The 2019 ARDYs: A Radio Disney Music Celebration
This year, the Radio Disney Music Awards returned for its seventh year, live for the first time with a brand new name: “ARDYs: A Radio Disney Music Celebration,” in honor of the network’s dance and music-obsessed statuette “ARDY.” The idea was to throw a real-time celebration hosted by one of Disney’s biggest stars: Sofia Carson (Disney Channel’s Descendants; Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists). The broadcast featured numerous performers as well in order to empower and entertain families worldwide, such as Avril Lavigne, Tori Kelly, Andy Grammar, Steve Aoki, Radio Disney "NBT" Meg Donnelly with Fetty Wap, lovelytheband, Gabby Barrett, and JD McCrary and Shahadi Wright Joseph (who sang a song from the live-action remake of The Lion King they are starring in). Celebrities and influencers took the time to answer my questions on the red carpet about their fervor for fashion and unwavering devotion to Disney:
How would you describe your personal style?
“It varies. I feel like it just depends on my mood. I know that’s simple to say, but it’s true. One day, I can be very comfortable in a pair of sweats and a crop top, but my style can also be edgy and effortlessly cool or chic and fun. I like to mix it up. I get inspired every day by so many different people and trends, and mixing it up can be fun.”—Olivia Holt (I Didn’t Do It; Kickin’ It; Girl vs. Monster)
“I just put on whatever I’m feeling, even if it doesn’t really make sense in the fashion world. I throw it on and see what happens!”—Meg Donnelly (Singer; Zombies)
“I’m nonchalant. If it looks good, it feels good.”—Fetty Wap (Singer)
“Edgy with a little bit of elegance. I love things that are unique and individual to me”—Navia Robinson (Raven’s Home)
“It’s a mixture of a lot of things, mostly classic pieces mixed with fun and colorful ones. It’s definitely girly.”—Olivia Sanabia (Coop & Cami Ask the World)
“Basically just sweatpants or a tracksuit. [I also like] leggings, a sweatshirt, and my [Nike] Air Force 1’s—the iconic Air Force 1’s that I always wear because they’re my favorite. I really love two-pieces and matching sets, too.”—Jadah Marie (Descendants 3)
“I have a hip, chill kind of vibe. I like jeans, but also some fun outfits. I sometimes dress up in a nice suit...color-matching...stuff like that.”—Will Buie Jr. (Bunk’d)
“Tonight it’s beach-style, [as if] I’m hanging out on the beach with a nice, light shirt.”—Raphael Alejandro (Bunk’d)
“Definitely a little bit edgy. I always like to throw in some black and mix metals.”—Tenille Arts (Singer)
“I’m a country singer but grew up on rock and roll—I have a Nirvana tattoo—so definitely a little edgy but still girly. I’ve got my wallet chains and my punk pants—very ‘girly punk.’”—Kalie Shorr (Singer; Host of Radio Disney Country’s “Let the Girls Play”)
“My personality is super outgoing, and I feel like my style is the only way for me to put all those colors together.”—Savannah Keyes (Singer; Host of Radio Disney Country’s “Let the Girls Play”)
What does Disney mean to you?
“Disney means a lot to me. At the end of the day, when I think of Disney, I think of family. I grew up working with Disney; I started at the age of 12 and I’m still working with them to this day on so many different things. It just feels like a family, a home away from home for me.”—Olivia Holt
“I grew up watching Disney—it was a huge part of my life growing up. The fact that I can be a part of the Disney world is so surreal.”—Meg Donnelly
“I mean, I wish I had the magic wand to [trace the icon on the Disney theme] but it’s all good...one day!”—Fetty Wap
“Disney means some of my closest friends and family. I’ve been with Disney for the past four years now, which is pretty insane, so I’ve had a lot of close relationships within the Disney family that I am really thankful for.”—Navia Robinson
“Joy. Pure joy. I grew up on everything Disney, so being a part of the family just brings joy to me.”—Olivia Sanabia
“Disney means everything to me. I obviously grew up watching Disney movies—I love them and everything they’re about.”—Tenille Arts
“Disney has done so much for me since I released my first single, ‘Fight Like a Girl.’ As of December, I now have a radio show with my best friend Savannah Keyes on Radio Disney called ‘Let the Girls Play.’ We write the show ourselves and get to program some of the music—it’s really empowering and it’s all about girl power in country music. Disney is so great about diversity and girl power, and it’s just an amazing company to be a part of.”—Kalie Shorr
“Disney is nostalgia. I grew up watching Disney movies—Peter Pan is my all-time favorite! Being able to have that now, as an adult, and still enjoy watching Disney Channel and listening to Radio Disney is nostalgic. I’ll remember it forever.”—Savannah Keyes
