By Beth Deitchman
Disney fans are strongly encouraged to tune their TVs to Disney Channel on Friday, July 10, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT… but forget about sitting down on the couch, because an unbelievable night of music awaits that’s guaranteed to have everyone singing and dancing along. Two specials, Disney Channel Summer Sing-Along and Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist, will bring a stellar lineup of favorite stars, classic songs, and unforgettable musical memories right to your living room. The music continues to play after the two specials, however, as Descendants star Sarah Jeffery’s new music video, “Even the Stars,” makes its Disney Channel debut.
Jeffery is as much of a Disney Channel fan as we are—and she’s thrilled to be joining host Laura Marano (of Austin & Ally) and many of today’s brightest stars in music for Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist. The special celebrates the Radio Disney Music Awards and looks back at seven incredible years of the “ARDYs,” with scheduled appearances from Sia; R&B group Thriii, comprised of Jeffery’s fellow Descendants star China Anne McClain and her sisters, Sierra and Lauryn McClain; Sabrina Carpenter; and Echosmith, among others.
“I think the ARDYs are special because people of all ages can see their favorite musicians in one place on one night,” Jeffery says. “I remember watching them [while I was] growing up when they were still the RDMAs, and its surreal to be a part of it now. I’m so excited to be a part of this unique version of the ARDYs.”
Radio Disney Presents ARDYs Summer Playlist will allow fans to relive favorite performances from the likes of Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, and more. Does Jeffery have a favorite ARDY memory? “I remember Nick Jonas performing and being stoked about that,” she shares. “I was a big Jonas Brothers fan in the day. I went two nights in a row to one of their tours in Vancouver!”
Of course, the night begins with the Disney Channel Summer Sing-Along. Simply follow the bouncing beach ball and prepare to belt out favorite songs from iconic Disney Channel Original Movies, such as High School Musical 2, Camp Rock 2, Descendants 3, and ZOMBIES along with stars such as Demi Lovato; Olivia Rodrigo of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series; ZOMBIES 2 stars Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Ariel Martin, Trevor Tordjman, Chandler Kinney, and Pearce Joza; and Issac Ryan Brown, Navia Robinson, Sky Katz, and Jason Maybaum of Raven’s Home. Jeffery says she’s partial to songs from the High School Musical films, and she gives a special shout-out to “Stick to the Status Quo” and “Bet On It.” “You cannot go wrong with a good HSM jam,” she emphasizes (and honestly, we couldn’t agree more).
And for those who want to brush up on their lyrics, here’s the lineup of songs we’ll be singing along to:
“What Time Is It?” (High School Musical 2)
“It’s On” (Camp Rock 2)
“Fired Up” (ZOMBIES)
“All I Want” (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
“Best Summer Ever” (Teen Beach 2)
“Guardian Angel” (Let It Shine)
“Break This Down” (Descendants 3)
“All for One” (High School Musical 2)
“We Own the Summer” (Milo Manheim and Disney Channel stars music video)
The “Even the Stars” video debuts as part of the Disney Channel Voices program, which connects fans with new music from emerging artists. Jeffery is excited to follow in the footsteps of the versatile artists she’s grown up watching on Disney Channel who have had accomplished acting careers and also found success with their music. “I think Selena Gomez’ journey has been cool to watch because she’s really developed her sound over the years and is an artist who has always remained true to herself. That’s what I really strive to do as an artist myself,” Jeffery says.
Jeffery can’t wait for fans to see the “Even the Stars” video, which she says was “such a unique and singular experience in more ways than one.” The video marks Jeffery’s first solo endeavor in the music industry, as well as the first music video in which she hasn’t played a character from a movie. Safety protocols were a priority during the shoot, and director Millicent Hailes guided Jeffery via Zoom. “What stood out the most to me was how beautiful the location was, and how exciting it was to be shooting the video in my own hometown, Vancouver B.C. That, and having to put a mask back on every time they yelled cut,” Jeffery says, emphasizing, “Safety first!”
On this week’s episode of the D23 Inside Disney podcast, Trevor Tordjman revealed how he shot his Disney Channel Summer Sing-Along video. Get the scoop here. And you’ll want to keep the hairbrush microphone close at hand throughout the evening on Friday night. It’s shaping up to be the biggest night of music, and you won’t want to miss a single beat.
