6 Surprising Stars Who Almost Played Hannah Montana

As the 20th anniversary of *Hannah Montana* approaches, fans are reflecting on the impact of the iconic Disney Channel series, which launched Miley Cyrus into the international spotlight when it first aired on March 24, 2006. To mark this milestone, Cyrus is set to release the *Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special* on the same date in 2026. However, the spotlight shines not only on Cyrus, but also on the various actresses who were considered alongside her for the show’s titular role.

Among those vying for the chance to portray the dual-life character of Miley Stewart, who alternates between an ordinary teenager and a famous pop star, was Taylor Momsen. Rising to fame as a child, Momsen gained early recognition for her role as Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 film *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*. While she ultimately did not secure the role of Hannah Montana, Momsen went on to enjoy success in her career through her portrayal of Jenny Humphrey in the acclaimed series *Gossip Girl* and as the lead vocalist for the rock band The Pretty Reckless. Reflecting on her audition for *Hannah Montana*, Momsen remarked in a 2010 interview that she was uncertain whether her version of the character would have achieved the same level of success.

Daniella Monet was another actress among the final contenders for the role. In a podcast interview in February 2025, she shared an entertaining anecdote about how she had approached Disney for a meeting that unexpectedly evolved into an audition for *Hannah Montana*. Monet recalled the experience fondly, stating that, being a few years older than Cyrus and Momsen at the time, she felt somewhat protective and even brought lunch for the younger actresses during the audition process. Although she didn’t secure the role, Monet found recognition on another Disney Channel production, starring as Trina Vega in *Victorious*.

A common misconception is that Mexican actress and singer Belinda was in the running for the character of Hannah Montana. However, casting director Lisa London explained via TikTok that Belinda was never among the top three contenders. London confirmed that the final three actresses, after evaluating over 1,200 candidates, were indeed Cyrus, Momsen, and Monet. Despite missing out on *Hannah Montana*, Belinda continued to thrive in her career, transitioning from her early beginnings as a child actress to establish herself in the music industry and further gain notoriety.

Lucy Hale also pursued the role of Hannah Montana, auditioning at the age of 14. She recently reminisced about this formative experience in a Buzzfeed video, expressing how the audition profoundly inspired her to continue acting. Although she did not land the role, Hale would go on to star in several popular shows, including *Pretty Little Liars*, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.

Another notable name in the mix was JoJo, the pop singer whose real name is Joanna Levesque. JoJo was presented with the opportunity to take on the role but ultimately declined it, expressing no regrets about her decision. In later interviews, she acknowledged the financial gains she might have experienced had she taken the role but stood firm in her choice to pursue a different creative path instead.

Aly Michalka, known for her musical duo Aly & AJ, was also approached for the role while busy with her commitments on another Disney Channel show, *Phil of the Future*. Michalka shared that she was intrigued by the offer but was concerned that playing another pop star could lead to potential confusion for her audience. Ultimately, she chose to pass on the opportunity to focus on her existing projects, feeling satisfied with her career trajectory at that point.

While Miley Cyrus ultimately became synonymous with the character of Hannah Montana, the journey to casting the role highlights the myriad of talented actresses who were considered. The stories of these contenders not only add depth to the legacy of *Hannah Montana* but also underscore the luck and timing involved in the world of casting. As the anniversary date approaches, it serves as a timely reminder of how different the show’s history might have been had one of these other actresses stepped into the limelight.