAG Award. As of late 2024, her net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion, largely attributed to her successful beauty brand, Rare.
Emerging ex-acts like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter have also made waves in the music industry. Rodrigo began her journey on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark in 2016, followed by her role in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Her debut album, SOUR, released in 2021, solidified her status as a three-time Grammy winner. Carpenter, who debuted in 2014 on Girl Meets World, rapidly signed with Hollywood Records, releasing her first album, Eyes Wide Open, and eventually reaching mainstream success with her album Short n’ Sweet, earning her two Grammys.
Nickelodeon began to establish its competitive edge with Ariana Grande’s entry into the music scene. Before her remarkable journey in Broadway and prestigious film adaptations like Wicked, Grande emerged as Cat Valentine in Victorious. Today, she reigns as one of the most celebrated pop icons of the 2010s, a two-time Grammy winner with an impressive slate of number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles.
Who Stands Out Post-Nickelodeon or Disney Channel?
A Closer Look at Ex-Act Fan Competitions
Fans on social media have actively engaged in debates over which ex-act has achieved the most significant success. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that each artist has carved out their own distinct path and achieved success in varying ways. For example, Demi Lovato and The Jonas Brothers, notable figures from Disney, have remained influential, celebrating two decades in the industry as a group.
Recognizing Hilary Duff’s pioneering post-Disney career cannot be overlooked, especially since she paved the way for others. That said, Ariana Grande’s career trajectory has set an impressive benchmark. Her first album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a remarkable feat considering she was not the lead character in her show. Grande’s determination to distinguish herself with her powerful vocals has led to an impressive catalogue, including the pivotal song “Thank U, Next,” which reshaped industry dynamics.
Even as she returns to acting for her role in Wicked, Ariana retains her status as a chart-topping artist, having released her number-one album, Eternal Sunshine. Grande’s influence resonates deeply within the industry, earning her admiration from icons like Mariah Carey and Patti Labelle. While many ex-acts have found success beyond their on-screen roles, Ariana Grande stands out for setting an upgraded standard for what is achievable in the realm of entertainment.