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Money winners of 2008: Miley Cyrus, pop star phenomenon

This post is part of our feature on Money Winners of 2008. See all 20.

As far as pop star phenomenons go, Miley Cyrus, aka Destiny Hope Cyrus, certainly is one. At just 16 years of age, the bright personality of this moderately talented female offspring of Billy Ray Cyrus has been effectively parlayed into a several-million-dollar property by none other than media giant Disney (NYSE: DIS). She is being exploited in classic Hollywood style, right down to her "morning after" bed sheet clad, Vanity Fair photo shoot. Smile pretty baby, and say cha ching!

The question is, how much is Miley Cyrus really worth? With earnings of $25 million from June 2007 to June 2008, Cyrus is listed as #35 on the Forbes Celebrity 100. Somehow though, that figure seems just a bit misleading. With concert appearances that have tickets selling out in minutes, a hit television show, multiple albums, movie deals, guest appearances, and a host of other deals pending, it's virtually impossible to place a true monetary value on the girl. It is speculated that the Hannah Montana franchise, which features Miley Cyrus, will net Disney in excess of $1 billion. The Baltimore Sun recently reported that Miley Cyrus is currently out-earning names as big as Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston. Her concerts are reported to be out-drawing Bruce Springsteen. Who's the boss now, baby.

Continue reading Money winners of 2008: Miley Cyrus, pop star phenomenon

Will Miley Cyrus last as Disney's (DIS) new teen queen?

It doesn't seem that long ago that Hilary Duff was The The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Channel's shining -- well more like blinding -- star. Hilary had it all: talent, looks, and an innocence that emanates only from Disney Channel stars. But once Duff's 65-episode Disney series Lizzie McGuire peaked in 2001, she went on to other things, including a 2003 album that reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 (the project sold 3.7 million copies), an Elizabeth Arden fragrance, a clothing line, and another album that debuted earlier this year. What that meant for Disney was that Hilary was out. It didn't take long for someone else to move in -- Miley Cyrus.

You're probably wondering why that name sounds so familiar. Well, it's because Miley Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, best known for his top 40 hit "Achy Breaky Heart." Not only are both father and daughter singers, but they are also actors and show off both of their talents, together, on Disney Channel's new hit show Hannah Montana. The show premiered with 5.5 million viewers and 2.3 million tweens (kids 9-14) and became basic cable's top series in the tween demo in its first seven weeks. On the show, Miley plays a teenager trying to lead a normal life while hiding her secret, alter-ego rock star persona Hannah Montana from her classmates. Billy Ray plays her father (you can't get anymore true-to-life than that).



How are Miley and Hannah doing? According to Fortune, "The Disney Channel Hannah Montana series hasn't just been a huge hit with kids and 'tweens; it's become a ubiquitous franchise." The 2006 Hannah Montana soundtrack entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 and has gone double platinum, with 2.2 million copies sold since October. Hannah clothes are already the No. 1 tween brand at Macy's, and her new double-CD set that serves as a soundtrack and showcase for the actress, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus, has outsold American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's new album, both released June 26, by 34,000 copies.

As if that isn't enough for a 14-year-old, Miley's The Best of Both Worlds tour kicks off October 18 and features songs that showcase Miley Cyrus as an artist as well as Hannah Montana. This best of both worlds concept seems to be a smart move for a budding star, since she is establishing her career as a solo artist (Miley Cyrus) as well as a Disney star (Hannah Montana). In a few years, she may be able to drop the whole Hannah persona and continue a singer/actress career as Miley. But for the time being, It makes you wonder if there will be any room in toy and department stores for anything without the Hannah brand-stamp come holidays. Looks like Disney Channel has become nothing more than Miley's kingdom.

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Last updated: February 12, 2012: 04:51 AM

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