Demi Lovato is weighing in on a nostalgic debate that has been stirring up memories of Disney Channel's golden era. The former "Sonny With a Chance" star shared her thoughts on Raven-Symoné's "Mount Rushmore" of Disney Channel icons, which included herself, Hilary Duff, Shia LaBeouf, and Lee Thompson Young as the network's most quintessential stars.
During her appearance on the March 18 episode of the "Chicks in the Office" podcast, the 33-year-old revealed that Raven's picks "definitely resonated" with her. However, when asked specifically about Shia, she admitted that he might not make her own cut, saying, "I'm OK on that one."
Despite her ambivalence toward the "Even Stevens" actor, Demi pointed out that fans' opinions on the matter would likely vary based on the generation they grew up in. "I think there could be a separate Mount Rushmore for Disney Channel," she continued, "which would probably include the Jonas Brothers, Miley [Cyrus], Selena [Gomez], and hopefully me."
The "Give Your Heart a Break" singer also mentioned Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's presence on "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the early '90s. However, she argued that the pair weren't as synonymous with the brand as their successors. "They were on Disney, but they didn't transform Disney Channel into what it is," she explained. "I think Raven and Hilary really did that."
Raven's declaration sparked a heated debate on social media, particularly as the "Cheetah Girls" star was asked whether Miley deserved a spot in her top four for her titular role on "Hannah Montana." "No, not Miley," Raven told "The Shade Room" in an interview published on March 10. "I love you, Miley, but not Miley. She came after."
Instead, the 40-year-old argued that Lee—who starred on "The Famous Jett Jackson" before his death in 2013—was a more fitting addition to her hall of fame. "He is no longer with us, but he was the first Black show on Disney," she noted. "I believe he should be on Mount Rushmore of Disney... he definitely deserves a spot."
