Twenty years after High School Musical first captivated a generation, Ashley Tisdale is proving that some roles truly leave a mark — and Sharpay Evans is forever part of her DNA. The 40-year-old actress recently shared a playful Instagram video showing herself slipping back into the legendary Disney Channel character’s costumes, captioning it, “You can take the girl out of East High…but you can’t take Sharpay out of the girl 💅✨.”
With “Bop To The Top” blaring in the background, Tisdale added, “20 years and two babies later I’m still squeezing into these looks.” Fans immediately flooded the post with nostalgia-fueled admiration, celebrating both the iconic franchise and the star who made Sharpay unforgettable.
Ashley Tisdale channels Sharpay Evans, relaxing on a sun lounger in one of the character’s signature costumes, celebrating 20 years of High School Musical.
A Runway in a Storage Unit: Revisiting Sharpay’s Most Memorable Looks
For her social media celebration, Tisdale revisited three standout costumes that perfectly captured Sharpay’s signature mix of drama, glamour, and over-the-top style. She first slipped into the turquoise “Bop To The Top” dress, complete with a full skirt and metallic silver peep-toe heels, instantly transporting fans back to the East High talent show.
Next, she donned a pink tweed skirt suit paired with a satin camisole, Sidekick phone in hand, giving off Elle Woods-meets-Sharpay energy and pure early-2000s nostalgia. Finally, she wore Sharpay’s purple satin mini with a pink ribbed tank and silver sequin shrug, recalling the iconic “What I’ve Been Looking For” performance, complete with the crystal-bedazzled Sidekick that became a pop culture prop in its own right.
Earlier in the day, Tisdale shared a carousel of throwback images on Instagram, writing, “20 years ago we had no idea what this would turn into. I love you, Sharpay. And let me just say… we’re still looking fabulous! 💖” The images included her original costumes on racks and close-ups of accessories, blending nostalgia with behind-the-scenes insight.
The Financial Legacy: How Much Ashley Tisdale and ‘High School Musical’ Made
While the outfits and nostalgia are front-page news, the franchise’s financial impact is equally impressive. High School Musical, released in January 2006, quickly became Disney Channel’s most-watched original movie at the time, attracting over 7.7 million viewers for its premiere. The franchise, including sequels, soundtracks, concert tours, merchandise, and licensing deals, has grossed an estimated $1.2 billion globally, making it one of Disney Channel’s most profitable properties.
Ashley Tisdale’s personal earnings reflect the impact of her role as Sharpay. She earned a base salary in the high six figures for the first film, with increases for sequels and promotional work. Music royalties added significantly to her income, as the original soundtrack sold over six million copies worldwide, and songs such as “Bop To The Top” and “What I’ve Been Looking For” continue to generate residual revenue from streaming.
Merchandise, licensing deals, and live concert tours contributed hundreds of thousands more, with cumulative earnings estimated at $5–7 million from franchise-related projects alone. For Disney, the franchise was a consistent revenue powerhouse: merchandise, arena tours, and streaming sales continue to generate long-term profits decades later.
Why ‘High School Musical’ Still Matters Today
Beyond finances, the cultural impact of High School Musical is undeniable. The film launched careers, gave rise to songs that remain viral on TikTok and social media, and helped Disney Channel redefine the television musical. For Tisdale, revisiting Sharpay’s costumes is not just a nostalgic moment — it’s a celebration of a career-defining role that continues to resonate with fans across generations. With Hollywood reportedly considering adapting her New York Magazine essay into a film, she may soon have the opportunity to step back into her own legacy, perhaps even drawing from her personal Sharpay wardrobe.
Ashley Tisdale brings Sharpay Evans to life again, strutting down the school halls in her iconic costume to celebrate 20 years of High School Musical.
Fans, Fashion, and Family: Life 20 Years Later
Even with two children and multiple creative ventures, Tisdale proves she can honor her past without losing her present. Her playful storage-unit runway demonstrates that she hasn’t lost the charisma, confidence, or joy that made Sharpay memorable. For fans, this is more than a costume throwback — it’s a tribute to the enduring power of nostalgia, the longevity of a career built from Disney Channel roots, and the timeless appeal of pop culture icons.
People Also Ask About High School Musical
How did Ashley Tisdale prepare for playing Sharpay Evans?
Tisdale trained extensively in singing, dancing, and acting, drawing inspiration from Broadway musicals and classic Disney characters to craft Sharpay’s dramatic and ambitious persona. Her dedication ensured the character remained iconic decades later.
Are the High School Musical songs still earning royalties?
Yes. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music keep the songs active, while covers, TikTok clips, and licensing deals continue to generate residual income for both the cast and Disney.
Could Ashley Tisdale reprise Sharpay in a new project?
While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed, Tisdale’s recent throwback posts and fan enthusiasm suggest a potential reunion, live performance, or adaptation inspired by her essay, keeping Sharpay’s legacy alive.
